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Spain's Alex Palou offered his country and himself their first IndyCar title at the series' finale in Long Beach on Sunday.
The 24-year-old Chip Ganassi Racing driver won the ultra-competitive championship in just his second season in the US.
Ahead of Sunday's finale, Palou had two title rivals to contend with: Arrow McLaren's Pato O'Ward and Penske's Jozef Newgarden.
The Spaniard's championship hopes were dealt a massive boost at the outset when O'Ward was punted out of the running by a clumsy move by Ed Jones, while poleman Newgarden drove a strong race to finish second behind the day's winner, Andretti Autosport's Colton Herta.
But Palou's conservative run to P4 ensured the CGR driver's remarkable coronation.
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"What a race, what a year, what a season!" Palou said during the post-race celebrations.
"This team is amazing. I’m super proud to be a part of Chip Ganassi Racing, all our partners. I’m super proud to be a champion and for the opportunity these guys gave me.
"Dream completed. Let’s get another one now."
