Palou keeps crushing it - racks in win #8 at Laguna Seca

©IndyCar/Paul Hurley

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©IndyCar/Paul Hurley

At this point, Alex Palou winning an IndyCar round is less a surprise and more a scheduled program — and Sunday’s Java House Grand Prix at Laguna Seca felt like yet another rerun.

The Chip Ganassi Racing ace delivered his eighth victory of the season in utterly dominant fashion, leading 84 of 95 laps from pole and extending his championship lead to a yawning 121 points with just three races to go.

“It’s been an awesome weekend, an awesome year (and) today was something else,” said Palou. “It’s super fun to be here – one of my favorite tracks for sure. I couldn’t be happier right now.”

©IndyCar/Paul Hurley

Now boasting 19 wins in just 95 career starts, the 28-year-old joins an exclusive club of drivers with eight wins in a single season — a feat last achieved in 2007. Palou only briefly surrendered the lead during the event’s pit stops, cruising to victory while his rivals scrambled behind. Arrow Mclaren’s Christian Lundgaard and Andretti’s Colton Herta rounded out the podium.

With an average finish of 1.6 at Laguna Seca, Palou’s mastery of the California track borders on predictable — and he’s not done yet. Next up: Portland, where he's also made a habit of winning.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.