UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Briscoe wins first IndyCar race

Aussie continues late '08 form

Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe won the first IndyCar Series race of the season at St. Petersburg, Florida. The Australian took the checkered flag in first after 100 laps of accident-ridden racing on the 2-mile street course. Briscoe fought off a remarkable challenge by Ryan Hunter-Reay (Vision) and Justin Wilson (Dale Coyne).

The season-opening race proved to be an action-packed affair, as the narrow St. Petersburg streets caught several drivers out. At the start of the race, Graham Rahal got taken off by Tony Kanaan in turn one, leading to an early pitstop for both. Other incidents included reigning champion Scott Dixon ending his day in the turn three barriers, while Danica Patrick got taken off by rookie Raphael Matos.

Profiting from all the incidents was Justin Wilson, who held onto an early lead for a long time until one of many safety car interventions put a dent into his chances of a sensational victory for Dale Coyne. Wilson looked like the man to beat all day, but had to settle for third in the end.

On the lap 86 restart, Penske's Ryan Briscoe eventually blasted past Wilson to secure first position until the checkered flag. Briscoe held off a late charge by Ryan-Hunter-Reay, who posted Vision's best result ever in second. A performance that is even more remarkable considering Hunter-Reay's deal has only been finalised this very week.

Meanwhile, series returnee Dario Franchitti finished in fourth for Ganassi, while Tony Kanaan (AGR) rounded out the top five. Will Power ended up in sixth on his Penske debut, holding off polesitter Graham Rahal (NHL) in seventh.

Other last-minute call-up Darren Manning finished in eight for Dreyer & Reinbold, while first rookie Robert Doornbos only finished 11th out of 12 finishers after a collision with Dan Wheldon. The Dutchman was only just classified in front of other rookie Stanton Barrett, as the former NASCAR driver was able to move up to 12th despite being a long way off the pace.

The next race takes place in two weeks time at the infamous street course of Long Beach, California.

Race Results:

1. Ryan Briscoe - Penske
2. Ryan Hunter-Reay - Vision
3. Justin Wilson - Dale Coyne
4. Dario Franchitti - Ganassi
5. Tony Kanaan - Andretti Green
6. Will Power - Penske
7. Graham Rahal - Newman/Haas/Lanigan
8. Darren Manning - Dreyer & Reinbold
9. Vitor Meira - A.J. Foyt
10. Alex Tagliani - Conquest
11. Robert Doornbos - Newman/Haas/Lanigan
12. Stanton Barrett - 3G
13. Marco Andretti - Andretti Green
14. Dan Wheldon - Panther
15. Hideki Mutoh - Andretti Green
16. Scott Dixon - Ganassi
17. E.J. Viso - HVM
18. Ed Carpenter - Vision
19. Danica Patrick - Andretti Green
20. Raphael Matos - Luczo Dragon
21. Mario Moraes - KV
22. Mike Conway - Dreyer & Reinbold

Filip Cleeren

Written: Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:05:20