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IndyCar News
Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 Race Report
21/04/2008
IndyCar Series history was made for a second race running, as Danica Patrick, driver of the #7 Motorola car drove to the first female win of a major open-wheel racing event at the Twin-Ring Motegi Circuit, on Sunday 20 April.
Starting from sixth on the grid, Patrick drove among the top eight cars for the complete 200 lap event. As the race was drawing to its conclusion, the majority of the field came in to pit on lap 143 under yellow-flag conditions. Motorola race strategist Kyle Moyer called Patrick back into the pits on lap 148 to top up her fuel as the race returned to green-flag racing.
Polesitter Castroneves appeared to be on track for victory in the closing laps, only for Patrick to pass the Brazilian as his Penske Dallara slowed momentarily. Castroneves finished his 100th IndyCar Series start 5.85 seconds behind the race winner.
Danica Patrick - #7 Motorola Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone, said:
“The Firestone tyres were pretty consistent all day. The conditions with the lack of rubber out there always make it harder on the tyres, but after the first stop, my crew told me that the right rear wasn’t even showing cord – which it had in practice. That really shows how strong the Firestone tyres are and I finally got it across the finish line first.”
T.J. Tennent - Project Manager, Firestone Racing, said:
“What a historic and great day for IndyCar Series racing. We knew it was only a matter of time before Danica recorded that first victory. We’re proud she was able to accomplish it in the event sponsored by our parent company because this memorable date will forever be linked with the Bridgestone Indy Japan 300. Danica’s strategist, Kyle Moyer, made a tremendous call to top off with fuel near the end of the final caution period, then she did a magnificent job turning competitive laps while saving ethanol and outlasting everyone else. From a tyre perspective, we couldn’t be more proud. Despite a very green racetrack from all of the recent rain, every driver that finished in the top 10 relied on their Firehawks to run an extended stint on their last set of tyres – all without issue. That’s a tribute to the tyres and to the trusting relationship built between Firestone and the IndyCar Series teams.”
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