Catchfence

WATKINS GLEN, New York (July 5, 2009) - After being unceremoniously punted out of his tenth place running position by a competitor, Vision Racing driver Ed Carpenter found himself battling on for a 16th place finish at Watkins Glen International Sunday afternoon for the fifth annual Camping World Grand Prix. After starting in the 21st position, a bit of strategy and good fortune put Carpenter and the No. 20 Menards/Vision Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone machine in the tenth position following his first pit stop and subsequent full course caution.

While running in the top-ten on lap 23 for the restart, competitor Mario Moraes completed an ill-advised move approaching turn five and made significant contact with the No.20 Menards car. The incident forced Carpenter to take the road course short cut on his way back to the pits and caused damage to the car.

Carpenter was obligated to make two stops due to the incident as he took on new Firestone Firehawk tires, a refill of Ethanol, and a repair of the right-rear tow link. The Menards/Vision Racing crew made a speedy repair of the car, but Carpenter was still forced to go a lap down as a penalty for taking the short cut.

Dropping back to the 19th position, Carpenter put forth his best effort to salvage a decent finish. In doing so, he was able to move up three spots and take the checkered flag in the 16th position. Unfortunately, it was not the sort of result that Carpenter desired as he dropped one spot in the IndyCar Series championship point standings to the 14th position with 157 total points (156 points behind the leader).

Justin Wilson of Dale Coyne Racing won the event, which marks the first race this season in the IndyCar Series that a car other than that of Team Penske and Target Chip Ganassi Racing has won. It was also Dale Coyne Racing’s first-ever victory as an organization. Rounding out the podium were Ryan Briscoe of Penske and Scott Dixon of Ganassi. Dixon also took control of the championship points lead with 313 total points.

Watch the IndyCar Series in action next weekend for the Series’ debut at Toronto, Ontario, Canada, for the Honda Indy Toronto. The race broadcast will air live from the streets of Toronto on Sunday, July 12th at 1 p.m. (ET) on ABC.

Post Race Quotes: (July 5, 2009)

Ed Carpenter - No. 20 Menards/Vision Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone

Finishing Position: 16th

Qualifying Position: 21st

On race:

“It ended up being a disappointing race. We looked like we were falling into a decent strategy when we pitted and caught the yellow to find ourselves mid-pack after doing our pit stop. We took the restart in 10th spot but it isn’t a real race unless Mario Moraes does something stupid. He’s very fast and very talented but until he gets a little smarter he’s never going to run up front in a race. It’s a shame because the KV Racing team is a good team that puts together fast cars but all he does is run over people every race. That’s what ended our day.”

About Vision Racing: V

Vision Racing is owned and operated by Tony and Laura George as well as actor Patrick Dempsey of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana in a 32,000 square foot facility. The team competes full-time in the IndyCar Series and is entering its fifth season of IndyCar Series competition. The team features returning IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter and welcomed veteran Ryan Hunter-Reay for the start of 2009. Also new for 2009 is a return to the Firestone Indy Lights Series with driver James Davison, as well as a technical partnership with new FIL team Bryan Herta Autosport and driver Daniel Herrington. Vision Racing continues to proudly perpetuate the legacy of the Hulman-George family through motorsports excellence, by demonstrating the traditions and heritage of the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Racing.

- Vision Racing Press Release