On the opposite end of the spectrum was Alex Palou. One week after he snagged a victory at the expense of David Malukas and Josef Newgarden, Palou found himself on the wrong strategy in Toronto. A decision to start on primaries and push the first stint long paid costly for himself, Scott Dixon and Malukas.

Alex Palou retains a healthy lead in the points standings. He has won seven of the 13 IndyCar races this season. But second-place Pato O'Ward's win keeps his chances alive.

Pato O'Ward won the INDYCAR race in Toronto, closing in on championship leader Alex Palou. He adapted strategy, pitting early and sticking to primary tires. Team Penske struggled, while VeeKay and Simpson reached the podium.

IndyCar and Penske Entertainment are eyeing a late-summer trip for next season after initially planning in April, which may have included a NASCAR doubleheader.

Alex Palou looked like he was preparing a knockout punch with five races to go, but Pato O’Ward turned the tables on his rival in Toronto and landed a big shot of his own to keep the title quest alive.

Here's what you should know about Christian Rasmussen: Christian Rasmussen, Ed Carpenter Racing − IndyCar driver profileStart the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Since 2020, the series has held back-to-back races at Iowa, giving fans double the excitement. The only time a driver has swept the weekend set was in 2023, when Josef Newgarden won the double, winning in Corn Country for the fifth and sixth time in his career.