Edmonton-Lights Race: Hinchcliffe dominates on the runways of Edmonton

James Hinchcliffe snatched the pole on Saturday, and then led every lap on Sunday to complete a dominant performance in Edmonton. Stalked by title rival J.K. Vernay the entire race, the Canadian never blinked, holding the lead through the entire race. Vernay's lone challenge came on lap 43, when Hinchcliffe slid wide on the exit of turn one, allowing Vernay a run to the inside.

However, Hinchcliffe closed the door and drove away for the win. Martin Plowman, Charlie Kimball, and Dan Clarke rounded out the top five.

"It's obviously a fantastic feeling," said Hinchcliffe, who has struggled to beat Vernay through the summer. "It's the first time I've managed to win here in my open wheel career. To get it finally done ‑‑ I've come close a couple times, come close here a couple times. To finally get it feels extra special. That cool‑down lap was a lot of fun, seeing all the fans in the stands. And thanks to all them for coming out because it's such a great event. It certainly wasn't easy. JK made me work for it, that's for sure."

Vernay was also content with outcome, especially given that he remains the runaway series leader. "It was a great race with James," said Vernay. "Did a great race, no mistakes, nothing for me to pass. Since the start I was behind him. I really tried to push hard and to take him. But he didn't give me a real chance, I have to say. And it was really good. Canada looks good for me. One victory, one second place. So I think it's good. We have to continue like that for the next race and trying to push hard and to work with my engine. But it was great. And just yesterday, I mean, qualifying is really important. And in Toronto I was in front for half a tenth and here I'm behind half a tenth again. So it's racing. And we hope to come back in the first position for the next race."

Plowman spent the race far behind the front two, and was slightly frustrated about his inability to run with Hinchcliffe and Vernay. "I think there's a lot of hard work. We're pushing for the first win, trying to hold that consistency, just a one race win. So this year we're just building a lot of momentum with the team and I'm growing confidence all the time with my engineers and we're getting faster. Starting to challenge for the podiums and front rows now. One of these days we're going to get it, I hope."

Hinchcliffe's win knocks 13 points out of Vernay's lead in the standings, with the French rookie leading the Canadian sophomore by 55 points heading into Mid-Ohio.


Edmonton 100 Results

1. (1) James Hinchcliffe, 50, Running
2. (2) JK Vernay, 50, Running
3. (3) Martin Plowman, 50, Running
4. (4) Charlie Kimball, 50, Running
5. (5) Dan Clarke, 50, Running
6. (8) Sebastian Saavedra, 50, Running
7. (7) Stefan Wilson, 50, Running
8. (9) Adrian Campos Jr, 50, Running
9. (6) Gustavo Yacaman, 50, Running
10. (10) Philip Major, 50, Running
11. (11) Pippa Mann, 50, Running
12. (12) Rodrigo Barbosa, 50, Running
13. (13) Carmen Jorda, 6, Mechanical

Full results of the race on Edmonton