What Is 2018 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2018 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama was an IndyCar Series race held on April 29, 2018, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham. Will Power won the race, starting from pole position, marking his first victory of the 2018 season.

Key Facts

Race held on April 29, 2018, at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama
Will Power won the race driving for Team Penske with a Chevrolet engine
Power started from pole position, his 57th career IndyCar pole
The race covered 90 laps, totaling approximately 228.6 miles
Simon Pagenaud finished second, with Alexander Rossi in third

Overview

The 2018 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama was a key event in the NTT IndyCar Series season, serving as the third round of 17 races. Held at the scenic and technical Barber Motorsports Park, the race combined high-speed straights with tight, elevation-changing corners, challenging drivers and teams alike.

This event attracted top-tier drivers and large crowds, continuing the tradition of early-season road course racing in the U.S. The race was broadcast live on NBCSN, drawing national attention and boosting visibility for open-wheel racing.

Event date: The race took place on April 29, 2018, under mostly clear skies with mild temperatures, ideal for performance and tire management.
Track length: Barber Motorsports Park features a 2.3-mile, 17-turn road course known for its elevation changes and precision driving requirements.
Winner: Will Power claimed victory, driving the No. 12 Chevrolet for Team Penske, ending a winless streak dating back to 2017.
Margin of victory: Power won by a narrow margin of 2.897 seconds over Simon Pagenaud, highlighting intense competition throughout the race.
Attendance: Over 80,000 fans attended the three-day event, making it one of the most well-attended races on the 2018 calendar.

How It Works

The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama is structured as a multi-day motorsport event featuring practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race, all governed by IndyCar Series regulations.

Qualifying format: A three-round, knockout-style system determines starting positions, with the fastest 12 advancing from Round 1 to Round 2, and the top six to the Firestone Fast Six.
Race distance: The race consists of 90 laps, covering a total of 228.6 miles, requiring strategic fuel and tire management over approximately 2 hours.
Engine supplier: Chevrolet and Honda are the two engine manufacturers, each powering half the grid, with performance parity closely monitored by IndyCar officials.
Points system: Drivers earn points based on finishing position, with an additional point awarded for leading at least one lap and one for pole position.
Team strategy: Pit stops are crucial, with teams typically planning two to three stops for tires and fuel, depending on weather and track conditions.
Safety protocols: The race employs a safety car for incidents, with full-course cautions freezing the field and neutralizing gaps between competitors.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the top five finishers in the 2018 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama highlights performance, strategy, and consistency.

Driver	Team	Starting Position	Finishing Position	Points Earned
Will Power	Team Penske	1	1	50
Simon Pagenaud	Team Penske	3	2	40
Alexander Rossi	Andretti Autosport	5	3	35
Josef Newgarden	Team Penske	2	4	32
Hélio Castroneves	Team Penske	7	5	30

Team Penske dominated the race, placing all four of its entries in the top five. Will Power’s pole-to-win performance underscored the team’s engineering edge, while Alexander Rossi’s podium finish marked a strong start for Andretti Autosport. The consistency of top teams in qualifying and race execution was evident, with minimal attrition due to mechanical failures.

Why It Matters

The 2018 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama had significant implications for the season, influencing standings, team morale, and manufacturer competition.

Season momentum: Will Power’s win revitalized his championship campaign, setting the tone for a strong 2018 season that included multiple victories.
Manufacturer rivalry: Chevrolet-powered cars swept the podium, intensifying the competition with Honda, which struggled with pace at road courses.
Team dominance: Team Penske’s 1-2-4-5 finish demonstrated their technical superiority and strategic discipline early in the season.
Fan engagement: The event boosted attendance and viewership, reinforcing Barber as a fan-favorite venue for open-wheel racing.
Driver development: Young drivers like Robert Wickens and Zach Veach gained valuable experience on a challenging track, preparing them for future success.
Sponsor visibility: Major sponsors, including Honda and Firestone, leveraged the race for brand exposure through on-track presence and media partnerships.

The race served as a benchmark for performance and reliability, shaping team strategies for the remainder of the season and reinforcing the competitive balance within the IndyCar Series.