Alex Palou clinched victory at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 19, thanks to a crucial pit stop that was 1.1 seconds quicker than rival Felix Rosenqvist's. With 29 laps remaining, Palou surged ahead, marking his 22nd career win and third this season. The win is especially significant as it's his first on the challenging Long Beach circuit. Despite leading for the majority, Rosenqvist finished second, while Scott Dixon rounded out the podium in third place.

By the Numbers
  • Palou's pit crew was 1.1 seconds faster than Rosenqvist during the key pit stop.
  • The race averaged a speed of 97.356 mph over 1 hour, 49 minutes, and 9 seconds.
Yes, But

While Palou celebrated, Rosenqvist expressed pride in the overall performance of his team, Meyer Shank Racing, noting that they secured pole and achieved a second-place finish, which reflects a strong weekend despite falling short of a win.

State of Play
  • Palou now leads the championship standings with a 17-point advantage over Kyle Kirkwood.
  • The next race for the NTT INDYCAR Series is scheduled for May 9 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Palou aims to maintain his momentum at the upcoming Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where further victories could solidify his strong position in the championship race.

Bottom Line

Palou's strategic pit work and commanding drive underscore his championship potential, while the performance of his rivals indicates a competitive field heading into the next races.