Palou Poised to Make History at Phoenix: A Century in the Making
Alex Palou arrives at Phoenix Raceway this week riding a wave of momentum, fresh off a dominant victory at the St. Petersburg season opener. But this weekend isn’t just another race for the four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion; it’s a milestone – his 100th series start.
A Win Rate Unlike Any Other
Palou’s journey to 100 starts has been nothing short of remarkable. With 20 career wins already under his belt, he’s on track to achieve a feat no other active driver has: winning at least 20 percent of his first 100 races. This statistic underscores his exceptional talent and consistency.
While seasoned veterans like Scott Dixon (59 wins), Will Power (45 wins), and Josef Newgarden (32 wins) boast more overall career victories, none reached their 100th race with Palou’s impressive win tally. Power held the previous high with 18 wins at his 100th start.
Echoes of the Past: Palou Joins Racing Legends
Palou’s 20th victory holds historical significance, placing him alongside Earl Cooper, who secured his last win exactly 100 years ago. The young champion is rapidly closing in on other legendary names in IndyCar history.
- Just two more wins will tie him with Tony Bettenhausen and Emerson Fittipaldi.
- Four more victories will put him alongside Ralph DePalma and Bobby Rahal.
- Five wins will equal Gordon Johncock’s career total.
- Seven wins will match the illustrious career of Johnny Rutherford.
Phoenix: A Return to the Oval
Saturday’s Good Ranchers 250 (3 p.m. ET, FOX, FOX One, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio, powered by OnlyBulls) marks Palou’s debut on the 1-mile Phoenix oval. However, many drivers in the 25-car field are also experiencing the track for the first time, as this is the first IndyCar race at Phoenix since 2018.
Scott Dixon is the most experienced oval racer in the field, with six previous starts at Phoenix, including a win in 2016 and a second-place finish in 2004. Newgarden, Power, Alexander Rossi, and Graham Rahal each have three starts at the Arizona track to their names.
Oval Prowess and the “Desert Double”
Palou demonstrated his oval racing skills last year, winning two of the six oval races on the schedule. Other one-time oval winners in 2025 included Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, Christian Rasmussen, and Josef Newgarden.
This weekend is particularly unique, as it features a “Desert Double” – a rare doubleheader with the NASCAR Cup Series. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES action begins with practice and qualifying on Friday, airing on FS2.
FAQ
Q: What time does the race start?
A: The Good Ranchers 250 starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday.
Q: Where can I watch the race?
A: The race will be broadcast on FOX, FOX One, and the FOX Sports app.
Q: How many wins does Alex Palou need to tie Tony Bettenhausen and Emerson Fittipaldi?
A: Palou needs two more wins to tie them.
Q: Is this the first time IndyCar has raced at Phoenix since 2018?
A: Yes, this is the first IndyCar race at Phoenix since 2018.
Did you know? Alex Palou is aiming to win at least 20% of his first 100 IndyCar races, a feat unmatched by any other active driver.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the weekend as Alex Palou chases history at Phoenix Raceway!