The NTT IndyCar Series competed its 16th race around Barber Motorsports Park this weekend, a consistently popular event for both fans and drivers alike.
The race was largely a tire strategy battle, with a lot of the front runners ending up spread out around the 2.38-mile track for a majority of the event.
The field was split evenly with those that started on the softer alternate tire and those and chose to complete the opening laps on the harder compound.
READ MORE: IndyCar Barber – Full Race Results
There was not a split in the pit stop strategy, however, with all teams choosing to complete three pit stops over the 90 laps with minimal variance in lap timing.
Alex Palou started on pole and led a majority of the race, looking from the outset as if he had the pace to walk away with yet another victory.
The four-time champion had a near miss leaving the pits for the final time, driving through the pit exit side by side with Mick Schumacher.
They both navigated the tight bit of track expertly, however, and both were able to continue without any damage and minimal time lost.
With no other incidents to interrupt his run, Palou went on the complete the inevitable run to the checkered. He crossed the line over 13 seconds ahead of the next fastest driver, and secured his second win of the season in the process.
Palou is now just two points behind Kyle Kirkwood in the points standings.
Almost on top
There was only one driver that seemed to have enough pace to keep up the speedy Spaniard. Christian Lundgaard started in tenth but charged through the field quickly.
By the midpoint of the race he was within touching distance of Palou and looked set to overcut him for the lead and potentially for the win.
On the final pit stop of the day, however, the Arrow McLaren crew had trouble getting the right rear wheel back on so they could send him on his way.
After being stationary for an excruciating 17.8 seconds, Lundgaard finally returned to the track.
His chances at victory were dashed, however, and he crossed the line in second after completing a bold pass, his 11th on the day, on Graham Rahal with a few laps remaining.
Rahal, who as near the front of the field all day, started third and crossed the line in the same position.
It was the 37-year-old’s first podium since 2023, and gives him two top tens in the first four races of the season.
David Malukas made a late charge for the podium, nearly coming together with Rahal in an attempted pass. The young driver finished fourth with Kyle Kirkwood finishing fifth, with both drivers continuing what has been a stellar year for the two young drivers.
Spread out around the track
There were no caution periods during the event, meaning there were precious few curveballs to shake up the running order.
The closest there was to a caution period was when Rinus VeeKay and Alexander Rossi slightly touched just after the halfway point.
VeeKay was attempting to make a move on the inside of Turn 5, but ended up spinning himself out instead.
The Dutchman had already slowed for the corner completely when he spun, meaning he was able to come to a rest on the side of the pavement.
He continued on moments later, with only a short local yellow resulting from the spin.
VeeKay eventually finished in 14th in his #76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevy.
The driver who slid down the order the furthest was Romain Grosjean, who started the day from the sixth position.
He slid down the order rather quickly, and ended the day with a 15th place finish in his Dale Coyne Racing Honda.
Drivers have a two week break in order to catch some rest before another street circuit at Long Beach, California.
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