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Scott McLaughlin wins final IndyCar race as Alex Palou claims championship

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 11:54 PM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Scott McLaughlin wins final IndyCar race as Alex Palou claims championship

Summary

Scott McLaughlin won the 2026 IndyCar season finale at Laguna Seca, leading 87 of 95 laps from pole position to end a 35-race winless drought. Alex Palou finished eighth in the race, securing his fifth IndyCar championship title. Andretti Global driver Kyle Kirkwood finished second, locking up second place in the final standings. The event concluded an 18-race season that featured new street circuits in Arlington, Markham, and Washington, D.C. IndyCar officials are now evaluating the 2027 schedule, specifically regarding the potential for more oval races and a permanent presence in the Northeast region.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Scott McLaughlin won the season finale at Laguna Seca.
•Alex Palou clinched his fifth career IndyCar championship.
•Kyle Kirkwood finished second in the overall standings.
•IndyCar officials are considering more oval tracks for the 2027 calendar.
•The series is evaluating a return to Washington, D.C., for future races.

Latest Updates

11:54 PMYahoo Sports — 5 thoughts on 2026 IndyCar season as Scott McLaughlin wins finale

What they're saying

"
Scott McLaughlin won the finale as IndyCar legends Scott Dixon and Will Power finished the year without a win. Several drivers have questions for 2027
— Yahoo Sports

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