Alex Palou (No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing HRC Honda) flat dominated Sunday's Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix powered by AmFirst at Barber Motorsports Park. Palou earned his third victory in four races this season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, scoring a 16.0035-second victory over Christian Lundgaard in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. It was the widest margin of victory in a series race since Scott Dixon won by 22.2256 seconds in August 2023 at World Wide Technology Raceway. “It was a perfect day, a perfect weekend,” Palou said. “The car was amazing, super-fast. I had a ton of fun. “I was a bit lonely there, but I loved it. It was an amazing day.” It was the 14th victory of Palou’s career, coming on the same circuit where he scored his first win, in 2021 with Chip Ganassi Racing. Palou led 81 of 90 laps today from the pole and increased his lead in the series standings to 60 points over Lundgaard entering two races this month at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Sonsio Grand Prix on Saturday, May 10 on the road course and the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 25. Three-time and two-time reigning series champion Palou has won the last two Sonsio Grands Prix, while he seeks his first career Indianapolis 500 victory. 2023 and 2024 Barber winner Scott McLaughlin completed the podium finishers, third in the No. 3 Team Penske Good Ranchers Chevrolet. Watch the Extended Race Highlights here. (Thank you to INDYCAR Media)
(Formula1.com)
“We are very saddened by the news of his death. Jochen Mass was a driver with depth. One who could understand the car like few others”, says Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “He had an excellent feel for technology and for everything that makes a team strong. We are losing a remarkable driver and a trusted companion who was with us for many years. His legacy extends well beyond his success – it lives in memories, in stories and in his way of thinking about motorsports. Our thoughts are with his family”.
Jochen Mass was born on September 30, 1946 in Dorfen, Upper Bavaria. His journey into motorsport did not begin in the cockpit, but rather on the high seas: as a young sailor, he circumnavigated the world for three years. Only after this was he drawn to technology – and to the race track – and completed an apprenticeship as a car mechanic. When the regular driver at the Alfa Romeo dealer Hähn was absent due to illness in 1968, Mass stepped in and proved his talent. It was not a long-planned debut, but marked the spontaneous start of an extraordinary career.
His success speaks for itself: European Touring Car Champion in 1972, European runner-up in Formula 2, from 1973 he competed 105 times in Formula 1 – and won the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975. Until the Schumacher era, he was one of the most successful German Formula 1 drivers by points.
But Mass was to find his true home in endurance racing – and at Porsche. Between 1976 and 1987, he was a permanent member of the works team. He drove racing cars such as the 935, 936, 956 and 962 with passion, courage and precision. Together with fellow drivers such as Jacky Ickx, he celebrated consecutive victories, shaped championships – and his name was synonymous with reliability, not only due to his constant close contact with race engineers such as Norbert Singer. When the partnership with sponsor Rothmans was formed, it was Mass who helped establish it with vision and finesse.
In 1992, Mass ended his active career. His sporting record is impressive: More than 400 races, 105 Grand Prix starts, 71 World Championship points, winner of the German Racing Championship, European Touring Car Champion, Porsche Cup winner, German Sports Car Champion, Le Mans winner with Sauber Mercedes.
Even after retiring, he remained connected to racing – as a popular speaker, heritage ambassador and bridge builder between generations. Whether at trade shows such as Retro Classics, classic car events or media events organized by Porsche Heritage and Museum, people of all ages listened gladly to his unique stories.
Jochen Mass is survived by his wife Bettina and four children. Porsche mourns the death of one of the family – with gratitude, respect and deep affection.
Editor's Note: This is our dearly departed billboard, which we had at Road America for several years. Peter gifted the phrase "America's National Park of Speed" to the track, which now uses it proudly in all of its communications. -WG
Editor's Note: Click on "Next 1 Entries" at the bottom of this page to see previous issues. - WG