Alex Palou’s 33-point IndyCar championship lead heading into the deciding round at the Nashville Superspeedway may seem secure, but there’s a few reasons that may suggest otherwise.
IndyCar returns to the oval circuit for the first time since 2008, when it hosted the Firestone Indy 200, for what looks set to be a thrilling finale between Palou and Team Penske‘s Will Power.
At the previous round in Milwaukee, the series proved just how unpredictable it can be as Palou failed to make the race start and fell to the back of the grid, recovering only to 19th at the chequered flag.
Power would fail to take advantage though, spinning on lap 131 and putting his car in the wall before salvaging 10th place.
Why Alex Palou needs to be careful at the Nashville Superspeedway
On the evidence of Milwaukee, Palou could just as easily suffer from electrical gremlins again and see his chances of a third title slip through his hands.
His team will need to ensure that the Chip Ganassi Racing car is running like clockwork, and ready for the Spaniard to give the title battle a good shot.
READ MORE: Conor Daly reveals what the ‘future holds’ after standout Juncos Hollinger performance
Power has nothing to lose and most of the grid knows this – he would likely be within 10 points of Palou had he managed to keep it on the straight and narrow in Milwaukee.
He’s spent enough time kicking himself for that mistake, and now he needs to focus on what is ahead of him.
Nothing but a win will do, but he does at least have some experience of racing at this track, having raced on it back in his rookie season.
Could teammates be a big factor in Nashville?
Although his 11th-placed finish from 2008 isn’t going to serve much purpose to him, the thousands of laps advantage he has in experience on Palou at ovals will.
He’s also got two teammates that he can rely on to back him up at the front of the field, with Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin ready to assist him.
Palou has the wise Scott Dixon to help him, but there’s only so much he can do up against the might of three cars if his teammate falls behind.
READ MORE: Santino Ferrucci frustrated by ‘rough’ podium hunt despite setting IndyCar record at Milwaukee
Palou’s best bet is to use the lead he holds to his advantage and try to take it as easy as possible – a retirement would open the door for his rivals.
Ninth place would be enough for him to become the youngest man to earn three IndyCar crowns, but there’s plenty of racing to go before that trophy falls into his lap.