TAKUMA SATO/AJ Foyt Enterprise Honda broke team owner AJ FOYT IZOD IndyCar winless street dating back to Texas in 2010 by handily winning the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. His Margin of victory was 5.3612 seconds. He had a big lead over runner up GRAHAM RAHAL/Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda before the caution came out on the last lap.
This was the first career win for the Japanese driver. He had been the only driver in Saturday’s IndyCar Fast Six who hadn’t won a race. And as I said yesterday … yet.
Team Owner A.J. FOYT wasn’t present, and his son LARRY, called the race for Sato. The ecstatic driver said “Everything was just perfect. This is just amazing. I’m very happy … with the team, sponsors and everyone.”
Honda swept the podium, with Rahal and JUSTIN WILSON/Dale Coyne Racing Honda finishing third. Wilson celebrated by lifting Sato in a big bear hug and displaying him like a trophy.
Wilson and pole sitter DARIO FRANCHITTI/Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda duked it out in the last laps, with Wilson prevailing. Franchitti joined into the celebrations.
The race ran 80 laps, with 65 of them for racing and 15 under the five caution
flags.
There were several incidents, all reviewed by the stewards. Only one warranted any action. Fifth finisher ORIOL SERVIA/Panther DRR Chevrolet had a come together with TONY KANAAN/Andretti Autosport Chevrolet, and Servia was assessed a thirty-second penalty. That should move up MARCO ANDRETTI/Andretti Autosport Chevrolet to fifth, behind fourth place finisher, J.R. HILDEBRAND/Panther Racing Chevrolet – his best finish this season.
Eighteen drivers finished on the lead lap,
More to come.