Palou is 2024 IndyCar champion as seatbelt issue cuts Power out

Alex Palou is the 2024 IndyCar champion, and claimed his third championship in four years, taking full advantage of a costly error by rival Will Power early in the 2024 Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway.

Palou entered the 2024 IndyCar season finale with a solid 33-point lead, having already won two of the past three championships since joining Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021.

His latest triumph makes him the first driver to win back-to-back IndyCar titles since Dario Franchitti, who achieved the feat while driving the same No.10 Dallara-Honda for Chip Ganassi from 2009 to 2011.

“We just had to keep on going,” Palou said after the race. “I have to thank everyone working on the 10 car. Super proud. It’s been an amazing year, and I’m happy we got the championship back home.”

Palou’s achievement places him in elite company, as he became just the 13th driver in IndyCar history to win at least three championships.

His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest names in the sport, including Dario Franchitti, who also drove for Chip Ganassi Racing and won three consecutive titles from 2009 to 2011.

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At 27 years old, Palou is the second-youngest driver to win three IndyCar titles, trailing only Sam Hornish Jr., who achieved the feat at 27 years and two months in 2006.

Heartbreak for Power

Power’s hopes of securing his third championship were dashed on Lap 13 when his seatbelt came loose in his No. 12 Dallara-Chevrolet.

The Team Penske driver was forced to pit under green flag conditions, where a crew member climbed into his cockpit to reattach the belt. By the time Power returned to the race, he had fallen five laps behind, effectively ending his chances.

Power needed to finish at least fourth in the 27-car field to challenge Palou’s lead. But with the delay leaving him so far down the order, his title chances evaporated.

With Power out of the picture, Palou cruised to his third title in four years, further establishing his dominance in the series.

The victory also continued Chip Ganassi Racing’s impressive legacy of producing champions, while Power’s misfortune highlighted the fine margins that often decide the IndyCar championship.

Colton Herta breaks Oval duck

While Palou’s championship was a significant storyline, the race itself provided plenty of excitement, with Colton Herta capturing his first career oval victory.

Herta, driving the No.26 Gainbridge Honda, passed Pato O’Ward with just four laps remaining to win by 1.8106 seconds.

The victory also propelled Herta to a career-best second place in the final IndyCar standings, finishing 31 points behind Palou.

“It’s been an amazing year,” Herta said after his win. “I’m so happy. We knew we were going to have a hot rod in the race.

“I just saw I finished second in the championship, which is awesome. Hoping to do a little bit better next year.”

Josef Newgarden, a Nashville-area native, finished third in the No.2 Team Penske Chevrolet. P1 Award winner Kyle Kirkwood, who led a race-high 67 laps, finished fourth, followed by Scott McLaughlin in fifth.

The race was one of the most action-packed of the season, featuring a record 653 passes on track, with 237 of those for position.

Herta’s dramatic pass on O’Ward was the highlight of the day, showcasing the intense competition that defined the 2024 IndyCar season.

Music City GP 2024 IndyCar Results

Check out the full race results from the IndyCar 2024 Music City GP from Nashville Superspeedway below!