Photo Courtesy of Honda Racing
Staff report
Portland, Oregon – September 3, 2023
Alex Palou emerged as the winner of the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Palou also clinched the 2023 IndyCar Championship with the win.
Palou, driving Car No. 10, started fifth on the grid and completed 110 laps around the Portland International Raceway circuit in a total time of 01:57:01.9814. He led for 69 of those laps.
“We made it to victory lane in Portland and I could not be happier with this moment because we clinched the championship. Barry, we are missing you, but we are looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you to The American Legion and Parkland for all your support this year. It’s been an amazing year and we still have one to go,” said Palou.
Felix Rosenqvist, behind the wheel of Car No. 6 started 11th and finished the race in second place, just a few seconds behind Palou, with a total time of 01:57:07.4167.
Scott Dixon, driving Car No. 9, managed to secure the third spot on the podium, completing the race in 01:57:10.0483 after starting fourth.
“We had a pretty good run and then we kind of got caught up in traffic. First of all, huge congrats to the No. 10 team on winning the championship. We tried the red ones there but then they left the car there, waited for the leaders to pit and it cycled out. It is what it is. I think we had a good second place car and perhaps the pace of Alex, but congratulations to them,” said Dixon.
Pato O’Ward, Josef Newgarden, and Rinus VeeKay rounded out the top six finishers.
O’Ward fumed after the race, “
https://us.motorsport.com/indycar/news/pato-oward-fumes-lapped-cars-indycar-podium/10515957/
The race featured intense competition, with drivers pushing the limits of their cars and battling for position throughout the event. Several drivers faced challenges, including mechanical issues and contact, leading to retirements from the race.
Notably, Romain Grosjean’s race ended prematurely due to contact, while Agustin Canapino had to retire due to mechanical problems.
In the championship standings, Alex Palou’s victory earned him 53 points, consolidating his position as winner of the season title. It was Palou’s second title in the past three years.
