Herta ends 40-race IndyCar drought with win in Toronto

©IndyCar

Andretti Global’s Colton Herta scored on Sunday in Toronto his first win in the NTT IndyCar Series in 799 days!

Herta effectively led the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place from start to finish, relinquishing the lead only twice to pit.

And for good measure, Kyle Kirkwood followed his teammate throughout to make it an Andretti 1-2, while Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon completed the podium.

“We needed this so bad,” commented team boss Michael Andretti after the race. “We’ve been competitive all year but we just haven’t been able to get the final result. It was a big day.”

Herta’s eighth career win in IndyCar capped an unprecedented dominant weekend for the 24-year-old who topped all three practice sessions and claimed pole position before romping to victory on Sunday.

“We’ve been knocking on the door to win for so long,” Herta said. “Forty-one starts without a win is a long time, and it’s been disappointing for us. I think we’re a team – Michael is the owner -- that demands perfection … (I’m) so happy. The Gainbridge Honda was so fast.”

©IndyCar

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.