Patrick Makes History at Motegi

It was the second consecutive record-setting event for the IndyCar Series, as Graham Rahal became the youngest winner in series history last weekend at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Ironically, current series points leader Helio Castroneves finished second at both events, but has widened his early- season points lead as a result.

For Honda, it was another successful race weekend for the HI8R Indy V-8 engine, with 18 drivers running a total of 7,008 miles without failure in practice and the race, which was delayed on day by persistent rain and track moisture problems on Saturday.

In another first for a major racing series, the hydrogen-fueled Honda FCX Clarity served as “Official Car” for the Motegi event, leading the 18-car starting field prior to the race start. The Clarity utilizes Honda’s compact and efficient V Flow fuel cell stack to mix hydrogen and air to power a 100-kilowatt electric motor. The FCX was driven by Japanese racing star Takashi Korugure, a leading Honda driver in both Formula Nippon and the very popular Japanese Super GT series.

Scott Dixon, winner of last month’s season-opening race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, led 102 laps and dominated portions of today’s run, leading by as much as five seconds at times. But along with fellow potential winners Tony Kanaan and Dan Wheldon, Dixon was forced to pit for fuel during the final five laps, leaving him third at the finish. Kanaan and Wheldon then pitted together, just one lap after Dixon on Lap 196. Wheldon was able get back on track first to claim fourth, while Kanaan following him home in fifth.

With the leaders pitting, Castroneves sped to the front seeking a second Motegi win in his 100th IndyCar start. Although the Team Penske driver was on the same pit strategy as Patrick – both made their final stop on lap 149 – he was unable to fend off her challenge and the 26-year-old swept past the veteran and into the lead for the final three laps. Patrick took the checkered flag nearly six seconds ahead of Castroneves to the cheers of the Japanese fans.

Next week, the 2008 IndyCar Series heads to another 1.5-mile oval, the April 27 Kansas Lottery Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway.-Honda News