Beating Alex Palou is difficult when breaks don’t go his way. It’s near impossible when they do.
Palou started from the pole in Sunday’s Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix and got the yellow he needed on Lap 65, which kept him out front after he pitted just laps prior.
Despite a rash of cautions late in the race, Palou held off a hard-charging Kyle Kirkwood, who was running a softer tire compared to Palou’s hard compound tires, earning his fourth win in the first eight races of the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series campaign and his third on a street course.
“It feels like the first time, honestly,” Palou told Fox Sports. “It was a tough one. Incredible run. Incredible start to the year. Can’t wait for the next one.”
The victory is the 23rd of Palou’s IndyCar career.
Notable results
Kirkwood and Graham Rahal finished on the podium, with Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard rounding out the top 10. Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist, Louis Foster, Marcus Ericsson, Kyffin Simpson and an injured Josef Newgarden completed the top 10.
Other notable finishers include rookie Dennis Hauger in 13th, Nolan Siegel in 15th, David Malukas in 18th, Scott McLaughlin in 19th and Mick Schumacher in 21st.
Will Power finished 22nd after contact with McLaughlin damaged his No. 26 and knocked him out of the race, while Scott Dixon retired 30 laps early due to hybrid problems. Christian Rasmussen finished last (25th) after early contact that damaged the suspension on his No. 21.
Palou, IndyCar’s three-time defending champion who is seeking his fifth series title in 2026, also extended his points lead with the victory on Sunday. He has six top fives and seven top 10 finishes through eight events.
