Long Beach win “probably ranks top three” for Alex Palou

Motorsport photo

Alex Palou can’t stop won’t stop ascending into the record books.

The four-time and reigning IndyCar Series champion took home the grand prize in Sunday’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach for the first time, which also stands as his third victory on the season and 22nd of his quickly established legendary career. Additionally, though, he became just the 14th driver in history to have won both the Indianapolis 500 and Long Beach, joining the likes of all-time greats such as Mario Andretti, current Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, and Al Unser, Jr., among others.

As far as where the win at the historic 1.968-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit ranks in his list of accomplishments, Palou puts it up pretty high.

“Tough to say,” said Palou, 29. “I feel like every win is so special. Obviously the 500 is always going to stay up top. This probably ranks top three. It's super, super cool.

“We've been so lucky to have so much success.”

Barry Wanser, the Spaniard’s race strategist and team manager of Chip Ganassi Racing, extended his thoughts on what the collective group on the #10 Honda is accomplishing together.

“I mean, everybody on the team is doing just a great job,” Wanser said. “We're able to capitalize. Yeah, it's a dream.”

Palou agreed by simply saying, “It is.”

And even though Palou has dominated the sport since moving to Chip Ganassi Racing ahead of his sophomore season in 2021, he remains in awe of their success.

“Yes, we are,” Palou said. “People think that we are not surprised of being here. We don't take it for…”

To which Wanser chimed in.

“We put a lot of effort into this,” Wanser said. “It doesn't come easy.

“I know a lot of people are saying that. We know every week we have to show up, the cars have to perform, the team has to perform. We need to make good decisions. It's hard to win in IndyCar.”

Even with all of the success, Palou remains present as his Long Beach win helps generate “huge” momentum going into the Indy 500 Open Test next week before heading into the month of May, where he swept the Indy road course and “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” a year ago.

“Momentum in sport and life in general is huge,” Palou said. “The confidence that I can carry myself personally, but then all the team, I think the crew as well. After delivering that pit stop, they're super, like, tense and pressure, high-pressure moments. It's like every single stop at the 500. They're preparing for it. They're ready for it.