Dan Wheldon made the No. 10 famous in the NTT IndyCar Series during his career and run with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Alex Palou is hoping to follow in his footsteps.
The 24-year old Spaniard earned his first career victory on Sunday during the tour’s 2021 season opener – ascending to the points lead while driving Chip Ganassi owned No. 10.
Using a two-stop strategy, Palou was able to put himself out front late in the race, and held off a pair of former champions in Will Power and Scott Dixon to get a trip to victory lane.
Palou becomes the first driver since Wheldon (2007) to start the season off with the victory in the No. 10 car. Coincidentally, he becomes the first driver since Wheldon (2006) to win in his Chip Ganassi Racing debut.
Pato O’Ward started out front and commanded the race lead early, but once Palou established his two-stop strategy in the 90 lap race, O’Ward’s shot at a win diminished.
The young driver in his sophomore season with IndyCar managed his tires as well as anyone did on Sunday.
As good of a day as it was for the youngsters, was as bad for some of the heavy hitters in the series.
Both Josef Newgarden and Colton Herta – a pair of championship contenders – had their days ended on the first lap of the race.
Here's the extended replay of that wreck from Josef Newgarden.
A couple of big contenders for the championship in himself and Colton Herta out for the day. #IndyCar #HIGPA
🎥 @IndyCaronNBCpic.twitter.com/IOf1HuXegt
— Connor Ferguson (@cfchangs9) April 18, 2021
Now? Palou is P1 in the standings.
O’Ward was able to get back by Sebastien Bourdais after he was passed by the veteran at one point in the race, rounding out the top five.
Rinus VeeKay was part of the spin on the first lap but salvaged a P6 finish in front of Graham Rahal, who built up his P7 run throughout the day.
Romain Grosjean was the top placing rookie in the race, rounding out the top 10. Jimmie Johnson spun 12 laps into the day, forcing him a lap down and burying him to a P19 run.
The series returns right away next week, going live at 11:30 a.m. CT on NBC for a run at the Streets of St. Pete. All of the coverage can be found here on Always Race Day.
IndyCar Results
Barber Motorsports Park
1. Alex Palou
2. Will Power
3. Scott Dixon
4. Pato O’Ward
5. Sebastien Bourdais
6. Rinus VeeKay
7. Graham Rahal
8. Marcus Ericsson
9. Alexander Rossi
10. Romain Grosjean (R)
11. Jack Harvey
12. Simon Pagenaud
13. Takuma Sato
14. Scott McLaughlin (R)
15. Ed Jones
16. Conor Daly
17. James Hinchcliffe
18. Dalton Kellett
19. Jimmie Johnson (R)
20. Max Chilton
21. Felix Rosenqvist
22. Colton Herta
23. Josef Newgarden
24. Ryan Hunter-Reay
