Palou Focused On Winning As 4th Title Nears

INDIANAPOLIS — Alex Palou could clinch his third straight NTT IndyCar Series championship in Sunday’s BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland.

Palou enters the event with a 121-point lead over Pato O’Ward and will clinch the title, which would be his fourth in the last five years, if he leaves the event with a lead of 108 points or more.

Palou clinched his second title at Portland Int’l Raceway in 2023. Despite his title aspirations, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver hopes to focus on winning the race. He’s won in Portland twice in the past.

“Hopefully, we’re not in a position where we have to calculate. Hopefully, we can just focus on ourselves and try to win,” Palou said. “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.”

Palou has two wins, a runner-up finish and a 12th-place effort in four races at Portland.

“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,” he added. “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.”

With eight victories and three races remaining, Palou also could make IndyCar history as the winningest single-season winner. A.J. Foyt won 10 races in 1964 and Al Unser matched that mark in 1970.

“I’m aware, and I know that the chance is still there, although it’s very low, just because we would need to win three or at least two to match it, and that’s a lot,” Palou said. “Although it’s been a really good year, I think it’s pretty tough to do that.

“I know that the best way to try and get there is to win Portland and get one more and then just be one closer. That’s what I’m going to try and do, try and win Portland and then see if we can win another race.

“I don’t really think about it,” he added. “I think, although I would love it, I cannot really change it. The only way I can change it is by just focusing on Portland and taking it step by step like we’ve been doing all year.”