The month of May is a special time for motorsports fans. Memorial Day weekend, we get three of the biggest races in the world. In the morning F1 takes center stage in the streets of Monaco, INDYCAR with the marquee event with the Indy 500, and then we close out the day with NASCAR in the Coke 600. Before we get to that glorious day INDYCAR sets the stage with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) road course. IMS being a track with multiple configurations as INDYCAR sets the stage and builds up for the INDY 500. Two-time defending INDYCAR champion Alex Paulo is on the pole.
INDYCAR Chaotic Start
https://gty.im/2151815815
In the long run to turn one, pole-sitter Alex Paulo locks up the tires, allowing the 22-year-old Danish driver Christian Lundgaard to take the lead and take control of the race. Meanwhile, in the back, cars scrambling frantically to avoid the mayhem, several cars going through the grass, most notably former F1 driver Romain Grosjean, sent off course in the may lay.
Once the dust began to settle after several laps Lundgaard lead the way with another 2 time Indycar champion right behind Team Penske Driver Will Power. Power looking to end his now 32 race winless streak was only able to once again finish second. The seventh time Power is the “bridesmaid” in his drought, and the third time in the first four races of the 2024 INDYCAR campaign.
Lundgaard, driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, shined in the first half of the race, leading 35 laps. on Lap 40, Will Power made the late lunge into pit road while the younger Lundgaard slowed down by slower lap cars. The undercut from Power was dashed after Grojean slowed up, allowing Lundgaard to hold the lead over Power.
Paulo Grabs The Lead Back
https://gty.im/2151809060
During the pit cycle, Paulo, unimpeded by lap traffic or slower cars, was able to come off the road in front of Lundgaard and Power. The Spaniard was able to build off the lead and win the Indy Grand Prix. Paulo is defending his win on the road course starting his month of May like last year but with hopes of the “Month of May Sweep” winning the Indy road course and then the Indy 500, Will Power in 2018, and Simon Pagenaud in 2019. Both are driving for Captain Roger Penske.
Colton Herta is driving for the famous Andretti Global and had a rough day qualifying. Trying to make up for running out of fuel, Herta charged his way through the field, starting 24th, and worked his way up to seventh. Herta is really growing before our eyes. Overcoming the qualifying mishap would have derailed the young driver two years ago, or they would have tried to force something and ended up wrecking. However, the poise of this young man shined in the Indy Grand Prix.
New Points Leader
https://gty.im/2151845627
With the victory, Paulo takes the points lead from Scott McLaughlin going into the Indy 500. Will Power remains in second. Seven-time champion Scott Dixon, who finished fourth in the Indy Grand Prix, is third points, and Colton Herta sits in fourth after his mighty run. With Four points-paying races in the books, this season is set to be one to be remembered.
Scott Dixon looking for his record setting eighth title, Alex Paulo looking for his third straight title. Will Power looking for his third title. Colton Herta is looking for his first along with Alex Rossi who is looking to right the ship after his move to McLaren.
Rossi, however had engine problems over the weekend. Having to scramble and change out the engine earlier in the morning after the warm up was able to come home in eighth while his teammate Pat O’Ward limped home 13th. The next race is the big one The 108th running of the Indy 500 on May 26th.
About The Author
Dillon Hildreth is a writer for Total Apex and a lifelong fan of Football with my favorite teams being the New England Patriots and the Georgia Bulldogs. Dillon is also a fan of Motorsports Red Bull in Formula One and William Byron in NASCAR. You can catch Dillon Stream F1, NASCAR, and other video games and sidecasts on Twitch.
