By: Andretti Autosport
March 11 2017
The streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, provided the Andretti Autosport Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires team with a picturesque backdrop and a challenge for Race 1 of the season-opening double-header weekend. After starting the first practice of the season strong, gloomy clouds of bad luck seemed to hang over three of the four drivers in the first set of qualifications.
The field of 15 will return to the streets early Sunday morning for Race 2, where Herta will start from the pole position followed by Kellett in third, Jamin in sixth and Norman 14th.
Fans can catch coverage of Rounds 1 and 2 from the Streets of St. Petersburg Saturday, March 18, at 2 a.m. ET on NBCSCN.
Colton Herta No. 98 Deltro Energy Mazda
Started in fifth position
Finished second, scoring a podium finish in his first Indy Lights outing
“This was a great race. We had an OK start, dropping down a position from fifth to sixth and just moved my way up from there. The push to pass worked amazingly and all the overtakes were perfect. We got up to P2 and collected some points. It’s hard to say what tomorrow will bring. We’re running in the morning and conditions will be different, but it’s going to be good. We’re starting on the pole so that will help too. Being here in St. Pete with Andretti-Steinbrenner Racing, and having the Yankees spring training facility just up the street has made for a great weekend so far.”
Nico Jamin No. 27 Synova Mazda
Started in 11th position
Battled through the field to gain four positions, earning a seventh place finish
“From where we started, there was nothing we could really do so today was about us scoring as many points as possible. Thanks to the whole crew for putting the car back together after the touch in qualifying that damaged the right side of the car. Everything got fixed and the car as good, we were able to come from P11 to P7. We’re going to start sixth tomorrow and will try and run for the podium.”
Ryan Norman No. 48 Flip Side Mazda
Started in 15th position
After a difficult weekend, the rookie earned a 10th place result
“Overall the start of the race went pretty well, I was able to pick off a couple of people and then was able to hold my gap until about two thirds through the race and then the tires started to fall off. I was struggling to find grip out there. We have a couple things to work on but we should be good for Race 2 tomorrow.”
Dalton Kellet No. 28 K-Line Insulators USA Mazda
Started 12th
Claimed the 12th spot after making contact on Lap 1 during a pass attempt
“It wasn’t the race that we wanted. I just got a little overcommitted in Turn 1 and got locked up and ran into Santi. It’s unfortunate for both of us. I didn’t want to start the year on something like that, but we’ll move on from here. We’re starting P3 tomorrow so we’ll be in a great spot and really looking forward to that race. All four of our cars are running pretty quick; looking forward to show what we’ve got tomorrow.”
Canadians In BOLD