IndyCar veteran Scott Dixon made the most of a strategic advantage by only needing three pit stops and secured a win in Sunday's Bommarito 500, keeping his championship aspirations alive.
The victory marked Dixon's 55th career win and was particularly significant as it occurred in his record-setting 320th consecutive start, a milestone he achieved just the previous week.
Dixon had held the lead for 82 laps before his final pit stop on lap 196. Since all the cars on the lead lap had to pit after his final stop, the 43-year-old managed to cross the finish line as the race winner, with a lead of over 22 seconds ahead of Pato O'Ward in second place.
Initially, Josef Newgarden started at the front due to pole-sitter Scott McLaughlin's grid penalty, and Newgarden led 101 of the first 104 laps. However, Newgarden's pursuit of becoming the first IndyCar driver since A.J. Foyt in 1964 to win six consecutive oval races came to a halt as he made contact with the wall on lap 211, ending his race.
McLaughlin, despite earning his fifth IndyCar pole, began from the 10th position due to his penalty. He managed to finish the race in fifth place.
Dixon's triumph brought him within 74 points of his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Palou, who is the current leader of the IndyCar championship standings. Dixon is the only contender for the season title against Palou, as Newgarden fell out of championship contention, trailing Palou by 125 points.
Notable incidents during the race included Marcus Ericsson losing a lap after his left rear tire came off during a pit stop, and several drivers, including Palou, receiving grid penalties for unapproved engine changes after practice sessions.
The race featured the use of Firestone Firehawk alternate tires designed with a softer compound for enhanced grip, although this choice came at the expense of quicker tire wear. Drivers were required to start the race on the primary tires and complete at least two laps on both sets of tires.
Conor Daly, competing for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, participated in his first race for the team and secured the 15th best qualifying time. Daly replaced Jack Harvey in the lineup after Harvey's release following the Gallagher Grand Prix.
The IndyCar series will resume on September 3 with the Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland, and both of the final two races of the season will be held on road courses.