Palou in Doubt for IndyCar Title

Alexander Rossi expressed optimism about securing a ride in the IndyCar series for the upcoming season, despite uncertainty surrounding his future. Meanwhile, David Malukas clarified that he was not brought to tears by Will Power following a crash during last week’s race. The incident has sparked discussions among drivers about potential changes to the restart zones, particularly after Josef Newgarden's controversial tactics led to a late-race collision that heightened tensions on the track. The Portland road course, known for its challenging 12-turn layout, has been a successful venue for Alex Palou, who has claimed two victories there in the past three years and is the defending race winner. Power noted that Palou would need a "Did Not Finish" (DNF) to have a chance at the title, emphasizing the competitive nature of the series as the season progresses. Malukas recounted his emotional response after a collision with Power, which he felt jeopardized his chance at victory. He explained that Power's initial anger was directed at Newgarden's restart strategy, which led to a chain reaction that ended both their races. However, Malukas later found Power to be apologetic, indicating a shift in emotions after the race. As the drivers prepare for the next event in Milwaukee, they anticipate clearer guidelines regarding the restart zones to prevent further confusion. Newgarden defended his approach to the restart, asserting it was within the rules, which have been described as ambiguous by many in the series.