Palou Credits Pit Crew for Long Beach Victory

Reigning IndyCar champion says stellar pit stop was key to seizing championship lead.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:03am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the chaotic energy and motion of an IndyCar pit stop, with the car and crew members blending into a dynamic, painterly composition.Palou's pit crew executes a flawless stop, propelling the reigning champion to victory and the IndyCar points lead.Indianapolis Today

Reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou seized the championship lead with his win at the Long Beach Grand Prix, crediting his pit crew's stellar performance under caution for allowing him to get out ahead of race leader Felix Rosenqvist and secure the victory.

Why it matters

Palou's win at Long Beach extends his lead in the IndyCar championship standings, putting him in a strong position to defend his title. The role of the pit crew in executing a critical pit stop that proved decisive in the outcome highlights the importance of teamwork and execution in motorsports.

The details

Palou said he believed his chances of catching Rosenqvist for the win were low, but the pit crew's ability to get him out ahead during a caution period proved to be the difference maker. Team manager Barry Wanser praised the pit crew's consistency and smoothness under pressure, noting the team has focused on pit stop performance as a key competitive advantage.

  • Palou won the Long Beach Grand Prix on April 19, 2026.
  • The team will participate in the Indy 500 open test on April 28-29, 2026.
  • The 2026 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

The players

Alex Palou

The reigning IndyCar champion who won the Long Beach Grand Prix, extending his lead in the 2026 championship standings.

Felix Rosenqvist

The race leader whom Palou was able to get ahead of during the critical pit stop under caution.

Barry Wanser

The longtime team manager of Palou's No. 10 car, who praised the pit crew's execution and consistency as a key factor in the victory.

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What they’re saying

“He was a bit stronger than us today. My confidence was high, but I think my chances were low. I think it would have been very, very tough for us to get him. We were trying everything possible to overset our pit stop, try and get one lap further.”

— Alex Palou, Reigning IndyCar Champion

“The group has been pretty solid with pit stops the last couple years. Having the pit location and pit crew we have, it certainly was on the top of our minds coming down pit lane, knowing we have a shot at getting the win here. The guys came through.”

— Barry Wanser, Team Manager

“You just need to be smooth and consistent. That's what they were. We benefited from it.”

— Barry Wanser, Team Manager

“The pressure they had [in] that moment was pretty high. Incredible the work they did. Whenever I'm not in the zone, they kind of put [me] there with pit stop strategy or with the car.”

— Alex Palou, Reigning IndyCar Champion

“We put a lot of effort into this. It doesn't come easy. I know a lot of people are saying that. Everybody in the team is doing a great job. We're able to capitalize. It's a dream.”

— Barry Wanser, Team Manager

What’s next

The team will participate in the Indy 500 open test on April 28-29, 2026, which they hope will help them secure a second straight win at the series' biggest event. The 2026 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Palou's victory at Long Beach highlights the critical role of the pit crew in modern IndyCar racing, where split-second execution during pit stops can make the difference between winning and losing. The team's focus on pit stop performance as a competitive advantage paid off, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and attention to detail in motorsports.