CAN PALOU DEFEND HIS CROWN?
Alex Palou is one of the many novice Indycar drivers who, upon changing teams, have discovered that despite the series comprising spec Dallaras, set-up philosophies can vary markedly from squad to squad. But we can safely say that he adapted swiftly in his switch from Dale Coyne Racing to Chip Ganassi Racing for his sophomore Indycar season in 2021. He won first time out with CGR, and the fact that he went on to earn two more wins, five other podiums and the championship is the stuff of modern-day Indycar legend.
Without grid penalties for early engine changes (three times he suffered last year) it would have been easier so, assuming he’s got those misfortunes out of the way, he now has to focus on improving his own qualifying performances. It’s not that he was sluggardly by any means but, as his race engineer Julian Robertson says: “If you want to beat them all at the end of the race, the easiest way is to start ahead of them by beating them all in qualifying.”
Robertson also cited ovals as an area where Palou needs to gain experience. His runner-up finish at Indy last year was deeply impressive, but he needs more miles under his belt at Texas Motor Speedway and Gateway – and the returning Iowa Speedway.“he and I don’t have much experience working together at ovals,” says Robertson. “That’s an area where we can target a step forward. And that becomes more important with Iowa being thrown back in the mix, and as a double-header: a lot of points available there. Iowa is a tough track, and we as a team have had our ups and downs there.”
If anyone can learn and improve at breakneck speed, however, it’s the reigning champion. It would be a shock were he not in the title hunt come September.