6/22/2008

Battistini Battles a Leading Luyendyk in Iowa

The Indy Lights teams made their way through the corn fields of the midwest this weekend to run the Jeld-Wen 100 in Newton, Ia. The stop featured the shortest oval in the series; Iowa Speedway.

Dillon Battistini stole the lead from pole sitter Arie Luyendyk on lap 102 of the 115 lap event. The victory is Battistini's third on an oval in 2008, allowing him to climb back into the championship lead. An impressive feat for the 2007 Asia Formula 3 Champion, who had virtually no oval experience prior to signing with Panther Racing in 2008.

Arie Luyendyk Jr. who ran a very strong race, only to be slowed by back markers, was looking for his first win of the season. The Los Angeles resident has competed in the Indy Lights/Indy Pro Series since 2002, despite making a start in the 2006 Indianapolis 500. Luyendyk, who has had four pole positions in his career, is still looking to convert that top qualifying spot into a victory.

Ana Beatriz, formerly known as Bia Figueiredo, took the third spot on the podium with a valiant run. Beatriz, who has had quite a few ups and downs this season, looks to be gaining confidence every time she hits the track. Look for her to be back on the podium again soon.

Jeld-Wen 100 Results

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