The Gateway IndyCar race turned out to be anything but ordinary. What started as a predicted snoozefest quickly transformed into a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with intense rivalries, questionable decisions by the stewards, and unexpected breakthroughs. It was a race that kept everyone on their toes, and if you were watching, you know exactly what I mean.
Josef Newgarden’s Grit and Determination
Let’s start with Josef Newgarden. The guy had every reason to be nervous when his car’s rear started to act up—especially after what happened last year when pushing too hard cost him dearly. But this time, he managed to keep it together and came out with more than just his car intact. That incredible save? It allowed him to stay in the mix despite the chaos that followed in the pit stops, where everything beyond eighth place was already a lap down.
You might say the race’s sprint finish was tailor-made for Newgarden, who’s dominated the oval tracks in recent years. Despite the controversies surrounding Team Penske this year, including that disqualification scandal that rocked the paddock, Newgarden’s win at Gateway wasn’t without its share of drama. His slow restart late in the race, which led to his teammate and championship rival, Will Power, crashing out, sparked some heated moments. Power wasn’t shy about showing his frustration, but Newgarden stood by his actions, saying his pace was within the rules.
Alex Palou’s Steady Hand
Then there’s Alex Palou. If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s his ability to stay cool under pressure. Palou navigated the race with the kind of calm that’s become his signature. He stuck to a smart strategy early on and showed impeccable judgment when he narrowly avoided getting caught up in the crash between Power and Alexander Rossi.
Palou’s lead in the standings only grew after this race, thanks in part to some smart moves late in the game. He didn’t push too hard against his teammate, Linus Lundqvist, and that decision paid off. While Ganassi didn’t issue team orders, Lundqvist passed Palou and Colton Herta, who ended up with a penalty for blocking. This strategic play saw Palou finishing in a strong position, further solidifying his lead in the championship.
Challenges for Palou’s Rivals
On the flip side, Palou’s rivals had a tough day. Herta, now Palou’s closest competitor, lost ground, while Pato O’Ward’s race ended early due to a coolant pressure issue. Scott Dixon took a gamble on strategy that didn’t pan out, leaving him two laps down and finishing 11th. Power’s crash was another blow to his title hopes, and Scott McLaughlin, despite finishing second, is still too far back to pose a serious threat. Kyle Kirkwood also saw his race cut short after a crash, despite starting in the top 10.
One thing that’s become clear this season is that while Palou has been consistently strong, his rivals have been tripping over each other, stealing points, and failing to capitalize on opportunities. Even when Palou had a dip in form after his Iowa crash, no one managed to step up and close the gap significantly. Now, with one of Palou’s best tracks, Portland, up next, followed by two lesser-known circuits, the chances for his competitors to catch up are slipping away.
The Unlucky Ones: Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood
Finally, let’s talk about Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood. If there’s one thing that could’ve changed the outcome of this race, it might have been Ericsson’s fuel-saving prowess. He was doing so well, even out-saving Dixon at times, that he might have avoided a late pit stop if things had played out differently. Unfortunately, an electrical issue ended those hopes.
Kirkwood, too, had a day to forget, with his crash marking his worst result of the year. For Ericsson, especially, it’s been a season where luck just hasn’t been on his side.
In the end, the Gateway race was a reminder of how unpredictable and thrilling IndyCar can be. Whether you were rooting for the winners or sympathizing with those who lost out, it’s clear that this race will be talked about for a while.
