Alex Palou is set to compete in his 100th NTT INDYCAR SERIES race this Saturday at Phoenix Raceway, following his impressive victory in last weekend’s season opener in St. Petersburg. The No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda driver is rapidly building a remarkable career, placing him among the sport’s elite.
Palou’s milestone appearance in the Good Ranchers 250, scheduled for 3 p.m. ET and broadcast across FOX networks and INDYCAR Radio, highlights his steady climb in the series. With 20 career wins, he stands as the only active driver to have secured victories in at least 20 percent of his first 100 races.
Comparing Palou’s Win Pace to INDYCAR Legends
While Scott Dixon (59 wins), Will Power (45 wins), and Josef Newgarden (32 wins) hold more career victories, none matched Palou’s pace entering their 100th starts. Power led with 18 wins at that mark; Dixon and Newgarden had seven apiece. Palou’s 20th win positioned him next to historical names such as Earl Cooper, who clinched his final victory a century ago.
Additional triumphs will further elevate Palou’s standing: two more wins would equal Tony Bettenhausen and Emerson Fittipaldi; four more would tie him with Ralph DePalma and Bobby Rahal; five wins would match Gordon Johncock, and seven would bring him alongside Johnny Rutherford.
First-Ever Start on Phoenix’s Iconic 1-Mile Oval
This race marks Palou’s debut on the renowned Phoenix 1-mile oval, a track unfamiliar to most competing drivers since the NTT INDYCAR SERIES last raced there in 2018. Scott Dixon is one of the few with extensive experience here, having competed six times between 2003-05 and 2016-18, including a win in 2016 and a second place in 2004.
Other notable drivers with multiple starts at Phoenix include Newgarden, Power, Alexander Rossi, and Graham Rahal. Newgarden won at Phoenix in 2018, while Power finished third that year and second in 2017. Rossi secured a third-place finish in 2018, and Rahal’s best was fifth in 2016.
Recent Oval Success Highlights Palou’s Versatility
Last season featured six oval races, with Palou winning two, showcasing his adaptability on different track types. Other first-time oval winners included Pato O’Ward, Kyle Kirkwood, Christian Rasmussen, and Newgarden, emphasizing the competitive field ramping up on these circuits.
Race Weekend Schedule and Expectations at Phoenix
The Good Ranchers 250, a 250-mile contest, is part of a rare doubleheader weekend in 2026 when the NTT INDYCAR SERIES shares the weekend with the NASCAR Cup Series. Practice sessions begin Friday morning on FS2, including an initial practice at 10 a.m. ET, qualifying for the NTT P1 Award at 2 p.m., and a final practice at 4:30 p.m. Teams will focus on mastering the high line of the oval.
Palou’s Potential Legacy and Upcoming Challenges
As Alex Palou nears his 100th race and continues to accumulate victories, his presence among INDYCAR’s all-time greats becomes increasingly prominent. His ability to maintain such a high winning percentage early in his career may redefine expectations for future champions. The upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway, with its unique challenges and historical significance, will further test Palou’s skills and help determine the trajectory of his legacy.
