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Alex Palou ready to win Indy 500 after Grand Prix victory

Alex Palou ready to win Indy 500 after Grand Prix victory

Axios13-05-2025

Alex Palou says he'll "get crazy" if he wins the Indianapolis 500 in two weeks.
Driving the news: Palou is hard to beat right now, having won four of the first five races of the season, and he knows how to win in Indy.
He took victory at the IndyCar Grand Prix for the third year in a row Saturday.
Yes, but: That runs on IMS' road course.
The 500 is, of course, raced on the famous 2.5-mile oval track. It's an entirely different beast that, despite his success, Palou hasn't proven he's tamed.
"The Indy 500 is a different game," he admitted in a post-race press conference Saturday night. "I don't think we're the favorites, but we're going to try everything we have."
The intrigue: Only twice since it was introduced in 2014 has the winner of the IndyCar Grand Prix at IMS gone on to win the Indy 500, and it's been six years since Simon Pagenaud last did it.
Yes, but but: Palou wants it bad.
Asked if it was time for him to get his first oval win, Palou answered with an emphatic "yes."
"I would love that," Palou said. "If that happens, I'll get crazy. Like very crazy … Things are going to fly. Flames here. Flames there. It's going to be amazing."
What's next: The cars are back on the track today for the opening day of Indy 500 practice.

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Matt Dial/IndyStar Indiana Pacers guard T.J. Ford (5), right, scores a layup over Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby (10), left, during the second quarter. Pacers defeat the Hawks 113-96. Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks, Indianapolis, Ind., Tuesday, November 18, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Opening turn in the first lap of the race resulted in a collision among cars in the middle of the pack. The crash resulted in Ralf Schumacher exit from the race. The 8th running of the United States Grand Prix, Indianapolis, IN, Sunday, June 17, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy speaks to the media, NFL Scouting Combine 2007, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, February 23, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Rider J.W. Kaler, of Benton Harbor, MI, rides bull "WHITER TRASH" during the first round of tonight's event. Professional Bull Riders Touring Pro Division at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind., Saturday, February 23, 2013. 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Media descends on the Indianapolis Colts, AFC Championship winners, speak to the media at their Marriott Harbor Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on February 1, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Brittany Mallory raises her arms at mid-court after defeating Connecticut. Notre Dame defeats Connecticut 72-63. Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Connecticut Huskies, 2011 Women's Final Four at Conseco Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Ind. on April 3, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar Driver Danica Patrick after her final practice on Carburation Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Friday, May 25, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Andretti-Green driver Danica Patrick enters pit row after her early practice laps. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar The Cirque Du Soleil pre-game show before Super Bowl XLI. Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on February 4, 2007 at Dolphins Stadium in Miami, Fla. Matt Dial/IndyStar Davey Hamilton takes a break from his practice runs under the shade of the pit box. Hamilton is attempting a comeback after suffering career ending injuries at Texas in 2001. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN, Thursday, May 10, 2007. Matt Dial/IndyStar Nicky Hayden (69) team Repsol Honda led the early part of the race as the riders tried to avoid puddles on the track. Valentino Rossi (46) team Fiat Yamaha wins the rain shortened 2008 inaugural Red Bull MotoGP at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., Sunday, September 14, 2008. Matt Dial/IndyStar Matt Dial/IndyStar Hot Wheels' "Fearless at the 500" record-breaking jump was successful as the car flies past fans in the fourth turn. The 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Speedway, Ind., on May 29, 2011. Matt Dial/IndyStar The WNBA Indiana Fever named Lin Dunn, left, head coach this afternoon. 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