Hinchcliffe takes dominant win in Iowa

James Hinchcliffe took home his third win of the IndyCar season today in Iowa, proving his Andretti Autosport team can win on both street courses and ovals.

Hinchcliffe dominated the race, either leading or hanging around in the top three all day. Heading into the race, Hinchcliffe had only led 33 laps on ovals driving for Andretti Autosport. Today, he led all but 24.

"We just had to go off of experience and this all goes to the team," said Hinchcliffe.

"We have a great track record here but this year with so many different things and a day race, everything was different. We were trying to manage a gap on the guys behind us, trying to take care of the tires. At the end of the day the car was solid. Guys on the stand called it perfectly, and I can’t thank them enough. I can't believe I led (almost) the whole thing.”

Hinchcliffe gained a total of 5 spots in the championship standings, and admitted the idea of winning a championship is not far off.

James Hinchcliffe, Andretti Autosport Chevrolet

Photo by: Chris Jones

"We still have nine to go, and there's still a lot to play for," Hinchcliffe said. "We are not going to be in a position to win every race, but I think that we have found our way into finishing where we have to on the day you've got a ninth-place car, finish ninth. It's a lot better than wrecking and going for eight. And a lot better for points."

Rounding out the top five was Andretti Autosport team mate Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tony Kanaan in third, Ed Carpenter and Graham Rahal. "It was so hard to catch back up to James through lapped traffic," Hunter-Reay said.

"Definitely had the car to win today but just made a mistake there trying to get by Graham, keeping my foot in it. The front just had no grip on it when I turned to pop out and pass him. To come second out of this with second, I’m pretty pleased."