Big multi-car crash overshadows second Iowa IndyCar race
2024-07-14
Dramatic Finale Caps Thrilling Iowa IndyCar Doubleheader
The second race of the 2024 Iowa IndyCar doubleheader was marked by a dramatic final-lap crash that overshadowed an otherwise processional event. Despite the incident, the race saw several notable storylines, including a dominant victory for Will Power and a continued championship battle between Alex Palou and the rest of the field.
The final laps of the race were marred by a horrific crash involving Sting Ray Robb. The incident was set in motion when eighth-placed Alexander Rossi slowed, leading to a collision with Robb at high speed. Robb's car was launched into the air, barrel-rolled upon landing, and continued to skid down the straight before coming to a stop. Rossi, Ed Carpenter, and Kyle Kirkwood were also involved in the incident, but all were checked and released by the medical team.Robb was transported to a local hospital by helicopter as a precaution, with IndyCar reporting that he was "awake, alert and in good condition." The crash overshadowed an otherwise tense battle for the win between championship leader Palou and the resurgent Power.
Power Prevails in Dominant Outing
The race itself was a relatively processional affair, with drivers focused on managing their tires and fuel. Palou took the lead early on, but Power, who had started 19th, jumped to second by pitting under a caution. The two then engaged in a strategic battle, with Power eventually emerging victorious after a well-executed final pit stop.The win was Power's first oval triumph since Pocono in 2019 and helped him close the gap to Palou in the championship standings. The Penske driver's performance was a marked turnaround from his disappointing Saturday race, where he was penalized for speeding in the pits and for crashing into Pietro Fittipaldi under caution.
Palou Rebounds from Saturday Crash
Despite the lost win, Palou had reason to celebrate, having rebounded from a Saturday race crash that he had described as "unacceptable." The Spaniard's second-place finish allowed him to maintain his lead in the championship, with Power now 35 points behind.The race also saw a strong performance from Scott McLaughlin, who followed up his Saturday win with a third-place finish. Scott Dixon and Colton Herta rounded out the top five, while Josef Newgarden came up just short of catching Pato O'Ward, settling for seventh.Newgarden, who had turned 22nd into fourth on Saturday, struggled to overcome his poor qualifying position on the single-lane track, where he had previously won five of the seven preceding races. The Penske driver's inability to make significant progress through the field highlighted the challenges posed by the Iowa circuit's repaved surface.
