Toronto - Lights Race: Vernay takes win as Hinchcliffe hits problems

J.K. Vernay made a big step toward locking up the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights championship, taking the win on the streets of Toronto, while title rival James Hinchcliffe crashed on the final lap.

A slick track saw the two drivers get together on the start, and Vernay got around for the lead, though he admitted to being nervous about potential damaged. However, with neither car harmed, the two continued on, with Hinchcliffe stalking Vernay throughout the race.

But, as the race went on, Hinchcliffe lost ground, falling into the clutches of Dan Clarke, Gustavo Yacaman, and Charlie Kimball, who were enthralled in their own battle for third. On the final lap, Hinchcliffe made an error exiting turn one, allowing Clarke to challenge for second. Outbreaking himself into turn three, Hinchcliffe let both Clarke and Yacaman through, and was then challenged by Kimball. The two touched wheels, sending Hinchcliffe into the turn five tire barrier. He dropped to eighth.

Meanwhile, Vernay went unchallenged to the checkered flag, taking his fourth win of the year. Clarke and Yacaman rounded ou the the podium, followed by Kimball and Stefan Wilson.

"The beginning of the race is very difficult because in the first corner, the inside part of the track was very slippery," expalined a victorious Vernay. "I touched James. I didn't want to do that but I had no choice. After that, my front left suspension was a bit broken. It was really difficult I had to change my driving style to manage my tire. When my engineer told me ten laps to go, I knew I would be OK. I just wanted to push and make a big gap. I saw James crash on the last lap. I feel sorry for him but I can't say it's not a good thing for me in the championship."

Dan Clarke was very happy to end of the day second after getting around Hicncliffe on the final lap. "It is great to be on the podium again," said a happy Briton. "I would have been happy with third after the year we've had. I've never actually finished in my previous races at Toronto. I was going to happy with third. I got a good run on Hinchcliffe on the back straight of the last lap. It was the closet I had ever been to him and I knew I could get him then. He kept it high in the breaking zone and I thought, fair enough, I have it. Then he just slid on. I know how it feels to do that. But I'm very happy for Walker Racing. We're going to celebrate now."

Gustavo Yacaman enjoyed his first career podium after coming home third. "This is my maiden podium, we really were struggling at the beginning of the year, it's a new car, new team but we did a great job this weekend," said the Columbian. "Everyone on the team worked together and succeeded as a team which that is the way to go. This race is really challenging, it's a really long race and physically really challenging. You're just bouncing off of every wall and so close to them. I've never been closer to the wall in my life before, not even on an oval. But I'm just really excited, the car was really good and the guys just did an overall awesome job."

Vernay now leads Hinchcliffe by 68 points, a commanding lead for the Frenchman who appears set to take this year's Firestone Indy Lights crown.


Results

1. (1) JK Vernay, 50, Running
2. (3) Dan Clarke, 50, Running
3. (4) Gustavo Yacaman, 50, Running
4. (7) Charlie Kimball, 50, Running
5. (10) Stefan Wilson, 50, Running
6. (9) Tonis Kasemets, 50, Running
7. (8) Martin Plowman, 50, Running
8. (13) Pippa Mann, 50, Running
9. (14) Rodrigo Barbosa, 50, Running
10. (2) James Hinchcliffe, 49, Contact
11. (11) James Winslow, 49, Running
12. (12) Philip Major, 46, Running
13. (5) Adrian Campos Jr, 43, Running
14. (6) Sebastian Saavedra, 33, Mechanical
15. (15) Carmen Jorda, 22, Off Course

Full results of the race on Toronto