2022 is becoming a stellar year for IndyCar, as the Long Beach race, which is normally more about saving fuel and pit stops, saw plenty of wheel to wheel action, including for the lead! If that wasn’t enough, a car ended up parked in the fountain flowers too!
The Penske juggernaut continues its roll through the series, as Newgarden makes it back to back wins, thanks to a great pit stop and out lap for the final stint. Before the stop he was behind Palou, but could hold him off on the out lap despite his cold tyres, which would end up being crucial. His pace was maybe not the best out there, but it was enough to stay in contention with the front runners, and make his move when it counts. He may well be the favourite now for the title, looking at where the team is currently. His defence against Grosjean was perfect too, helped by the push to pass he had.
Grosjean came so close to his first win once again! For the first half of the race, he was very quiet on the edge of the top 5, but through cautions and others crashing he came to the front, and thanks to his strategy, had reds for the final stint. He was able to pass Palou, yet couldn’t quite get the Penske car. Nevertheless, it has been a solid start to his Andretti career. Palou will be disappointed too, as he was nearly in victory lane as well. His car was so fast in that middle stint, but for whatever reason Josef could close the gap to him in the stops. The move on Newgarden into turn 5 was very risky, and both drivers did well to survive.
Power had another decent race, as he starts the season in the best ever way for him for many years. 4th was probably the maximum he could get out of the car. McLaren needed to resurrect their season, and to begin with it looked like Rosenqvist would do it, however he dropped back early on. That left O’Ward to storm through the field, to get his best result of the season. If he wants to fight for the title, he needs to get podiums soon.
Dixon did a typical Dixon race, using fuel saving to gain a tonne of positions, as well as being helped by the cautions. These are the sorts of things he does to save his championship, and it worked very well here. Rahal silently climbed up as well, as the team recovers from a diabolical Texas. Rossi fell back on one of the restarts, as the frustration boiled over of being passed it seemed. He really needs to regroup soon.
Kirkwood continues to prove how fast he is, in only his third race. Making the fast 12 and getting a 10th should be a springboard for the future. Veekay seemed to be annoying some drivers out there including Dixon with his driving, he may be being too exuberant. After two near perfect races, McLaughlin wasn’t on the pace this weekend, but these weekends happen, and likely won’t last for long.
Calderon is building in the series, much like Johnson did last year, and I am sure it will come to her soon. Sato pushed Pagenaud into the grass at the fountain, which did not please the Frenchman, who wants revenge on a driver who is known for being rather aggressive in racing. Johnson has had a difficult weekend, with many crashes, including one which injured his hand. It was apparently all as a result of trying to find the last percent of pace in the car.
Finally, the most dramatic moment of the race, where Herta once again crashed out in the fastest car on the track, trying to make up too much time. This is a real issue, which is linked to Rossi, where they both are getting too frustrated in the car, and ruining races. You cannot win a title like this, even if Andretti had the pace to do so over a season, it is all about collecting points. I do fear it could ruin both of their careers before long.
Penske may be in control of the championship right now, but Chip Ganassi Racing and Andretti Autosport are banging on the door, and before long they will break through. McLaren too are on a resurgence, and with the Chevrolet engine, have the potential for wins too! Don’t forget they nearly won Barber last year, where we are going next!
-M
Meaning of Motorsport 