Ana Beatriz added her name to the annals of Indy Lights history by becoming the first female driver to win a race in the Firestone-backed series after triumphing in the Sunbelt Rentals 100 at Nashville.

Beatriz, who started second, passed Sam Schmidt Motorsports team-mate - and polesitter - James Davison on lap 33 before going on to lead the rest of the way to the chequer in a race delayed for almost two hours by a passing thunderstorm. Trailing the Australian from the green flag, Beatriz caught Davison on the low side into turn three before going on to lead a field-high 45 laps.

“I just can't be more thankful for Healthy Choice/Sam Schmidt Motorsports for bringing me to the US," enthused only the fifth woman to have contested an Indy Lights race, "I thought I would win at St Pete, we were almost there, but it's hard work. I'm with the best team and they have so much information on ovals, and now I have won my first race on an oval. It's amazing.”

As Davison faded and retired following a clash with fellow antipodean Jonny Reid, Bobby Wilson came through to finish second for his best result since winning at Milwaukee last month.

“We've gone into a drought of just finishing for three races in a row, so I'll take a second place," the series veteran admitted, "You can't taste the sweet without tasting the sour, so I'm happy for Team E.”

Another veteran, Arie Luyendyk Jr, finished third, adding to recent podium finishes at Iowa and Kansas.

“It was a tough race," he claimed, "It was really hot out. I don't think I took a breath in the last 20 laps trying to catch Bobby and Ana. The car was awesome in clean air. We had the quickest car, but once we got close to anybody else, it was pretty tough out there.”

JR Hildebrand finished fourth, with recent Watkins Glen racewinner Raphael Matos fifth

Beatriz moves into third place in the championship as a result of her maiden victory, closing the gap on overall leader Richard Antinucci, who retained top spot despite finishing only twelfth. Matos is second as the series heads to the Mid-Ohio double-header this weekend.