Lundgaard delivers incredible last-to-first win at Road America

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Christian Lundgaard summed up one of the most astonishing comebacks in recent IndyCar memory after transforming a Lap 1 disaster into victory at Road America: “How did we do that?”

Starting from the back after contact on lap 1 damaged his Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, Lundgaard produced a masterclass in strategy, pace and patience to fight through the 25-car field and claim his second win of the season – and the third of his career.

The Dane’s charge looked impossible after he was forced into the pits on Lap 2 for a new front wing and tyre, but Arrow McLaren’s split-second decisions kept him alive in the race. As rivals faded and strategy gambles unfolded, Lundgaard found himself in position to strike.

The final twist came when leader Marcus Armstrong suffered a heartbreaking mechanical failure with just three laps remaining, handing Lundgaard the lead and setting up an emotional victory.

“I knew we had a chance,” Lundgaard said. “I knew how this race panned out last year, and I knew it was all about just sticking in the race.

“We’ve been on the struggle bus all weekend, so to turn this around, I have to thank the team for that.”

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David Malukas secured second place for Team Penske, while Will Power completed the podium after a dramatic late battle that saw Graham Rahal spin out on the final restart.

From last to first, from damaged car to race winner – Lundgaard’s Road America triumph was a reminder that in IndyCar, the impossible can happen in a single afternoon.

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.