logo
Scott Dixon second as Alex Palou chalks up another Indycar win

Scott Dixon second as Alex Palou chalks up another Indycar win

RNZ News3 days ago
Alex Palou has won his sevnth Indycar event for the season. File pic.
Photo:
AFP
Evergreen New Zealand racing driver Scott Dixon has finished second to Alex Palou, who has claimed his seventh Indycars title of the season with a win in Iowa.
Kiwi Marcus Armstrong had his first podium of the season, with third place in the IndyCar Farm to Finish 275, his sixth top-10 finish in a row.
But Scott McLaughlin's race was over before it really started, eliminated in a crash on the first lap.
It was a 1-2 finish for Chip Ganassi Racing, but Palou had to withstand a strong challenge on the final lap from Dixon,
who had his first victory for the season
a week earlier in Mid-Ohio.
Palou
won by 0.528sec on the tight 1.43km Iowa Speedway course, benefitting by taking a pit stop while a caution flag was out. He had been in third place, but his break was a lucky one as it disadvantaged leader American Josef Newgarden who had emerged from the pit lane with a yellow flag out, a situation that happened twice to him during the race.
With 11 laps to go, Palou had the lead and Dixon edged past Armstrong in second. And it remained that way until the finish line.
"I cannot really believe it, honestly, and winning here is super special. I struggled on short ovals for so long. Super happy. Another win. Seven wins in one year is insane," said Palou on the Sky Sport broadcast.
Dixon was pleased with his effort after finishing ninth in the first race on the track on Sunday.
He said he was proud at how his team "had thrown the kitchen sink'' in getting the car ready after issues on Sunday.
"We weren't sure how it was going to go,'' Dixon said after the race.
"We needed a longer race today.''
Armstrong was thrilled with his first podium finish of the season for Meyer-Shank Racing.
"We made it happen today," he said.
"We are getting better every single race, I'm gelling with my crew better every race."
McLaughlin had been hoping to follow up his fourth placing on Sunday, but it all turned bad when he was unable to avoid Devlin DeFrancesco's car which spun out suddenly in front of him. McLaughlin's car cannoned into the wall and he was unable to continue.
"It sucks. I was really excited for today,'' McLaughlin said.
It was a bad day for Team Penske with Will Power having to retire from the race after his car lost power.
Palou extended his lead in the driver standings. He now has 515 points, ahead of Pato O'Ward, who won Sunday's race, on 386 with Dixon third on 342.
Armstrong, who finished ninth on Sunday, is seventh with 267 points, while McLaughlin is 12th with 234.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Boxing live updates: Sonny Bill Williams v Paul Gallen
Boxing live updates: Sonny Bill Williams v Paul Gallen

RNZ News

time9 hours ago

  • RNZ News

Boxing live updates: Sonny Bill Williams v Paul Gallen

Sonny Bill Williams (L) and Paul Gallen (R) face-off after making the weight as former Australian professional boxer Danny Green (C) looks on. Photo: Ayush Kumar/EurasiaAfter a long wait and a ferocious war of words, we're finally here. Sonny Bill Williams takes on Paul Gallen in a battle of former NRL superstars, who have now taken their talents to the ring. The action starts around 9pm NZT. Follow all the action with RNZ's live blog:

Grace Jale sticks with Wellington Phoenix
Grace Jale sticks with Wellington Phoenix

RNZ News

time12 hours ago

  • RNZ News

Grace Jale sticks with Wellington Phoenix

Grace Jale of Wellington Phoenix in 2024. Photo: AAP / Football Fern Grace Jale has re-signed with the Wellington Phoenix for another A-League season. It will be Jale's third campaign with the Phoenix, having been part of the inaugural women's team in 2021-22 before returning last year after two seasons away. Last season she made 21 appearances and scored two goals. "Last year I returned to do a job and that didn't happen and I'm not going to leave until that job is done," Jale said. "Winning was the ultimate goal but everyone's more realistic goal was to make the finals and see where we could go from there. "Despite falling short, I loved last season. There was a lot of learning and growth for me on and off the field, so I'm happy to be back." Jale expected to return to the Phoenix a more confident player, having worked on the mental side of her game with the club's staff. "Now I know what I can bring and with my experience, it's going to be my fifth year in the A-League, I know what to expect in the league and at the club. "The familiarity is comforting, and I can just focus on performing really." The 35-cap Football Fern showcased her versatility last season, even deputising in the centre of midfield at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. "There was definitely some getting used to it and the first game I played there was against Melbourne City, so it was a bit of a thrown under the bus kind of situation, but I actually loved it. "I enjoyed getting on the ball more, being able to control the pace and flow of the game and I just loved being in the middle. "There's more action and I can use my height and strength more." Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd said securing top New Zealand talent remained a key strategic focus for the club. "These signings are not only vital to our on-field success but also demonstrate our dedication to supporting the growth and development of our players on both domestic and international stages," Shepherd said. "Grace brings exceptional technical skill, athleticism, and versatility to the squad. They are attributes that will be crucial in what promises to be a significant season for the club. "Her wealth of experience at both domestic and international levels makes her a key contributor on and off the field. "We remain committed to supporting her ambitions with the Football Ferns as she sets her sights on Brazil 2027." Jale is the 16th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women's squad for the 2025-26 A-League season. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store