One Interview With: Alex Palou

Chip Ganassi Racing and The American Legion will be conducting "One Interview With" Q&A's throughout the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. 

Today's rendition features Alex Palou, who is celebrating his 26th birthday at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend.

As a reminder, Be The One to:

• Ask veterans in your life how they are doing.
• Listen when a veteran needs to talk.
• Reach out when a veteran is struggling.

Alex, you have 48 INDYCAR races under your belt now. What has been your favorite race thus far, and what sticks out about your memories from that day? 
“Barber 2021 for sure. It was my first race with Ganassi, and of course my first win so it will always be very special. I remember the team just being very happy. There have been a lot of great races, but that one, being our first race and win together, stands out.”

What are the keys to being such a strong qualifier? What mental preparations do you go through ahead of time?
“I would say the key is having a strong team alongside you, working at the shop, at the simulator and then on race weekend. Mentally, I just embrace the feeling and pressure of only having one lap and one go at it. I think it’s one of the most exciting aspects of the weekend.”

What has it been like working with The American Legion and connecting with the veteran community and the Be The One initiative?
“It’s been fantastic getting more and more involved with the Legion events and seeing how they help veterans. Last year, I was able to go and visit American Legion posts and I would say that has been one of the best things I’ve done. I met more veterans and was able to talk directly to them to hear their story and learn about their families and lives. It’s been a very special aspect of being a partner and getting those feelings and interactions.”

Are you an early bird or a night owl? And whatever your style is, what does that routine look like?
“Definitely an early bird. I wake up at six and then drink coffee for an hour while I wake up and catch up on emails. After that, I’ll leave my place and head for a workout.”

Are you a good cook? What is the best dish that you make?
“Not at all! I’m a terrible cook, like really bad. The best dish I can make, though, is over easy eggs. It’s not a dish, but I’m the best over easy eggs cooker in the world.”

What was your favorite band or artist growing up? What about present-day favorites?
“In the past, it was definitely Green Day. Nowadays, I don’t listen to anything in particular.”

Favorite all-time livery?
“Has to be The American Legion chrome livery we ran last year at the Indy GP.”

What’s an app on your phone that people would be surprised to know you use quite frequently?
“Probably the WHOOP app, so I can track my fitness and training.”

What advice would you give to your younger self? Or what advice would you give to a young driver or athlete?
“I would say to just keep working and don’t give up during the hard times, as there will always be more hard times than good times along the journey.”

If you could share a meal with three people, dead or alive, who would it be?
“Elon Musk, David Goggins and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Now that would be a cool dinner.”

What is something that most people do not know about you?
“That nobody cooks over easy eggs better than me …  but it’s true!”