IndyCar News: Alex Palou Slams Iowa Speedway Races - 'Most Boring Thing I've Ever Done'

Alex Palou criticized the recent races at Iowa Speedway deeming them as incredibly dull.

Jun 21, 2024; Salinas, California, USA; Chip Ganassi Racing driver Alex Palou (10) of Spain speaks after winning pole position during qualifying for the Grand Prix Of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Palou, currently leading the IndyCar Championship, did not mince words about the recent races at Iowa Speedway, labeling them as “the most boring thing I’ve ever done.” During an event that failed to live up to its thrilling reputation, spectators and racers alike were left wanting more.

Palou’s disapproval was evident as he stood on the podium, finishing second in the latter race of the double-header. His frustration, however, was heightened by a crash in the initial race, which only added to his critical view. Speaking to Motorsport.com, he outlined the monotony that plagued the event. He explained:

“Bit of a shame that we couldn't really do anything to pass or to do anything. Bit of a boring race for everybody: drivers, media.

“It's the most boring thing I've ever done. It was yesterday, as well.

“It's a shame that we couldn't really put a better show. I think everybody will agree that it was a very boring race to drive.”

The core of the issue appears rooted in the recent track repavement, tailored primarily for NASCAR’s Cup Series debut weekend. While the improvements were intended to amp up the spectacle for NASCAR races, they inadvertently diminished the IndyCar races' dynamism. Increased tire degradation limited drivers' ability to overtake, stifling competition and dampening the race's excitement.

Compared to the previous year, overtakes plunged dramatically from 319 to 100 in the series' first 2024 race and from 379 to 95 in the second. With a total of merely 195 overtakes across the weekend, the event strayed far from the high-energy contests fans and drivers expected.

Addressing the altered conditions, Palou offered a somber technical analysis:

“Even when leading or being in the middle of the pack, the package of IndyCar’s tire, aero, engine, whatever we had on track this weekend, it was impossible to make it run. It was never an issue before.

“It was a repave for our cars. But, having that said, we've seen other series here run well. I mean, we cannot compare. It's like putting a MotoGP on dirt. It's a cool track, but you cannot expect a very nice race.

“It was a shame because it used to be a really cool race I think for the fans with tons of overtaking and tons of tire deg and things to do. I don't know. I don't have the answers.”