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IndyCar News
Wilson claims first win in Detroit
01/09/2008
Rookie Justin Wilson claimed his first IndyCar Series victory on Sunday 31 August by winning the Detroit Indy Grand Prix at The Raceway at Belle Isle. Helio Castroneves was in the lead with 17 laps remaining but was forced to give up his position to Wilson when officials penalised the Brazilian driver for blocking.
Wilson’s first IndyCar victory came in his 15th start and was the third win for Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing at Belle Isle. Wilson also claimed Firestone’s 150th win since entering IndyCar Series competition.
From Justin Wilson, #02 McDonald's Dallara/Honda/Firestone: "It was a tough race and a lot going on for relatively little overtaking on track. We just had to keep working on the fuel mileage and the final yellow saved us. Then we could race for the win. The Firestones were working great. We just got more and more grip as we went on, and that's a great feeling for a driver - to feel the car saving you and holding you in on all these bends. It was a lot of fun. If there was a downside to the tyres, it's that they had so much grip that I couldn't do donuts at the end. The car just went forward instead of spinning."
From Joe Barbieri, Manager, Firestone Racing:
"What an uplifting win for Justin and the entire Newman/Haas/Lanigan team. Justin wasn't even sure what kind of car he would have after he only ran two laps this morning, but he showed what a competitor he is by driving hard and strong the entire race. Once he took the lead, he let us all see just how strong his car and Firestone tyres were. He laid down qualifying-pace laps as he pulled away at the end, including the race's fastest lap just two laps before the finish. The Detroit Indy Grand Prix Presented by Firestone has been another smashing success for our company and brand. The Penske group did another sensational promotional job and Belle Isle gets better each time we come back. Firestone can't wait to return here on Labor Day weekend in 2009."
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