Alex palou crowned for fifth time at victory lap celebration
The king's reign officially continues. was presented with the Astor Challenge Cup for his fifth NTT IndyCar Series championship—which includes a record-tying fourth in a row—at the Victory Lap celebration on Sunday night, Sept. 6 at The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, California. Celebrating Palou's title served as the absolute highlight of a ceremony filled with awards as the 2026 season wrapped up following the Mission Foods Grand Prix of Monterey on Sunday at , a race won by of Team Penske.
Host Lindsay Czarniak took the stage to honor the top five drivers in the final standings: Palou, of Andretti Global, and of Arrow McLaren, and of Team Penske. But Palou's honors were only one piece of a massive celebration marking a record 18th IndyCar Series championship season for Chip Ganassi Racing. Chip Ganassi himself was saluted and spoke as the reigning championship team owner, while longtime CGR and Palou mechanic Ricky Davis received the Pennzoil Chief Mechanic Award.
There was plenty of recognition to go around for the rest of the paddock, too. of Dale Coyne Racing took home the 2026 NTT IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year award for finishing as the top-scoring first-year driver in the championship, marking the second straight year Hauger has claimed a major award after winning the Indy NXT by Firestone championship in 2025. On the manufacturing side, Honda and its Honda Racing Corporation USA division were deservedly honored for winning this season's manufacturers' championship.
INDYCAR's development series also shared the spotlight. Newly crowned Indy NXT by Firestone champion of Cape Powered by ECR was saluted on stage after becoming the youngest-ever champion in series history at 18 years old. With the 2026 campaign officially in the books, the machinery will rest for just a brief moment before the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series season opens on Sunday, March 7 on the of St. Petersburg, Florida.
