Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing just locked up the 2026 INDYCAR title, a ridiculous four straight championships for them, five of the last six. That’s some seriously staggering stuff in a series this competitive. You’d think with the big trophy already in the bag, the season finale at Laguna Seca would just be a chill victory lap, right? Think again. There’s so much more on the line this weekend at one of the most famous tracks on the planet, and it’s gonna be a must-watch.
The Scramble for Second Is Real
Alright, Palou might be the champ, but don’t sleep on the fight for second in the championship. Christian Lundgaard is leading the charge for “best of the rest,” with Kyle Kirkwood and Pato O’Ward breathing down his neck. David Malukas is technically still in it, and honestly, that’s wild since he hasn’t won a race this season, unlike the other three who each have at least two. But hey, it’s a long shot for him. Only four points separate Lundgaard, Kirkwood, and O’Ward, so P2 is absolutely up for grabs among that trio.
O’Ward is coming in hot, fresh off back-to-back wins in Milwaukee that rocketed him into this conversation. Kirkwood is still riding high after a straight-up dominating performance in Washington, D.C. a couple weeks back. And Lundgaard? He’s crushed it on road courses this season, scoring more points there than anyone else. While there’s no massive check for second place, those bragging rights and the momentum heading into the off-season? That’s priceless for a team.
End of an Era, New Beginnings and Redemption Arcs
This finale isn’t just about P2, though. It’s the end of an era with Scott Dixon leaving Chip Ganassi Racing after more than 20 years. Twenty years! That’s 58 wins out of CGR’s 59 total, six titles, and an Indy 500 victory. Dixon also has an insane record of 21 consecutive seasons with a win, and you know he wants nothing more than to keep that streak alive and finish his CGR tenure right in Victory Lane. Talk about high stakes for a legend.
Then there’s Will Power, who’s been on a total redemption tour this season after splitting with Team Penske at the end of 2025. He won two series championships and an Indy 500 with Penske, but he’s been chasing that first win with his new Andretti Global squad all season. He’s had speed, he’s had podiums, but no victory yet. And speaking of Penske, only Josef Newgarden has managed a win for the Captain in 2026. Malukas has come unbelievably close, and Scott McLaughlin just passed the two-year mark since his last win. There’s a lot of hunger out there.
So yeah, Palou’s the champ, but this Laguna Seca finale is loaded. We’re gonna see drivers battling for every inch, legends trying to secure their place in history one last time, and teams pushing for that crucial momentum into next year. Get ready, because even with the big title decided, this race is going to be absolutely electric.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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