Kanaan wins Iowa 25022/06/2010

Kanaan clinches first win in two years

After two years without a win, Brazilian Tony Kanaan broke the dry spell with a victory at the Iowa 250 on Sunday 20 June. 

The Andretti Autosport passed compatriot and runner-up Helio Castroneves (Team Penske) with 10 laps remaining of the 250 lap race, taking the chequered flag by four seconds and clinching his first win since 2008.

Kanaan qualified in 15th place for the 2010 Iowa 250, had crashed in each of his first three appearances at the circuit and had never finished the eventhigher than 14th, leaving the Brazilian exceptionally pleased with this year’s result.

Kanaan happy to win Iowa 250

"It's been a long time!  It had to happen on a short oval.  It was a great run for us, the car was good all day.  It was fun racing with Helio, because it brought memories from racing against him in karts 25 years ago!  The Firestone Firehawk tires were great.  We ran a whole stint, and they worked just perfectly, so I have to say one more time that Firestone did a great job.  They helped me get my first win of the year, so I'm very happy!"
Race winner Tony Kanaan, #11 Andretti Autosport 7-Eleven Dallara/Honda/Firestone

Castroneves finished in second place, with E.J. Viso (KV Racing Technology) clinching a career-best third. Penske teammates Ryan Briscoe and pole winner Will Power completed the top five.

Iowa Speedway presents a great challenge for the tires

"What a great Father's Day gift to Tony - I sure hope his son Leo was able to watch this big win from Brazil!  Today's race was very exciting on track.  I believe the combination of the new aero package, the push-to-pass, and the new Firestone Firehawk tire specification combined to make this one of the most exciting races of the season.  Iowa Speedway presents a great challenge for Firestone Racing each year.  It's the shortest oval on the schedule, but the high speeds and loads require the same right side specification as the 1.5-mile ovals at Kansas and Texas, and a similar left side tire as we used at Indy - the longest oval on the schedule!  But Firestone Racing is pleased the role our tires played in today's action-packed race."
Joe Barbieri, Manager, Firestone Racing