(ST. PETERSBURG, FL) What a difference a week makes.
After a disappointing result at the NTT IndyCar Series season opener in Alabama seven days ago, Colton Herta dominated the 24-car field at Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Photo Credit: INDYCAR – Chris Owens
The pole-sitter and Andretti Autosport pilot led all but three laps of the 100-lap showcase on the 14-turn, 1.8-mile temporary street circuit and bested Josef Newgarden (Team Penske) by 2.49 seconds.
Both were involved in an opening-lap incident last week at Barber Motorsports Park, so the dual rebounds were a much-needed pickup.
“So happy to rebound from Barber and get the momentum for the season that we need, which is a championship season,” Herta said after the race. “What a great job by everybody.”
With the victory, the 21-year-old moved to third place in the points standings (62). Points leader Alex Palou, who took the checkered flags at Barber, finished seventeenth Sunday yet maintained his lead in points (67) while Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing) and Will Power (Team Penske) are tied with 65.
Simon Pagenaud (Team Penske) finished third on the afternoon.
The series moves to the first of four oval events next weekend. Fort Worth’s Texas Motor Speedway hosts Saturday’s Genesys 300 and Sunday’s XPEL 375 at the 1.5-mile oval.
For more information, visit indycar.com.
