32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 24-30, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com SPORTS Over his 18 seasons as an IndyCar driver, Will Power has seen harrowing battles on track and championships decided by the final race. “That area you play in is tight,” he says. “But then there’s Palou.” Alex Palou and his no. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda have dominated the 2025 NTT IndyCar schedule. He reeled off six wins in the first seven races. And although he claimed just one checkered flag since, Palou has recorded 10 top five finishes in the 13 events leading up to the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey. “For me, it’s crazy,” Palou says. “Three championships, the Indy 500— I’m not believing what’s going on.” Such was the Ganassi Racing driver’s lead over the field that a miscue at Toronto last Sunday—a series of cautions threw off team strategy—that left him in 12th barely opened the door in the season points battle. Palou enters the weekend at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca 99 points ahead of no. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet Pato O’Ward and a comfortable 173 in front of Kyle Kirkwood and the no. 27 Andretti Honda. (A race win pays 50 points.) After Laguna Seca there are just three opportunities—Portland, Milwaukee and the season finale at Nashville—to catch the series leader. In his six years on the IndyCar circuit, Palou has three titles—2021, 2023 and 2024. And he has been successful at Laguna Seca, claiming his first championship with a second-place finish in 2021 and winning in 2022 and 2024. His teammate, six-time champion Scott Dixon, took the checkered flag in 2023, marking the Ganassi cars as formidable on the 11-turn, 2.23-mile course. “I love how the car feels here,” Palou says. “I love the track.” Last year Palou struggled at the start of the race, falling back in the pack. The team decided to gamble on strategy, trading fuel mileage for pace. Palou credits the team’s focus for his success. Apart from the hiccup in Toronto, race strategy has been sharp. Pit stops have been quick. But, he adds, “It could all change in one weekend.” That gives hope to the other teams. “You’re not going to catch him in the championship, but you can challenge him for race wins,” Power says. “I’d certainly like to contend with him.” Java House Grand Prix of Monterey 8am FridaySunday, July 25-27. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. $11/Friday; $109/Saturday; $140/Sunday; $202/weekend. weathertechraceway.com. JOE SKIBINSKI Chasing Alex While one driver has pulled away in points, the raceday battles continue in IndyCar. By Dave Faries Alex Palou on his way to victory at Laguna Seca in 2024. This year he has seven wins in 13 IndyCar races. “You don’t see that,” says veteran driver Will Power. INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’24 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari ’24 BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY! JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 4:30PM TWO HAPPY HOURS DAILY 4:30-6PM & 8-9PM 3-Course Early Menu, $49, 4:30-6pm Daily Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, Monterey, 831-373-3775 Wood Fired Pizzas, Burgers, Pasta, salads, sandWiches and more 11:30am mon-Fri, 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 haPPY hour Food & drinK sPecials Sun-Thurs 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM ’24 Best Restaurant in Pacific Grove OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’24 Best Steak Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 Best Pizza ’98-’24 Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375 Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Saturday & Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’24 Best Appetizers/ Small Plates
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