The cars are different, but the results of the Indycar Grand Prix are the same. Will Power won his second straight Indycar Grand Prix at IMS Saturday from the pole, although it wasn’t an easy task. Robert Wickens gave Power a great battle, making a great pass around Power, who returned the favor, and then nearly pulling off another great pass to retake the lead. In the end, Power has shaken off his rough start to the season.
This race was the best of the five road course events leading up to the Indianapolis 500. The new car performed as intended, allowing close battles and passing throughout the field. In addition, high drama ensued toward the end as the race turned into a fuel derby. The two fuel masters, Power and Scott Dixon, finished 1-2.
Dixon had issues in qualifying and started an uncharacteristic 18th. The team found many answers overnight, and Dixon led the morning warmup. His first pit stop was on the first lap the pit window opened, allowing him to move up when everyone else stopped. He beat Sebastien Bourdais out of the pits on his final stop to get them runner-up spot.
The race began with the traditional turn 1 melee. Simon Pagenaud checked up and was hit from behind. He made contact with Jordan King who ended up in the sand trap. Pagenaud was able to keep running but his day was pretty much over. Later that lap, Spencer Pigot hit the curb and got airborne. He landed on all four wheels and continued.
The final yellow occurred on lap 56 when Josef Newgarden, who has had an error- free season, tried to pass Bourdais in turn 12, hit the curb, spun, and killed the engine. It was a few laps too early for final pit stops, but everyone came in as soon as the pits opened. When the race returned to green, the question was who could make it without needing a splash of fuel? Most people’s money was on Dixon, but Power is good at saving fuel as well. The race ended with out a challenge for the lead. Power’s victory was Team Penske’ 200th win in Indycar. Power has 30 of those Penske wins, plus three others in his career.
Notes
From the podium press conference
Wickens said after the race he had never been in a fuel saving situation before.
“It’s something I have to work on,” he admitted.
Dixon on his run toward the top noted, “The first stint we were running two seconds a lap faster.”than the rest of field. He said the crew changed many components.
Power admitted to not hydrating enough before the race and not using his in-car drink bottle during the event.
“Every lap was like qualifying,” he said.
On Wickens, he declared, ” He definitely ….will be a champion in Indycar. No doubt in my mind.”
On Penske’s 200th win Power said, it is “..a real pleasure to drive for him (Penske).”
He is “Grateful to be able to drive for this team.”
Helio Returns, Keeps GP Streak Alive
Helio Castroneves returned to Indycar for the first time this season. He started tenth and finished sixth. He has placed in the top ten in all five Indycar Grand Prix.
Wickens fan base continues to grow. The fans on the turn two mounds cheered loudly for him. Those seeing him for the first time were impressed.
Andretti Engine Woes Again
Marco Andretti lost an engine in the morning warmup. The crew did a great job installing a new in about 2 hours.
Ryan Hunter-Reay’s engine began misfiring just before the midway point of the race. He finished 18th.
Let’s hope this is the end of the powerplant problems for the month.
Reminder, ” Bump Tales” returns Thursday. Also planning a qualifying preview for Friday and of course coverage of both Days of qualifying.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 