Josef Newgarden rolls into Nashville as the favorite for the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix this Sunday, July 19, putting serious pressure on reigning champion Alex Palou. With only seven races left in the INDYCAR season, the fight for the title is heating up, and Newgarden’s 3/1 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook make him the top pick to shake up Palou’s points lead.
Newgarden Looking to Dent Palou’s Lead
Newgarden is a strong contender, already getting into the Winner’s Circle twice this year. If the odds are right, Nashville could be his third win of 2026. This isn’t just a hunch either; last year at this very race, Newgarden flat out captured the checkered flag after leading a dominant 60 laps. He knows how to win in Music City. Despite these strong individual race odds, Newgarden currently sits sixth in the season standings, a full 134 points behind Palou. A win here would be absolutely massive for his championship hopes, cutting into that lead and showing he’s still a serious threat.
Palou’s Dominance on the Line
Alex Palou is right there as a close second favorite for Nashville with 4/1 odds, and for good reason. The guy is the reigning INDYCAR champion and currently holds first place in the standings. He’s been on an absolute tear in 2026, racking up four wins and six poles already this season. Last year, Palou led 11 laps in Nashville, ultimately finishing second. He’s clearly got the pace, but INDYCAR fans saw a chink in the armor when he missed the podium at Mid-Ohio two weeks ago, finishing fifth overall. Can Palou bounce back and maintain his dominant lead, or will Newgarden’s Nashville magic be too much to handle?
With only seven races left, every single point matters. The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix on Sunday, July 19, isn’t just another race; it’s a critical battle that could seriously reshape the championship picture. Keep an eye on the checkered flag to see if someone can finally put a dent in Palou’s impressive points lead.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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