Colton Herta became the seventh different driver to win an IndyCar this year after controlling proceedings in the second race of the weekend at Mid-Ohio.
The 20-year-old put himself on course for his third career victory by taking pole position in a wet qualifying session at the undulating road course. However the track dried out for the race.Herta kept a firm hold of his lead at the start, covering his position from Scott Dixon immediately behind and Santinto Ferrucci alongside. He edged Ferrucci onto the grass, and as the Coyne driver rejoined he thumped into Alex Palou, ending his team mate’s race with damaged suspension. Felix Rosenqvist was also involved and after limping on for a few laps, called it a day.
Dalton Kellet spun on lap 14, prompting the field to pit as one in anticipation of the inevitable caution period. Herta switched to primary tyres for his second stint, while his pursuers opted for the alternate rubber.
Herta’s lead seldom looked under serious threat. He led home a one-two-three finish for Andretti, pursued by Alexander Rossi and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
Graham Rahal took fourth ahead of Marcus Ericsson and the Penske trio, who were headed by Simon Pagenaud.
The biggest surprise of the race came on the 22nd lap when Scott Dixon spun at the exit of turn one. The runaway championship leader fell to the back of the field after making the “rookie mistake” of pressing his push-to-pass too soon.
Dixon switched to a three-stop strategy in a big to make up lost ground, which paid off, allowing him to salvage 10th place. Crucially, he finished immediately behind his closest title rivals, Josef Newgarden and Patricio O’Ward.
The series will return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course next for a double-header at the start of October. It is due to conclude on the streets of St Petersburg on October 25th.
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Race result
| Position | Driver |
| 1 | Colton Herta |
| 2 | Alexander Rossi |
| 3 | Ryan Hunter-Reay |
| 4 | Graham Rahal |
| 5 | Marcus Ericsson |
| 6 | Simon Pagenaud |
| 7 | Will Power |
| 8 | Josef Newgarden |
| 9 | Pato O’Ward |
| 10 | Scott Dixon |
| 11 | Rinus VeeKay |
| 12 | Jack Harvey |
| 13 | Max Chilton |
| 14 | Santino Ferrucci |
| 15 | Oliver Askew |
| 16 | Conor Daly |
| 17 | Zach Veach |
| 18 | Takuma Sato |
| 19 | Charlie Kimball |
| 20 | Marco Andretti |
| 21 | Dalton Kellett |
| 22 | Felix Rosenqvist |
| 23 | Alex Palou |
Mark in Florida
14th September 2020, 22:19
Dominate win for Colton. For such a young guy he has a ton of poise under pressure. I’ve been very impressed by him. Also team Andretti cleaned up the podiums. Great day for them.