Palou takes third IndyCar title as Herta wins in Nashville

Alex Palou joined a league of legends of North American open-wheel racing on Sunday, winning his third NTT IndyCar Series while Colton Herta claimed his first oval win in a wild season finale at Nashville Superspeedway.

Palou finished 11th in the #10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, more than enough to collect a third gleaming Astor Challenge Cup in the last four years.

Unfortunately, the Spaniard’s closest rival, Penske’s Will Power, went out of the running just 12 laps into the race when his seatbelt popped open and forced the Aussie into a lengthy pitstop.

“I have to thank everyone working on the 10 car. Super proud,” said Palou. “It’s been an amazing year, and I’m happy we got the championship back home.”

Palou admitted that his third championship holds a special significance, as it’s his first since becoming a father.

“They say winning is the best thing in life, which I agree,” Palou said. “They say being a dad is the best thing in life, which I double agree. But when you do both in the same year, it's real super special!”

As for how the afternoon had unfolded in Music City, Herta hunted down and passed McLaren’s Pato O’Ward on Lap 202 of 2026 to earn his first career oval victory and Andretti Global’s first since since Alexander Rossi’s win in 2018 at Pocono Raceway.

"I’m so happy,” said the 24-year-old Nashville resident. “We knew we were going to have a hot rod in the race. It’s been an amazing year. I just saw I finished second in the championship, which is awesome. Hoping to do a little bit better next year.”