DETROIT, June 3, 2018 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For the second consecutive year, Honda drivers dominated the opening round of the Dual in Detroit doubleheader Verizon IndyCar Series weekend, leading all 70 laps, with Scott Dixon spearheading a Honda sweep of the top six finishing positions.

Starting from the pole, Marco Andretti led until the first round of scheduled pit stops was completed.  Ryan Hunter-Reay, running a three pit-stop, “out of sequence” strategy, assumed the lead.  Then, taking control in the second half of the 70-lap contest, Dixon maintained a narrow, but consistent margin over his pursuers in his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda for the remainder of the day.

Winner of both races in 2017, Graham Rahal mounted a challenge for the lead though Lap 46, when he crashed without injury in Turn 13 to end his race.  Hunter-Reay then moved to second, while his Andretti Autosport teammates, Andretti and Alexander Rossi, battled over the final podium spot, with Rossi taking the position for the final time on Lap 70.

The win is the first for Dixon this season, and his 42^nd career Indy car victory, highest among active drivers.  Hunter-Reay’s second-place result equals his best of 2018 – scored at Barber Motorsports Park – while Rossi takes over the Drivers’ Championship lead with his third-place finish.  Heading into tomorrow’s race, Rossi has 276 points to 272 for Dixon.

Following the lead trio to the checkers was Andretti, with Takuma Sato and Ed Jones rounding out the top six for Honda.  Activities continue Sunday in Detroit with the second of this weekend’s two 70-lap Verizon IndyCar Series races.  The eighth round of the 2018 championship begins at 3:30 p.m. EDT, with live television coverage on ABC.

Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) Started second, finished first, his 42^nd career Indy car victory and first win of 2018: “It’s big. It’s nice to get that first win out of the way. Getting around Marco [Andretti] on that first stop, that was big, and my pit stops were fantastic. We came up a little short in the last few races, but to bounce back last week … it’s always good to be back in the winner’s circle.”

Ryan Hunter-Reay (Andretti Autosport Honda) Started fifth, finished second: “Man, it was a physical race out there today. We had good strategy and a good race car. I had good pace though Turns 1-2-3-4 and thought that might be my chance if he [Dixon] made a mistake, but that’s Scott Dixon.  We just came up a little bit short on this one. We’re going to put our best foot forward tomorrow.”

Art St. Cyr (president, Honda Performance Development) on today’s Honda victory in Detroit: “What a great day for HPD today.  To rebound from disappointing Indianapolis 500 last week to sweep the top six in IndyCar, go 1-2 in the GTD class in the IMSA race, plus second and third in the prototype class, should be reason for all HPD associates to be proud.  Fortunately, with this format, we get to come back and try to do it all again tomorrow!  Congratulations to everyone connected with our racing programs.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/700289/Honda_Racing_HPD_Scott_Dixon.jpg

SOURCE Honda Racing/HPD