Christian Rasmussen earned his first career NTT INDYCAR SERIES win in the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250, using bold pit strategy and fresh tires to charge past newly crowned series champion Alex Palou with 16 laps to go.
Rasmussen, driving the No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet, started ninth and surged late after a well-timed stop under caution. On Lap 235, he swept around Palou in a dramatic high-line move and never looked back, taking the checkered flag by 1.946 seconds.
The 2023 INDY NXT champion captured his milestone victory in just his 30th career INDYCAR start, also delivering Ed Carpenter Racing its first win since 2021. “We were so good on new tires, even compared to other cars on new tires. Wow – that’s a good day, a good Sunday,” Rasmussen said.
Scott McLaughlin finished third for Team Penske, with Alexander Rossi delivering a season-best fourth to give ECR two cars in the top five. Pato O’Ward rounded out the top five.
Palou dominated much of the afternoon, leading 199 laps, but the late caution for rain flipped the script. Rasmussen and others gambled on fresh Firestones, and the advantage proved decisive on the historic 1.015-mile oval.