Oval racing is a vital part of the IndyCar Series, and the championship hosted seven events on ovals throughout the 2024 season.
This type of circuit can be difficult to master as it requires a very unique driving style that is hard to replicate in other disciplines.
Ovals and banking are also nearly non-existent in European racing, which creates a steeper learning curve for drivers from Europe and outside of North America when joining the IndyCar grid.
Some drivers, including Daniel Ricciardo, have been put off from racing in IndyCar due to the presence of ovals where there is a very small margin for error.
Yet while Alex Palou is a driver to make the transition to IndyCar and has been very competitive since joining the series, the Spaniard is still yet to win on an oval. But Palou has told The Red Flags podcast that he is adamant he is on the verge of a first oval win.
Alex Palou feels he is ‘knocking on the door’ of his first win on an oval in IndyCar
Palou has performed admirably since moving to IndyCar and completing his first season in 2020 for Dale Coyne Racing.
The Chip Ganassi Racing driver has won three championships in the last four seasons, which is an incredible run of form.
READ MORE: Alex Palou reveals what he ‘didn’t like’ about winning his third IndyCar title
He has driven superbly on road and street courses although Palou hasn’t yet won on an oval in his IndyCar career.
Despite not taking victory on an oval yet, the 27-year-old is adamant he is close to taking his first win away from road and street courses.
Palou said: “I think we’re there. I think we’re knocking on that door. I finished this year second, third on ovals last year as well.
“We’re there. It’s not like we’re 10th. But we need to win. It takes, I think, a perfect day. I think I’ve been better and improving, but it’s true that I’ve not been going out leading the race and managing the race. I’m always struggling to get 100% of the car.”
Alex Palou has been quick on ovals despite not taking a victory in IndyCar
Palou has had good speed on ovals, he took pole position for the 107th Running of the Indy 500 in 2023 but ended the race in fourth place.
The Spanish driver also finished second in the weekend’s second race at Iowa Speedway this season and fourth place at Gateway.
Palou has proven that success on ovals isn’t critical to winning a championship in IndyCar, but they can be a vital tool to have.