INDYCAR: Power Beats Clock, Rain to Take Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300

It wasn't conventional, but Will Power heads to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the points lead for the second straight year.  Choosing to pit midway through an abbreviated morning conclusion to the Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle, Power took the lead from Takuma Sato with just over seven minutes remaining in the race and cruised to his second victory of the season.

Power collected his second consecutive win on the streets of Sao Paulo, which lent itself to another year of exciting racing, albeit at a relatively strange time for those trying to tune in from America.  Starting on the pole, Power remained in front through 15 laps on Sunday, but was passed by Takuma Sato on the race's restart on the Lap 26 green flag.

As part of KV Racing Technology-Lotus' plan, neither Sato nor E.J. Viso planned on stopping during the morning session, and the green and yellow colors were swiftly at the front of the field forming a surprising 1-2, with Marco Andretti utilizing a similar strategy to move to third.

The luck began to run out for KV when Viso was black flagged after seven consecutive blocks on Andretti, giving up second place, but soon after, Andretti's in-car telemetry went dead and the youngster gambled with red tires, fading to a 14th-place finish, directly behind Viso.  Sato, attempting to reach the time limit, eventually was forced to pit with just over seven minutes left in the race, handing the lead to Power.

The Australian capitalized on the opportunity, darting away from runner-up Graham Rahal to take a 14-point lead over Dario Franchitti 27 days before the 100th Anniversary running of the Indianapolis 500.  Franchitti found the tire barriers on the restart, but rallied to finish fourth.

Ryan Briscoe took his second straight podium finish in taking third, while Oriol Servia picked up fifth.

After four straight road/street circuits to open the IZOD IndyCar Series season, the series now turns its attention to the crown jewel of motorsports, the Indianapolis 500.  The 100th Anniversary running of the Indianapolis 500 will be on Sunday, May 28.

The Greatest 33: No. 31 - Tony Kanaan

With 28 days remaining until the 100th Anniversary running of the Indianapolis 500, Drive Hard, Turn Left and SB Nation Indiana is starting its countdown of the Greatest 33, the ultimate Indianapolis 500 field. Fans can build their own field by clicking here. Today, Drive Hard, Turn Left & SB Nation Indiana profiles one of the most exciting drivers to hit IMS, Tony Kanaan.

The only driver to lead laps his first seven starts in the Indianapolis 500, Tony Kanaan has been one of the shining stars of the Indy Racing League/IZOD IndyCar Series era.  The 2004 IndyCar champion, Kanaan has been the victim of foul weather at IMS; without it, he may have been further up the rankings as a two-time champion at Indianapolis.

The effervescent Brazilian was nearly as hard luck a loser as the owner for whom he ran in eight of his nine 500 appearances.  In 2004, Kanaan led 28 laps and was running second to Buddy Rice when rain shortened the race to 180 laps.  Just three years later, rain, or the lack thereof, helped keep Kanaan from Victory Lane.

After 113 laps, Kanaan led the 2007 Indianapolis 500 when the skies opened, prompting the race to be halted.  With the 91st Indianapolis 500 over halfway, if rains had continued, Kanaan would have captured his first Borg Warner Trophy.  Instead, a small window opened, allowing officials to dry the track; alternate pit strategies saw Kanaan pit on Lap 151, and in his haste to get back to the front of the field, Kanaan spun upon catching lapped traffic.  15 laps later, it was Kanaan's closest friend, Dario Franchitti, taking the honorary swig of milk as the race winner.

Having led 214 laps in his nine-year run at Indianapolis, Kanaan's fans were never more on edge than in the 2010 Indianapolis 500.  A series of bizarre wrecks left Kanaan struggling to make the field of 33, and the driver took the green flag last in the field.  However, dashing and darting through the field (as is often custom for Kanaan), the Brazilian worked his way up to second place, trailing his friend, Franchitti.  Initially, the team reported that he could make the checkered flags on fuel, but Kanaan was forced to pit on Lap 191, preventing him from becoming the first driver to go from last to first in 500 history.

28 days from the 500, Kanaan is with a new team, KV Racing Technology-Lotus and will take Jim Clark's Lotus-colored No. 82 into IMS this May.

The Greatest 33:
33. Eddie Sachs
32. Michael Andretti
31. Tony Kanaan

Carnival! IndyCar Hits Sao Paulo

Last year, the IZOD IndyCar Series opened its season on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The race was a hit - both literally and physically, as the opening corner saw Marco Andretti with an Indycar atop his head.  With five Brazilians in the field, Sao Paulo promises to be an entertaining conclusion to the four straight road/street courses that began the IndyCar Season.

Sao Paulo marked the return of Will Power in 2010; after a devastating wreck late in 2009, Power took advantage of Ryan Briscoe forgetting to turn to set up a pass of Ryan Hunter-Reay four laps later, coasting to the first of his five wins in the year.  

In just one year, the event has proven to be a massive success, with a Carnival-like atmosphere enveloping the track in the largest city in the southern hemisphere.  Having five Brazilians in the field surely helps, as does Sao Paulo's history and infatuation with racing.

Versus (in one of its final races under that name) has the coverage of qualifications and the race, with quals airing at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday.  The Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 presented by Nestle airs at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Why to Watch: Last year, the first chicane on the course was chaotic.

 

You think with double-file restarts, the opening chicane does not possess the same chance of carnage this year?  Not that I would advocate watching a race for wrecks, but let's face it: people do.

Along with the first chicane, NZR Consulting's layout gives fans a delightful street circuit with plenty of passing zones - something that is all too rare on the 'twisties.'   

What to Watch: Well, if you were in Brazil for the race, I'm sure there would be plenty of items outside of the race to keep an eye on.  But since most of us are relegated to watching on TV, keep an eye on the double-file restarts, once again.

Two weeks ago, these were non-existent, as drivers did not bunch up in the proper formation, nor did race control enforce the double-file restarts.  After fan feedback over the last two weeks, keep an eye on how the race goes back to green flag racing.

Who to Watch: Helio Castroneves.  Castroneves has come under scrutiny for driving like a battering ram of late, failing to brake in time at Long Beach and punting his teammate Power late in the race.  Earlier, it looked like the three-time Indianapolis 500 champ used his nose to turn Justin Wilson - a similar move to a penalized action by Paul Tracy.

It will be very difficult to penalize the Brazilian in his home land, but race control may have no choice if Castroneves continues to struggle with late corner braking, as he has in these first three races.

Who Will Surprise: Frankly, I've been terrible in this category.  Called Bourdais at Barber.  Picked Justin Wilson last week.  If I were a driver and saw this, I would be begging not to be selected.  Since I have to pick someone, it will be Vitor Meira this week.  

Last year, in his first race since breaking his back at Indianapolis, Meira finished on the podium, taking third.  This year, Meira is healthy, but maybe a little sleep deprived after he and his wife welcomed a baby into their lives on Easter Sunday.  I think he drives well in his native land once again, taking a top five.

Taking the Checkered: Will Power. I refuse to bet against him.  Until the series hits the ovals, anyways (and that gap is closing rapidly). 

Conway's Win Testament to Dallara

While the teeth-gnashing was underway about decisions from race control in the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (and I share some of those concerns), another thought occurred to me as Mike Conway dashed and darted his way through the field to claim his first career IZOD IndyCar Series win - how about Dallara?

Without the manufacturer, is Conway even driving today?  Or is Will Power challenging for a second title, or Vitor Meira still competing with A.J. Foyt?  To be honest, I'm not sure.  In 2009 and 2010, each driver endured frightening wrecks - collisions with walls and/or other competitors that in years past, may have left them with far greater injuries than the broken legs and backs suffered.

Seriously, watch the Mike Conway wreck again (if you can).  It's a minor miracle he was not hurt worse.  The only thing left of Conway's car is the tub in which he is seated.

The common denominator, as it has been in the IZOD IndyCar Series over the last 14 years, has been the Dallara chassis.  The only manufacturer in the series since 2008 (and most of 2007), Dallara has staked its reputation on safety.  While some may clamor for a "sexier" looking machine, the Italian company's record of protecting drivers is strong, as Meira, Power and Conway can attest.

When Randy Bernard and the ICONIC Committee began looking at options for the future chassis of the IZOD IndyCar Series, several entrants came forth with sparkling ideas.  While Dallara's entry and sketches for future cars was not panned, it was not the flashy, fascinating designs submitted by others, such as Swift.  In fact, many fans were clamoring for something new and forward-thinking (though not as new as the Delta Wing).  While fans respected Dallara, maybe it was time for several new manufacturers to enter into competition with the staid, old company, was the basic argument.

Instead, the ICONIC Committee went back to Dallara, and with the company's track record for safety, reached a compromise.  Again, look at Conway's wreck - the tub became a cocoon around the Englishman, keeping him from further harm.  With this in mind, and the fact that Meira and Power were both able to return soon after horrific wrecks, the committee used the tub - the safety cell - as the building block for the 2012 chassis.  With ideas taken from other submissions, the safety cell/aero kit idea was born, allowing Dallara to continue what it does best: keep drivers safe.

Fans will have the opportunity to see the 2012 Dallara safety cell/aero kit package come together, as the manufacturer is presently constructing its American base of operations in Speedway, Ind., as part of the town's massive redevelopment project.  With the building not yet complete, testing will begin at the former Zipp Speed Weaponry building on Main Street.  In May, prototypes of the 2012 Dallara safety cell and fuel kit will be revealed at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as over half million fans file through turnstyles during the month during practices, qualifications and the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29.

As the competition continues to improve and drivers continue to run close together, open wheel racing is always going to have its share of wrecks.  But with Dallara building the safety cell (and one of at least three aero kits), those drivers involved in incidents will have the chance at future checkered flags, as Mike Conway became the latest to demonstrate on April 17.

Conway Shoots Through Field for Surprise Long Beach Win

(Note: this recap also runs at SBNation Indiana)
After qualifying third, Mike Conway was buried in 22nd place after a mistake on pit road 30 laps into the 37th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  However, the second-year driver methodically moved through the field, picking off Ryan Briscoe with 13 laps to go and cruising to his first career IZOD IndyCar Series win.

After passing Briscoe, who led the majority of the second stint of the race, Conway dominated the closing laps, eventually winning by 6.32 seconds.  

Conway had been fast since joining Andretti Autosport in the offseason, but had not had the result to show, finishing 23rd and 22nd in his first two races with the team as a result of contact.

Just 11 months after a horrific accident in the 2010 Indianapolis 500 left him with a broken leg and back, Conway became the first driver to pick up his first career victory since Briscoe did so in 2008 at Milwaukee.  The driver was unsigned for most of the offseason before locking up a deal with Andretti Autosport, surprising many in the paddock.

In the post-race press conference, Conway reflected upon his last 11 months and the chance Michael Andretti took on him, saying:

I mean, initially I saw the injuries I had, and I just wasn't sure when I'd get back.  Yeah, things like that can definitely stop your career.  But I was just determined to not let it, determined to get back, back to fitness and back in a car. 

As soon as we were kind of talking to Michael [Andretti], it was really exciting times knowing that we could possibly be with such a good team like Andretti Autosport.  Yeah, for it to finally come together was awesome. 

Yeah, this year just full of energy and just all ready for the fight ahead.  A long season.  To get a win in the third race in, third race back, is awesome, and I can't think Michael enough for believing in me and the team for doing such a great job.

Conway's drive to his first checkered flag came just after a wild sequence saw Helio Castroneves take out teammate Will Power on Lap 66 after the field restarted following Justin Wilson's foray into the Turn 8 tire barrier.  Power was outside Ryan Hunter-Reay in a battle for second and tried to duck behind the No. 28; however, his teammate Helio Castroneves ran into the back of Power, putting both drivers out of contention for the win.

While Castroneves was punting Power, Conway shot through the space vacated by the two and Oriol Servia, eventually setting up a pass of Dario Franchitti.  Conway put the same move on Briscoe just a few laps later in Turn 6 and drove away for the victory.

Of cutting through the field, Conway remarked: 

As soon as we came out on the reds [tires] and kind of jumped a few people in the pits, [the] car kind of came to life again, and yeah, on the restarts the car was awesome.  Everyone else was kind of struggling for grip and we were just kind of charging through. 

Yeah, great we won, and Dario and Ryan I passed later, so it was nice to really fight for the lead there and a nice clean pass, and from there it was kind of just head down and try and pull away.

After the Turn 1 incident, it looked as if Hunter-Reay was poised to battle Briscoe for the win, but the defending champion at Long Beach suddenly lost power when his actuator broke down the front stretch, costing him a chance at a second straight win at Long Beach.  Hunter-Reay finished 23rd.

Briscoe rebounded from a sluggish start to the season with the runner-up result, while Franchitti picked up needed points to reassume the points lead from Power. James Hinchcliffe, after a fire in his car on Friday, used Servia's backup to take fourth and tighten the Rookie of the Year battle with JR Hildebrand, who was 17th.  Alex Tagliani briefly led en route to a season-best fifth-place finish.  

Servia, after spinning in the Power-Castroneves incident, took sixth, with Danica Patrick behind in seventh.  Tony Kanaan, who suffered a fuel pump problem in his first pit stop, came back for an eighth-place result, while Vitor Meira and Power rounded out the top 10. 

Five different teams were represented in the top five and seven of the top 10 drivers came from various teams.

Franchitti retook the points lead from Power and now leads by seven points.  Kanaan remains in third, 35 points in arrears.

After a week off, the IZOD IndyCar Series will resume on Sunday, May 1, hitting the streets of Brazil for the second consecutive year.  Coverage on Versus starts at 12 p.m. ET.

Finishing Order (starting position-driver-laps completed-reason for exiting race), courtesy of IndyCar PR:

1. (3) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

2. (12) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

3. (7) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

4. (11) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

5. (9) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

6. (4) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

7. (20) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

8. (10) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

9. (13) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

10. (1) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

11. (19) Raphael Matos, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

12. (6) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

13. (16) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

14. (15) Sebastian Saavedra, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

15. (23) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

16. (25) Paul Tracy, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

17. (27) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 85, Running

18. (8) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 84, Running

19. (26) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 83, Running

20. (18) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 82, Running

21. (22) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 81, Running

22. (5) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 78, Running

23. (2) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 72, Mechanical                 

24. (24) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 66, Mechanical

25. (17) EJ Viso, Dallara-Honda, 59, Contact

26. (14) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 37, Mechanical                  

27. (21) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Honda, 27, Contact

Race Statistics
Winners average speed: 88.676
Time of Race: 1:53:11.1000
Margin of victory: 6.3203 seconds.
Cautions: 3 for 12 laps
Lead changes: 7 among 6 drivers
Lap Leaders: Power 1-27, Tagliani 28-31, Briscoe 32-55, Hunter-Reay 56-57, Power 58-59, Dixon 60, Briscoe 61-71, Conway 72-85.
Point Standings: Franchitti 122, Power 115, Kanaan 87, Servia 80, Conway 74, Tagliani 73, Dixon 66, Briscoe 66, De Silvesto 66, Meira 64.