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
Tokyo, June 3, 2019 --- Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. announced today that Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden won the seventh race of the 2019 IndyCar Series, held on June 1 at the Belle Isle Park street circuit in Detroit, Michigan. Team Penske is sponsored by Hitachi Automotive Systems and the Hitachi Group.
The Belle Isle street circuit is a 2.34-mile course specially constructed in Belle Isle State Park on the Detroit River. The venue hosts the only doubleheader in the IndyCar Series, with the seventh and eighth races held on consecutive days (June 1 and 2).
The opening race was scheduled to start at 3:30 in the afternoon, but was delayed by more than an hour due to thunderstorms. Considering the time to sunset and other restrictions, the race was shortened from its scheduled 70 laps to a 75-minute timed contest. The race finally began after 5:00 in the afternoon, with all 22 cars running on rain tires. The rain cleared during the race, and the timing of the switch to dry-condition tires was a major factor determining the outcome. Josef Newgarden started the race in second place on the outside of the front row, and held the third-place position until mid-race. Recognizing the drying track condition, he was first among the frontrunners to pit for dry-condition slick tires. A full-course caution was called as he entered pit lane, and other drivers headed into the pits. Newgarden took the lead, and remained in the front position to the finish.
Josef Newgarden achieved his second victory of the season by accurately observing the change in track conditions, together with the support of his team’s precision pit action. Newgarden finished 19th in the eighth race the following day, but has regained the championship lead, and gained momentum to become the full season champion.
Moving forward, Hitachi Automotive Systems will continue to sponsor the IndyCar Series and other motorsports in order to further raise awareness of the Hitachi brand, and contribute to the promotion of motorsports.
Josef Newgarden expertly controls his racecar
in wet conditions
The pit crew switches tires with precision timing
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 powertrain systems, electric powertrain systems and integrated vehicle control systems.
For more information, please visit the company's website at
http://www.hitachi-automotive.co.jp/en/
