5-27-2006
Howard Claims Pro Series Points Lead at Indianapolis
Fourth Consecutive Podium Finish for Sam Schmidt Motorsports Driver
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (May 26, 2006) Though he was never credited with leading a lap, Indy Pro Series rookie Jay Howard battled defending series champion Wade Cunningham throughout Friday’s Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, eventually finishing second by just 69 hundredths of a second, yet still securing the series points lead after four of 14 races.
Starting on the outside of the front row of the Indy Pro Series field, Howard twice moved past pole qualifier Cunningham in the run to the first turn, only for Cunningham to successfully repass later in the same lap on each occasion.
The lead pair eventually distanced themselves from third place, defending race winner Jaime Camara, setting up an exciting duel in the final turns of the 40-lap contest. On the start of the final lap, Howard once again dove to the inside of Cunningham going into the first turn, and led through the length of the backstretch of the famed ‘Brickyard’. But Cunningham had momentum going into the third turn, and swept past Howard on the outside for the victory.
Second place, however, was still more than enough for Howard to take over the IPS championship lead, heading into the fifth race of the season at Watkins Glen with 153 points over Jeff Simmons, who had graduated to the IndyCar Series ranks. Nick Bussell is third overall, with 112 points.
Jay Howard, #7 Lucas Oil/Isilon Dallara
Started 2nd, finishes 2nd, takes over IPS Championship Points Lead
“My game plan almost worked today. We were conservative with our tires in the early laps, but to be honest it still was difficult to stay right with Wade [Cunningham] in the corners. Whenever I moved up right behind him, I’d pick up a push in the corners and have to back off. I enjoyed Turns One and Two on the last lap a lot! But I enjoyed it a lot less when I saw him get a run on me down the back straight and go around the outside into Turn 3. We just didn’t have quite enough car for him today, when he got around me the final time there was nothing else I could do. But we’re in the point lead and I’m looking forward to Watkins Glen next week.”
Sam Schmidt, President, Sam Schmidt Motorsports:
“Well, we’re obviously a little disappointed that we didn’t manage a ‘three-peat’ of victories here at Indy. But for only his second oval race, I’m very happy with Jay’s performance today. Now we’ve got the point lead and go on to a road course at Watkins Glen next week where we should be strong again. I’m proud of our other two guys as well. Jonathan put in an inspirational drive in the closing laps, and this is just the result Jaime needed after his difficulties in the first three races to get back on the pace again.” |
