Alex Palou, the newly crowned Indianapolis 500 winner, has revealed he is very open to trying his hand in the NASCAR Cup Series in the future. Following his breakthrough victory at the Indy 500 last weekend, which marked his first win on an oval track, Palou showed enthusiasm for exploring opportunities beyond IndyCar.

Palou’s Racing Background and Recent Achievements

Palou, a driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, had already secured three IndyCar titles before 2025. His strong performances this season have elevated him among the top drivers in IndyCar history. Although he has no experience racing stock cars, Palou has competed in other series, including a full season in SUPER GT in 2019 and select appearances in the IMSA SportsCar Championship over the last four years.

Interest in One-Off NASCAR Appearance Rather Than Full-Time Switch

While Palou is not considering a full-time move to another racing discipline, he expressed particular interest in a single NASCAR race, especially on a road or street course. During an appearance on Kevin Harvick’s podcast, when asked about racing in NASCAR, the 28-year-old was clear:

“Oh absolutely. I will be down for that.”

“It’s a very different car, it’s a very different kind of racing. But I know I would get smashed by all of you guys on ovals. But I would love to give it a try on a road or street course.”

—Alex Palou, IndyCar driver

Comparing Palou’s NASCAR Interest with Other Drivers

Palou’s enthusiasm towards NASCAR contrasts with his reluctance to consider Formula 1, as he mentioned earlier this week that he has no desire to leave IndyCar at this point in his career. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion and Hendrick Motorsports driver, made a noteworthy second appearance at the Indy 500 this year, as he aimed to complete the challenging double event of racing both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

Larson has also encouraged IndyCar drivers to test their skills in NASCAR events, supporting cross-discipline participation in these iconic races.

Significance of Palou’s NASCAR Openness and Future Implications

Palou’s willingness to try NASCAR highlights a growing trend among drivers exploring diverse racing formats. His victory at Indianapolis and interest in stock car racing could inspire similar moves by other top drivers, potentially strengthening ties between IndyCar and NASCAR. While a full-time transition is not planned, a one-off NASCAR race could offer Palou a unique challenge and broaden his racing résumé.