IndyCar has announced that the impounded car belonging to Alex Palou, along with those of three other drivers, has passed technical inspection ahead of the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile event this week. The verdict comes following post-race impoundments at the Portland Grand Prix, where all four vehicles underwent thorough scrutiny to ensure compliance with the series’ regulations.
Details of the Post-Portland Technical Inspections
After Round 15 of the 2025 season at the Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland, the challengers’ cars of Alex Palou from Chip Ganassi Racing, Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren, Kyle Kirkwood representing Andretti Global, and Will Power from Team Penske were confiscated for detailed technical examination. Each vehicle was transported to Dallara’s headquarters in Speedway, Indiana—the chassis supplier for IndyCar—where 3D scanning technology was employed to detect any potential irregularities in the car’s structure and specifications.
IndyCar confirmed that prior to the Portland race, teams were informed about the planned inspections, which involved sealing and transporting one selected car per team for advanced scrutiny. The cars numbered 5, 10, 12, and 27 were identified for this process. After a comprehensive analysis, all four vehicles successfully complied with the series’ rulebook. They were subsequently returned to their respective teams by late last week, clearing the way for competition at the Milwaukee Mile.
“As noted, following the Indianapolis 500 when IndyCar scanned four team cars and crash structures, IndyCar again impounded four cars following the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland, sealed them and had them delivered to the Dallara headquarters in Indianapolis for continued use of scanning technology to ensure that all cars were within the rules as outlined,” IndyCar said via Racer.
“This was planned, internally, prior to the race and the impacted teams were notified that one of its cars (selected following the checkered flag) would go through this process. Post-race, car Nos. 5, 10, 12 and 27 were selected. All cars cleared and were returned to the teams late last week.”
Alex Palou’s Performance and Championship Progress at Portland
At the Portland race, Alex Palou was positioned to potentially secure the 2025 IndyCar drivers‘ championship. The event unfolded favorably for Palou, as his closest competitor, Pato O’Ward, suffered a disappointing Did Not Finish (DNF). Capitalizing on this, Palou finished in third place, clinching his fourth drivers’ title with several races remaining in the season.
Reflecting on this achievement during post-race interviews, Palou expressed immense gratitude and enthusiasm for his progress and his team.
“It’s unbelievable. It’s crazy. I couldn’t be happier right now. This has been an amazing season, an amazing five years with CGR. I have no words to describe how grateful I am to everybody at CGR, especially Chip (Ganassi, co-owner), our partners and all our fans,” Alex Palou said via Motorsport.
Since his debut in American open-wheel racing in 2020, Palou has rapidly established himself as a top competitor. This season, he has accumulated a total of 626 points, bolstered by eight victories and five pole positions. As the season enters its final rounds, Palou aims to add a couple more race wins to his record.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Races and the 2025 IndyCar Schedule
Following the Milwaukee Mile event in West Allis, Wisconsin, the 2025 season will feature only one remaining Grand Prix. Round 17, titled the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix, is scheduled for August 31. As the championship reaches its climax, maintaining compliance with technical standards and consistent on-track performance will be critical for Palou and his competitors alike.
