David (Almost) Slays Goliath

The IRL introduced a few chassis modifications for the race at Kentucky Speedway that the teams could try out in an effort to increase the on-track passing. What they got was a thrilling wheel-to-wheel finish to the second fastest (average speed: 200.893 mph) event in Series history.

After rain and "'weepers" - water coming up through the track surface from underground - washed out qualifying, the grid was set by championship points, with the Ganassi and Penske duos locking out the 1st and 2nd rows, respectively. Dixon and Briscoe would take take turns at the point for most of the race as some pretty intense dicing for position would go on behind them.

Two drivers who started well back on the grid would make their presence known up front. KVRT's Mario Moraes would crack the top five early and look to be in contention until he was taken out in a pit lane tangle with D&R's Mike Conway.

Meanwhile, Vision Racing's Ed Carpenter would also charge to the front, taking the lead for the first time on lap 137, and earning credit for 34 laps lead by the end of the night: He has previously only been credited for leading 4 laps in his entire IndyCar career.

The race came down to a twenty lap duel between Carpenter & Briscoe, with the Aussie just nipping the American at the finish line to deny Vision Racing their first ever series victory and to vault himself back on top of the championship points standings.

Earlier in the day, Wade Cunningham won the Firestone Indy Lights race.

The next IndyCar race will be this Sunday at 1pm ET at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.