The tricky triangle of Pocono Raceway has played home to the Verizon IndyCar Series for a number of years, but the 2015 edition of the ABC Supply 500 at Pocono could not have been more critical. The race would be a litmus test to see if Pocono would return to the series schedule in 2016. And after the race action, that future remains hazy.
Helio Castroneves (#3 Shell Pennzoil Chevy) won the pole on Saturday, upsetting teammate Simon Pagenaud (#22 Penske Truck Rental Chevy) in second. Meanwhile, Charlie Kimball (#83 Novo Nordisk Chevy) stole the show with a spectacular crash in Turn 3, delaying qualifying after damaging the catch fence.
The spectacular sights at Pocono would not be restricted to qualifying, however. As the race began, fans would be treated to three, four, and five wide action around the track, even a moment of seven-wide racing action on a restart. And when the cars got racy, the lead became dicey, as twelve different drivers would take turns at the front.
Josef Newgarden (#67 Hartman Oil Chevy) would be the driver who would spend the most time out front, but later be shuffled back by pit strategy. This would help young guns Sage Karam (#8 Big Machine Records Chevy) and Gabby Chaves (#98 Bowers and Wilkins Honda) take to the front.
Meanwhile, the hunt for the IndyCar championship would swing in the favor of points leader Juan Pablo Montoya (#2 Verizon Chevy). After starting the race nineteenth on the day, he would avoid trouble to come home in the top five. The same could not be said for his immediate challengers, as Castroneves would crash on his own in Turn 1, and Graham Rahal (#15 Steak N’ Shake Honda) was taken out by Tristan Vauter (#19 Honda) while racing three-wide in Turn 3.
The race would unfortunately save the most spectacular and harrowing crash for last. With less than twenty laps to go, Sage Karam would spin on his own and crash in Turn 1. With debris flying through the air, cars would try to avoid being caught up. Justin Wilson (#25 Honda) was not fortunate to miss it. He would be hit in the head with a piece of debris, being knocked unconscious. He would then go nose-first into the SAFER barrier at the inside of the Turn 1 exit. Wilson was then rushed to a nearby hospital, and remains in a coma, in critical condition.
In spite of the crash and Wilson’s injuries, the race would be resumed with less than ten laps to go. Chaves would lead, but quickly come under attack from Newgarden and Ryan Hunter-Reay (#28 DHL Honda) while trying to conserve fuel. But the time for the front for Chaves ended abruptly, as his engine expired with less than five laps to go. That would bring the race under its final caution, and would end the race under yellow, with Ryan Hunter-Reay the winner of the ABC Supply 500.
The victory celebration was subdued, and the crowd was silent. The race may have been over, but all thoughts and prayers were with Justin Wilson. Josef Newgarden rolled home in second, and points leader Juan Pablo Montoya in third.
Only six drivers remain in contention for the title heading into Sonoma Raceway. The final race of the Verizon IndyCar Series season will be next Sunday afternoon, and you can watch a champion be crowned on NBCSN.
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