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.

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