On Saturday things got hairy on Belle Isle as Patricio O’Ward had the pole but lost the lead To Will Power. On Lap 28, Felix Rosenqvist plowed straight into a tire trap and cement retaining barrier. It took over an hour for Rosenqvist to be safely removed and the tires and barrier to be properly repaired. Rosenqvist was sent to the hospital and kept overnight for observation.
Power in the meantime seemed to be running and had visions of his first win of the season dancing in his head. With five laps to go rookie Romain Grosjean tagged the inside wall and the race was once again red flagged to clean the debris. The field waited in the pits until to “go.” However when the go was given, Power’s car stalled and he was finished. In the last three laps Marcus Ericsson held off Rinus VeeKay and was able to claim his first career IndyCar victory. Power was devastated to say the least. VeeKay finished second and Patricio O’Ward was third.
The day was hot — there were penalties, crashes, fist shaking and short tempers and deep disappointments. It was hard to imagine what Day Two would bring.
Day two was warm and sunny, Josef Newgarden took the pole and seemed to be ready to make a statement. When the green flag dropped he took the lead. Unlike Saturday the field stayed relatively calm. No crashes, smooth pit stops, and safe racing. Oliver Askew took Felix Rosenqvist’s place in the Arrow McLaren Honda. Newgarden dominated most of the race but wasn’t able to hold off Patricio O’Ward. O’Ward became the first driver to win a second race and now holds the point lead. Newgarden was second, and Ales Palou finished third. Seven different drivers have won eight races in the 2021 season. Penske racing has been blocked so far. We are now at the halfway point in the season. Eight down and eight to go. This Sunday, Father’s Day, they will be racing in Road America in Elkhart Lake. We will have to see if the trend continues. See ya soon!
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