Maximize and minimize. The final four races of the IndyCar season come down to those goals for two drivers. Pato O’Ward has to maximize the number of points each weekend to cut into the 99 point deficit he faces. Alex Palou has to minimize how many points he loses to O’Ward.

Palou won this race from the pole in 2024, his second win at laguna Seca. O’Ward has never finished higher than fifth here.

The Java House Grand Prix of Monterey begins the last quarter of the season, and it is the last race in a stretch of of five races in four weeks, and the results may further tighten Palou’s hold on the title or give O’Ward a bit more of a chance.

The picturesque track in Monterey, California, has hosted 27 IndyCar races beginning in 1983 with a 15 year gap after the 2004 race. The track served as the season finale until last year.

I received news yesterday that the famous Corkscrew sign no longer graces the hilltop near the highest point of the track. I hope there are signs to replace it.

In addition to the tiny bit of intrigue at the front of the standings, there is a terrific battle for 10th place going on. David Malukas is in 10th right now, seven points ahead of Rinus VeeKay and 19 points up on Santino Ferrucci. Malukas trails Will Power by four points for ninth place.

Only three drivers have won the last three races at this venue- Palou in 2022 and 2024; Colton Herta in 2019 and 2021; and Scott Dixon in 2023. I would not be surprised if one driver from this trio isn’t atop the podium on Sunday. I think Herta finally gets his first win of the season this weekend.

This weekend will likely be filled with 2026 schedule talk and silly season speculation, or possibly some confirmations.

This weekend’s schedule: Times are Pacific. Note Sunday’s IndyNXT race is on FS2.