Josef Newgarden won Sunday’s (June 12) Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America for his third win of the season and took home an extra $1 million in the process.
Behind Newgarden, Marcus Ericsson secured a runner-up finish while Alexander Rossi took the final step on the podium in third place. Ericsson now leads the points standings once again, 27 points up on Will Power.
Rossi managed the opening stint of the race effectively. He kept a safe lead over Newgarden until the first round of pit stops, when a superb in-lap and blitzing pit stop put the No. 2 car ahead of Rossi on pit exit. Newgarden never relinquished the net lead from that point.
“It’s what makes IndyCar so tough, it’s impossible to predict what’s going to happen!” Newgarden told NBC Sports, referencing the challenge of winning on an oval, street circuit and road course in one season.
“That’s just what makes this series so difficult, and it makes it fun to be in. You’ve got to be on your toes at all times.”
By virtue of winning on these three track types in one season, Newgarden will split a check for $1 million with a charity of his choosing, provided by the PeopleReady Force for Good Challenge.
The final battle to the checkered flag was set up by Pato O’Ward falling victim to a sudden engine failure on lap 48, grinding to a halt approaching turn 13. The distance between O’Ward’s stranded McLaren and the closest AMR Safety crew triggered a caution, eliminating Newgarden’s nearly three-second lead.
The first attempt at a restart with five laps to go was cut short when Helio Castroneves spun and stalled coming to the green flag. Castroneves promptly refired the car and was back on his way to catch the tail end of the field.
On the following restart, Rossi was jumped by Ericsson and had to fend off an attack from Colton Herta to stay on the podium. With Rossi busy playing defense, Newgarden was able to waltz into the distance for a secure win.
Rossi and Newgarden controlled…
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