Grand Prix of Houston Race 2 2013 Results: Reaction, Leaders, Post-Race Analysis
In the penultimate race of the IndyCar Series season, Will Power took the checkered flag and won the 2013 Grand Prix of Houston Race 2 at Reliant Park.
Scott Dixon won the first race of the series through the streets of Houston, but he finished second on Sunday and took the overall points lead by 25 points. With just one race remaining on the schedule, former points leader Helio Castroneves’ gear box blew up early and cost him a spot at the top of the standings.
James Hinchcliffe managed to finish Sunday's race third, and Justin Wilson managed to finish fourth. Sebastien Bourdais rounded out the top five.
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Full Grand Prix of Houston Race 2 Results
*Visit IndyCar.com for results and race times.
Castroneves entered the race as the points leader and on the pole after qualifying was rained out. He led the opening eight laps with Dixon sitting in second place on the track and in the standings.
The battle for first was a great start to the race.
That was until Castroneves had a catastrophic failure and was forced out of the race early. The devastating engine issues for Penske Racing opened the door for Dixon and the Chip Ganassi Racing team to take the lead in the championship hunt.
The first round of green-flag pit stops saw Dixon and Will Power battling for the lead. Once Dixon took the lead, he stretched it out until the fifth caution of the day forced yet another restart.
It was on that restart that Power overtook Dixon for the lead, and shortly after, Castroneves made his way back to the track, 27 laps down and looking to gain as many points as possible.
Power continued to lead for the remainder of the race in dominant fashion, holding off Dixon and cruising to the victory. He helped Chevrolet tie the manufacturers championship and force a final showdown in the last week of the year.
There was also a major crash involving Takuma Sato and Dario Franchitti on the final lap that collected several cars.
The crash injured 12 fans, according to the Houston Fire Department (via ABC 12 in Houston). Two fans, however, required further treatment at a local hospital.
It looks like Power is back to his normal elite form after struggling to start the season.
2013 IndyCar Standings
Updated when they become official.
*Complete standings found at IndyCar.com.
The final race on the schedule is the MAVTV 500 from Fontana, Calif. The event will take place on Saturday night, Oct. 19, at 8 p.m. ET under the lights of the track and the points championship will be decided at that event.
Ed Carpenter is the defending track champion.
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