Several big names in the Verizon IndyCar Series managed to get caught out during the first race of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston doubleheader.
Will Power purged old demons with a dominating run to the chequered flag at Auto Club Speedway, with the season finale and title decider turning into a gruelling war of attrition.
Honours in the second 45-minute practice session at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course went to Penske's Will Power, who just edged Ganassi's Scott Dixon for the top spot in the afternoon.
Former F1 driver Rubens Barrichello has made it official that he's leaving the IZOD IndyCar Series and will be competing in the Brazilian Stock Car championship in 2013.
Ed Carpenter won the race as Ryan Hunter-Reay survived a thrilling end to the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season to take the championship by a narrow margin over Will Power.