2024 Music City Grand Prix IndyCar Recap: Thrilling Victory for Herta and Palou’s Historic Title Win

The 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season wrapped up in dramatic fashion at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, where Alex Palou clinched his third series championship, solidifying his place among the legends of North American open-wheel racing. While Palou’s 11th-place finish in the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda was enough to secure the Astor Cup, the action didn’t stop there. Colton Herta brought the crowd to its feet with his thrilling first-ever oval victory in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda for Andretti Global, overtaking Pato O’Ward in the final laps.

Palou Secures the Title

Despite starting 24th after an engine penalty, Palou needed only a ninth-place finish to clinch the championship. His closest rival, Will Power, faced an unfortunate seatbelt issue just 12 laps into the 206-lap race, putting him five laps down and effectively ending his title chances. From there, Palou kept his focus, climbing through the field to finish 11th, adding a third championship to his remarkable résumé.

At just 27 years old, Palou is the second-youngest driver to win three championships, trailing only Sam Hornish Jr., and continues to be a dominant force in the sport.

Herta’s IndyCar Victory at Home

Nashville local Colton Herta made the hometown crowd proud, taking the checkered flag after a race-defining pass over O’Ward with just four laps remaining. Utilizing fresher tires and strategic timing, Herta powered past O’Ward to earn his second victory of the season. This win also marked Andretti Global’s first oval victory since 2018.

Herta’s win catapulted him to second in the overall standings, just behind Palou, and showed his growth as a championship contender. “I’m so happy,” Herta said after the race. “We knew we had a hot rod today, and it feels incredible to win here in Nashville.”

Highlights from the PowerNation Booth

While the on-track action was fierce, PowerNation was also in the spotlight at the event. Fans had the chance to visit our booth and check out and sign up for the chance to win our featured EBC 2019 Dodge Charger.

Visitors enjoyed a weekend full of engine revving excitement, awesome live music and Nashville fun at the 2024 Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. It was an amazing experience connecting with IndyCar fans and showcasing what PowerNation has to offer. Be sure to stay tuned and follow us for updates and enter for your chance to win the EBC Charger Sweepstakes.