Alex Palou easily clinched his third IndyCar championship in four years when Will Power’s seatbelt came loose just minutes into the final race at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday.
“When I saw (Power) heading to the pit lane, I first thought they were changing strategies,” Palou said. “Unfortunately, it wasn’t a strategy change. You definitely don’t want your main rival to face such issues during the season finale. It was very dangerous for him.”
Colton Herta, who recently moved to Nashville, won the Music City Grand Prix, marking his first career victory on an oval track and the second win of the season for Andretti Global. Herta narrowly defeated Pato O’Ward in a close battle during the final laps.
“I couldn’t ask for a better way to end the year,” Herta said.
However, the focus was on the championship race as Palou, from Spain, secured back-to-back IndyCar titles after winning his first in 2021 in his debut season with Chip Ganassi Racing.
“He never looked stressed,” said team owner Ganassi, who celebrated his 16th IndyCar title in 29 years.
“There aren’t many drivers with three championships, but he’s in an elite group now,” Ganassi added. “His name should definitely be mentioned among the great drivers.”
Palou became only the 13th driver in IndyCar history to win at least three championships and the seventh to win three titles in four years. Dario Franchitti, also with Ganassi, was the last to achieve this from 2009 to 2011.
“I didn’t expect it to be this enjoyable or for him to be this successful,” Ganassi said about signing Palou before the 2021 season.
At 27 years, 5 months, and 14 days old, Palou became the second-youngest driver to win three championships, with Sam Hornish Jr. being younger at 27 years, 2 months, and 8 days when he won his third title in 2006.
