No. 2 Hitachi Dallara/Chevrolet – Josef Newgarden
Start: 3rd
Finish: 2nd
Status: Running
Laps Completed: 100/100
Laps Led: 0
Points Position: 10th (-20 pts)
Josef Newgarden and the No. 2 Hitachi Chevrolet team entered Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg looking to bounce back from an opening-lap accident and a tough finish last weekend in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener at Barber Motorsports Park. Mission accomplished as Newgarden nearly captured his third-consecutive win at St. Petersburg before coming home in second place for his first podium result of the season.
After qualifying third in the Hitachi Chevrolet on Saturday, Newgarden’s race got off to a rocky start when the No. 14 car of Sebastien Bourdais made contact with the rear of the No. 2 Chevy entering the first corner. Fortunately, there was no damage done and Newgarden was able to eventually make his way around Jack Harvey and the No.60 car for second place.
Sticking to the team’s two pit stop strategy, Newgarden made his final visit to pit lane on Lap 69. From that point on he applied intense pressure to eventual race winner, Colton Herta, but could not get close enough to make a pass for the lead as he crossed the finish line in second place.
Quote: “Well, we lost a little too much ground in that second stint, really; to capitalize with the reds (tires). And then we had the caution, which almost gifted us another chance. And I just didn’t want to over extend myself today. I felt like I was close to an opportunity, but (race winner) Colton was really good. He was doing a great job on the restarts. It was tough to get tire temps. So, I pushed really hard right there in those two initial restarts. I didn’t have quite the runs I needed, so I didn’t want to risk anything. But a good day. I’m really happy with Chevy’s performance and thankful for all their work. And to have Hitachi on the car and get a podium is really nice here to start our year off.”
TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!
