LEXINGTON, Ohio – Pit strategy and a timely caution period late in the race were ingredients in Tristan Vautier finishing sixth in the No. 19 Dale Coyne Racing Honda in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio.
Vautier was the biggest mover of the 90-lap race on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course after starting 24th.
“Coming home sixth is great for me and for the team,” said Vautier, the 2013 Sunoco Rookie of the Year. “I had a blast out there. I was able to put in some very good lap times while saving some fuel. It was great to be able to lead some laps with such a good race car.”
Vautier, who had led a total of two laps over the 2013 season, led 10 laps in the 90-lap race on the 2.258-mile, 13-turn Mid-Ohio road course in earning his second top-10 finish in nine races this season. His best of fourth at Belle Isle 2 also came from a big move through the field – 19 positions.
“(The team) is a small group of great people and I am having a blast this year. Overall, it was a great end to our race weekend,” Vautier said.
Andretti Autosport’s Carlos Munoz advanced 14 positions relative to his starting spot to finish ninth in the No. 26 AndrettiTV Cinsay Honda, while the podium finishers all advanced 12 positions.
Race winner Graham Rahal started 13th in the No. 15 Steak ‘n Shake Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Justin Wilson earned a season-best second place in the No. 25 Andretti Autosport Honda and Simon Pagenaud also turned in a season-high third place in the No. 22 PPG Automotive Refinish Team Penske Chevrolet.
Verizon IndyCar Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year points leader Gabby Chaves moved up nine positions to 12th in the No. 98 Bowers & Wilkins/Curb Honda for Bryan Herta Autosport.