Alex Palou Dominates Barber: IndyCar’s All-Green Streak Continues

In a stunning display of skill, Alex Palou dominated the Children’s of Alabama Grand Prix. He led almost the entire race and secured his third victory in just four races of the 2025 IndyCar season.

The event took place at the 2.3-mile Barber Motorsports Park. Palou’s near-flawless performance left fans and competitors in awe.

The race went caution-free, adding another 90 laps to the season’s streak of uninterrupted green-flag racing. This brought the total to 300 consecutive green laps.

The race highlighted both Palou’s driving skills and the strategic planning of his Chip Ganassi Racing team.

A Masterclass in Racing by Alex Palou

Starting from pole position in the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, Palou quickly took control. He led the field of 27 drivers from 11 teams, only losing the lead briefly during pit stops.

Despite the potential for tire strategy to change the race, Palou extended his lead with ease. He showed strong control and speed throughout the event.

Strategic Tire Choices

Palou’s race strategy was flawless. He began on the faster alternate tires and switched to the harder primary tires for his second stint.

Many expected Colton Herta of Andretti Global, who was on softer tires, to catch up. However, Palou extended his lead by nearly four seconds.

Palou posted lap times that defied usual tire performance expectations. His performance on the harder tires was especially impressive.

Key Moments and Race Dynamics

At one point, Palou turned a 1m10.3s lap on harder tires, while Herta managed only a 1m10.7s on softer tires. This gap highlighted Palou’s driving and the strong setup of his car.

Palou continued to increase his lead, managing tire wear and keeping a fast pace. After his final pit stop, he was comfortably ahead and cruised to victory.

Notable Performances from Other Drivers

Other drivers also made an impact. Christian Lundgaard of Arrow McLaren had a strong race, passing both teammates early to secure second place.

This was his third podium finish in the last three races, showing his rising form in the championship.

Scott McLaughlin’s Consistent Performance

Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin, a former winner at Barber, finished third. He couldn’t match Palou’s speed but delivered a steady performance.

His result keeps him in the championship hunt.

Rinus VeeKay’s Impressive Drive

Dale Coyne Racing’s Rinus VeeKay also stood out. Starting fifth, he finished fourth, holding off Will Power and Pato O’Ward.

VeeKay’s drive was impressive, especially given his team’s smaller resources.

Challenges and Pit Lane Drama

While the race was caution-free, the pit lane had its share of drama. Many teams faced slow pit stops due to longer fuel or tire changes.

Colton Herta, who was aiming for a podium, was affected by a slow pit stop and finished seventh.

Fan Turnout and Atmosphere

The event drew a large crowd, with fans coming to Barber Motorsports Park for the exciting race. Overcast skies and cool 65-degree weather made for perfect racing conditions.

Conclusion: The Palou Show

Alex Palou’s performance at the Children’s of Alabama Grand Prix was a masterclass. He led from the front and managed tire strategies well.

Palou kept a fast pace throughout the race. His talent and the strategic skills of his team were clear.

For more detailed insights into the race and to see the full race results, visit Racer.