Alexander Rossi ends “terrible year” with Laguna Seca IndyCar podium

Alexander Rossi secured a third-place finish in the IndyCar season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, marking his first podium in a Chevrolet, driven by the #20 ECR team. The 34-year-old California driver, who finished 15th in the championship standings, expressed relief at the podium result, noting that it marked a significant improvement for a team that faced numerous setbacks throughout the year.

These challenges included crashes, gearbox, hybrid, engine failures, and even a fire in the pit lane. Despite these issues, Rossi praised the team's resilience, emphasizing their commitment to overcoming adversity. He highlighted the team's progress on road courses, particularly after a test at Mid-Ohio and Portland races. Looking ahead, Rossi sees the podium as a crucial boost for the team's confidence, recognizing the importance of the resources provided by ECR's new ownership group. He acknowledged the team's ongoing efforts to close the gap with stronger competitors.