Rossi Fifth in Detroit Race 1, Remains Fifth in Points
DETROIT, MI (June 3, 2017) – Alexander Rossi finished fifth in today's Detroit Grand Prix, and is fifth in points for the Verizon IndyCar Series Championship. Running in the top three during the race, Rossi fell back a couple spots after the off-strategy drivers were able to advance up the charts.
"We weren’t quite quick enough today," said Rossi. "The top four were on another level. I think our first stint on reds was strong, but on blacks we slowed a little bit in speed. Once those off-strategy guys squeezed past me, I just couldn't catch them."
Rossi qualified fourth this morning, in day one of a double-header in Detroit. The race takes place on Belle Isle, just outside of the Motor City's downtown. This is the only double-header on the IndyCar calendar. Rossi finished 10th and 12th (respectively) in last year's event.
"After qualifying fourth, we were hoping for more in the race, but we just didn't have the pace," said Rob Edwards, Strategist for No. 98 and Chief Operating Officer for Andretti Autosport. "We were on course for a podium, but Hinchcliffe & Dixon were able to close on us before the second stop, and then jump us by going a lap longer. In the end, happy to bring it home fifth and get some valuable points. We'll make some changes for tomorrow and look for a win in dual two."
Honda swept the podium and won their fourth race of the season (out of seven completed events). Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon, who was involved in a terrifying crash just six days ago in Indianapolis, finished second today and leads the Championship. Graham Rahal was first for Rahal Letterman Lanigan, and Schmidt Peterson Motorsports' James Hinchcliffe recovered from a lap-one spin to finish third.
The second race of the doubleheader is live on ABC tomorrow at 3:30pm ET. "That’s the thing with double-headers," said Rossi. "We can learn from today and go into tomorrow with a better car.”
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Rossi Launches New Energy Bar
Alexander Rossi has launched a new energy bar called the "Rossi Refuel Bar." An exercise and nutrition enthusiast, Rossi wanted to create a workout bar that was sweet and energizing, but also gluten-free and made with organic ingredients. Check out the chocolate brownie bar on the INDYCAR MERCH STORE.
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