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Race Ends Early for Team Barracuda – BHA

Topics:  Alex Tagliani, Iowa Corn Indy 250

Race Ends Early for Team Barracuda – BHA

Monica Hilton
Bryan Herta Autosport
June 24, 2012

Newton, IA – After a chaotic start to the Iowa Corn Indy 250 on Saturday, a mechanical issue ended the day early for Tagliani and his Team Barracuda – BHA crew in P16.

Throughout the day, rain cycled through the area and threatened to delay the race. After only a brief holding pattern, the No. 98 started the race in P9. Cold tires caused Tagliani to spin before the green flag dropped, he rejoined the pack two laps down.

The Canadian driver battled forward and gained position after position. At lap 65, Tagliani was running at a pace one full second faster than the race leaders. As the competition went on, he ran as high as P3 before having to pit. A mechanical issue on lap 207 brought the race to an end for Team Barracuda – BHA.

“I think we had a car that could win tonight,” said Tagliani. “I feel bad for making that mistake and I’m just disappointed. Even though we didn’t collect the trophy tonight, I know our car was the class of the field, and I hope this opportunity will happen again. We’re just running really well and I can’t wait to go to Toronto.”

Team owner Bryan Herta added, “Alex really drove a tremendous race. It’s a shame that we had the issue on the pace lap with the cold tires but the fact remains that Alex continues to do a great job in the car. I’m more confident now than I was even before this weekend that we’re on the right path and we’re going to get that Barracuda Networks car in Victory Circle before the end of the year.”

In two weeks, the IZOD IndyCar Series heads north for the Canadian races, starting with the Honda Indy Toronto, where Tagliani aims to put on a good show for his “home” crowd. The 85-lap race will take place on Sunday, July 9 with pre-race activities starting at 12 p.m. ET and an estimated green flag drop at 1 p.m. The Honda Indy Toronto will be broadcast live on ABC.