Palou, Herta could battle in 2023 Firestone GP of Monterey finale

Despite six-time champion Scott Dixon’s best efforts over the last few weeks, Álex Palou proved too strong to overcome in 2023. The Spaniard secured his fifth win of the year in Portland ahead of Felix Rosenqvist and Dixon to earn his second IndyCar championship in three years. But even with the championship decided, there’s still plenty to race for at the IndyCar finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca this weekend. No race odds posted yet but here’s who to look out for in the 2023 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey.

Prior winners set for another battle

IndyCar returned to the famous Laguna Seca raceway in the 2019 season with the California track providing the venue for the season finale. After a break in 2020 due to COVID-19, the race returned to the calendar in 2021 and 2022. The IndyCar 2023 schedule marks the last time Laguna Seca will be the finale, as Nashville will take those honors next season.

Only two drivers have won this event since its return to the IndyCar calendar: Palou (+300) and Colton Herta (+1000). They’ve been a step above everyone, with Palou taking second in 2021 as well.

The two will likely be favorites again this time around. Herta’s at risk of going through his first winless season in his IndyCar career. For a driver with Formula 1 aspirations, that is a bad result. This weekend, he’ll be running a special livery honoring his father Bryan’s wins in the late 1990s.

This is why we do this, y’all. pic.twitter.com/bdObI6rX6W

— Marshall Pruett (@marshallpruett) September 6, 2023

Palou’s had very good results at Laguna Seca. He’s shown his strengths throughout the IndyCar 2023 schedule , but Laguna Seca is where he shines. It’s by far his best track. He’d be the favorite for yet another victory on the historic track over Herta, but it’d be close. Herta’s shown excellent speed in IndyCar qualifying in the second half of the year and could pip Palou for pole position.

Long shots for victory in the 2023 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey

Pato O’Ward (+600) will likely be glad to see the 2023 IndyCar season come to a close. After finishing third in the 2021 championship, he’s now finished seventh (2022) and currently sits fourth in a winless 2023 campaign. The Arrow McLaren driver’s come close to wins in multiple races (Indy 500, Gateway, St. Petersburg) and, if it weren’t for a few bad breaks, would be closer to Palou. His best result at Laguna Seca came in 2021 (fifth), but he’s shown good pace at other road courses. A win here could give both him and the team something to celebrate ahead of the offseason.

Romain Grosjean (+2500) has had little to celebrate in 2023. His pace in the first four races (two poles and a pair of second-place finishes) was not a sign of things to come. Since Alabama, he’s managed just one top-10 finish (Nashville). Luckily, he’s coming to Laguna Seca this week where he’s enjoyed his best IndyCar results of the year. He’ll be a longer shot for victory but could find some luck to close the season.

After coming within 16 points of the championship in 2022, Josef Newgarden (+550) looked to go one better in 2023. His dominance on ovals (four wins in five races) kept him within range of Palou. But poor results in the Gallagher Grand Prix and Gateway ended any hopes of a title in 2023. He’s raced from bad starting positions to solid results in Laguna Seca in 2022 (25th to second) and 2021 (17th to seventh). He’ll face tough competition but could be a surprise winner.

Predictions for the 2023 Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey

Laguna Seca will likely provide an exciting end to the season in its last appearance at the end of the schedule. Though there are no IndyCar odds posted, it’s likely to be a fight between Palou and Herta for the win. Of the two, we’re going with Herta. He’s won multiple times and that livery paying homage to his father’s wins would be a storybook ending to the 2023 season.

If you’re looking for a longer shot, O’Ward or Grosjean are great choices for the win on Sunday.

For IndyCar betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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