Mike Conway had led one IZOD IndyCar Series race prior to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach—the 2010 Indianapolis 500—and we all know how that turned out.
On the treacherous 1.968-mile, 11-turn Long Beach street circuit, Conway overtook Ryan Briscoe in Turn 6 of Lap 72 of 85 and went on to lead to the checkered flag for Andretti Autosport’s first victory since June at Iowa Speedway.
It’s been a long and arduous road for the 27-year-old Brit since May when he suffered severe back and leg injuries in a one-car crash late at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Unbowed, he “was determined to get back in the car” and hooked up with Andretti Autosport as the fourth driver, replacing the departed Tony Kanaan. IndyCar.com
It was a race of crack-ups, mechanical breakdowns and fierce competition.
“I was thinking (Ryan) Hunter-Reay or Briscoe had it, but Conway drove a hell of a race,” said spectator David Nguyen. “Awesome.”
Throughout the 100-minute race, Briscoe, who began in the 12th position, seemed to dominate the 1.98-mile street course, set up along a path of hairpin turns, straight runs and harrowing curves below the city’s waterfront downtown skyline.
But Conway took over with just 13 laps remaining after teammate Briscoe experienced apparent mechanical trouble. Long Beach Press-Telegram
“On the restarts the car was awesome, it just came to life,” Conway said. “Just had to make the right moves and hang in there and keep it clean.”
“I am so happy,” said owner Michael Andretti. “He impressed me the first time we put him in a race car. We knew he was going to win races,”
“Awesome,” said Conway. “The car was great and I have to thank the team for this result. I thought my day might be done when I overshot my pit, but everything worked out.”
Franchitti, rookie James Hinchcliffe and Tagliani completed the top-five. MiamiHerald.com
Defending series champion Dario Franchitti of Scotland was third.
Australian Will Power, who started from pole for the third time in three races this season, briefly looked headed for a second straight wire-to-wire victory.
He led the first 27 laps, but on a re-start after a caution Briscoe took the lead and Power, third coming out of a second re-start, was taken out by Penske teammate Helio Castroneves, whose wheels appeared to lock.
Franchitti regained the series lead with 122 points with Power second on 115. Conway’s 50 points for the victory put him fifth with 74. AFP
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IZOD IndyCar Series: Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach - Race Results
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