Alex Palou Eyes Fourth NTT INDYCAR Title with Portland Victory to Cement Racing Legacy

Alex Palou is positioned to clinch the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship once again at Portland International Raceway (PIR) during the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI, running August 8-10. The three-time INDYCAR champion, victorious in 2021, 2023, and 2024, leads the point standings and looks to repeat his past success at Portland by winning the race that could confirm his championship for 2025.

Chasing Historic Milestones at Portland International Raceway

The 27-car field will take the green flag on Sunday, August 10 at 12:22 p.m. PT on the 1.964-mile, 12-turn road course as Palou tries to join racing legends Al Unser Jr. and Michael Andretti as the third driver to win three times at Portland. Leading Pato O’Ward by 121 points, Palou needs to finish the race with a margin of at least 108 points ahead of O’Ward in the 110-lap contest to secure the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship. This achievement would mark Palou’s fourth championship in five seasons and place him alongside Dario Franchitti, Sebastien Bourdais, and Ted Horn as drivers who have won three consecutive INDYCAR titles.

Palou’s Confidence at the Challenging Portland Circuit

Palou expressed a strong connection with the Portland track, highlighting how it complements his driving style. He stated,

“Every time I’ve been (to Portland International Raceway), I’ve just felt really comfortable,”

and added,

“It’s one of those tracks that you need to drive it 99 percent. You cannot drive it 100 percent all the time because otherwise you go off pretty easily,”

emphasizing the precision required to succeed at this narrow, street-course-like road circuit.

Dominance in the 2025 Season and the Challenge from O’Ward

The 28-year-old Spaniard has dominated the 2025 season with eight wins, including the prestigious Indianapolis 500, accumulating a total of 590 points. Palou is also on track to break the INDYCAR single-season wins record of 10, currently held by A.J. Foyt (1964) and Al Unser (1970). His closest competitor, Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren, trails with 469 points and hopes to disrupt Palou’s championship bid. O’Ward has made two near-podium finishes at Portland, placing fourth in both 2022 and 2023.

Other Contenders and Weekend Highlights at Portland

Besides Palou and O’Ward, other notable drivers aim to challenge Palou’s bid for the title. Two-time Portland winner Will Power (2019, 2024) is among the front-runners looking to impact the race. Power will also be part of the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland kickoff party on August 7 at Kenton Station Restaurant & Pub in Portland, joining fellow drivers Jacob Abel and Rinus VeeKay during the initial half-hour event. Portland native Josh Pierson and other drivers from the INDY NXT by Firestone series will also attend, with fans able to view an INDYCAR show car outside the venue.

Support Races and Developmental Series Championships at PIR

The Portland weekend will also showcase drivers from four open-wheel development series feeding into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. INDY NXT by Firestone points leader Dennis Hauger, holding a 42-point lead, aims to extend his advantage with three races left in the season. Additionally, the USF Pro Championship Presented by Continental Tire, including USF Pro 2000, USF2000, and USF Juniors, will conclude their respective seasons, crowning champions and awarding scholarships during multiple races throughout the weekend.

Event Access and Upcoming Racing Attractions in Portland

Ticket prices for the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland start at $25 for single-day general admission and $65 for single-day grandstand seats. Three-day passes provide the best value, with general admission for the entire event priced at $75 and reserved grandstand seating starting at $85, which includes gate admission. Children 12 and under receive free general admission. Following this event, the Pacific Office Automation 147 NASCAR Xfinity Series race will take place at PIR on August 29-30, creating a motorsports-focused Speed Month at the venue located just south of the Columbia River along Interstate 5 in North Portland.

Maintaining Momentum and Looking Ahead for Palou and INDYCAR Fans

As Alex Palou pursues the 2025 NTT INDYCAR title and attempts to join elite company with multiple consecutive championships and Portland victories, the weekend promises intense racing and notable performances. His ongoing battle with Pato O’Ward and the presence of other skilled drivers only heighten the stakes at Portland International Raceway. Fans can anticipate thrilling competition and milestones that could solidify Palou’s racing legacy for years to come.