IndyCar News: Palou Among Best First 100-Race Runs in Series History

By taking the green flag this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou (pictured) will reach a milestone that further highlights one of the most remarkable starts to a career in modern IndyCar history.

Through his first 99 career starts, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver has recorded 20 victories, 13 poles and 45 podium finishes, placing him among the most successful drivers in series history through their first century of races.

At just 28 years old, Palou’s early-career résumé stacks up with many of the sport’s all-time legends. Over the last 66 years, his 20 wins through 99 starts tie him with four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears, while his four championships before his 100th start match the early dominance of racing legend A. J. Foyt and Sebastien Bourdais, who won four consecutive titles in Champ Car from 2003-07. The milestone underscores Palou’s consistency and winning pace during his rise to becoming one of the defining drivers of the current IndyCar era.

Notes of Interest:

• In Good Company: Since 1960, only Bourdais (31), Foyt (29) and Mario Andretti (27) have recorded more victories in their first 100 starts. Palou is the youngest of the group, completing all his IndyCar success to date at just 28 years old.
• On a Roll: Palou has won three consecutive championships and four of the last five. He also picked up a win in St. Petersburg to begin the 2026 season. His 12.49 second margin of victory was the largest in the race’s history.

Palou One of Nine Drivers in History to Win 20+ Races in First 100 Starts

Per CGR Research. Statistics up to and through first 100 IndyCar starts, or most recent if less than 100.