Alex Palou extended his championship lead despite failing to make the podium at the Grand Prix of Madison at Gateway.
The Spaniard finished fourth as his rivals dropped like stones during a hectic IndyCar race, which saw multiple cautions.
Will Power dropped out of the encounter after a clash with Alexander Rossi, but he also collided with David Malukas too.
His nearest rival – Colton Herta, finished one spot behind him in fifth and continues to apply pressure with four races of the season to go.
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Alex Palou relieved to have ‘survived’ Gateway
The Grand Prix of Madison was the sort of race which defines championships, with Palou content to bank solid points rather than chase the victory and get caught up in unfortunate incidents.
Holding a 59-point advantage at the top, he looks well set to take his third IndyCar crown in four years.
Speaking to his Honda Racing team after the race, he said: “I mean, we survived a very long day, and into the night! We knew that it was going to be a long, long race with lots happening.
“So, goal number one was to survive. We did that, and then some. We got some good championship points. Could have been a little bit better.
“Obviously, you always want to win, but glad everything worked out for the 10 car here.”
What comes next for Palou?
With four races in four weeks, IndyCar action is going to continue coming thick and fast.
That means that momentum and consistency are going to be crucial aspects for anyone attempting to make a title push.
For Palou, a lot of that hard work is already out of the way, with him holding the ability to sit out of the next race at Portland and still be guaranteed to hold his lead.
The Grand Prix of Portland will mark the final street/permanent course race of the year, with three ovals to round things off in 2024.
That could be a bad omen for the Spaniard, who despite holding two IndyCar crowns, is yet to win his first oval race in the sport.