PORTLAND, Ore. — Despite a multicar pileup on the opening lap that sent the pole winner Alex Palou to the back of the pack, Palou managed to cleverly work his way back into the IndyCar championship lead and place first on Sunday at the Grand Prix of Portland.

“I can only believe it that we found our way to victory,” said Palou, a 24-year-old Spaniard fighting to keep a points lead he has held for most of the season. “I don’t care that much we have the championship points lead. I would just be trying to win the race. I did that today!”