Today’s question: Christopher Bell has won three consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races this season, the first time that has been achieved since 2021. Which NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver this season is most likely to win three consecutive races, a feat last achieved by Alex Palou in 2023?
Curt Cavin: OK, I’ll concede that Scott McLaughlin has never won two series races in succession much less three in a row, but I think last year’s breakthrough on oval tracks suggests one of those big runs is coming (and a season championship before long, too). McLaughlin’s easiest path to achieving a three-peat starts with the doubleheader at Iowa Speedway, where last year he finished first and third, respectively. Assuming Team Penske teammates don’t beat him there, he absolutely could win both races in the same weekend. Then, McLaughlin would just need to win either at the venue prior (Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course) or the venue following (Toronto’s Exhibition Place). In my mind, the latter is more likely as McLaughlin won there in 2022.
Eric Smith: I’ll take the low-hanging fruit and say Alex Palou. The winner of the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg by RP Funding could easily rattle off the hat trick. The only winner at The Thermal Club? Palou. He won The Thermal Club $1 Million Challenge exhibition race last season. Next up is the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 13. Palou has finished fourth, third, fifth and third, respectively, there. We keep discussing the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge as the big one left for Palou to win, but what about the prestigious street race in Southern California? Here’s the thing, I don’t necessarily think his streak stops at three. Barber Motorsports Park is the fourth race of the season on May 4. Palou won there in 2021 and finished second, fifth and fifth again the last three years. Then the Month of May at Indianapolis Motor Speedway starts on the 2.439-mile road course on May 10. Palou won the last two Sonsio Grand Prix events. He is also due on the 2.5-mile oval and finished fourth and fifth the last two years. The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix is up next on June 1. Palou won in 2023. I get it’s not necessarily good PR if a driver starts 6-for-6, but Palou has the capability of doing two hat tricks to begin the season.
Arni Sribhen: I’m with Curt in thinking Team Penske has a driver capable of winning three straight races, but I’m going with Josef Newgarden to be the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ version of Christopher Bell. Everyone knows that Newgarden is the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ top oval driver, and the 2025 schedule may just work out for him. Especially when the calendar hits June. Two of Newgarden’s best tracks – World Wide Technology Raceway (wins in four of the last five seasons) and Iowa Speedway (wins in five of the last nine races) – are part of a stretch of five races over five weeks that set up perfectly for a sizzling summer for the two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion. Sandwiched between those two ovals are Road America and Mid-Ohio, where Newgarden has visited Victory Lane on two occasions apiece. Incidentally, Newgarden’s last non-oval win came at Road America in 2022. Like I said. The schedule may just work out for Josef Newgarden.
Paul Kelly: Colton Herta of Andretti Global is my pick. I know consistency was the key to Colty finishing a career-best second in the standings last season, and his growing maturity under pressure was evident in this month’s season opener at St. Petersburg when he stayed calm and cooperative on the radio after a miscue during an early pit stop cost him time and perhaps his shot to contend for a race win in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda. But when Herta gets hot, look out. He has as much pure speed as any driver in the series, and his victory in the season finale last year at Nashville Superspeedway rounded out his series portfolio with wins on a road course, street circuit and oval. Herta also is a strong qualifier, a big plus for any driver who aspires to go on a tear. It’s simple math – less work to get to the front with fewer cars to pass. Herta finished the 2021 season with consecutive wins at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Long Beach. I think Herta is more than capable of going one better than that streak this season and see the three-race stretch of Toronto, Laguna and Portland in July and August as a prime target since he has victories at Toronto and Laguna and has won a pole at Portland during his career.