ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Helio Castroneves used a bold pass of Scott Dixon to win the IndyCar season opener through the streets of St. Petersburg.
Castroneves’ victory Sunday comes as the Brazilian is attempting to rebound from the worst year of his career. He went winless last season for the first time in IndyCar and finished 11th in the points.
The Penske Racing driver gave Chevrolet a win in its debut race. The engine manufacturer returned to IndyCar after a six-year absence.
Dixon finished second for Target Chip Ganassi Racing in a Honda. He was also runner-up to Castroneves in both 2006 and 2007.
Pole-sitter Will Power failed to overcome a decision to pit early for gas and finished seventh.
Former Formula One star Rubens Barrichello was 17th in his IndyCar debut.
Source: Associated Press
