Points shake up heads to Mid-Ohio
For the 11th time in 12 races this season, the top spot in the championship point standings has switched hands. Ryan Briscoe currently leads Scott Dixon and Dario Franchitti by eight and 11 points, respectively. Last year, Briscoe’s victory at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was his first on a road course in the IndyCar Series. He started second and led Team Penske teammate Helio Castroneves across the finish line. Can Briscoe extend his championship lead with another strong showing on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn course?
Overtake assist debuts on a road course
The Honda overtake assist option will be introduced on a road course at Mid-Ohio. The system, engaged by the driver pressing a button on the steering wheel, provides an extra 200 RPM (for a total of 10,500) and a 5-20 horsepower gain dependent upon fuel setting for a duration calibrated on a race-to-race basis by Honda Performance Development. How will the overtake assist potentially affect the outcome of the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio?
Alternate tires challenge strategy at Mid-Ohio
Firestone tires will again play a role in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. Last year, rain tires were employed early on after a morning thunderstorm and drivers/teams quickly had to gauge when to switch to slicks based on track position. This year, the Firestone alternate tires, which provide additional grip but wear more quickly, will be used for the first time at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during the three rounds of qualifications and the race.
Click Here to View More IndyCar Photos
Final two road course races of the championship
Back-to-back races on road courses of similar length and elevation changes await IndyCar Series drivers as the championship chase heads toward another exciting conclusion. Last year, Helio Castroneves used a runner-up finish at Mid-Ohio and a victory at Infineon Raceway to significantly close the gap on points leader Scott Dixon. How will these events impact the championship that closes with three events on 1.5-mile ovals?
Rookie of the Year battle moves to Mid-Ohio
Lost in the excitement of this year’s closely contested championship standings is the intense battle for IndyCar Series Rookie of the Year honors. Robert Doornbos currently leads Raphael Matos by one point. While this will be Matos’ first IndyCar Series start at Mid-Ohio, he won last year’s Firestone Indy Lights race at the track. Doornbos will be making his first visit to the historic road course. How will experience at the track factor into the race for the Rookie of the Year title?
Race Notes:
The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio will be the third IndyCar Series event conducted at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Previous race winners entered are: Ryan Briscoe (2008) and Scott Dixon (2007).
Helio Castroneves has won the pole at Mid-Ohio for both IndyCar Series events at the track (2008, ‘07).
At least 16 drivers entered in the event have competed in previous IndyCar Series races at Mid-Ohio. Seven of those drivers have led laps: Ryan Briscoe (43), Helio Castroneves (42), Scott Dixon (29), Tony Kanaan (13), Justin Wilson (11), Dario Franchitti (6) and Mario Moraes (1).
At least four drivers will make their first IndyCar Series start at Mid-Ohio: Richard Antinucci, Mike Conway, Robert Doornbos and Raphael Matos.
Click Here to View More IndyCar Photos
Milestones & Records:
Tony Kanaan will attempt to make his 110th consecutive start, the active leader among IndyCar Series drivers.
Scott Dixon has 27 consecutive top-10 starts. Ryan Briscoe’s 11th place start at Toronto ended his series of 17 consecutive top-10 starts. Sam Hornish Jr. holds the record with 32.
Scott Dixon has tied Sam Hornish Jr. for most career victories at 19.
Andretti Green Racing’s next victory will be its 35th. The team ranks first in the IndyCar Series. A victory in 2009 will give Tony Kanaan a victory in seven consecutive seasons, becoming the fourth driver to do so.
Helio Castroneves has 72 career top-five finishes, the most in IndyCar Series history.
Helio Castroneves has 96 top-10 finishes, the most in IndyCar Series history.
Helio Castroneves has led 77 races, the most in IndyCar Series history.
Helio Castroneves has at least one race victory in each of the last nine seasons, an IndyCar Series record.
Helio Castroneves has at least one victory from the pole in each of the last eight seasons, an IndyCar Series record. His eight career wins from the pole is also a record.
Helio Castroneves has 27 career poles, the most in IndyCar Series history.
Helio Castroneves ranks second all-time with 107 races running at the finish. Scott Sharp holds the record with 111.
Helio Castroneves ranks second all-time with 3,206 laps led. Sam Hornish Jr. holds the record with 3,428.
| 
|