The BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland became a survival contest as numerous bump-and-runs characterized the race. Some of the drivers were able to continue after losing a few spots and some were not so fortunate.
The tire choice of starting on the primaries worked to the team’s advantage as both Ferrucci and Benjamin Pedersen were able to ‘go long’ on the harder compound tire–each pitting within a lap of each other on laps 30 and 29 respectively. They opted for the alternate tires for the second stint.
From there they diverged as Pedersen preferred the alternates and Ferrucci the primaries. Both drivers were able to avoid the multiple skirmishes that took place in the race resulting in mostly local yellows. Only two full course yellows, one at the beginning of the race and the other towards the end, slowed the pace of the 27-car field.
“Honestly it was one of our best races,” said Pedersen, who has had his share of bad luck this season. “We just got caught out by the yellow by literally a lap. We pitted and then two laps later the yellow came out.”
The timing cost him track position relative to the other cars that were about to go a lap down.
“Otherwise, I think a top 15 was looking very realistic,” he continued. “Just trying to have a really good day and it was looking really good. I think it was one of our best races from my point of view, and the team also, with pit stops. We just got a little unlucky with strategy. I would say the car has come a really long way from our road course setup, so that’s very promising. Crazy there’s only one race to go, so we’ll look to finish really strong.”
The season wraps up next weekend with the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The race will be broadcast Sunday afternoon starting at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC.