Alex Palou, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver and three-time IndyCar Series champion, recently expressed enthusiasm about Fox Corporation’s acquisition of a one-third stake in Penske Entertainment, the parent company of IndyCar. Announced on July 31, this deal is expected to significantly boost the sport’s visibility and broadcasting reach, marking a pivotal moment in IndyCar racing.
Fox Corporation secured exclusive broadcasting rights for IndyCar as part of this strategic partnership. The announcement came following the Indianapolis 500 in May, which experienced a 41% increase in viewership under Fox’s coverage compared to NBC’s previous broadcasts. Palou highlighted how this alliance is positioned to enhance the promotion of races and drivers, creating broader access for fans nationwide.
Palou’s Perspective on Fox Corporation Joining IndyCar
When asked about his views on the Fox-IndyCar deal, Alex Palou reflected on the advantages of partnering with an established media giant. He emphasized that Fox’s existing capabilities in reaching large audiences could bring substantial benefits for both parties.
“I think having a partner like this that they don’t need to look for the media — not the media. They don’t need to look for how to reach more people. They can reach more people. So having somebody in your team that already is capable of doing that and it needs only to find ways to do it appropriately and make sense for the business on the INDYCAR side and their side, I think it’s going to be huge.” —Alex Palou, IndyCar Driver
Current Season: Palou’s Outstanding Performance
Alex Palou’s 2025 season has been remarkable, with the driver claiming victory in eight of the fourteen races held so far. His consistent performance has placed him firmly at the top of the championship standings, leading by an impressive 121 points over his closest competitor, Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren.
Reflecting on the Mid-Ohio Race Setback
Despite a strong overall season, Palou shared candid reflections on his runner-up finish at the recent Mid-Ohio race. On lap 80 of the 90-lap event, Palou made a critical error by going wide while entering turn nine, which caused him to lose positions and ultimately surrender the race win to his teammate, Scott Dixon.
Palou described the incident and its aftermath during an interview with IndyCar staff writer Curt Cavin, expressing a balanced and pragmatic outlook that highlights his resilience and focus on future races.
“That’s why probably it’s not going to take two days to recover (from throwing away Sunday’s race). It’s going to take just a couple of hours. It’s still an amazing result, finishing second, running up front, leading 75 laps, getting the pole, and just running really, really fast all weekend. It’s been amazing and (extended) the points lead as well.” —Alex Palou, IndyCar Driver
Palou led for 75 laps during the Mid-Ohio event, demonstrating his competitive edge despite the late setback. According to his current championship tally, Palou has accumulated 590 points and is chasing his fourth title in five years, including a third consecutive championship run.
What the Fox-IndyCar Alliance Means Moving Forward
The involvement of Fox Corporation in IndyCar through this historic deal is set to transform the sport’s reach and commercial growth. For Alex Palou and his peers, this partnership could lead to increased exposure, sponsorship opportunities, and fan engagement. With Palou’s outstanding current form and the backing of such a significant media partner, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most impactful in recent IndyCar history.
