Fuel strategy played a crucial role in determining the outcome of Sunday’s race. The NTT IndyCar Series returned to the streets of Long Beach after a significant break in the calendar. As the race began, an early yellow flag initiated an intriguing battle of fuel-saving strategies.
Scott Dixon, not surprisingly, opted for a strategy that required him to conserve fuel throughout the race. He executed this plan perfectly and managed to withstand the pressure from his competitors at the end, securing his 57th career victory.
Colton Herta secured second place, in part due to a daring move he made on Josef Newgarden in the final laps as both drivers were chasing Dixon.
Alex Palou completed the podium, avoiding trouble on the track and making an impressive climb from sixth place. This result further extends his remarkable streak of top-ten finishes, dating back to 2022.
The wait for the third race of the 2024 season will not be long, as the entire paddock will gather at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama next weekend.