Mick Schumacher’s INDYCAR Test Nets A Strenuous Track Day At Indianapolis

Orientation to a test at IMS Road Course begins in earnest within the Pit Box of Rahal Letterman Lanigan with Mick Schumacher. Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2025)

Mick Schumacher’s INDYCAR Test Nets A Strenuous Track Day At Indianapolis  

By Edmund Jenks ... notes from The EDJE

Mick Schumacher climbed into the No. 75 Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing as the sun hung low over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, casting long shadows across the reconfigured IMS road course. This was no sentimental pilgrimage, no passion play steeped in the legacy of his father, Michael Schumacher, who conquered this hallowed ground five times in Formula 1. No, this was a grueling, methodical track day - a full-throttle immersion into the raw, unfiltered demands of NTT INDYCAR Dallara machinery. For Mick, a driver with 43 Formula 1 starts and a current World Endurance Championship campaign, this test was a calculated exercise in data collection, not an emotional homecoming.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES News Conference - Monday, October 13, 2025 - Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Mick Schumacher - Press Conference

Transcript With Edmund Jenks:

The EDJE. My interest is you're a professional driver. You don't just go out and just do a track day because it's fun. You're seriously considering INDYCAR. Is there anything about the variants of the types of racing that we have, whether it's -- I know you haven't done ovals, but we have short ovals, large ovals, you know, dedicated road courses, as well as street courses. Are there any races out there that interest you, any tracks that interest you, given that you are looking into this NTT INDYCAR SERIES approach?

MICK SCHUMACHER: There are great tracks out there. I think one of the big points, it is one of those places where you will find more old-school racetracks than new ones, and I think everybody kind of understands what I mean with that. I think that aspect is pretty fun.

Also, street circuits are usually very challenging, and they demand a lot from a racing driver. Yeah, I think there's a good mix from racetracks out there at the INDYCAR SERIES.

I don't want to talk too much about ovals. That's why I didn't kind of go there. Yeah, as I said earlier in this meeting, I am considering at some point maybe doing an oval just to see what it's about, whether that's going to be a short, mid, or long oval, I don't know. I didn't know there were those three different lengths to it.

But, yeah, I think, again, the series is a great series. It's a spec series, but still, there is some development you can do from team to team. So, yeah, racing seems fun. We'll see what opportunities it might have for me.

The EDJE. Finally, outside of the Indy 500, are there any specific races that you may have watched on television, and you go, Boy, I could myself in a car on that track? Are there any tracks that call to you?

MICK SCHUMACHER: I don't know how to really answer that, because I did watch a couple of tracks, but it's hard to really kind of feel that way if you haven't driven it.

I definitely am interested in seeing some other tracks out there. Today was good to be here to see this track. It was definitely a fun one. Racing, I'm sure, is a great pleasure here.

But, yeah, there's no real knowledge of mine that would say, okay, that one track is one that I would like to race on, for now.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

ENDS

Yard Of Bricks crossed as Mick Schumacher plys the same pavements seven-time Formula One World Champion, and father, Michael Schumacher won the United States Grand Prix five times on between 2000-07.Image Credit: Chris Jones via NICS (2025)

Schumacher’s day was a marathon of precision and adaptation. The Rahal Letterman Lanigan crew had a meticulously crafted run plan, and Mick executed it with the focus of a seasoned professional. Lap after lap, he wrestled with the nuances of the INDYCAR beast—its heavier steering, its aggressive tire behavior, its Aeroscreen-induced heat. “It feels very much like an F2 car,” he noted, drawing parallels to his championship-winning days, though the INDYCAR’s raw edge demanded a bolder approach. The Firestone tires, reminiscent of his F3 Hankook days, allowed him to push hard without the delicate conservation required in other series. This was no leisurely drive; it was a relentless pursuit of feedback and performance.

The preparation for this test was as intense as the day itself. Schumacher spent days embedded with the RLL team, poring over details in the workshop and logging hours in the Honda simulator. This wasn’t about soaking in the mystique of Indianapolis but about mastering the car’s quirks before he even turned a wheel. The simulator offered a taste of the INDYCAR’s handling, stripping away surprises and letting Mick focus on extracting data. “It was really important to see how a race weekend would run out,” he said, emphasizing the structured approach that defined the day. Every moment was about building a foundation, not chasing glory.

InstaGram image posted by Mick Schumacher showing the unique Aeroscreen entry into the cockpit of a
Dallara NTT INDYCAR platform. Image Credit: Mick Schumacher (2025)

The track itself was unforgiving, an old-school layout that punished mistakes with a trip into the grass. Schumacher relished the challenge, finding the circuit’s demands a fitting test for his skills. Comparisons to his Formula 1 experience were inevitable, but he dismissed nostalgia in favor of pragmatism. “I was focused on driving, doing my plan,” he said, shrugging off questions about his father’s legacy. The INDYCAR’s rough-and-tumble nature - less clinical than F1, with its spec-series ethos—required a different mindset. Mick adapted, noting the car’s looser rear end and the tactile connection provided by its heavier steering. This was a workout, not a reverie.

Challenges abounded, from decoding the team’s lingo - “stickers” for new tires left him briefly puzzled - to adjusting to the Aeroscreen’s stifling airflow. Yet Schumacher took it in stride, his focus unwavering. The physicality of the car, often hyped as a beast by other drivers, proved less daunting than expected. “I didn’t think it was that heavy,” he admitted, finding the steering’s feedback a source of connection rather than strain. The test wasn’t about heroics; it was about understanding the machine and its limits, a task Mick attacked with clinical efficiency.

For all the sweat and focus, the day wasn’t without its sparks of enjoyment. Schumacher’s love for open-wheel racing shone through, a nod to his father’s adage about Schumachers being fastest when they can see their wheels. The INDYCAR’s single-seater DNA appealed to him, its 17-race calendar a tantalizing prospect for a driver who thrives on competition. Yet he remained guarded about his future, weighing INDYCAR against other options for 2026. “It’s about me trying to figure out what I want to do,” he said, his decision-making process as deliberate as his laps. An oval test looms as a potential next step, but for now, Mick is content to analyze and reflect.

In the end, this was no romantic ode to racing’s past but a hard-fought day of work. Schumacher’s test was a masterclass in discipline, a driver fully immersed in the task at hand. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with its storied history, served as a backdrop, not a shrine. For Mick, the allure of INDYCAR lies in its driver-centric ethos, where talent behind the wheel still reigns supreme. As he packed up after a long debrief, the data gathered and lessons learned were the true trophies of the day - a strenuous track day, executed with purpose.

... notes from The EDJE

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Willow Springs Reimagined: A Roaring Revival Of America’s Oldest Road Course

A timeless, yet weathered, welcome to Willow Springs International Raceway, established November 22, 1953, as it gears up for a new era with Willow Springs Reimagined. Image Credit: RoadracingWorld.com via FB/META (2025)

Willow Springs Reimagined: A Roaring Revival Of America’s Oldest Road Course

By Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal via Notes From The EDJE

Under a cloudless, yet blustery/windy, California sky, Willow Springs International Raceway roared back to life on Saturday, October 11, 2025, with a sold-out crowd of 5,000 enthusiasts converging to witness the dawn of a new era for America’s oldest road course. 

The line to get into Willow Springs International Raceway, just west of Rosamond off of the 14 Hwy., is about 4 miles long. Image Credit: Damon Rivetti via FB/META (2025)

The event, dubbed *Willow Springs Reimagined*, marked the first major spectacle since a new ownership group, led by CrossHarbor Capital Partners, acquired the historic track earlier this year. What unfolded was a high-octane celebration of car culture, blending iconic vehicles, all-star drivers, and a fresh vision for a beloved motorsport mecca.

Willow Springs Reimagined as on display from the planning committees of Singer and CrossHarbor Capital Partners. Note the addition of track configurations and pavement runs to compliment the Big Willow original configuration. This 3-d perspective was created orientated from the south looking toward the north. Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025)

This perspective of Willow Springs International Raceway's Big Willow track layout is from the northwest, looking southeast, under partly cloudy daytime conditions, consistent with Southern California's spring weather. Image Credit: RoadracingWorld.com via FB/META (2025)

The nine-turn “Big Willow” circuit pulsed with energy as racing legends and modern marvels took to the asphalt. Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, Formula 1 titleholder Jenson Button, and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti headlined a B-Sedan Racing demonstration, a nod to the track’s storied 50-year history with the category. 

F1 driver and commentator Jenson Button (left) exchanges words in conversation with NASCAR 7-Time Champion and IndyCar competitor Jimmy Johnson (left-center in blue) while IndyCar and INDY500 Champion Dario Franchetti (center in white) listens in. Image Credit: German Angel via FB/META (2025)  

Let the rubber burn until it hurts (tap to launch video). jimmie7timejohnson via Instagram (2025)

Johnson, ever the showman, thrilled the crowd with a smoky burnout in his No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry along pit lane. Meanwhile, demonstrations from the Petersen Automotive Museum, Singer, Czinger, and others showcased a spectrum of automotive artistry, from vintage classics to cutting-edge hypercars.

Czinger in the raw showing off much of its 3D Printed infrastructures. 
Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025)

Czinger in the flesh showing off the aerodynamics of the outer skin that allowed a predecessor of this car set a class lap speed record at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025)

A closer look at some of the engineering and its 3D Printed manifestation - this is some serious and intricate design.
Image Credit: Larry Mason - FastLane Race School (2025)

Click for Images

A poignant highlight came when 19-year-old Lia Block piloted her late father Ken Block’s legendary Hoonitruck, its first public outing since his passing in 2023. The moment, charged with emotion, underscored the event’s deep ties to automotive heritage and family legacy. The crowd, hushed at first, erupted as the Hoonitruck’s tires screamed, a fitting tribute to a rally icon.

Pace Car used to lead out the squad of specially prepared Singer Porsche track cars complete with the new Willow Springs logo on the side. Image Credit: German Angel (2025)

Jarod DeAnda, the booming voice of Formula Drift, kept the energy high as emcee, while *The Smoking Tire* podcast, hosted by Matt Farah and Zack Klapmann, kicked off the day with a live recording that drew fans eager for insider tales from the automotive world. The paddock buzzed with curated displays, including life-sized Hot Wheels replicas of the 2001 Twin Mill and 2011 Bone Shaker, alongside Ken Block’s personal collection presented by the 43 Institute. Hoonigan’s Hoonipigasus Porsche and Micah Diaz’s Pro-Spec E46 added raw, tire-shredding spectacle, while DirtFish’s rally cars and displays from Porsche Santa Clarita, Shelby American, and ICON 4x4 filled the grounds with eye candy for every gearhead.

Race at the best tracks in California - whether you're starting your career or are already racing at an elite level - Ages: 5-17. F.A.T Karting Arrive and Drive - there’s no need to buy your own kart - just show up and race.

Willow Springs Karting Race Track newly established with all new electric-powered engines. The Karting facility is just west of the entrance and south of Turn 2 of the Big Willow track. Image Credit: Larry Mason FastLane Race School (2025)

Electric karts designed by F1 engineers. F.A.T. karts combine cutting-edge technology with expertise from the world’s top motorsport professionals. Image Credit: Larry Mason FastLane Race School (2025)

“The incredible turnout today proves the enthusiast culture is alive and well,” said Sam Byrne, co-founder of CrossHarbor Capital Partners and a voice for the ownership group. “We’re excited about the future here at Willow Springs. It’s all about reinvigorating the facility while leaning into its really cool past.” The ownership’s vision was palpable, with recent renovations enhancing the facility’s appeal while preserving its gritty, authentic charm.

Beyond the horsepower, the event carried a heart. A portion of ticket proceeds supported the East Kern Family Resource Center and Lost Angels Career Center, local nonprofits fostering community growth. Exclusive merchandise, including special-edition items from The Drivers Era and Lost Angels, added a collectible flair while raising funds and awareness.

The patina of this event was pure Southern California motor culture. Galpin Auto Sports captured the afternoon in this quick video posted at FB/META - Enjoy!

The main paddock overflowed with over 200 vehicles, from rare classics to supercars rarely seen outside private vaults or concours lawns. Harbinger’s innovative chassis designs shared space with FAT International’s curated gems, while a car show featuring 50-plus vehicles from collectors and influencers offered an up-close look at automotive history and innovation.

Click REELS displayed at end of video for mor impressions of Willow Springs Reimagined

As the sun dipped over the desert, Willow Springs Reimagined left no doubt: this wasn’t just a one-day thrill but the opening lap of a bold new chapter. With plans for more events already in motion - starting with another spectacle next month - the track is poised to reclaim its place as Southern California’s beating heart of car culture. For those who were there, the sound of engines and the smell of burning rubber will linger as a promise of more to come.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Willow Springs, car culture, Big Willow, Jimmie Johnson, Jenson Button, Dario Franchitti, Lia Block, Hoonitruck, Hot Wheels, FastLane Race School, Tire, automotive, racing, Ken Block, charity, supercars, Larry Mason, FastLane Race School, The EDJE 

NTT INDTCAR’s 2026 Hybrid Season: Western Focus And The Push For A 20-Race Calendar

Pato O'Ward leads teammate Christian Lundgaard and eventual 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Season Champion Alex Palou through Turn 1 at The Thermal Club in the season's  second race of the first full season utilizing a hybrid power formula. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025)

IndyCar’s 2026 Hybrid Season: Western Focus And The Push For A 20-Race Calendar

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has unveiled its 2026 schedule, marking the second full season of its hybrid power era, blending electric and combustion engines in a formula that has intensified competition since its 2024 Mid-Season introduction. The 17-race calendar, spanning from St. Petersburg’s streets to Laguna Seca’s finale, mixes ovals, road courses, and street circuits. While the schedule highlights a Western focus, with key races in Phoenix (oval), Long Beach (temporary street circuit), and Laguna Seca (established road course), it sidesteps ambitions for Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and the talk of reigniting the Gold Coast of Australia, leaving international expansion on hold for another year.

2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Schedule: Following a 2025 season with 27% viewership growth on FOX Sports, averaging 1.36M viewers and crowned by Álex Palou’s historic three-peat, IndyCar’s 17-race 2026 calendar promises dynamic racing. “Our growth is industry-leading and will accelerate with FOX Sports and new venues,” said Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles. “We can’t wait for 2026.” Graphic Credit: Penske Entertainment (2025)

The Western region gains prominence with three pivotal races. Phoenix Raceway opens the Western swing on March 7, a Saturday slot to avoid clashing with NASCAR, where the hybrid-powered Dallara chassis will tackle the one-mile oval. On April 19, Long Beach’s street circuit follows, its tight corners and waterfront straight leveraging the hybrid system’s energy recovery for strategic overtakes. The season concludes on September 6 at Laguna Seca, a track restored as the championship-deciding venue, signaling INDYCAR’s intent to reconnect with West Coast fans and capitalize on the region’s racing prominence and heritage.

WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s return as the season finale replaces Nashville Superspeedway. This shift prioritizes the 2.238-mile road course’s challenging layout over Nashville's urban street spectacle once-removed, from a temporary street course to 2024's change to the oval course, located roughly 40 miles East outside of the city. 

The WeatherTech Raceway's elevation changes and iconic Corkscrew will test drivers like Álex Palou, the defending - and now 4-time / with a 3-peat - champion, as they navigate the hybrid system’s regenerative capabilities. This Western trio - Phoenix, Long Beach, and Laguna Seca - aims to draw crowds and boost INDYCAR’s visibility in a key market, reinforcing the series’ commitment to its coastal fanbase after two years of absence from Monterey.

Despite the schedule’s strengths, 17 races feel insufficient compared to other motorsport series. NASCAR’s Cup Series runs 36 races, Formula 1 schedules 24, and IMSA exceeds a dozen. INDYCAR’s calendar, though varied with additions like Arlington’s street circuit (March 13-15), Toronto GP venue change about 20 miles North to the Streets of Markham, Ontario, Canada (August 14-16) and Milwaukee’s doubleheader (August 28-30), lacks the depth to match its rivals’ intensity. The hybrid formula, with its complex battery management and push-to-pass tactics, calls for a broader stage to showcase driver skill and team strategy, ensuring the series remains competitive in a crowded motorsport landscape.

To reach elite status, we at Motorsports Journal believe INDYCAR should expand to 20 races, adding depth without exhausting teams. Reinstating Iowa Speedway’s short oval in the summer could highlight the hybrid system’s efficiency, fitting neatly without overlapping local events like the Iowa State Fair. A return to The Thermal Club’s 3.67-mile road course in March would tighten the early-season schedule, offering a California-based test of speed and strategy. These additions, possibly replacing less distinctive ovals, would create a more robust championship while maintaining balance.

Expanding to 20 races would benefit teams, broadcasters, and fans. Engineers would gain more data to refine hybrid setups, FOX Sports’ coverage through 2030 would have more content, and fans would have more opportunities to engage, potentially growing the series’ audience. The Western focus already sets the stage, with Phoenix and Long Beach drawing diverse viewers early on in the season. Additional races, perhaps in the Midwest or Pacific Northwest/West Coast of Canada in addition to Portland, Oregon, could further diversify the schedule, creating a championship that tests endurance and skill across varied landscapes.

As INDYCAR prepares for 2026, its hybrid era holds immense potential. The Western emphasis, anchored by Phoenix, Long Beach, and Laguna Seca, is a strategic move, but a 20-race schedule would elevate the series to new heights. More races mean more chances for drivers to shine, fans to rally, and legacies to form. INDYCAR’s hybrid engine is ready - now it just needs many more roads of competition to prove its change in formula worth.

... notes from The EDJE

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1924 Hispano-Suiza Wins Best Of Show At 2025 Pebble Beach Concours

FULL List Of 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d"Elegance Available Here

1924 Hispano-Suiza Wins Best Of Show At 2025 Pebble Beach Concours

The 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance crowned a stunning 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo, owned by Penny and Lee Anderson Sr. of Naples, Florida, as its Best of Show. The event, a glittering showcase of automotive artistry, saw 229 cars - 55 international entries from 22 countries and 174 from 31 U.S. states - grace the competition field.

Concours Chairman Sandra Button praised the Hispano-Suiza, noting its technical prowess and exquisite craftsmanship. “This car checks every box,” she remarked, highlighting its advanced engineering and meticulously hand-crafted body. Commissioned by aperitif heir André Dubonnet, the car competed in the Targa Florio and Coppa Florio races. Later modified with pontoon fenders, the Andersons restored it to its original torpedo form, emphasizing its sleek lines.

Nicknamed the “Tulipwood” Torpedo, the car’s body is crafted from carved mahogany strips, secured with 8,500 rivets, resulting in a featherlight 160-pound structure. Lee Anderson, a longtime collector of antique wooden boats, was drawn to the car’s varnished wood. “When I saw it, I thought, this is my kind of car,” he said, referencing his 40-year passion for wood-crafted vehicles.

Penny Anderson admitted the win was unexpected but dreamed of. “We had no idea, but we hoped!” she exclaimed. Lee added, “Winning Pebble Beach is the pinnacle of automobile collecting.” This marks the Andersons’ second Best of Show, following their 2022 victory with a 1932 Duesenberg J. Hispano-Suiza previously claimed the top prize in 1989.

The Best of Show race was fierce, with contenders like the 1939 Maybach SW38 Spohn Sport Zweisitzer from Dana and Patti Mecum, the 1933 Invicta 4½ Litre S Type Corsica Drophead Coupé from SBH of Bahrain, and the 1956 Maserati 200SI Fantuzzi Open Sports Racer from Phillip Sarofim. The Concours kicked off with the 27th Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance, a 70-mile coastal drive, where completing entries gained an edge in tied class competitions.

Charity remains a cornerstone of the event, with over $4 million raised this year, pushing the Concours’ lifetime charitable contributions past $45 million. These funds, through the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, support nearly 100 Monterey County nonprofits, impacting over 10,000 children annually.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione - hammered-down at $25,305,000 market-value. Image Credit: Gooding Christie's (2025)

In a whirlwind of high-stakes bidding at Gooding Christie’s, the official auction house for 21 years, a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione roared to a jaw-dropping $25,305,000, claiming the crown as the most expensive car ever sold by the firm. With a presale estimate soaring “in excess of $20,000,000,” this concours classic was destined to outshine the competition during the blockbuster weekend, which saw Gooding Christie’s gross over $127 million. The California Spider, ticking every box for rarity, history, and craftsmanship, now holds the title of the highest-priced California Spider and most valuable car ever auctioned by the Gooding Christie's firm.

For context, a 2025 Ferrari Daytona SP3 fetched $26,000,000 at RM Sotheby’s, with proceeds fueling charity, though such altruistic sales don’t fully reflect an actual market-value. 

We would no doubt dub this 1961 Ferrari a "timeless masterpiece, where heritage meets high-octane bidding frenzy," cementing its place in automotive auction lore.

In the end, as far as Best Of Show, "Nice Woodie!" It torpedoed all of the competition parked next to the Pacific Ocean along the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Course in judgement of the 74th edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

... notes from The EDJE

Post Script - Pre-Restoration & Link: 

Gerald Albertini, a Standard Oil heir and passionate automobile enthusiast living in London, 

acquired the Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo and reimagined the restoration, 

most notable replacing the cycle-style fenders with meticulously crafted elegant wooden clad 

torpedo-style wheel compartments (click image for full history). 

Known original build before "custom" coach modifications - bling didn't really improve the original presentation and hence - Best Of Show Winner. Image Credit: André Dubonnet via RM Sotheby's (2022)

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Will Power Triumphs At Portland, Secures First 2025 Win For Team Penske Amid Uncertain Future

Team Penske now has a race winning champion in this formally winless season with current contract ending driver Will Power - imagine that. Image Credit: James Black via NICS (2025)

Will Power Triumphs At Portland, Secures First 2025 Win For Team Penske Amid Uncertain Future

Will Power delivered a commanding performance at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by ask ROI, clinching his first victory of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and Team Penske’s inaugural win of the year. The triumph, Power’s 45th career victory, solidified his place as the fourth-winningest driver in INDYCAR history and provided a much-needed boost for Team Penske after a challenging season. The race also saw Alex Palou secure his fourth championship with a podium finish at P3, locking up the 2025 title in a three-peat (2021, 2023, 2024) with two races remaining at Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Superspeedway.

Power’s win at Portland International Raceway was a masterclass in strategy and pace, as he capitalized on a bold call by his engineer to stay out and lead, avoiding a pit stop that could have cost him the race. “I got to push as hard as I could for the whole race,” Power said during the post-race press conference. “It was a Team Penske-type day, man. When we’re put in the position, we can win.” The decision to use red tires in the second stint allowed Power to pull a significant gap, showcasing the team’s strategic acumen and his own relentless drive.

The victory was especially poignant given Team Penske’s tumultuous 2025 season, marked by struggles on road courses and a significant setback in May, which Power and newly appointed Team Penske President Jonathan Diuguid acknowledged but did not dwell on. “It’s been a rough year on many fronts,” Power admitted, but he emphasized the team’s resilience. “The capability has been there every weekend. It’s just been one of those years.”

Diuguid, in his first season as president, praised the team’s efforts to “right the ship” after a string of disappointing results. “Will did an amazing job today,” Diuguid said. “A little bit of a risky strategy, exposed to yellows a lot of times. They didn’t come. Will had an extremely strong pace.” The win, he noted, was a testament to the dedication of the team, which has averaged seven wins per season over the past three years but had struggled to convert potential into results in 2025.

Liz Power shares a special moment with her husband, Team Penske first time team season race winner, Will Power in Victory Circle. Image Credit: Chris Jones via NICS (2025)

The post-race atmosphere was one of camaraderie, with mechanics from rival teams like Andretti and Ganassi congratulating Power’s crew, reflecting the tight-knit nature of the INDYCAR paddock. “I was happy for everyone, man,” Power said. “As I drove down pit lane, many teams were happy to see us get a win there.” The victory was a collective triumph for Team Penske, with Power’s teammates and engineers joining him in Victory Lane to celebrate.

However, Power’s future with Team Penske remains uncertain, as he has yet to secure a contract for 2026. When asked if the win solidified his place with the team, Power was candid: “I have no clue. I don’t know.” He expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I’m driving the best I ever have. I’m not slowing down. I am faster.” His performance at Portland, out-dueling championship-caliber drivers like Palou, underscored his enduring skill and racecraft. “If you’re waiting on me to know if I’m good enough, just go back to last year and you’ll fucking know,” Power quipped, referencing his three wins in 2024.

Podium celebration for the at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by ask ROI from left to right - P2 Arrow McLaren No. 7 driver Christian Lundgaard, P1 Team Penske No. 12 driver Will Power, and through this P3 finish, 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Chip Ganassi Racing No. 10 driver Alex Palou. Image Credit: James Black via NICS (2025)

Diuguid sidestepped questions about Power’s future, focusing instead on the team’s momentum heading into the final two races. “Will’s future is about 30 minutes old from winning a race,” he said. “His future’s definitely bright.” With Milwaukee Mile, a track Power noted as a strength for Team Penske, up next, the team is poised to build on this success.

The race also highlighted ongoing discussions about INDYCAR’s blue flag rule, which Power found frustrating when lapped cars impeded his progress. “It’s very frustrating when you’re trying to win a race and you have to use a lot of push to pass to get around a car that’s going to go a lap down,” he said, acknowledging the complexity of enforcing such a rule but advocating for a fairer fight among leaders.

As the 2025 season nears its conclusion, Power’s Portland victory serves as a reminder of his and Team Penske’s enduring potential. “Never count out Penske, man,” Power declared, a sentiment echoed by the team’s performance on a day that saw them reclaim their place in Victory Lane. With two races left, Power and Team Penske are focused on finishing strong, while the question of his future looms large.

... notes from The EDJE

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Alex Palou’s Pursuit Of History And Legacy At The 2025 BITNILE.com Grand Prix Of Portland

Chip Ganassi Racing's now 8 race winner in 14 races, during a 17 race season, celebrates his win in the Java House Grand Prix Of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Image Credit Betty Garcia (2025)

Alex Palou’s Pursuit Of History And Legacy At The 2025 BITNILE.com Grand Prix Of Portland

As the 2025 NTT INDYCAR Series season nears its climax, all eyes are on Alex Palou, the two-time defending champion who stands on the cusp of a historic third consecutive title. Leading Pato O’Ward by 121 points, Palou could clinch the championship at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI on August 10, 2025, if he maintains a lead of 108 points or more. With two victories and three podiums at Portland International Raceway, the 28-year-old Spaniard is poised to cement his legacy as one of INDYCAR’s all-time greats. Beyond the track, Palou’s reflections on family, legacy, and his meteoric rise reveal a driver grounded by personal milestones and driven by an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

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A Dominant Season and a Chance to Seal the Deal

Palou’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary, with eight victories propelling him from 40th to 25th on INDYCAR’s all-time wins list, surpassing legends like Gil de Ferran, Simon Pagenaud, and Ryan Hunter-Reay. “I cannot really comprehend everything that’s happening,” Palou admitted during a recent Zoom press conference, his humility contrasting with his staggering achievements. His dominance has drawn comparisons to the sport’s titans, with names like Emerson Fittipaldi (22 wins) and Rick Mears (29 wins) now within reach. Yet, Palou remains focused on the immediate challenge: Portland, a track where he’s thrived, winning in 2021 and 2023 and finishing second in 2024 despite Will Power’s blistering pace.

Portland’s 1.964-mile, 12-turn layout suits Palou’s precise driving style, which he describes as requiring a “99 percent” effort to avoid the walls that punish overzealous moves. “It just really matches my style,” he said, noting the track’s narrow, street-course-like demands. With qualifying critical to avoiding Turn 1 chaos—a lesson learned from a pole-to-20th drop in a past race - Palou aims to start up front and dictate his fate. His strategy is clear: “If we win the race at Portland, we can seal the championship there.” Rather than settling for a safe finish, he’s chasing a ninth victory, which would bring him closer to tying the single-season win record.

Primary to Alex Palou, Esther Valle and Lucia Palou, greet Alex at the Farm to Finish 275 powered by Sukup victory circle. Image Credit: Chris Owens via NICS (2025)

Family as the Heart of Success

While Palou’s on-track prowess dominates headlines, his role as a father has added profound depth to his journey. Becoming a dad has transformed his perspective, making victories sweeter and setbacks more bearable. “It’s made my life just a lot more special,” he shared, describing the joy of returning to his daughter after a race. “Whenever it’s a good day, you can celebrate even better because you’re happy not only about your success but what it’s bringing to the family.” Photos of his daughter in Victory Lane have become cherished mementos of a season defined by both professional triumph and personal fulfillment. Even on tough days, her unconditional love resets his focus: “She doesn’t care, she’s still playing, and she just wants to hug you.”

Palou’s family ties extend to his childhood, where his father, a mechanic, was his first hero. “I thought he was the best driver in the world because he was able to teach me so well,” he recalled. This familial foundation fuels his desire to inspire the next generation. The idea that young fans might look up to him as he once idolized Michael Schumacher during Ferrari’s dominant era is “crazy” but deeply meaningful. “If I can help a young kid be a bit more motivated to enter motorsport, that would make my life,” he said.

Respect. Image Credit: Chris Owens via NICS (2025)

Navigating Rivalries and Respect

Palou’s eight wins in 2025 have outpaced the career totals of peers like Scott McLaughlin and matched those of Alexander Rossi, while he’s closing in on Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta. Despite his dominance, he insists his competitors haven’t treated him differently, though he acknowledges their frustration with a laugh: “I know they don’t like it. It’s competition.” His focus remains on his own performance, crediting Chip Ganassi Racing for providing a car that’s “been feeling amazing this year everywhere we’ve been, especially road courses.”

A Vision for INDYCAR’s Future

Beyond his personal achievements, Palou is optimistic about INDYCAR’s trajectory, particularly with FOX’s recent minority stake acquisition. “Having a partner like FOX, that they don’t need to look for how to reach more people, is going to be huge,” he said, praising their promotional efforts, from fuel station ads to visibility during major sports broadcasts. While he’s intrigued by the idea of international races—perhaps even in his native Spain - he believes the series should prioritize markets with passionate fan bases. “We need to try and find those people that would be willing to sacrifice so much for INDYCAR,” he noted.

Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2025)

Ovals and the Road Ahead

With two oval races remaining after Portland - Milwaukee and Nashville - Palou is also chasing another milestone: leading the oval standings. Trailing O’Ward by just one point after securing his first two oval wins in 2025, he’s buoyed by newfound confidence. “It feels amazing,” he said of closing the gap, citing a test session at Iowa as a turning point. A test at Nashville before the season finale offers hope for further improvement, though he remains cautious about past struggles at both tracks.

A Legacy in the Making

As Alex Palou prepares for Portland, he carries the weight of history and the promise of legacy. Reflecting on his rookie self in 2020, he’d advise simply to “enjoy and work hard,” recognizing that success is built on incremental gains and resilience through inevitable setbacks. With a potential fourth championship in six years, he’s crafting a Hall-of-Fame career at a breathtaking pace. Yet, it’s the balance of racing glory and family joy that defines his 2025 season. 

Sunday’s BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI race will air live on FOX, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network at 3 p.m. ET. The weekend’s first practice is at 5:30 p.m. ET Friday on FS2 and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

As he navigates Portland’s challenging corners, Palou is not just racing for points or records but for a legacy that inspires both his daughter and the next generation of motor-culture dreamers watching from the stands.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Alex Palou, INDYCAR, Portland Grand Prix, championship, Chip Ganassi Racing, family, legacy, Pato O'Ward, #IndyCarOnFOX, FOX, racing, oval standings, Michael Schumacher, young fans, 2025 season, The EDJE