Van Kalmthout from pole to third place in IndyCar Alabama

Racing driver Rinus van Kalmthout has achieved his fourth podium place in the American IndyCar. The 21-year-old Hoofddorper finished third in his Chevrolet from Ed Carpenter Racing in the Alabama Grand Prix. It is his best result of this season.

Van Kalmthout, who races in the US under the name Veekay, started the race from pole position. It was the second time in his relatively short career in IndyCar that he was in first place. He led 62 of the 90 laps. Then Pato O’Ward passed him. That happened shortly after the second pit stop, when the Mexican clearly had better grip on his fresh tires than Veekay. A few laps later, Spaniard Alex Palou also overtook him. He took full advantage of a quick tire change and pushed back on track between O’Ward and Veekay.

Third place was ultimately the most achievable for the Dutchman, as he saw the gap on O’Ward and Palou gradually grow over the last 20 laps. O’Ward won the race ahead of Palou, who cemented his championship lead. Veekay is number seven in the standings after four races.

“That second pit stop was good, because I stayed ahead of O’Ward. But after that I just kept looking in my mirrors and forgot that I had to keep pushing myself,” said Veekay shortly after the race. “I drove too conservatively and that is entirely my own fault. I am really disappointed that I am giving away the victory.”