The beginning of a busy stretch for IndyCar got under way on Sunday, with a tilt around the natural-terrain Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Drivers’ stamina was put to the test as high temperatures and a physical track layout did not give them any breaks.
Mixed fuel strategy made for an interesting battle, even though the drivers fighting for the lead were not necessarily side by side on track until the end.
READ MORE: IndyCar Mid-Ohio – Full Race Results
Scott Dixon employed a two stop strategy, using a couple early caution periods to his advantage to allow himself enough fuel to get to the end.
The strategy was quicker, but his team-mate Alex Palou put his foot to the floor with a three-stop strategy and came out ahead after the final stops.
With only a few laps remaining, however, Palou made a rare mistake and dipped his tires off the course. He was slow to get going, and Dixon blasted past into the lead.
The final laps were tense as Palou pushed and Dixon continued his fuel saving run, but the veteran was able to hold on the rest of the way.
Dixon’s win was the 59th of his illustrious career and extends his incredible streak of years with a race win to 21 consecutive seasons.
Palou’s performance from pole was commendable, and extended his championship lead back out to over 100 points.
Honda had plenty to celebrate in the engine manufacturer’s home event, taking the top two positions and extending their perfect win record out through the 10th race of the season.
Christian Lundgaard crossed the line in third, employing a unique pit strategy that saw him run three stints on the softer Firestone tire compound.
The Dane now has two podiums in 2025, and sits fifth in the overall standings.
Late changes to the order
Palou’s mistake was not the only event that caused the finishing order to change late in the race.
A couple other drivers were forced to make a late pit stop for a splash of fuel, their gamble on a late caution not paying off.
Nolan Siegel peeled off the track with nine laps remaining, giving up his fourth place position. He dropped to 11th for the final laps.
Marcus Armstrong also came to pit road, giving up a podium position in order to fuel up for the final six laps. He ultimately crossed the line in seventh.
Team Penske’s troubles worsened, if such a thing is possible, with Josef Newgarden losing control while braking into the first corner of the race on lap 1. He spun into the gravel and bounced off the Armco, which ended his day on the spot.
A few laps later, Will Power retired after his car developed major engine issues. The two drivers finished in the final two positions, with Scott McLaughlin only able to manage a 23rd place result.
The famous team cannot seem to catch a break as the season rolls on past the halfway point
Christian Rasmussen also had a race to forget. After starting midway down the field following a grid penalty, he ran out of fuel 30 laps into the race and had to pull to the side of the road.
He has had no luck since taking his maiden podium in Gateway two races ago, and will look to quickly move on to the next event.
That next event comes up with virtually no wait. A double-header at Iowa Speedway is on tap next weekend followed by two more race weekends after that.
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