The escape had been a close one for the Aussie, but the consequences were worse for anyone hoping to deprive him of the glory, for the race remained under yellow for the final three tours, allowing the Aussie to repay Roger Penske's faith in him after several less-than-impressive outings since graduating from the Captain's ALMS operation.
Dixon drew alongside the red-and-white machine as it crossed the line, but only to offer his congratulations to the IRL's latest winner. Briscoe duly became the 15th different driver to win for Penske, which notched up its 300th major motorsport success 30 years from former team favourite Rick Mears' first triumph.
Dixon's second place consolidated his position at the head of the points, while Kanaan overcame countryman Castroneves to claim the final podium spot. Indeed, the second Penske dropped as low as fifth, as Wheldon also got the better of him.
Servia completed the comeback of the race by clinching sixth, having been a lap down at the start, while the man he ruthlessly chopped in an effort to get to the pits, Wilson, was seventh. The Briton had also had his own share of pit drama, having had to pit for a splash-and-dash when the pits closed for NHLR team-mate Rahal's exit, but produced a steady run to claim rookie honours.
Viso survived a brush with the wall just prior to his final stop to benefit from the lap 222 carnage and reclaim eighth, his best oval result, while Patrick and Buddy Rice rounded out the top ten.
Bell's early progress proved to be a false dawn as the Dreyer & Reinbold car managed only eleventh, while Power's second row qualifying effort, like those of front row pair Andretti and Rahal, came to little as he had to settle for 14th.
