IndyCar: The Penske contender Alex Palou can eliminate just by showing up

As a seasoned IndyCar fan with decades of racing under my belt, I can’t help but feel the tension building for this weekend’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway. The title race has been narrowed down to two heavyweights – Alex Palou and Will Power – but there’s a wild card in play: Scott McLaughlin.

Three racers from the 2024 IndyCar series remain in mathematical contention to claim the championship, but the battle for the title is primarily seen as a two-horse race between Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing and Will Power from Team Penske. This perspective is largely due to the fact that their performances have been particularly noteworthy this season.

As long as Palou shows up, Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin has no shot.

If Palou can’t make it to this Sunday’s rescheduled Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway, which marks the first IndyCar race on the four-turn, 1.333-mile (2.145-kilometer) oval in Lebanon, Tennessee since 2008, McLaughlin still stands a chance.

Only one can call themselves 2024 champion.
📺: #MusicCityGP – Sunday at 3 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) September 9, 2024

In this racing competition, Palou is currently in the lead with a 33-point advantage over Power. McLaughlin follows closely behind with another 17 points deficit. Each driver can potentially earn up to 54 points in a single race: one point for securing pole position, an additional point for leading at least one lap, two points for leading the most laps, and a significant 50 points for crossing the finish line first.

In simpler terms, for McLaughlin to catch up to Palou by a maximum of 49 points, both drivers must participate in every race since each driver who starts the race will earn a minimum of five points.

Palou can eliminate McLaughlin just by competing

In simpler terms, a 31-year-old from New Zealand understands the importance of the final race of the season on Sunday, which has 206 laps (provided his Spanish competitor doesn’t participate). This understanding sparked a humorous conversation on Twitter.

Yeah so that means if I lock Alex in a porta potty pre race I’m a chance.
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) September 8, 2024

Hi there, AlexPalou! Thought it’d be cool if we had a get-together at my place this week? I’ve got a thing for sushi and decided to make some from scratch. Rest assured, the seafood’s as fresh as can be – my fish supplier’s top-notch! Looking forward to your reply. 😊
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) September 9, 2024

After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I must respectfully decline your offer @smclaughlin93 🙂‍↕️
— Alex Palou Montalbo (@AlexPalou) September 9, 2024

As I prepare for the next race, it’s clear that if Palou takes the green flag, we’re looking at a showdown between two-time champions to see who can join the elite club of three-time champs. The last time someone managed to win their third title was Scott Dixon back in 2013, and now he’s a six-time champ himself. So, if Palou takes that green flag, buckle up because it’s gonna be a thrilling ride!

If Power wins the Palou championship this year, it will mark his second consecutive title, making him the first driver to achieve a back-to-back series victory since Dario Franchitti claimed three straight from 2009 to 2011. Furthermore, if he secures the championship in 2023, it will be his third in just four years following his move to Chip Ganassi Racing. In simpler terms, Power has a chance to win his second championship in three years.

🎧 Excited about the Big Machine Music Grand Prix from Nashville Superspeedway this Sunday, September 15? Kick off your weekend by catching the live action on NBC, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET. To ensure you don’t miss a single lap, sign up today for a free trial of FuboTV, and let the racing excitement unfold right in front of your eyes! 🏎️🎙️

2024-09-10 13:32