As the checkered flag waved on the 2026 NTT Indycar season, Scott McLaughlin broke his two-year-long win drought with a 1.37 second victory at Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA.
McLaughlin took pole position in the qualifying session on Saturday. He led 87 out of 95 laps, only falling behind during pit stop cycles. After lap four, after rookie of the year Dennis Hauger was hit from behind by Sting Ray Robb, McLaughlin took the reins on the restart and controlled the pace for most of the race.
This was McLaughlin’s first win in 36 races, despite securing multiple podiums. He mentioned in his post-race interview that this is also the first time his daughter has seen him win a race.
“My little girl hasn’t seen me win yet, and now she has,” McLaughlin told FOX Sports after the race. “So, dad’s coming home with a trophy, baby. Let’s go!”
Kyle Kirkwood secured second place, but not just in the race. He secured second in the championship standings, as Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard finished sixth and Pato O’Ward finished 10th.
Kirkwood had a strong season, winning two races and leading 220 laps. He’s secured 10 top-five finishes, and 15 top-10 finishes. He ended the season with 545 points, just 86 points behind Alex Palou. Last season, he ended up fourth with 433 points. He’s improved drastically, and could be a strong championship contender for the 2027 season.
Ed Carpenter Racing’s Alexander Rossi got his first podium of 2026 with a third-place finish. Rossi finished 15th in the standings this season with 307 points. The podium in Monterey was his only top-five finish of the season.
Ed Carpenter Racing faced struggles all throughout the season, whether it was wrecks or mechanical issues. As they look ahead to 2027, this podium finish provides the team with enough data to work on next season’s car.
To celebrate Alex Palou’s fifth championship, Palou and team owner Chip Ganassi were presented a championship ring and the Indycar championship trophy. Palou and the podium celebrated with champagne, confetti, and the crowd.
Now the series looks ahead to the 2027 season. Mick Schumacher is taking over the No.60 of Felix Rosenqvist while he joins Arrow McLaren, alongside Scott Dixon. Conor Daly will be returning to the grid with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing. Other signings, including Scott Dixon’s Chip Ganassi seat. As the Indycar series heads into the offseason, some drivers will focus on signing for 2027, keeping their eye on the prize: beating Alex Palou.