Nashville Wrap Up: One Ace Beats three of a Kind

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Team Penske’s strongest race of the year only netted them a second, a third, and a Fourth as Alex Palou used a timely pit stop just ahead of a caution flag to win his fifth race of the year at yesterday’s rain delayed Brochet\ta Bourbon Grand Prix.

While Palou won the pit strategy battle, pole sitter Kyle Kirkwood came up on the short end as another yellow flag flew while he was in the pits. Kirkwood was on the same tire strategy as Palou, finishing on primaries, but he had a lot of track position to make up.

On Saturday, Palou appeared to be struggling, and he was not happy with his car during the first two stints of the race.

“Saturday, I was not that comfortable in the car,” Palou said. “But Julian (Robertson, engineer) and everybody on the 10 and CGR prepared a really, really good car for today. The beginning of the race we were not that comfortable in traffic, but the last two stints I was just super comfortable.

“It was a close battle there with Newgarden. It just seemed like he had so much speed there, and I was flat-out for the last 30, 35 laps. Just awesome to win here.”

The win capped a glorious weekend for Spain, with Palou’s country winning the World Cup.

David Malukas turned in the best performance of the day finishing third after starting 25th. Malukas started the wekend with a morning crash which sent him to a local hospital for evaluation. He return for the early evening practice and set the fastest time. Malukas cycled to the lead during the first round of pit stops as the team attempted a three stop fuel save strategy. It didn’t quite work out, but Malukas still ended with his third podium in four oval races.

I am impressed with how much Malukas has matured on ovals in 2026. Last year he was impatient with slower cars, and he paid the price. Yesterday, he chose his moves wisely and backed off when he needed to. How he hasn’t won a race this year yet is puzzling.

Malukas was first through the second place revolving door, although Palou’s lead is now 83 points. Kyle Kirkwood falls to third, 87 points behind Palou. Monday was likely Kirkwood’s last best shot at catching Palou.

Notes

Unsung- Marcus Ericsson has been very competitive in the last two oval races, and Andretti Global was wise to resign him for 2027. he had a podium at Gateway, and he nearly snagged another one yesterday.

Rinus VeeKay continues to show great talent. The pit cycles knocked him out of what should have been a top 10 result. Whichever team signs him for 2027 is getting a very good driver.

Mick Schumacher scored his first top 10 in IndyCar- on an oval, no less. Schumacher was the bright spot in an another otherwise dismal day for RLL. Louis Foster was 17th and Graham Rahal finished 19th. Rahal was quite slow on track. I can’t figure out why the team can’t put a better car on the grid for him.

Palou’s fifth win of the season was his first since Detroit on May 31.

In the three weeks before Portland, we may see the 2028 car on track. Also, on Thursday Indiana Sprint Week begins with an event at IMS on the dirt track.

Thanks for following along on what turned out to be an extended weekend. I hope IndyCar has seen the last of rainy ovals for 2026. Please stay dry, Milwaukee.

Results

Starting Tire Switch Allowed and Other Notes

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Per Zion Brown of IndyStar, teams will be allowed to change their starting tire selection because of the change in race length. I mentioned this after hearing about the shortened race. A new tire list will be out soon.

I spoke with track staff about the paddock situation. The person I talked to said that only hard cards were allowed in the paddock today, no wristbands. I am all for fan friendliness at tracks, but sometimes circumstances require things to change. Please read the Terms and Conditions on the race tickets.

I do think, however, that many times IndyCar schedules are geared more for the convenience of television and the fans who put the effort forth to come to the tracks are sometimes not considered. There needs to be some middle ground.

Let’s Try Again

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Today’s schedule: Times are Central. broadcast on FOX

Another scorching day on tap with a slight chance for pop up showers is on hand as we attempt to run the Music City Grand Prix. The race distance, as I noted last night returns to the 225 lap distance of 2025. The reason given is the heat.

Tire rules remain in effect, one set of primaries and two sets of alternates must be used. It probably won’t happen, but I think teams should have the option to change their starting tire designation if they wish, considering the shortened race length.

A series will not grow if it doesn’t take risks. Yesterday was huge gamble given the summer weather patterns in the Midwest and South. Sometimes things work out, sometimes they don’t.

I do wonder why FOX made this a midafternoon race instead of an 11 am local start. I understand a lot of wheels have to turn to reschedule a race If heat were the biggest concern, late morning would make more sense.It would be cooler at that time as well.

I am not changing my prediction of a Kyle Kirkwood win, and I would still keep an eye on Scott McLaughlin. We will see how this works out.

I will need to leave immediately after the checkered flag to get home. If there is a weather delay or a stoppage of the action, I will leave at that point. Look for a wrap up tomorrow.

If you’re coming to the track today, sunscreen and hydration are still very much in order.

I will keep you posted on any new developments this morning

Postponed- Nashville Monday Afternoon

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The weather won the day and the Music City Grand Prix will take place tomorrow at 3 pm Eastern on FOX.

Today was planned as a huge ratings boost following the World Cup, but typical weather at this time of year in Nashville washed out any chance of running tonight.

Tomorrow’s schedule will be forthcoming. Thanks for following along this weekend.

Music City Race Day

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Today’s schedule:

Times are Central. IndyCar race start is contingent on when the World Cup ends, and the weather.

From IndyCar:

Immediately following the “INDY NXT by Firestone race (so, roughly 1 p.m. CT), car Nos. 15, 18 and 66 will be allowed an install lap given their incidents in final practice. The cars will only be allowed one-time by the start-finish line.

Today’s weather from @Indycar_WXman:

Could we end up with a night race? I would not have a problem with that. If the race goes off uninterrupted, I think Kyle Kirkwood will win his second race of the year. I would keep an eye on Scott McLaughlin as well. he has been quietly quick so far.

Should Kirkwood win, he will still only make a minimal gain on Alex Palou, who will probably end up with a top five.

Now we just wait for the World Cup to come to its merciful end, and what Mother Nature wants to do.