Strategic moves push AGR driver past Wheldon at Motegi

By Dave Lewandowski, indycar.com

A succession of drivers inherited the point late in the Indy Japan 300 because of fuel stops. Tony Kanaan, who relinquished the lead to Sam Hornish Jr. only nine laps from the checkers, was confident of being the final leader.

Kanaan was right, of course, and edged Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Dan Wheldon by 0.4828 of a second to give Andretti Green Racing its initial victory of the season and first on a 1.5-mile oval since the 2005 IndyCar Series season. Kanaan's teammate, Dario Franchitti, advanced four positions to finish third, while Scott Dixon was fourth and Sam Hornish Jr. fifth.

Read the detail; Tony Kanaan Wins Indy Japan 300

Helio Castroneves wins on the streets of St. Petersburg

By Dave Lewandowski, indycar.com

Helio Castroneves made it look easy on the streets of St. Petersburg. The sweat-soaked firesuit and weary celebratory fence climb belied that notion.

Sure Castroneves started from the pole, posted the fastest race time on Lap 88 (1 minute, 3.0737 seconds; 102.737 mph) and led 95 of 100 laps. Sure his Team Penske crew was flawless on pit stops in a race that dictated ethanol fuel strategy and economy. So while it might appear that Castroneves was the grand marshal of this parade, his physical labor and mental focus was intense for the duration.

Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon was only 0.6007 of a second in Castroneves' wake – the closest finish in six IndyCar Series street/road course events spanning three years – and with a few more available laps, Andretti Green Racing's triumvirate of Tony Kanaan, Marco Andretti and Dario Franchitti might have been able to make some noise, too. They completed the top five.

"It's incredible," said Castroneves, who recorded his second consecutive victory in the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. "You have to be so focused. I had to be really careful that I didn't make a mistake. But it's my time. We won."

Castroneves, who has led 135 of 200 laps on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn circuit the past two years, tied Dixon as two-time winners on IndyCar Series road/street races. He is the first to translate a pole start in to a race victory on a street/road course.

Read the full story: Castroneves makes it two in a row on street course

Danica Patrick, Marco Andretti Rivalry???

I read an article today by Mike Brudenell of the Detroit Free Press. He claims that Indy Racing League fans are anticipating a big rivalry between Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti.

I'm posing a question for my readers, is this a true IndyCar rivalry or media hype?

Shouldn't a true rivalry be competitors on different teams? Or maybe, they are teammates on Saturday and rivals on Sunday. What would Andretti Green Racing team owners Kim Green, Michael Andretti, and Kevin Savoree have to say about it?

Anyhow, here's the article: Dream Duel: Patrick versus Andretti

Let's hear what you think! Post your comments below.

Michael Andretti will run at Indy

The co-owner of Andretti Green Racing and past Champ Car champion will test his skill again at the Indianapolis 500. Michael Andretti has never won the Indianapolis 500. He did finish second (1991) once and last year finished third directly behind his son Marco Andretti.

Michael Andretti retired from full-time racing three years ago, but came out of retirement for one race last season and had a strong showing. This season Marco, Michael, and Danica Patrick will all be driving for Andretti Green Racing after finishing second, third, and fourth respectively in 2006.

Source: The Associated Press