Tracy was the first driver to duck into pit-lane for service, on lap 17, while Bourdais stretched his fuel economy to the max, not pitting until the 29th circuit, then short-filling the #1 car and coming out in second position. Power's Team Australia crew also did their job, allowing the Las Vegas winner to gain third from Minardi Team USA's Robert Doornbos. The two would continue to battle throughout the 103-lap event, with the Dutchman eventually retaking the place to earn his third podium finish in four Champ Car. Power finished fourth.
"My third podium in four races, obviously it's great," Doornbos said, "It's good for the team, and the guys did a good job with the pit-stops, very consistent. We proved today that, if we want to win races or challenge these guys - Sebastien or Justin - we need to improve the car more. We have now two weeks to make the next jump, so hopefully the guys can work hard and we can be even stronger in Cleveland.”
While Doornbos and Power were battling, Bourdais began to close the gap Wilson had built up, running slightly faster lap times throughout the second stint and putting himself in position to challenge the Briton just after the second round of pit-stops. Bourdais lined Wilson up down the main straight and got the better of him through turn one, before pulling steadily away to record a near 14-second victory.
“I don't think I made history, I think I just participated in it for my team," Bourdais said of his role in NHLR's 100th win, "It's obviously a fantastic organisation, with three great team owners. Mike [Lanigan] is a new addition, but I think he's going to be the future of it. I couldn't be any happier for the whole team, the owners and McDonald's.
"I think we just didn't seem to be able to put it together on either Friday or Saturday, but we just seemed pretty clear after a while today. The McDonald's car was superior and we were just able to maintain the advantage. It's a pretty sweet win, number 100 for the team. I'm just very, very honoured to be a part of this.”
