Palou Stays Unflappable Yet Slappable in Claiming 3rd IndyCar Title

LEBANON, Tenn. — Chip Ganassi’s motto is simple: he likes winners. This principle has been well demonstrated through the success of Alex Palou, who has secured three IndyCar championships in the last four years while racing under Ganassi’s banner.

Celebrations at Ganassi’s team have a signature style, identifiable by an “aggressive hug” from Ganassi himself, as Palou describes it. Palou recounts how this hug is often accompanied by a firm pat on his cheek that, while slightly unsettling, indicates Ganassi’s emotions—either happiness or perhaps frustration.

“He has very big and strong hands,” Palou noted. “That means maybe he’s happy, or that he’s not happy at all.”

After a thrilling victory on Sunday, where Palou edged out Will Power for Ganassi Racing’s 16th IndyCar title in 29 years, Ganassi was undeniably in good spirits. “He was happy. I was happy,” Palou remarked, rubbing his cheek and chuckling, “I got hurt, but I was happy.”

The journey for Palou began unexpectedly. Emerging from a Japanese racing series, he made a name for himself during the pandemic-stricken 2020 season with Dale Coyne Racing. During that time, IndyCar operated within strict protocols, including hosting the Indianapolis 500 with no fans present, limiting opportunities for new relationships.

Palou’s major breakthrough occurred at Road America when he finished on the podium alongside legendary drivers Scott Dixon and Will Power. However, it was at the empty Indianapolis Motor Speedway later that summer, where he truly caught the attention of Ganassi’s team during the race weekend.

“I watched the action in his pit box. Then I watched his action on race day,” said Mike Hull, the managing director who has been with Ganassi for decades. Hull recognized Palou’s unique capabilities and shared his impressions with Ganassi after witnessing him race. “This guy is special,” he remarked.

When Felix Rosenqvist was preparing to leave Ganassi, Palou was invited to a meeting in Indianapolis, where discussions quickly led to joining the team. “We snuck off to a hotel room in the J.W. Marriott and sat down and talked about it together with Chip, and we chose him,” Hull said, highlighting how that decision has been consistently validated by Palou’s performance.

His time with Ganassi has not come without complications. Following his stunning 2021 season—where he won his first championship along with two other races—Palou signed a deal with McLaren Racing in May 2022, aiming for a path into Formula 1. However, Ganassi asserted that he had the rights for Palou’s services in 2023, making the situation contentious and leading to legal disputes.

The conflict escalated quickly, resulting in civil complaints and mediation that insisted Palou remain with Ganassi for the 2023 season but leave for McLaren in 2024. Despite the upheaval, Palou excelled, winning five races in 2023 and securing a second championship.

As McLaren struggled to fill the seat Palou had abandoned, tensions continued between him and the team. Notably, the clash with McLaren chief operating officer Zak Brown over their communication added to the strain. Despite a looming lawsuit from McLaren seeking around $30 million in damages, Palou remained focused on his career, undeterred by distractions.

By the start of the 2023 season, Palou had mended fences with his Ganassi teammates, who had distanced themselves during the legal turmoil. Dixon, once uncommunicative with Palou at a team party, was even accused by Will Power of aiding Palou in claiming the title in Nashville last weekend.

Reflecting on Palou’s capabilities, Brown acknowledged the talent he lost in the debacle, especially recognizing Palou as a generational talent. At just 27 years old, Palou has joined an exclusive group of just 13 drivers in IndyCar history to achieve three championships. He was also noted for being among the fastest to reach such milestones.

“We’ve been lucky to have some great drivers on the team over the years,” Ganassi stated, underscoring Palou’s impressive talents. “At his age, to be doing what he’s doing… he’s in pretty rarefied air right now.”

Palou’s accomplishments solidify his place among the elite in racing, and he continues to embody the competitive spirit that Chip Ganassi Racing represents.

Source: AP News