Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Helio Castroneves moves up through the field
Tokyo, September 5, 2016 --- Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. today announced that Helio Castroneves, a Hitachi contract driver in the Penske Racing team sponsored by the Hitachi Group, gained the podium with his third place finish in the fifteenth race of the 2016 IndyCar Series held in Watkins Glen, New York, on September 4.
The event took place at Watkins Glen International (aka “The Glen”), a circuit with a long tradition that is also used for Formula 1 races. It had been six years since The Glen was last used for an IndyCar Series event. In the 22-car field, Castroneves started off number four, a good position for the 60-lap event, and showed good speed as he looked for a chance to take over the lead. It’s a technical course that gives few chances to move up, making it a tough, challenging event that saw many cars forced to retire. Castroneves stayed in good position as the laps mounted up, and was able to move up one place to finish third.
Team Penske teammates included Simon Pagenaud, who finished seventh, Juan Pablo Montoya, who finished thirteenth, and Will Power, who came in twentieth.
In the annual championship standings, Simon Pagenaud is currently number one, followed at number two by Will Power and Helio Castroneves at number four, with Team Penske drivers occupying nearly all the top positions.
Looking ahead, Hitachi Automotive Systems will use its sponsorship of motor sports, including IndyCar racing, to further grow the Hitachi brand and contribute to the promotion of motor sports.
Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company is engaged in the development, manufacture, sales and services of automotive components, transportation related components, industrial machines and systems, and offers a wide range of automotive systems including engine management systems, electric power train systems, drive control systems and car information systems. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi-automotive.co.jp/en/
