Alex Palou made history by winning his first Indianapolis 500 at the 109th running of the event on Sunday, May 25. Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Palou became the first Spanish driver to claim victory in the iconic race, capping off a successful five-year IndyCar career that includes three championships. Following this milestone, Palou revealed his interest in expanding his racing portfolio to include NASCAR, especially on road and street circuits, reflecting a new chapter in his motorsport journey.
Palou’s Interest in NASCAR Focused on Road and Street Courses
In a recent conversation with retired NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick, Alex Palou openly discussed his willingness to race in NASCAR events, emphasizing his preference for non-oval tracks. Growing up in Europe, Palou’s experience primarily involved road and street courses, with ovals being a newer challenge in his career since joining IndyCar in 2020. He acknowledged the stark differences between IndyCar and NASCAR cars and racing styles but expressed enthusiasm about testing his skills in NASCAR’s road-oriented races.
“Oh, absolutely. I’ll be down for that (racing in NASCAR),” Palou said. “I mean, it’s a very different car, it’s a very different kind of racing. I know I would get smashed by all of you guys on ovals, but I would love to give it a try at a road or a street course.”
—Alex Palou, Driver
Before his landmark Indy 500 win, Palou’s success came exclusively on road and street circuits, with all 15 of his previous IndyCar victories achieved on these types of tracks. His win at Indianapolis marked his first triumph on an oval, proving his adaptability. Palou’s versatility is further demonstrated by his participation in the IMSA Sportscar Championship, where he recently secured a podium finish at the 12 Hours of Sebring with Acura Meyer Shank Racing.
Competitiveness Will Guide Palou’s NASCAR Decision
Motor racing careers often involve navigating team dynamics and equipment competitiveness, especially in series like IndyCar where performance gaps exist even among spec cars. For Palou, maintaining a competitive edge is paramount in any potential switch to NASCAR, as he has made clear his preference for joining teams capable of contending for victories.
“I would like to try other cars, like NASCAR cars. I would love to get in a NASCAR on a road course and just try how it feels. But as well, only with preparation. Only if a good opportunity comes up. I enjoy driving every single thing, but only if I can compete. If I cannot compete because of myself or the equipment, it’s a lot tougher,”
—Alex Palou, Driver
This cautious but optimistic outlook aligns with Chip Ganassi Racing’s outstanding 2025 season so far, where Palou has contributed to five wins out of six races, indicating a peak period for both driver and team. His next challenge remains the Detroit Grand Prix, set from May 30 to June 1, held on a street circuit where Palou previously triumphed in 2023. His teammate and record four-time winner Scott Dixon will be among his toughest rivals at this event, underscoring the competitive environment within the team and series.
The Future Path for Palou in American Motorsport
Alex Palou’s first Indy 500 victory not only cements his place in racing history but also opens doors for exciting future ventures, particularly in NASCAR’s road and street race formats. His ability to transition between different racing disciplines, proven by his success in open-wheel IndyCar, sports cars, and endurance racing, suggests a promising adaptability should he pursue this next step. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how Palou balances his commitments and whether his ambition to race in NASCAR materializes, potentially enriching the crossover appeal between American motorsport categories.
