Frustration for Kiwi trio in wild Toronto IndyCar race

The NTT IndyCar Series returned to Toronto over the weekend but it wasn’t a happy hunting ground for the Kiwi contingent.

Pato O’Ward emerged victorious in a race that finished under caution. In the 90-lap race there were multiple crashes.

Dixon was the best of the Kiwis in tenth, following a gritty drive through the midfield in the closing laps. Armstrong crossed the line in 14th, while McLaughlin’s day ended just moments after his first pit stop.

Velocity News reports that from third on the grid, Armstrong made a strong start. He snatched second place from Alex Palou on the opening lap as Colton Herta led the field into Turn 1.

McLaughlin also made early gains, jumping up to 12th from 15th before pitting on lap 3. He switched tyres but his race ended just seconds later.

As he exited pit lane, a loose wheel nut caused his left-rear wheel to detach and bounce along the track. He slammed into the wall at Turn 2 and promptly retired.

During the caution Scott Dixon climbed into the top five and he was fourth after another caution. Dixon and Palou stayed out, climbing to the front of the field but were out of sequence in terms of strategy.

The race resumed on lap 37 but there was a massive pile-up at Turn 1. Armstrong slammed on the brakes to avoid it but was hit from behind by Nolan Siegel, adding more damage and further derailing his race. Another caution ensued.

By the time the leaders began their final round of pit stops, Dixon was up to ninth on track. Palou and Dixon pitted, swapping places on track. But both were more than 25 seconds behind the race leader.

Dixon fought his way through a late seven-car tussle, ending up tenth. 

McLaughlin rued what might have been. “Just really struggling right now…This is by far the toughest year of my life.”

Laguna Seca hosts the Grand Prix of Monterey next weekend, where all three Kiwis will look to rebound from what has so far been a mixed season.