Sports
Race Review And Highlights
A brief review of the 42nd Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and highlights of other events.
The Controversy
This year's running of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach ended with what is being considered by other Indycar writers and fans a rather large controversy.
The pass by Simon Pagenaud in which he crossed the yellow line was viewed by many to have earned a much stiffer penalty than a warning. And though Indycar officials had stated that rule violations will come with harsher penalties this year, they let stand the passing move as only a warning.
Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The belief by many is that had it been a driver which was further back in the field, a warning would be sufficient. However, when such a move is made which clearly had a significant impact on the outcome of the leaders, most feel that a warning was not appropriate.
However, a great many people also cried foul when Scott Dixon won under a yellow flag at Phoenix in the previous race. Some felt that Will Power was gaining and would have passed him in those few remaining laps.
Find out what's happening in Long Beachfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bottom line, winners never quit. And quitters never win. Not one of these professionals is a quitter, and they are driven to continue their quest for that checkered flag.
The Outcome
All in all, it was a great day for racing. Not only was the entire 80 laps completed without a yellow flag, it seems that the standings are beginning to line up the top three drivers for 2016.
Simon Pagenaud remains in first place at 134 points, followed by Scott Dixon at 120 points, and Juan Pablo Montoya at 106 points. Hello Castroneves follows in fourth place with 92 points, but also back to back Verizon P1 Pole Awards for Long Beach and Phoenix.
The full list of drivers standing can be seen on the Indycar website here: http://www.indycar.com/Drivers
Next Year?
Expect another great weekend of sunshine, racing, and excitement. This year we were given a very special treat of having Cheap Trick, who were recently inducted to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, preform at Rock & Roar. How are race organizers going to top that next year?
Next Race
The next race in the Indycar Verizon Series is the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. It is a 2.38 mile, 17 turn course which will challenge both rookie and veteran drivers alike.
Follow Indycar on www.indycar.com for the latest practice, qualifying, and race results.
