Alex Palou, reigning IndyCar champion, secured a commanding win at the 109th Indy 500 on May 25, marking his fifth victory in six races this season. His impressive performance at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has led to debates over whether the series should adjust its rules to level the playing field and enhance competition.
Palou’s team owner, Chip Ganassi of Chip Ganassi Racing, dismissed suggestions of altering regulations by pointing to a similar situation in another sport involving rising star Caitlin Clark in the WNBA.
Chip Ganassi Compares Palou’s Success to Caitlin Clark’s Impact in the WNBA
Caitlin Clark has had an extraordinary rookie season in the WNBA during 2024, breaking numerous records and propelling the Indiana Fever into the playoffs for the first time in eight years while earning the Rookie of the Year title. Ganassi drew parallels between Clark’s breakthrough in basketball and Palou’s dominance in IndyCar.
“You hear all kind of things. When there’s a superstar that comes along in any sport and starts to win, people say, well, maybe we should change the way the championship is done or something. Do they say that about Caitlin Clark when she shows up and starts changing the WNBA? Do they say, well, let’s change the rules around her, then, or something?” Ganassi questioned.
“I think they should embrace a champion like that. The guy is a great guy, and he’s a great champion, and he’s a great ambassador to the sport. They should embrace it.”
Although Clark was scheduled to wave the green flag to start day two of Indy 500 qualifying on May 18, she withdrew due to a scheduling conflict. Speculation about her attending the 2025 Indy 500 also did not come to fruition.
Alex Palou Receives Enthusiastic Support from Indiana Pacers Fans
Following his Indy 500 victory, Palou was warmly received at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, just a few miles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the Indiana Pacers hosted Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks. Palou expressed eagerness to connect with local fans during the post-race media session.
“Hopefully, they let me go to the Pacers game. That’s going to help some people in Indiana to know me,” Palou said in the post-race press conference.
IndyCar officials expedited Palou’s media obligations so he could attend the basketball game, where he appeared courtside wearing a Tyrese Haliburton jersey, similar to what he donned at the Indy 500 festival parade. He also carried his winner’s wreath and traditional bottle of milk from the race.
The crowd gave Palou a thunderous ovation during his mid-court introduction in the second quarter, highlighting his rising profile among Indiana sports fans. Despite his support, the Pacers lost to the Knicks 106-100, trailing in the best-of-seven series 1-2.
Palou’s Commanding Lead Highlights His Season-Long Dominance
After only six races this season, Alex Palou has built a massive lead of 112 points over Pato O’Ward, who finished third on the Indy 500 podium. Palou’s consistent top finishes and multiple wins have established him as the clear frontrunner for the 2025 IndyCar championship, fueling conversations about competitiveness in the series and possible future rule adjustments.
