IndyCar Laguna Seca
Two years ago, at Laguna Seca there was a melee in the first corner. With cars going in various directions across the gravel run-offs. This year they actually kept it together for three corners before the off-track explorations began! Oh well it is Laguna Seca after all, where nothing surprises anybody.
On the other hand, Spain’s Alex Palou with seven victories (so far) this season, and honestly no surprise, punched his way into a three-way tie for the most wins in an Indy Car season by winning his 8th race of the season. Did I mention that it was his 3rd win out of the last 4 years at Laguna? While team owner Chip Ganassi is one of the most successful IndyCar team owners, a new record for most wins in a season should put a wide grin on his face
In notching his 8th win, he ties Tony Bettenhausen (1951), Michael Andretti (1991), Sebastien Bourdais (2007) and Al Unser Jr, “Little Al” (1994) for a tie for 3rd place for the most wins in a season.
Think that’s not impressive? Alex is now ONE win away from tying Mario Andretti at nine wins in a season, and two wins away from tying Al Unser Sr, and “Super Tex” A.J. Foyt for the absolute record at ten wins in a single season! There are 3 more events this year, so there is a possibility that the young Mr. Palou, given his-win loss record so far, could actually beat Al and A.J. to set a new record.
The day was not without its excitement nevertheless, as three drivers took to the gravel by the third corner. After few laps under caution, things got underway again. Besides a couple of brief incidents and more laps under caution, Alex lead what was an almost flag to flag victory in the rolling Monterey County hillside.
The only laps he did not lead were led by Nolan Siegel during the usual pit stop rotations.
Early on, Alex was pursued by Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward, both of whom seemed to have the pace to match, but not run him down.
The next event of the day was the Indy NEXT race, and the details will have to come later, but let’s say the only thing more exciting is probably a destruction derby on a figure 8 track pulling trailers…
Stay tuned for the full story!
Article: Richard Haight
Photos: Chuck Null
