IndyCar Rookie Hauger Pulls Off Jaw-Dropping Save

Newgarden wins at Phoenix as Palou's title streak ends in crash

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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IndyCar returned to Phoenix Raceway for the first time since 2018, with Josef Newgarden taking the win. However, the most memorable moment came from rookie Dennis Hauger, who managed to save his car after a wild spin that had him driving in reverse down the backstretch. Meanwhile, four-time champion Álex Palou saw his streak of over 600 days atop the championship standings come to an end after a crash with Rinus Veekay.

Why it matters

IndyCar's return to Phoenix Raceway provided an exciting race, with Hauger's incredible save and Palou's championship implications standing out as key storylines. The race showcased the skill and unpredictability of the series, which is looking to build momentum heading into the rest of the season.

The details

Early in the race, rookie Dennis Hauger was being chased by Christian Rasmussen when he lost control of his No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda. Despite the car appearing headed for the barrier, Hauger managed to save it and wound up rolling down the backstretch in reverse, demonstrating impressive car control. Later in the race, four-time champion Álex Palou was involved in a crash with Rinus Veekay that ended his day and put his long-standing championship lead in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Christian Rasmussen led 69 laps before sustaining damage in a run-in with Will Power, allowing Josef Newgarden to take the win, followed by Kyle Kirkwood and David Malukas.

  • The race took place on March 7, 2026 at Phoenix Raceway.
  • Hauger's incredible save occurred early in the race.
  • Palou's championship-altering crash happened later in the event.

The players

Dennis Hauger

An IndyCar rookie driver who pulled off a jaw-dropping save during the race at Phoenix Raceway.

Josef Newgarden

The winner of the IndyCar race at Phoenix Raceway, his second victory at the track.

Álex Palou

The four-time IndyCar champion whose long-standing championship lead was put in jeopardy after a crash at Phoenix Raceway.

Christian Rasmussen

An IndyCar driver who led 69 laps at Phoenix Raceway before sustaining damage in a run-in with Will Power.

Rinus Veekay

The IndyCar driver involved in the crash with Álex Palou that ended Palou's day.

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What’s next

IndyCar's season-opening tripleheader wraps up next week with the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington.

The takeaway

IndyCar's return to Phoenix Raceway provided an exciting race filled with memorable moments, from rookie Dennis Hauger's jaw-dropping save to four-time champion Álex Palou's championship implications-altering crash. The race showcased the skill and unpredictability of the series as it looks to build momentum heading into the rest of the season.