Alex Palu returned to the familiar settings of the winner Circle on Sunday, taking Xpel Grand Prix in the US to his sixth win this season for his sixth win on Sunday for his sixth win in 2.175 seconds.
Spaniereard registered its first win since Indianapolis 500 and increased its major lead in the championship standing on Kail Kirkwood by 93 points.
Sweden’s Felix Rousnakwist finished second, and Santino Feruuki continued a warm stretch by giving third place. Kirkwood and New Zealand’s Marcus Armstrong dropped out of the top five.
Palu led only six of the 55 laps of the race, but squeezed the victory over low fuel. He drafted the back of New Zealand fellow Chip Ganasi driver Scott Dixon to save fuel at one point.
Some cars that ended after Palu were walking on the empty and stopped before completing the Coldown Lap.
“It was a crazy race. I had moments that I thought we were losing a ton (more) situation, as much as we were making,” said Palu. “It was a difficult race for everyone, but for the amazing strategy for the team Kudos, and Honda, Man. HRC was able to give us fuel benefits that we needed to make it at the end.”
Dixon led a race-high 27 laps, but was forced to pit with two. He slipped to ninth place.
Connectic native Ferruchi was in a festive mood after his fourth straightforward top finish, including fifth place in Indianapolis 500 and second place in Detroit Grand Prix.
His car also had a special liver on the AJ Foet Enterprises to honor the team sponsor Marlin Sexton for a long time, who died on June 11 at the age of 86.
“It goes to a Marlin,” said Feruki. “She was riding with us today, I am very proud and yes, it’s a little sweet.”
-Bield level media
