Rookie Justin Wilson picked up his first IndyCar Series victory Sunday by winning the Detroit Indy Grand Prix at The Raceway at Belle Isle. Helio Castroneves led a race-high 53 laps, but had to give up the lead to Wilson when he was penalized for blocking with less than 20 laps to go.
Wilson’s first IndyCar victory came in his 15th start.
“It’s been a difficult year, but it’s great to finally get a win,” Wilson said.”
Castroneves, meanwhile, was frustrated by the penalty that ended up costing him a second-straight win and much-need points towards his championship bid.
Race officials penalized the Brazilian racer for blocking, ordering him to allow Wilson to move past into the lead on lap 73. Castroneves could not retake the lead and as a result lost the victory and 10 points in his title fight.
New Zealand’s Scott Dixon finished fifth to retain his season points lead entering the final race of the campaign next Sunday at Chicago, where he will take the crown by finishing eighth or better no matter how Castroneves fares.
“Thank God Wilson won the race. That definitely helped us,” Dixon said.
Dixon has 606 points, 30 more than Castroneves entering the final race. Had Castroneves not lost 10 points for the triumph, Dixon would have faced much greater pressure on the Chicago oval in order to claim the crown.
“I do not have anything smart to say,” a frustrated Castroneves said after the race. “Chicago to go. We’re going to go for it.”
“This is the most important win of my career,” Wilson said. “It’s been a long, difficult year. A lot of things have happened. A lot of things are going on, but we managed to pull through. This one means a lot, and this one is also for you, Paul.”
Tony Kanaan, last year’s winner at Detroit, finished third. Oriol Servia was fourth.
Patrick ended up 16th after starting 10th.
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