Lundgaard Shines with Second Place Finish in Breakout INDYCAR Season
Christian Lundgaard’s impressive performance in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season has been a highlight for racing enthusiasts. With a consistent start and three straight podium finishes, Lundgaard’s efforts have been remarkable.
However, Alex Palou’s dominant form has set a high benchmark, leaving Lundgaard trailing by 60 points. This blog post delves into the key moments and performances from the recent Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst, highlighting standout achievements of drivers and teams.
Christian Lundgaard’s Remarkable Consistency
Contents
Christian Lundgaard, driving the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, has shown a high level of consistency this season. Averaging a fourth-place finish over four races, Lundgaard has secured three consecutive podiums.
His move from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing to Arrow McLaren has paid off. He and Alex Palou are the only drivers with top-10 finishes in all four races.
Key Moments at Barber Motorsports Park
During the 90-lap race at Barber Motorsports Park, Lundgaard charged from seventh to finish second. He made 16 passes, the most in the 27-car field.
His decisive pass on Scott McLaughlin for second place was particularly noteworthy. This move demonstrated his strategic prowess.
Lundgaard’s Performance Highlights:
- Three consecutive podium finishes
- Average fourth-place finish over four races
- 16 passes made during the Barber race
Alex Palou’s Dominant Start
Alex Palou has set a high bar this season, with three wins and a runner-up finish in the first four races. Driving the No. 10 HRC Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, Palou leads the standings by 60 points.
His performance at Barber Motorsports Park was impressive, leading 81 of the 90 laps. He also surpassed 1,000 career laps led during the race.
Palou’s Career Milestones
Palou’s achievement of leading 1,000 career laps in just his 85th start puts him in rare company. His rapid rise in the INDYCAR SERIES is underscored by his three championships and 14 wins.
He has doubled Scott Dixon’s win total at the same stage of their careers.
Palou’s Career Highlights:
- Three wins and one runner-up finish in 2025
- Surpassed 1,000 career laps led
- Three championships and 14 wins in 85 starts
Rinus VeeKay’s Strong Start
Rinus VeeKay’s start to the 2025 season has been a significant rebound. Driving for Dale Coyne Racing, VeeKay has achieved an average finish of 12.25 over the first four races.
His performance at Barber, where he finished fourth, was notable as he fended off two-time Barber winner Will Power.
VeeKay’s Performance Improvements
VeeKay’s move to Dale Coyne Racing has brought improvement from his previous seasons with Ed Carpenter Racing. His ability to adapt strategy and capitalize on tire performance has been a key factor in his success.
VeeKay’s Performance Highlights:
- Average finish of 12.25 over four races
- Fourth-place finish at Barber
- 10 top-five finishes in 84 starts
Alexander Rossi’s Season-Best Finish
Alexander Rossi’s eighth-place finish at Barber marked his best performance of the season. Driving the No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet, Rossi gained seven spots during the race.
This result reflects his strategic approach and the improving competitiveness of Ed Carpenter Racing.
Rossi’s Strategic Approach
Rossi and his team chose an off-strategy approach, running the first stints on the faster Firestone alternate tires. This allowed him to maximize early pace and gain track position, despite running the primary tires for the final laps.
Rossi’s Performance Highlights:
- Gained seven spots to finish eighth
- Three top-10 finishes in four races
- 10th in the standings after four races
Scott Dixon’s Impressive Recovery
Scott Dixon’s drive from 26th to 12th at Barber exemplifies his relentless consistency and craft. Despite starting from his worst position since 2021, Dixon managed to gain 14 positions in a caution-free race.
This result underscores why he is a six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion.
Dixon’s Consistency
Dixon’s ability to recover from a poor starting position and still finish in the top half of the field is a testament to his skill and experience. His performance at Barber keeps him in the championship hunt, sitting seventh in the standings, 92 points behind leader Palou.
Dixon’s Performance Highlights:
- Gained 14 positions to finish 12th
- Seventh in the standings after four races
- Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion
Noteworthy Moments and Statistics
The Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst also featured several noteworthy moments and statistics. Reigning Miss America Abbie Stockard gave the command to start engines.
The race marked the third consecutive caution-free event, a feat not achieved in 39 years.
Additional Highlights
Honda has achieved four straight victories this season. The upcoming back-to-back races will begin with the Sonsio Grand Prix on May 10.
Alex Palou’s win at Barber ended Chevrolet’s three-race win streak at this venue.
- Third consecutive caution-free race
- Honda’s four straight victories
- Upcoming Sonsio Grand Prix on May 10
For more updates on the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, visit the official INDYCAR website.
