The XPEL Grand Prix held at Road America on June 22, 2025, showcased a tightly contested race that had fans on the edge of their seats. Alex Palou, behind the wheel of car number 10, clinched victory in the ninth round of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with a remarkable finish time of 01:53:30.5917.
"It feels amazing to win here at Road America. The team worked hard, and we had a perfect strategy today," said Palou, highlighting the teamwork and preparation that contributed to his success.
Felix Rosenqvist finished not far behind in second place, crossing the line just 2.1725 seconds later. "We had a good car, and I think we did everything we could to challenge Alex, but he was too strong today," said Rosenqvist, reflecting on his performance and the overall competitiveness of the race.
Santino Ferrucci took home third place, maintaining a consistent pace throughout the event. "I’m really proud of how we executed our race. We were able to capitalize on some opportunities and secure a podium finish, which is great for the team," Ferrucci stated, showcasing his tactical driving.
The race at the 4.014-mile track saw a total of 55 laps, during which drivers dealt with fluctuating positions and multiple lead changes. Scott Dixon, who led for a total of 27 laps, expressed his disappointment despite a strong performance. "We had a solid pace, but some contact early on set us back. It’s always frustrating to have something out of your control affect the outcome," Dixon lamented.
Throughout the race, caution flags were raised multiple times due to contact incidents among cars. Of note, the first caution was triggered as cars 4 and 51 collided in Turn 3. "Cautions are part of racing, but today they definitely shook things up and added to the tension," said Marcus Ericsson, who also faced challenges during the race.
With 11 lead changes occurring, the competition was fierce, but strategy played a crucial role, as highlighted by race statistics. The only race penalty announced involved car 18, which jumped a restart, causing it to start at the back of the field, a situation that tested both skill and resolve for the team involved.
The event concluded with an average speed of 116.696 mph and a remarkable fastest lap set by Rosenqvist at 135.327 mph. "Seeing those lap times is a reminder of how competitive we are in this series. It pushes all of us to raise the bar every time we hit the track," Rosenqvist added.
As the drivers gear up for the upcoming races, the implications of this competition ripple through the standings. Palou firmed his position as a contender for the championship, sitting atop the points leaderboard with a total of 386 points. "Every point counts, and today was a huge boost for us. We just need to stay focused and consistent in the upcoming events," Palou asserted confidently.
Looking forward, the INDYCAR SERIES continues to heat up with each race, as drivers aim to capitalize on their performances in hopes of capturing the season title. Fans and teams alike anticipate more thrilling encounters in the upcoming rounds, eager to see if Palou can maintain his dominant position or if other competitors will rise to the challenge. With the team dynamics and driver skills on full display, the excitement of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES remains unstoppable.