Josef Newgarden scored his second IndyCar victory of 2019 with a well-timed switch to slick tyres in a rain-affected race.
The Penske driver was among the first to switch to dry-weather tyres as track dried out. The start of the weekend’s first race in Detroit was postponed due to heavy rain.As in Indianapolis six days ago, Alexander Rossi had to settle for a close second behind a Penske. He led the race early on from pole position, but had to switch to slick tyres due to a caution period triggered by Ed Jones, which dropped him to second place.
The race, which was cut to a 75-minute duration, was punctuated by frequent caution periods. Two of them were caused by Matheus Leist. Takuma Sato claimed third place after nipping past Felix Rosenqvist shortly before the race’s final caution period. Scott Dixon, who had been on course for third, crashed out and caused another full-course yellow.
Ryan Hunter-Reay claimed fifth despite running up an escape road at one stage. He finished the race on Rosenqvist’s tail, with Simon Pagenaud in turn breathing down his neck. Graham Rahal, Zach Veach, James Hinchcliffe and Spencer Pigot completed the top 10.
Will Power charged through the field in the opening stages but his race was ruined when he switch to slick tyres. He was released from his pit box before the front-right wheel was secured, and it parted company with the car as he navigated the pit exit. He finished 18th after a drive-though penalty for the infraction.
Newgarden’s victory means he goes into tomorrow’s race with a 25-point lead in the championship.
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