The race at Barber Motorsports Park took place in dry, sunny conditions after morning thunderstorms, and initially unfolded as a strategic duel between drivers choosing a three-stop or two-stop strategy. However, when rookie Callum Ilott spun his Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet into the gravel trap, he returned the entire 26-car field to the same tire strategy. O'Ward, who had qualified second, maintained his position behind SONAX Chevrolet’s Rinus VeeKay, who himself managed to extend his lead to 2.0875 seconds over O’Ward by Lap 60. O'Ward reined in the Dutch racer in the final pit stop phase, pouncing on the out lap and passing with a brave outside move in the hairpin at Turn 5. The danger was far from over, however, as reigning champion Alex Palou heaped on the pressure with some sizzling laps in the #10 The American Legion Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. O’Ward held off the threat though, taking victory by 0.98 seconds, sealing his and Arrow McLaren SP’s first win of the season. |