“I could not have imagined”: IndyCar insider makes his feelings known on Alex Palou nearing Dario Franchitti’s 2010 landmark record

Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou entered the Detroit Grand Prix, seeking to maintain the extraordinary form that had defined his season thus far. Though he couldn't win the race due to the lap 28 incident from trailing David Malukas, he is nearing Dario Franchitti’s 2010 landmark record, highlighted by IndyCar insider Curt Cavin.

Over the opening six events, the Spaniard recorded five victories and one second-place finish, including his inaugural win at the prestigious Indianapolis 500. When Cavin was asked about the biggest surprise of the season after seven of 17 races, he answered that it was Palou being on the verge of becoming the first Indy 500 winner since Dario Franchitti in 2010 to win the championship.

"I thought Alex Palou might lead this championship effectively wire to wire, but I could not have imagined him being 112 points clear six races into the season and still 90 points up after being knocked into the tire barrier in the seventh race. Palou is crafting an all-timer of a season, and he can become the first Indy 500 winner since Dario Franchitti in 2010 to also take home the series championship," explained Curt Cavin via IndyCar. (For comparison, Franchitti won that year’s title by five points.)

Alex Palou will next be in action at the World Wide Technology Raceway on June 15.

Scott Dixon teases Indy 500 champ Alex Palou to keep him out of competition

Alex Palou (L) and Scott Dixon (R) [Images via Getty]

Scott Dixon, the most experienced and decorated driver in IndyCar history, reached a milestone with his 408th career start at this year’s Indianapolis 500. The race was won by his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Alex Palou. During the Indy 500 Victory Celebration, Dixon made a light-hearted remark about giving Palou a humorous gift, an amusing attempt to hinder the Spaniard’s current dominance.

Palou arrived at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the reigning two-time IndyCar champion, having claimed three titles over the past four seasons. His performance in the 2025 campaign has been dominant. Such a commanding start has not been seen in American open-wheel racing since 1964, when A. J. Foyt opened the season with seven consecutive wins, including the Indianapolis 500.

Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon stepped onto the stage with a lighthearted dig at the dominant Spaniard, presenting what appeared to be a gift but was, in truth, a witty attempt to poke fun.

"Also, got a surprise for Alex. I have bought yourself, your wife, and your family a summer vacation which starts this Thursday. It is for five weeks, I hope you really enjoy it, it is all included, man, whatever you need.." said Dixon.

Alex Palou is leading the NTT IndyCar Series Championship with 311 points, 90 points clear of Pato O'Ward in second.