Dario Franchitti retires from motor racing on medical terms
Dario Franchitti has officially announced his retirement from motor racing on medical terms after injuries sustained during the second race of the Grand Prix of Houston, which saw the multiple IndyCar Champion collide violently with Takuma Sato and fly into the retaining catch-fencing.
The resulting incident saw Dario Franchitti sustain spinal injuries and concussion, including fractures to his ankle. Although the Scotsman was released from a nearby hospital in Houston only four days after the incident, the 40-year-old has been forced to retire from motor racing after advice from doctors over his long-term recovery. For the 2014 season Dario Franchitti was once again expected to join long-time team-mate and reigning IndyCar Champion Scott Dixon at Target Chip Ganassi for what would’ve been his 12th season in the IndyCar Series, with clear ambitions on hunting down his fifth Championship Crown and fourth Indy 500 trophy.
Although Dario Franchitti has admitted he will find it tough not to compete in motor racing again, he has explained he had no choice but to retire from the sport. Throughout his long and colorful career in American open-wheel racing, Dario Franchitti has managed to enjoy incredible success, including three Indianapolis 500 victories and four IndyCar Series Championship Crowns with both Andretti Green Racing and later Target Chip Ganassi Racing. The Edinburgh-born driver has thanked many for his support throughout his motor racing career in America, which began back in 1997 with Hogan Racing in the now defunct ChampCar Series.
Dario Franchitti won the Indianapolis 500 three times throughout his career.
“Since my racing accident in Houston, I have been in the expert care of some of the leading doctors and nurses, all of whom have made my health, my safety and my recovery their top priority.” Explained Dario Franchitti, in an official statement. “One month removed from the crash and based upon the expert advice of the doctors who have treated and assessed my head and spinal injuries post accident, it is their best medical opinion that I must stop racing. They have made it very clear that the risks involved in further racing are too great and could be detrimental to my long term well-being. Based on this medical advice, I have no choice but to stop.
“Racing has been my life for over 30 years and it’s really tough to think that the driving side is now over. I was really looking forward to the 2014 season with Target Chip Ganassi Racing, with a goal of winning a fourth Indianapolis 500 and a fifth IndyCar Series Championship. I’d like to thank all my fellow competitors, team-mates, crew and sponsors for their incredible support over the course of this amazing ride. I’d also like to thank Hogan Racing, Team KOOL Green and Andretti Green Racing for the opportunities to compete on the racetrack, and especially Target Chip Ganassi Racing, who have become like a family to me since I joined their team back in 2008. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank all my fans around the world. I can’t thank you enough for standing by my side for all these years.”
Despite his retirement from motor racing, Dario Franchitti is intending to remain a part of the IndyCar Series in an off-track role. Due to his long-term relationship with Chip Ganassi and his highly successful IndyCar outfit, the Scotsman is hoping to continue working within the team as they strive to defend their Championship Crown next season from the likes of Penske and Andretti Autosport.
Picture(s) Copyright © Shawn Gritzmacher/IndyCar Media & LAT Photo USA
Tony Kanaan Finally Secures Indianapolis 500 Crown
Tony Kanaan has finally managed to secure his maiden Indianapolis 500 victory, after the thrilling 97th running of the legendary event around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Brazilian sensation was followed home by impressive rookie Carlos Munoz, with reigning Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay 3rd.
The 200-lap race began under cloudy skies over the 2.5-mile oval, with Ed Carpenter leading the 33-car field into Turn 1 after securing only his second pole position of his career for the event. As the opening lap of the race ensued, Marco Andretti mastered an overtaking maneuver on Carlos Munoz for 2nd position. The first full course caution was caused after only four laps, when JR Hildebrand lost control of his Panther Racing machine and spun into the retaining barrier on the exit of Turn 1.
JR Hildebrand caused the first caution on Lap 4.
Under safety car conditions, James Jakes, Simona de Silvestro, Graham Rahal, A.J. Allmendinger, Katherine Legge and Charlie Kimball all elected to pit. However, the latter was forced to return to the pits a lap later after his car suffered from an electrical issue. The race was eventually resumed on Lap 7, with Ed Carpenter still in the lead ahead of Marco Andretti and E.J. Viso. However, Tony Kanaan soon began to scythe through the field in his KV Racing Technology machine, eventually overtaking Marco Andretti for 2nd and then Ed Carpenter for the lead on Lap 9.
The lead changed hands on numerous occasions as the race progressed, with Ed Carpenter, Marco Andretti and Tony Kanaan all jostling at the front of the pack. Despite retaking the lead once again on Lap 28 from Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan was forced to pit for tyres and fuel on Lap 29, therefore gifting the lead back to Andretti. However, his lead was short-lived as he too elected to pit a lap later along with Ed Carpenter, E.J. Viso and Conor Daly. This allowed reigning IZOD IndyCar Series Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay to assume the lead, before he also pitted on Lap 31.
With many drivers completing green flag pit-stops, the Penske of Will Power gradually rose into the lead. The Australian driver, who has never won the Indianapolis 500, also pitted on Lap 33. This allowed James Jakes to take the lead for the first time around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, before a second full course caution was caused when Sebastian Saavedra spun into the wall at Turn 4. Under caution conditions, James Jakes pitted from the lead allowing Ed Carpenter to resume his lead of the race.
At the restart Ed Carpenter once again stormed into the lead ahead of Marco Andretti, with Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves and Tony Kanaan following closely behind. Simona de Silvestro was issued with a drive-thru penalty for running over pit equipment during her pit-stop. The frenetic battle at the front was resumed between Ed Carpenter and Marco Andretti, with both swapping for the lead on numerous occasions before the third full course caution was caused on Lap 57.
This time it was Championship leader Takuma Sato who spun on the exit of Turn 2, however the A.J. Foyt Racing driver luckily managed to avoid a collision with the barrier and continued circulating. With the field once again under safety car conditions, the entire field elected to pit with Ryan Hunter-Reay winning the race off of pit-road and assuming the lead of the race. The race was restarted on Lap 61 with Hunter-Reay in the lead, however Marco Andretti soon perfected an overtaking maneuver on his fellow countryman for the lead.
As the battle at the front continued to rage on between Ryan Hunter-Reay, Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter and Tony Kanaan, Buddy Lazier became the next retirement of the race after he returned to the pits with a fuel pressure issue. By Lap 75, Will Power joined the battle for the lead and eventually overtook Tony Kanaan at Turn 3. The Australian driver remained in the lead for several laps, before KV Racing Technology’s Tony Kanaan once again returned to the lead.
The Brazilian driver took to pit road on Lap 89, allowing E.J. Viso to make yet another lead change at the front. E.J. Viso’s lead was short-lived, however, when the Venezuelan driver also elected for another pit-stop. This allowed Colombian rookie Carlos Munoz to rise to the lead of the race for Andretti Autosport, before he too pitted and allowed Tony Kanaan to resume his lead at the top on Lap 92.
On Lap 98, A.J. Allmendinger stormed through the order from 4th to the lead, eventually overtaking Tony Kanaan at Turn 3. At the halfway stage of the race, A.J. Allmendinger led Tony Kanaan, with Ryan Hunter-Reay a close 3rd for Andretti Autosport. The battle for the lead at the front between Allmendinger and Kanaan intensified on Lap 101, however the Penske driver retained his lead until Lap 113 when his right cross seat strap came loose, forcing him to pit and allowing Tony Kanaan to resume his lead of the race.
Marco Andretti momentarily snatched the lead away from Tony Kanaan on Lap 121, however both he and Kanaan elected to pit shortly afterwards. This allowed reigning Series Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay to take the lead before he pitted on Lap 122. The lead changed hands many times throughout the next few laps, as the green flag pit-stops ensued. This saw Carlos Munoz, Alex Tagliani and James Hinchcliffe all assume the lead before Ryan Hunter-Reay perfected an overtaking maneuver for the lead into Turn 1 on Lap 126.
However, the reigning Champion’s authority at the front was tested towards the end of the 126th lap, when Marco Andretti breezed into the lead. Ryan Hunter-Reay soon retook the lead, before E.J. Viso overtook both of them on Lap 133 to storm into the lead. Once again the lead changed on Lap 136, as Ryan Hunter-Reay stormed around team-mates Marco Andretti and E.J. Viso for the lead.
On Lap 137, A.J. Allmendinger returned to the lead of the race after his unscheduled pit-stop earlier in the race. The top nine cars were separated by less than two seconds as they finished Lap 137, in what was quickly becoming yet another thrilling Indianapolis 500. Allmendinger was forced to pit once again on Lap 143, allowing Hunter-Reay to assume the lead. However, Helio Castroneves flew from 3rd to 1st on Lap 145 to become the race’s 13th different leader.
The moment Tony Kanaan crossed the line to secure his first Indianapolis 500 victory.
The likable Brazilian’s lead was cut short on Lap 146 when Marco Andretti once again stormed into the lead, as the legendary race entered its closing stages. The 26-year-old American was forced to pit on Lap 152, allowing Ryan Hunter-Reay to once again rise back into the lead. Carlos Munoz once again momentarily led as the field began their final green flag pit-stops, before he too pitted and handed the lead down to Scott Dixon on Lap 155. The Kiwi’s lead was also short-lived, before he pitted and gifted James Hinchcliffe the lead of the race.
When James Hinchcliffe pitted on Lap 158, Marco Andretti momentarily resumed the lead before Ryan Hunter-Reay stormed into the lead. The lead between the two ebbed and flowed until A.J. Allmendinger overtook the duo for the lead on Lap 165. Marco Andretti stormed up the inside of Allmendinger for the lead on Lap 168, before Ryan Hunter-Reay took the lead a lap later after passing Andretti.
Whilst the battle for the lead continued to wage on at the front, Townsend Bell brushed the barrier at Turn 2 and quickly pitted for repairs. As Ryan Hunter-Reay and Marco Andretti continued to trade the lead, Tony Kanaan silently rose through the order to the lead on Lap 174 after a masterful overtaking maneuver on Andretti. The Brazilian driver continued to battle for the lead until lap 178, when he was forced to pit. This saw Carlos Munoz assume the lead, before Marco Andretti once again rose to the top before pitting on Lap 180.
As many drivers once again returned to pit road, Carlos Munoz continued to hold a commanding lead at the front in only his first Indianapolis 500. The Colombian ace eventually pitted on Lap 185, allowing James Hinchcliffe to momentarily assume the lead before Ryan Hunter-Reay overtook the Canadian. The lead once again changed hands numerous times in the closing stages, with Tony Kanaan battling hard with the reigning Champion before a full course caution was caused on Lap 194 after Graham Rahal spun into the wall on the exit of Turn 2.
Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti caused the final caution on Lap 198.
The race was resumed on Lap 197, with the top three running three wide at Turn 1. Tony Kanaan stormed into a commanding lead ahead of Carlos Munoz and Ryan Hunter-Reay as three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti slammed into the wall at Turn 1 and brought out another full course caution on Lap 198. This eventually saw the race end under caution conditions, with Tony Kanaan finally securing that elusive Indianapolis 500 crown.
The 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 saw a mesmerizing and record-shattering 68 lead changes throughout the frenetic 200 laps. Despite storming to a sensational and well-earned victory, Tony Kanaan heads to the next race at Detroit in only 7th position in the Drivers’ Championship with 124 points. Marco Andretti takes the lead away from Takuma Sato at the top of the Drivers’ Championship with 168 points, despite not yet winning a race in 2013.
The IZOD IndyCar Series moves swiftly on to Detroit next weekend for the first duel race weekend with the Chevrolet Indy Duel in Detroit around the notorious streets of Detroit. Scott Dixon took victory last season, however the winner this season is anyone’s guess after a highly competitive start to the season.
Results - 200 laps:
Pos Driver Team/Engine Time/Gap
1. Tony Kanaan KV/Chevy 2h40m03.4181s
2. Carlos Munoz Andretti/Chevy + 0.1159
3. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti/Chevy + 0.2480
4. Marco Andretti Andretti/Chevy + 0.3634
5. Justin Wilson Coyne/Honda + 0.8138
6. Helio Castroneves Penske/Chevy + 3.0086
7. AJ Allmendinger Penske/Chevy + 4.0107
8. Simon Pagenaud Schmidt/Honda + 4.2609
9. Charlie Kimball Ganassi/Honda + 5.6864
10. Ed Carpenter Carpenter/Chevy + 6.8425
11. Oriol Servia Panther DRR/Chevy + 7.8633
12. Ryan Briscoe Ganassi/Honda + 8.9216
13. Takuma Sato Foyt/Honda + 10.2602
14. Scott Dixon Ganassi/Honda + 11.3858
15. Ana Beatriz Coyne/Honda + 12.2657
16. Tristan Vautier Schmidt/Honda + 15.3045
17. Simona De Silvestro KV/Chevy + 15.7201
18. EJ Viso Andretti/Chevy + 17.8056
19. Will Power Penske/Chevy + 22.5403
20. James Jakes Rahal/Honda + 1 lap
21. James Hinchcliffe Andretti/Chevy + 1 lap
22. Conor Daly Foyt/Honda + 2 laps
23. Dario Franchitti Ganassi/Honda + 3 laps*
24. Alex Tagliani Herta/Honda + 4 laps
25. Graham Rahal Rahal/Honda + 7 laps*
26. Katherine Legge Schmidt/Honda + 7 laps
27. Townsend Bell Panther/Chevy + 8 laps
28. Josef Newgarden Fisher/Honda + 9 laps
* Not running at finish
Retirements
Sebastien Bourdais Dragon/Chevy 178 laps
Pippa Mann Coyne/Honda 46 laps
Buddy Lazier Lazier/Chevy 44 laps
Sebastian Saavedra Dragon/Chevy 34 laps
JR Hildebrand Panther/Chevy 3 laps
Picture(s) Copyright © Chris Jones, Mike Young & Walter Kuhn/IndyCar
Hinchcliffe Snatches Victory From Sato In Brazilian Thriller
James Hinchcliffe has secured his second IZOD IndyCar Series victory, after snatching the lead away from Takuma Sato at the final corner of the final lap in a thrilling 75-lap lap Sao Paulo Indy 300. The leading duo were followed home by Marco Andretti, who only just managed to defend his position from Josef Newgarden in the closing laps.
After storming to a sensational pole position by smashing the lap record, reigning Series Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay led the field into the tight Turn 1 at the start ahead of Dario Franchitti who managed to overtake E.J. Viso for 2nd position. As the opening lap progressed, the Venezuelan driver continued to fall through the order as local hero Tony Kanaan rose into 3rd position for KV Racing Technology.
Whilst one Brazilian driver battled at the front of the order, another caused the first of many full course cautions as Ana Beatriz stopped on the circuit at Turn 7 with a gearbox issue. During the yellow flag intervention, many drivers decided to pit for fresh tyres including Josef Newgarden who also elected for a new nose cone. After only two laps under caution, Ryan Hunter-Reay once again led the pack into Turn 1 as the race was resumed. A lap later saw Tony Kanaan overtake former team-mate Dario Franchitti for 2nd position, before then storming into the lead of the race after a superlative overtaking maneuver at Turn 11.
This naturally sent the many Brazilian fans into a state of euphoria as Tony Kanaan led his first laps around the streets of Sao Paulo, and his first overall since last season’s finale at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. On Lap 19, the second full course caution was caused when Will Power’s highly uncompetitive race was brought to a premature conclusion. After qualifying a lowly 22nd, the Australian driver was forced into a retirement after a fire broke out on his #12 Penske machine. This was the his first retirement on a street course since Toronto in 2011.
During the ensuring yellow flag period, the top 12 cars all elected to pit. After remaining out on track, Sebastien Bourdais and Alex Tagliani rose to the top, allowing the Frenchman to lead his first lap since Mexico City in 2007. The race was eventually resumed on Lap 24, as Bourdais led the field through the ever-tricky Turns 1 and 2. Local driver Helio Castroneves ran wide at Turn 1, as James Jakes hit the retaining tyre barrier at Turn 1. Whilst utter mayhem ensued, Ed Carpenter slammed into the wall at Turn 1 and Graham Rahal stopped on the track.
The safety car led 19 laps in what was an incident-filled race.
This naturally saw another momentary yellow flag period, before the race was resumed on Lap 27 with Sebastien Bourdais still in the lead. Josef Newgarden made minor contact with the leader through Turn 1, as Helio Castroneves was tipped into a spin at Turn 1 by Scott Dixon. Despite the numerous collisions throughout the pack, the race remained under green flag conditions as Bourdais led Newgarden. By Lap 34, the leading duo of Sebastien Bourdais and Josef Newgarden elected to pit, handing the lead down to Ryan Hunter-Reay.
However, the reigning Champion’s lead was short lived as Takuma Sato stormed around the Andretti Autosport driver at Turn 5. The Japanese ace then proceeded to open up a three second lead to Hunter-Reay, before Graham Rahal slammed into the wall at Turn 2 and caused another yellow flag delay. Under yellow flag conditions, Takuma Sato and JR Hildebrand pitted, allowing Ryan Hunter-Reay to assume the lead at the front. The race was resumed on Lap 40, only for a multi-car collision involving Sebastien Bourdais, JR Hildebrand, Helio Castroneves, Charlie Kimball and Simon Pagenaud to cause another full course caution.
The race resumed five laps later, this time with much more success as Tony Kanaan once again wowed the attending masses by storming back into the lead at Turn 11. However, the former Champion’s authority over proceedings was abruptly ended a lap later as Marco Andretti continued his rise through the order to the lead. Ryan Hunter-Reay’s hopes of victory were dashed on Lap 47, as he was forced to make an unscheduled pit-stop for a flat tyre,
After giving his local fans much to cheer about, Tony Kanaan’s race was brought to a frustratingly premature conclusion on Lap 51 as he stopped on the circuit. Due to his abrupt retirement on the start/finish straight, a full course caution was once again called upon as his car was cleared. Race leader Marco Andretti elected to pit along with many others, allowing JR Hildebrand to assume the lead. The 25-year-old Californian driver led at the restart, as behind him James Hinchcliffe and Takuma Sato battled for 2nd position.
Another full course caution was caused on Lap 56 as British driver Justin Wilson made heavy contact with the tyres at Turn 5. JR Hildebrand pitted under caution, allowing Takuma Sao to return to the lead. The former Formula 1 driver led at the restart, as Newgarden overtook Hinchcliffe for 2nd at Turn 1. As the race drew to a thrilling conclusion, the lead between Takuma Sato and Josef Newgarden ebbed and flowed, before the 22-year-old American lunged for the lead on Lap 71. Takuma Sato expertly defended his lead, as James Hinchcliffe overtook Newgarden for 2nd. The “Mayor of Hinchtown” gradually began to reel in Takuma Sato, as the white flag was flown to indicate the final lap of the race.
As Marco Andretti jostled for 3rd position with Josef Newgarden, James Hinchcliffe waited until the final corner before pouncing upon Takuma Sato for the lead. In a nail-biting finish, James Hinchcliffe managed to make his move stick and secure his second win of the season only +0.3463 seconds ahead of Takuma Sato. Marco Andretti held on to 3rd ahead of Josef Newgarden, in one of the most enthralling conclusions to an IZOD IndyCar event.
Despite winning the race, James Hinchcliffe is only 4th in the Championship with 112 points scored whereas Takuma Sao rises to the top of the Championship on 136 points ahead of Marco Andretti. The month of May is a special time in the IZOD IndyCar Series, and has begun with an utterly awe-inspiring race around the streets of Sao Paulo. Expect further fireworks when the sport reconvenes later this month, for the legendary Indianapolis 500.
Results - 95 laps:
Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap
1. James Hinchcliffe Andretti Dallara-Chevy 2h09m34.7383s
2. Takuma Sato Foyt Dallara-Honda + 0.3463s
3. Marco Andretti Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 1.1376s
4. Oriol Servia Panther DRR Dallara-Chevy + 1.1745s
5. Josef Newgarden Fisher Dallara-Honda + 1.6516s
6. EJ Viso Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 2.8119s
7. Dario Franchitti Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 3.5961s
8. Simona de Silvestro KV Dallara-Chevy + 4.7772s
9. Simon Pagenaud Schmidt Dallara-Honda + 7.6331s
10. Charlie Kimball Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 9.0265s
11. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 9.5135s
12. Alex Tagliani Herta Dallara-Honda + 10.4393s
13. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara-Chevy + 11.1234s
14. Sebastien Bourdais Dragon Dallara-Chevy + 13.6406s
15. JR Hildebrand Panther Dallara-Chevy + 13.7377s
16. Tristan Vautier Schmidt Dallara-Honda + 14.3517s
17. James Jakes Rahal Dallara-Honda + 19.8585s
18. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 29.4261s
19. Sebastian Saavedra Dragon Dallara-Chevy + 54.7223s
20. Justin Wilson Coyne Dallara-Honda + 2 laps
21. Tony Kanaan KV Dallara-Chevy + 3 laps
22. Graham Rahal Rahal Dallara-Honda + 4 laps
23. Ed Carpenter Carpenter Dallara-Chevy + 4 laps
Retirements:
Will Power Penske Dallara-Chevy 17 laps
Ana Beatriz Coyne Dallara-Honda 6 laps
Picture(s) Copyright © IndyCar
Takuma Sato Makes IndyCar History With Victory At Long Beach
Takuma Sato has made IndyCar history after taking his and Japan’s maiden IZOD IndyCar Series victory around the Streets of Long Beach, after an incident-filled race ran in scorching weather conditions. The 36-year-old took the victory ahead of Graham Rahal, with Justin Wilson 3rd for Dale Coyne Racing,
After securing pole position, four-time Champion Dario Franchitti led at the start as the field jostled for position through the opening corners. At Turn 6, rookie Tristan Vautier collided with Scott Dixon, an incident which forced the Kiwi to pit with a puncture and saw Vautier struck with a drive-thru penalty for causing an avoidable incident. Further collisions ensued throughout the opening lap, as Sebastian Saavedra slammed into the wall at Turn 9. This saw the first of many full course cautions, as Marco Andretti pitted to replace a damaged front nose cone.
The race was restarted on Lap 7, as Dario Franchitti fought for the lead of the race with reigning Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay. This was the first lap the Scotsman had led since the season finale at Fontana last year, in what has so far been a tough new season. Dario Franchitti proceeded to open up a gap to Ryan Hunter-Reay throughout the opening few laps, before Takuma Sato managed to overtake the Andretti Autosport driver for 2nd on Lap 22. The Japanese ace then began to catch Franchitti for the lead, before electing to pit on Lap 28 along with Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Dario Franchitti pitted from the lead a lap later and suffered a frustratingly slow stop, which ultimately led to the 39-year-old loosing the lead to Will Power. A second full course caution was caused on Lap 30 when Charlie Kimball and Alex Tagliani collided at Turn 8. Will Power, who has so far led during each of the three opening races, pitted under caution and handed the lead down to Takuma Sato.
The race was resumed on Lap 35, only for a third full course caution to be caused moments later when James Hinchcliffe and Tony Kanaan collected E.J. Viso at Turn 1. The Venezuelan driver continued to circulate, and eventually pitted for repairs along with Ryan Hunter-Reay, unlike Tony Kanaan who managed to survive the incident relatively unscathed. The race was quickly resumed, as Takuma Sato continued to lead at the front despite Graham Rahal’s attempts to reel in the A.J. Foyt Racing driver.
Reigning IZOD IndyCar Series Champion Ryan Hunter-Reay’s disastrous race was ended on Lap 50, when the American driver struck the tyre barrier at Turn 8. This caused the fourth full course caution of the race, and allowed the leaders to pit under caution. Takuma Sato won the race off of pit road, whereas further back Will Power was struck by Tristan Vautier who was exiting his pit box. This caused slight damage to Power’s Penske, and saw Vautier issued with his second penalty of the day. During the melee in the pit-lane, A.J. Allmendinger was forced into retirement with a mechanical issue.
Once again the race was resumed on Lap 56, as Takuma Sato remained in the lead ahead of Graham Rahal. Charlie Kimball’s race was brought to a premature conclusion when the 28-year-old struck the barrier at Turn 1. However, this did not result in a full course caution, as the gap at the front ebbed and flowed between Takuma Sato and Graham Rahal. As Takuma Sato started his final lap of the race, there was contact between Tony Kanaan and Oriol Servia, which saw the race end under caution conditions as Takuma Sato stormed to an historic victory around the Streets of Long Beach.
The Japanese ace was followed home by Graham Rahal in 2nd and Justin Wilson in 3rd, after 80 incident-filled laps. Takuma Sato’s victory was the first for A.J. Foyt Racing since Kansas in 2002, and the first on a street or road course since Silverstone way back in 1978. With three different winners in the first three races, the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series has enjoyed an exciting and unpredictable start. Helio Castroneves remains atop the Drivers’ Championship with 99 points, however Takuma Sato is only six points adrift in 2nd position. The Series will reconvene in several weeks time around the Streets of Sao Paulo for the Sao Paulo Indy 300.
Results - 80 laps:
Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap
1. Takuma Sato Foyt Dallara-Honda 1h50m08.7155s
2. Graham Rahal Rahal Dallara-Honda + 5.3612s
3. Justin Wilson Coyne Dallara-Honda + 8.2386s
4. Dario Franchitti Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 12.3573s
5. JR Hildebrand Panther Dallara-Chevy + 28.2402s
6. Oriol Servia Panther/DRR Dallara-Chevy + 29.4683s
7. Marco Andretti Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 30.2703s
8. Simon Pagenaud Schmidt Dallara-Honda + 31.8674s
9. Simona de Silvestro KV Dallara-Chevy + 33.1224s
10. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara-Chevy + 33.4118s
11. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 33.6278s
12. James Jakes Rahal Dallara-Honda + 35.0645s
13. Josef Newgarden Fisher Dallara-Honda + 35.8945s
14. Ana Beatriz Coyne Dallara-Honda + 36.3442s
15. Sebastien Bourdais Dragon Dallara-Chevy + 36.5936s
16. Will Power Penske Dallara-Chevy + 43.0022s
17. Tristan Vautier Schmidt Dallara-Honda + 51.7961s
18. Ed Carpenter Carpenter Dallara-Chevy + 56.4533s
19. Alex Tagliani Herta Dallara-Honda + 1 laps
20. Tony Kanaan KV Dallara-Chevy + 2 laps
21. Charlie Kimball Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 2 laps
22. EJ Viso Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 27 laps
Retirements:
AJ Allmendinger Penske Dallara-Chevy 51 laps
Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Dallara-Chevy 49 laps
Mike Conway Rahal Dallara-Honda 38 laps
James Hinchcliffe Andretti Dallara-Chevy 34 laps
Sebastian Saavedra Dragon Dallara-Chevy 1 lap
Picture Copyright © Chris Jones/IndyCar
Conor Daly Confirmed For 2013 Indianapolis 500
It has been confirmed that 21-year-old American driver Conor Daly will compete in this year’s Indianapolis 500 with A.J. Foyt Racing, alongside the team’s full-time driver Takuma Sato. Conor Daly, who is the son of former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver Derek Daly, is currently competing in the GP2 Series with Hilmer Motorsport.
This announcement comes after Conor Daly tested for A.J. Foyt Racing in mid-December at the Sebring International Raceway, in doing so getting his first taste of the Dallara-spec IZOD IndyCar Series machine. In 2011, Conor Daly competed in the Firestone Indy Lights Series, the support category for the IZOD IndyCar Series. During his time in the feeder category, Daly took one race victory and two further podium finishes whilst also competing in the GP3 Series in Europe for Carlin. Last year the American ace continued in the GP3 Series for Lotus GP, securing his maiden victory at Barcelona whilst also storming to Championship success in the MRF Challenge.
Conor Daly took his maiden GP3 victory at Barcelona in 2012.
For 2013 Conor Daly has graduated from GP3 to GP2 with Hilmer Motorsport, a new team in the support category. The American driver made his debut in the Series several weeks ago in Malaysia, in support of the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix. Conor Daly managed to finish 13th and 7th respectively in the feature and sprint race, and will make his second appearance in the Series in several weeks in Bahrain. The 21-year-old, from Noblesville, Indiana, is understandably thrilled to be preparing to compete in the Indianapolis 500, undoubtedly one of the most prestigious races of the year.
“I almost can’t describe what it means to have the opportunity to race in the Indianapolis 500,” explained Conor Daly. “I am so thankful that A.J. and [team director] Larry [Foyt] have given me my first shot at the greatest race in the world. I know this will sound cheesy but I’ve never been happier in my life; this race means so much to me.”
Conor Daly greatly impressed A.J. Foyt during his test with the outfit at Sebring in December, a test which featured many of IndyCar’s top drivers including Scott Dixon and Will Power. Even the Penske driver was impressed with both Conor Daly and Tristan Vautier’s performance during their first laps in an IZOD IndyCar Series machine, hence A.J. Foyt’s optimism ahead of the 97th Indianapolis 500. Last season A.J. Foyt racing endured a dismal Indianapolis 500, with both Mike Conway and Wade Cunningham retiring by Lap 78.
“He ran well at Sebring when we needed someone to do some testing in the offseason,” said A.J. Foyt, who became the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. “He was fast, smooth, and didn’t get in trouble. When we made a change on the car he felt it. I found him to be very savvy on the chassis setups. In fact, when we made a minor change which was really nothing, he thought about it and said it felt no different. I told him that was the right answer because we didn’t do anything he’d be able to feel, so that impressed me, too. I’ve run a lot of rookies at Indy and I think Conor will do a good job for us.”
Conor Daly will complete his first laps around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway on April 11th, when the American driver is joined by fellow rookies A.J. Allmendinger, Tristan Vautier and Carlos Munoz in completing the Rookie Orientation Program. The opening day of the Indianapolis 500 is a month later on May 11th, with pole day on May 18th and the all-important 200-lap race on May 26th.
Picture(s) Copyright © Glenn Dunbar & Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service
Ed Carpenter Takes Fontana Victory As Ryan Hunter-Reay Is Crowned Champion
Ed Carpenter has stormed to victory around the Auto Club Speedway in a frenetic IndyCar finale, which saw Ryan Hunter-Reay crowned Champion after 250 enthralling laps around the Californian oval. Championship contender Will Power spun early in the race, thus diminishing his chances of clinching the title.
The race began in glorious conditions, with the sun setting across the 2-mile oval. Poleman Marco Andretti led the opening lap as the race got underway, before jostling for the lead with Tony Kanaan and JR Hildebrand. By lap three, Championship contenders’ Will Power and Ryan Hunter-Reay were way down in 21st and 16th respectively, as they tried their hardest to climb their way through the field after a tough qualifying session.
Simona de Silvestro’s miserable season was brought to a premature conclusion on lap 19, as the ‘Swiss Miss’ peeled off into the pit lane with what looked like yet another mechanical failure for her Lotus-powered HVM Racing car. Andretti became the first driver to make a scheduled pit stop on lap 32, before race leader JR Hildebrand pitted several laps later. This handed the lead down to Ryan Briscoe, whilst many other drivers up and down the field elected to pit.
Ryan Briscoe’s lead was short-lived, as the Australian driver pitted on lap 38, allowing former-F1 driver Takuma Sato take assume the lead. Katherine Legge was issued a drive-thru penalty for speeding in the pit lane, after the Briton enjoyed a relatively competitive opening stint in the race. Once Takuma Sato pitted, JR Hildebrand resumed his lead at the front of the field.
On lap 55, the Championship battle was thrown wide open as Championship leader Will Power spun and slammed into the wall. This practically ruined the Australian driver’s Championship hopes, and brought out the first caution period of the race. Power narrowly avoided collecting fellow Championship rival Ryan Hunter-Reay during his spin, as the majority of the field elected to pit in traditional IndyCar fashion under caution.
The race was resumed on lap 65, as Ed Carpenter stormed into the lead several laps later. JR Hildebrand, who led early on in the race, coasted back to the pits on lap 74. This brought out the second caution period of the evening, and once again saw the majority of the field pit under caution. James Jakes elected to remain out on track, and therefore assumed the lead of the race. After momentarily returning to the pits, JR Hildebrand resumed racing albeit several laps down
As the field prepared to return to green flag conditions, Katherine Legge and Justin Wilson made contact. This saw Wilson spin, and eventually retire due to damage sustained in what appeared to be a mistake by Katherine Legge. Eventually the race was resumed on lap 86, with Ed Carpenter once again surging into the lead.
After Will Power’s disastrous spin earlier in the race, it looked set that the Australian driver’s title hopes were quickly fading as Ryan Hunter-Reay began to climb through the field. However, Penske remained confident they could fix Power’s car with roughly 18 mechanics milling around the #12 machine striving to make it race worthy once again. Rubens Barrichello became the next retirement of the race, as the F1 veteran’s car suffered an engine failure on lap 108. This naturally brought out the third caution of the race, and majority of the field took advantage of the delay to make yet another adventure into the pits.
The race was resumed on lap 116, as Graham Rahal and James Hinchcliffe were amazingly able to continue after separately brushing against the wall. Oval specialist Scott Dixon rose to the top as the race neared its halfway mark, as Will Power stunned many within the paddock by returning to the track aiming to redeem himself. However, Power’s return to the track lasted only several laps before he returned for a pit stop as Tony Kanaan took the lead.
After several further laps for Will Power, his car was finally wheeled back into the garage area to officially retire. With the Australian driver carrying out several further all-important laps, it enabled Power to move up to 24th position. This meant that Ryan Hunter-Reay needed to finish 5th or higher to clinch what would be a hard-earned Championship. Whilst Will Power once again retired from the race, Tony Kanaan pitted from the lead on lap 148, thus handing the lead down to Helio Castroneves. Marco Andretti suffered a disastrous pit stop after stalling, whereas Helio Castroneves pitted from the lead allowing Takuma Sato to rise to the top. However, Kanaan resumed his lead several laps later, as Sato finally pitted once again on lap 152.
Ryan Briscoe brought out yet another full course caution on lap 182, as the Penske driver hit the wall. This triggered further pit stops at the front, as Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon, and Takuma Sato all pitted under caution. Kanaan suffered a frustratingly slow stop, as Scott Dixon once again took the lead for Target Chip Ganassi Racing. The Kiwi’s lead failed to last for long, as Ed Carpenter once again asserted his authority over the race and took the lead. However, Dixon refused to give up and immediately retook the lead as the duo battled side-by-side at the front. The leading pair were then joined by Canadian driver Alex Tagliani, who took the lead once Carpenter elected to pit.
Reigning Series Champion Dario Franchitti took the lead once Tagliani pitted, before the Target Chip Ganassi Racing duo of Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon pitted on lap 225. This enabled Alex Tagliani to resume the lead at the front, before Takuma Sato and then Ed Carpenter took turns in the leading the race. Alex Tagliani’s hopes of a competitive race result were thwarted on lap 229, as the Canadian driver retired due to an engine-related issue. This enabled Ryan Hunter-Reay to move up to that all-important 5th position, with 15 laps to go as the race returned to green flag conditions.
Upon the restart, oval specialist Dario Franchitti took the lead and opened up a considerable gap between himself and Ed Carpenter. However, the Scotsman’s advantage was reduced to zero on lap 241, when Tony Kanaan spun into the wall and brought out the sixth caution of the race. This caution then became a red flag period, as race director Beaux Barfield decided against wasting laps under caution. This decision would allow the race to run under more green flag laps than if it had remained a full course caution.
Ed Carpenter took his second career victory at Fontana, after a last lap overtake on Dario Franchitti.
The final six laps of the race were unquestionably the most frenetic and exciting of the entire season, as Ryan Hunter-Reay began to fall into the clutches of the quickly advancing Helio Castroneves who was running on much newer tyres. However, any plans the Brazilian driver had of assisting his team-mate to Championship glory were thwarted on the final lap as Takuma Sato once again ended his race by slamming into the barrier. This enabled the race to finish under caution, and saw Ryan Hunter-Reay crowned the new IZOD IndyCar Series Champion. Whilst Hunter-Reay bathed himself in Championship glory, Ed Carpenter had clinched only his second career victory after a last lap overtake on Dario Franchitti.
Ryan Hunter-Reay has become the first American IndyCar Champion since Sam Hornish jr. back in 2006. The Texan driver has also secured himself the Oval Championship, after winning three of the five ovals this season. This has become the third season in a row that Will Power has entered the season finale leading the Drivers’ Champion, yet been unable to convert his lead into a Championship title.
Picture(s) Copyright © Getty Images
Rubens Barrichello Set To Leave KV Racing Technology
Rubens Barrichello has announced that he will leave his current IndyCar team, KV Racing Technology, at the end of the season. The Brazilian star aims to switch to a rival team for 2013, after suffering a tough debut season in the IndyCar Series. Barrichello’s highest finish so far this season has been 7th, at the Iowa Corn Indy 250.
After 19 seasons in Formula 1, racing for a number of iconic teams such as Ferrari, Brawn GP and Williams, Rubens Barrichello made the switch to America after the 2011 season to race in the IZOD IndyCar Series alongside good friend and fellow countryman Tony Kanaan. However, the 40-year-old Brazilian’s debut season has not been hugely competitive, with Barrichello struggling for decent results alongside fellow former F1 drivers Takuma Sato, Justin Wilson and Sebastien Bourdais.
With the uncompetitiveness of Barrichello’s season so far, the motor sport veteran seems eager to move his way up the IndyCar ladder. Reports suggest he has already held talks with a Honda-powered team in preparation for the 2013 season. Currently, race winning team Chip Ganassi Racing use Honda engines, and would be the ideal team for Barrichello if the Brazilian has any ambitions on winning races next season.
“I don’t like being 15th, and I am working myself up,” explained Rubens Barrichello in an interview with AutoSport. “I’m getting better in comparison with my team-mates, but my car is still not. And the strategy side still hasn’t clicked. I’m fairly open to [KV owners] Jimmy [Vasser] and Kevin [Kalkhoven]; they gave me a car, and we had a situation where the deal was done in the last 20 minutes. But I’m here to win. Now that I have done IndyCar, I want to do it better, because I don’t think I was able to do what I am really capable of for one reason or another. And since I do this because I enjoy doing it, I might as well come back.”
Rubens Barrichello’s good friend and team-mate, Tony Kanaan, is a former race winner of the IZOD IndyCar Series. Since his debut season in 2002, Kanaan has taken 14 race victories, all for Andretti Autosport [formerly known as Andretti Green Racing]. Since making a move to KV Racing Technology last season, Kanaan’s best finish so far has been 2nd on two occasions.
With Rubens Barrichello’s ambitions set high, it seems unquestionable that the likable Brazilian will most certainly need to move to a team higher up the grid. However, duo to the highly competitive nature of the IZOD IndyCar Series, victory isn’t a certainty no matter which team you drive for.
Picture Copyright © Getty Images
Helio Castroneves Fends Of Takuma Sato To Take Victory At Edmonton
Helio Castroneves held his nerve throughout the closing stages of the Edmonton Indy to take his second race victory of the season, ahead of the charging Takuma Sato. Will Power came home a distant 3rd, whilst reigning Series Champion Dario Franchitti finished further back in 6th position.
At the green flag, the pack amazingly negotiated the opening few corners relatively incident free, as local hero Alex Tagliani stormed into the lead around initial pole man Dario Franchitti. The cheers from Tagliani’s adoring home fans were audible over the noise of the cars, as the Canadian driver proceeded to open up a gap to Franchitti in 2nd.
The traditional battles ensued further down the order, with the push-to-push device assisting drivers in completing overtakes. By lap 11, the first pit stops of the race had begun as Tony Kanaan peeled off into the pit lane. Whilst other drivers opted to pit, James Hinchcliffe ran too deep into the final corner and dropped from 11th to 13th as Will Power brushed the wall.
All three leaders elected to pit together on lap 26, as Ryan Briscoe assumed the lead. Alex Tagliani only just exited the pit lane ahead of Dario Franchitti, as Ryan Briscoe took to pit road a lap later. This momentarily handed the lead down to Will Power, however he too decided to pit thus handing the lead back down to Tagliani.
Upon exiting the pit lane, Championship leader Ryan Hunter-Reay came exceedingly close to overtaking the Australian driver. However, Power defended his position well upon rejoining the track, even though Hunter-Reay was heard complaining on his team radio that Power had “chopped” across in front of him. However, the race officials decided to take no further action on Power as the Australian driver continued to surge through the field.
Whilst Will Power and Ryan Hunter-Reay were battling for position, further up the order Dario Franchitti lunged up the inside of Alex Tagliani for the lead. The Scot failed to make the move stick, running too deep into the corner. This allowed Tagliani to retake the lead, and also enabled Helio Castroneves to sneak around Franchitti for 2nd place.
Several laps later and Takuma Sato found a way around Dario Franchitti for 3rd as the pair negotiated turn 1, with Dario Franchitti’s dominance in the Series visibly a thing of the past. By lap 50, the second round of pit stops had begun, with local star James Hinchcliffe pitting. Oriol Servia endured a torrid pit stop on lap 51, as the Spanish driver stalled his car.
With Castroneves catching Alex Tagliani in the lead, it came as a surprise when the Brazilian driver pitted first on lap 52. By lap 53, Tagliani and the other leaders finally pitted as Will Power once again assumed the lead. The early pit stop for Castroneves worked superlatively in his favor, as Tagliani and Sato exited the pit lane behind the Penske driver.
Will Power was the next driver to pit, eventually returning to the track only just behind Takuma Sato. After starting the race from 17th, the Australian driver had risen to the sharp end of the pack in tremendously competitive fashion. Alex Tagliani then began to slip further down the order, as firstly Takuma Sato then Will Power overtook the local hero.
As the race entered its closing stages, Takuma Sato began to reel in race leader Castroneves. The gap between the leading duo was under a second for the remaining few laps, however with tactful use of the push-to-pass device Helio Castroneves was uncatchable and crossed the line to take an important race victory for himself and Penske.
There is now a two week gap before the next round of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series, around the daunting Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Helio Castroneves has won this race twice before, in 2000 and 2001 when the race was part of the ChampCar calendar.
The Brazilian driver will undoubtedly be looking for his third race victory at Mid-Ohio in two weeks time, as the likable 37-year-old aims to reel in Championship leader Ryan Hunter-Reay.
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Ryan Hunter-Reay Storms To Victory At The Milwaukee IndyFest
Ryan Hunter-Reay has taken his first IndyCar victory of the 2012 season, after a stunning victory at the 2012 Milwaukee IndyFest ahead of Tony Kanaan and James Hinchcliffe after a frenetic 225 laps around the Milwaukee Mile. Will Power remains in the lead of the Drivers’ Championship, as Hinchcliffe moves up to 2nd ahead of Scott Dixon.
The race was unfortunately delayed due to rain, however once the shower had passed over the Milwaukee Mile the race was able to get going. At the start Dario Franchitti flew into the lead from pole, opening up a considerable gap to Hunter-Reay in 2nd. Further down the order, Will Power was picking his way precariously through the pack after his grid penalty. The Championship leader made minor contact with Katherine Legge on lap 19, as Josef Newgarden peeled off into the pits with with fuel pressure issues. This then resulted in a drive-through penalty for the IndyCar rookie, who drove over a tyre gun upon exiting his pit.
On lap 65 Dario Franchitti joined many on entering pit road under green flag conditions, thus handing the lead down to Helio Castroneves. Only moments after making his stop, Simona de Silvestro brought out the first full course caution as the Swiss Miss spun her Lotus-powered car on track. Under yellow flag conditions, the top four of Castroneves, Hinchcliffe, Dixon and Power peeled off into the pits to make their first pit-stops.
As the race returned to green flag conditions, EJ Viso led away at the front. Whilst the Venezuelan driver enjoyed his time out front, Target Chip Ganassi team-mates Franchitti and Dixon came perilously close as the Kiwi finally made a move stick on his British team-mate.
The race was run under green flag conditions for only 16 laps before Justin Wilson brought out the second caution as his engine expired in spectacular fashion with smoke billowing out of the rear of his car. Upon stopping at the side of the track, Wilson’s car then proceeded to catch fire at the rear, as the Briton frantically jumped out of his car.
Whilst the safety car controlled the race at the front, the majority of the field pitted under caution. Castroneves returned to the front, as the Brazilian driver failed to pit with the rest of the pack. The restart was aborted for one extra lap, as the cars failed to line-up correctly.
As Castroneves led at the front, albeit without pitting, a further caution was caused only moments later when Takuma Sato collected James Jakes as both drivers ended up slamming out of the race and into the wall. JR Hildebrand also retired with a separate mechanical issue on his car.
The race once again restarted on lap 122, as Helio Castroneves continued his dominance at the front. Scott Dixon’s race was ruined after IndyCar officials handed the Kiwi a harsh drive-through penalty for allegedly jumping the restart. However, out on track Ryan Hunter-Reay simply glided past the Penske of Castroneves as the Brazilian’s tyres began to wear out. As the race continued under green flag conditions, many front running drivers were forced to make green flag pit-stops, however on lap 182 the fourth full course caution was caused as light rain began reportedly falling at certain points on the track.
This brief caution lasted only a handful of laps, as Hunter-Reay continued to lead at the front as the race was resumed on lap 192. However, it was only two laps later when a shocking development occurred when reigning Series Champion Dario Franchitti was seen in the wall, bringing out the fifth full course caution. Only moments beforehand Franchitti was seen rubbing wheels with Ryan Briscoe, as the Australian driver failed to notice the Briton on the inside. Further replays suggested that Franchitti’s incident was caused by a failure on the car, possibly suspension related.
Once the race was resumed on lap 201, it was ran incident free until the end as Ryan Hunter-Reay soared to his fourth IndyCar career victory. This was also the first win for an American driver in the 2012 season, the first since Ed Carpenter at last years Kentucky Indy 300.
The IZOD IndyCar fraternity now gears up for another back-to-back race weekend, as next weekend the teams and drivers head to the Iowa Speedway for the 2012 Iowa Corn Indy 250. Marco Andretti won last years race, ahead of Tony Kanaan and Scott Dixon.
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Justin Wilson Takes Victory In Thrilling Firestone 550 At Texas
British driver Justin Wilson has taken his first IndyCar victory of the 2012 season in a tremendously riveting Firestone 550 around the daunting Texas Motor Speedway. The 33-year-old took the lead off Graham Rahal with only two laps to spare, as the American driver lightly tapped the wall throwing away his chance of victory.
At the start of the race, two drivers failed to even start the warm-up laps. Both Rubens Barrichello and Simona de Silvestro failed to start the race due to separate issues with their cars’. However, once the green flag was unfurled to signify the start of the race, Alex Tagliani stormed into the lead from pole, as Scott Dixon took 2nd place from team-mate Dario Franchitti.
After a very promising qualifying session, Franchitti was seen falling back through the pack as the Scot began to suffer greatly from handling issues. By lap 17 he was down in 7th position, and by lap 20 the Target Chip Ganassi driver opted to take to pit road to try and rectify his handling issues, thus dropping down a lap. Whilst Franchitti suffered at the back of the pack, his team-mate Scott Dixon flew past Tagliani to take the lead on lap 21, as the Canadian driver also lost several places.
The first full course caution was caused on lap 31, when Charlie Kimball lost the rear end of his Chip Ganassi car and made contact with the wall. Luckily for Kimball it was only a minor incident, however enough damage was caused to bring an end to American’s race. It traditional IndyCar style, the majority of the field pitted under caution. As Tony Kanaan suffered a frustratingly long stop, Dixon rejoined still in the lead.
As the race returned to green flag conditions, Dixon continued his dominance at the front, as Simon Pagenaud received a drive-through penalty for a blunder in the pits. However, the race wasn’t under green flag conditions for long as Takuma Sato had an unusual incident along the back straight which brought out the second full course caution of the evening on lap 65. Ryan Hunter-Reay also retired from the race on lap 67, as the American driver took to pit road with a loss of power to his Andretti Autosport car.
Once again the majority of the field took to the pits under caution, as Ryan Briscoe suffered a lengthy stop. Once again Dixon remained in the lead for the restart on lap 72, as Oriol Servia became the next retirement several laps later with fuel injector issues. As the Kiwi of Scott Dixon stormed away at the front, James Hinchcliffe and Justin Wilson began making up ground, both passing Graham Rahal on track.
As a third caution failed to materialize, the field gradually began making green flag pitstops on lap 112. Dixon pitted from the lead on lap 117, handing the lead down to Justin Wilson who threw caution to wind and remained out on track with a car visibly slower due to worn-out tyres. Eventually the Briton pitted on lap 125, thus allowing Scott Dixon to retake the lead.
The third caution of the day was caused when E.J. Viso pulled off to the side of the track, with a suspected mechanical issue. Once again several drivers including Dixon pitted under caution, as Hinchcliffe assumed the lead. Castroneves and Newgarden came together in the pits, which resulted in a drive-through penalty for the rookie driver.
As the race returned to green flag conditions it wasn’t long before Dixon returned to the lead, however the Kiwi began to loose momentum on lap 171 when Will Power shot into lead. With Dixon trying to make up the lost ground, the Kiwi slammed his Chip Ganassi car into the wall on lap 175 bringing out the fourth caution of the evening.
On the restart, the two Penske’s of Power and Briscoe battled side-by-side before Power made a fundamental error and blocked Kanaan causing light damage to the Brazilian’s front wing. As Kanaan pitted for a new front wing, Power was issued a drive-though penalty which therefore handed the lead down to his team-mate Ryan Briscoe.
However, on lap 199 Briscoe lost the lead to Rahal and then lost 2nd place to Wilson. As the race entered its closing laps, Wilson began to reel in leader Rahal before the American driver gifted victory to the Brit by lightly tapping the wall. This therefore caused damage to Rahal’s car, as Wilson stormed through to take his first victory since Watkins Glen in 2009. Graham Rahal amazingly managed to limp home in 2nd, with Penske’s Ryan Briscoe 3rd.
The IndyCar action continues next weekend with another Saturday oval race at Milwaukee for the legendary Milwaukee IndyFest.
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