For a driver who seemed permanently stuck in second place last season, David Malukas finally flipped the script Friday at Phoenix Raceway, grabbing his first career IndyCar pole and putting himself in the perfect spot to chase an even bigger first.
Scott McLaughlin had pole. The alternates had grip. The strategy charts had drama. None of it mattered once Palou found clean air and decided he’d quite like to stay there.
There are flashier pickups. There are greener pickups. There are pickups that will massage you while whispering affirmations. But the F-150 remains the one America defaults to when the job actually matters.
Team Penske spent last year answering uncomfortable questions. On Saturday at St. Petersburg, Scott McLaughlin answered with a lap quick enough to make the entire field blink.
This is the V8 SUV for people who want to arrive at the gala in silence—and leave like they’ve just stolen something.
The Outback has grown up, bulked out, and stopped pretending it’s just a wagon with good intentions.
Simpler times. It’s a phrase we boomers like to use when reminiscing about a world where things just made sense.
Penske stood tallest at the Rolex 24, but every class demanded attention by sunrise.
