Josef Newgarden once again reaffirmed his reputation as IndyCar’s undisputed “Oval King”, overcoming injury, weather chaos and relentless pressure to win the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway. The Team Penske driver, still visibly carrying the effects of a fractured foot sustained in his Indianapolis 500 crash, converted a strong late-race strategy into victory after a tense duel with Marcus Ericsson that stretched deep into the night.
Newgarden started eighth, led 53 of 260 laps, and crucially controlled the final 35 tours to secure his 34th career win. The result moved him level with Al Unser Jr. in ninth on the all-time victories list, while also extending his extraordinary record to six wins at WWTR.
But beyond the winner’s circle, the race produced a clear hierarchy of triumph and disappointment.
Winners and Losers Summary
| Category | Driver | Key outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Marcus Ericsson | Led 114 laps, finished 2nd |
| Winner | Christian Rasmussen | Charged from 19th to 3rd |
| Winner | Marcus Armstrong | 3 consecutive oval top-10s |
| Loser | Alex Palou | 17th after fuel drama |
| Loser | Pato O’Ward | 11th at a strong track |
| Honourable Mention | Caio Collet | Led laps, finished 22nd |
WINNER: Marcus Ericsson
Few left St. Louis more frustrated than Marcus Ericsson, yet his performance was one of the clearest reminders of his oval credentials. Starting 12th, the Swede carved his way to the front and dominated large stretches of the race, ultimately leading a race-high 114 laps before finishing second.
It was his strongest IndyCar result since Detroit in 2023 and a timely return to form during a contract year. Ericsson has already surpassed his top-five tally from the entirety of last season and sits ninth in the championship standings—though that position could easily be higher without mechanical failures at Long Beach and the Indianapolis road course.
LOSER: Alex Palou
From pole position to frustration, Alex Palou endured one of his most chaotic outings in recent memory. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver first sustained damage in contact with lapped car Nolan Siegel, an incident Race Control chose not to penalise.
Strategic rain gambles then unravelled. Palou cycled into contention during the late chaos but ultimately ran out of fuel on pit lane, coasting helplessly into his box and losing multiple positions. Worse still, his slow-down in the fast lane drew criticism from Team Penske strategist Jonathan Diuguid.
Palou eventually finished 17th, matching his number of non-top-10 results from the entirety of last season after just two such finishes this year.
WINNER: Christian Rasmussen
Christian Rasmussen delivered one of the drives of the night, climbing from 19th to a superb third place. The ECR driver briefly threatened both Newgarden and Ericsson in the closing stages before settling into a strong podium position.
The result carried added significance: it followed his recent contract extension and moved him into 22nd in the standings, the final crucial Leaders Circle position. It also offered redemption after his Phoenix controversy earlier in the season.
LOSER: Pato O’Ward
World Wide Technology Raceway has traditionally been a happy hunting ground for Pato O’Ward, but this year was a disappointment. The Arrow McLaren driver qualified ninth and finished 11th—behind teammate Christian Lundgaard and well off the podium battle.
Given McLaren’s stated ambition to “transform” into regular winners, the result highlighted how far the team still has to go, even on one of O’Ward’s strongest circuits.
WINNER: Marcus Armstrong
A ninth-place finish rarely earns headlines, but Marcus Armstrong continues to build one of the most quietly impressive oval records of the season. The New Zealander has now finished inside the top 10 in all three oval races this year—joining an elite group featuring only Scott McLaughlin and David Malukas.
With two top-fives already on ovals and a growing reputation for consistency, Armstrong sits 10th in the championship, just 43 points behind O’Ward.
LOSER: The TV Turn-Off Crowd
For those who switched off during the rain delays or red flags, they missed one of the season’s most statistically remarkable races. Despite multiple stoppages and a finish just after midnight ET, the race delivered 17 lead changes among six drivers, 475 total passes, and a record 268 overtakes for position.
Those who stayed were rewarded with a classic; those who didn’t missed one.
