In an overwhelming display of dominance, Australian Will Power has won the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma, at Infineon Raceway. Power, who suffered an almost career ending crash at Infineon in 2009, started from pole and led 71 of the 75 laps to reach within 26 points of series leader, Dario Franchitti of Target Chip Ganassi Racing. Team Target Chip Ganassi Racing kept in the points with Franchitti finishing 4th and Scott Dixon in 5th. This victory makes Power the first two-time winner in the seven years that the event has been held at Infineon.
With just four races to go in the season, Power earns his fifth victory of the year; only one win shy of the IndyCar single season record. It seemed to be all that Power could do to keep fellow Team Penske teammate Helio Castroneves from overtaking as he charged furiously in pursuit of his own victory. It would be a podium filled with Team Penske colors, however, as Roger Penske’s drivers swept the race with a solid 1-2-3 finish. With Castroneves coming in second to repeat the same 1-2 result as the Edmonton race in July and Ryan Briscoe finishing third (which ties his current season high), this is the first Penske 1-2-3 sweep since 1994 at Nazareth (Paul Tracy, Al Unser Jr., and Emerson Fitipaldi).
While Justin Wilson‘s back continues to heal, Giorgio Pantano made his debut with Dreyer & Reinhold Racing, advancing five spots from his spot on the starting grid to sixth. His success was short lived as he was assessed a penalty for blocking Sebastian Bourdais at Turn 11 on the last lap and was sent to 17th place at the rear of the lead lap.
Race highlights
