Alex Palou enters Sunday’s BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI with a commanding 121-point lead over Pato O’Ward, his last remaining challenger for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship.
The 110-lap race airs at 3 p.m. ET on FOX, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
If Palou leaves Portland International Raceway with a lead of at least 108 points, he will secure his third consecutive and fourth overall series championship.
“There are so many reasons to be excited,” Palou said. “First, it’s a place I love and where we’ve done really well in the past. With such a magical season, it feels like we can still finish even stronger.
“I’m excited to go there and see how our car feels. It’s been amazing everywhere we’ve gone, especially on road courses.”
Standing on the precipice of another title is a remarkable and historic feat for Chip Ganassi Racing driver Palou.
After Portland, only two races remain, both on ovals: Milwaukee Mile (Aug. 24) and Nashville Superspeedway (Aug. 31), both airing at 2 p.m. ET on FOX, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
Should Palou clinch the championship in Portland, it would mark just the third time since 2006 that a driver has sealed the title before the season finale. Palou would account for two of those instances – the first in 2023, when he clinched the title in Portland during the penultimate round.
“Winning two titles at the same place would be amazing,” Palou said. “Hopefully, we can bring some of what’s worked for us at other tracks, like Laguna, and see if it works in Portland.”
Palou has collected eight wins this season, including five on natural road courses: The Thermal Club, Barber Motorsports Park, Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, Road America and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. His worst finish on a natural road course this year? A runner-up at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, where he led 75 of 90 laps from the pole.
Palou’s approach this weekend reflects a mature championship mindset focused more on execution than points math.
“I think it depends a little bit,” Palou said. “In 2021, we were battling Josef (Newgarden) and Pato (O’Ward), and we were in a position where finishing in the top eight would secure the title, no matter what. But I still wanted to know where everyone stood.
“Last year at Nashville, for example, with Will (Power) having that seat belt issue, I already had a good feeling we were in a strong spot even though it wasn’t over, especially at an oval where two cautions can change everything.
“But in general, I don’t like thinking about that stuff. If you’re out front, all you care about is winning. That’s the best thing you can do. If you’re behind, it might not be your day anyway.
“Hopefully, we’re not in a position where we have to calculate. Hopefully, we can just focus on ourselves and try to win. We know that if we win at Portland, we clinch the title. So no, we’re not aiming for a top-10 finish just to stay ahead of Pato. We’re going for the win.”
A win at Portland will tie Palou for the second-most victories in an INDYCAR SERIES season, nine. A.J. Foyt set the record of 10 in 1964, matched by Al Unser in 1970. Mario Andretti won nine races in the 1969 season.
Palou can set the record by sweeping the final three races of the season. He already has one three-race win streak this season, capturing the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix, Sonsio Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in succession in May.
O’Ward, meanwhile, must deliver peak performance to keep Palou from locking up the championship. The Arrow McLaren driver has finished fourth in two of his last three Portland starts, his best results in four attempts on the 1.964-mile road course.
Palou, by contrast, has dominated PIR with two wins and 101 laps led in four starts. His other finishes include a runner-up (2023) and 12th (2022).
“Speed is obviously critical,” Palou said. “Without speed at Portland, your chances are low. But I’m also thinking a lot about tire deg (wear). I think it’s going to be a big factor in the race. Managing tires right and choosing the right strategy, starting on the right compound and finishing with the one that gives you the best shot will be key.
“There are a few different ways to win there, as always. But it’s going to be interesting. Portland is one of those tracks where you need raw speed, but strategy can make a big difference, too.”