INTERNATIONAL WRAP: MATT CAMPBELLS FIRST SUPERCUP WIN PLUS MORE

Helio Castroneves ended a 3 year winless streak in Iowa – Photo: LAT

INDYCAR – IOWA – ROUND 11

Helio Castroneves ended his three year drought of victories by taking the win in the IndyCar race at Iowa Speedway this morning.

The Team Penske driver dominated the race, leading 217 of the 300 laps, ending his 54 race winless streak to become the ninth different winner in the 2017 IndyCar season.

While Castroneves did lead the majority of the race, it took a decisive move on Lap 268 after the final caution period of the race to reclaim the lead and pull away from the field. Castroneves took the win over JR Hildebrand and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

“We’ve been close (to winning) so many times, and finally luck was on our side,” said Castroneves.

“We’ve been working so hard together, but the Hitachi Chevy was on rails. We had a little bit of an issue in the beginning, but after we set up the car it was great. What a great finish. It’s just like the first time.”

Aussie Will Power finished in fourth after leading in the early stages of the race.

Kiwi Scott Dixon continues to lead the IndyCar championship standing with a narrow eight point margin over Castroneves.

WORLD SUPERBIKE – LAGUNA SECA – ROUND 8

Chaz Davies and Jonathan Rea shared the wins at Laguna Seca – Photo: LAT

Chaz Davies returned from his injuries suffered at Misano in style to take the win in the opening World Superbike race at Laguna Seca.

The Ducati rider, was third on the opening lap of the race, but battled his way past the two Kawasaki Racing Team riders, Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes to claim the win. Rea went on to finshed second, while Sykes claimed third.

In the second race of the weekend the Kawasaki duo got the upper hand. Rea charged through the field after starting eighth to take out a dominant win. Sykes slotted into second, while Ducati’s Davies charged his way up to third after being seventh on the opening lap.

Another solid weekend for Jonathan Rea saw him extend his lead in the championship, now sitting on 341 points. Tom Sykes remains in second with 282 points with Chaz Davies in third with 226 points after missing one race through injury.

NASCAR – KENTUCKY – ROUND 18

Martin Truex Jr claimed his third win of the year at the Kentucky Speedway – Photo: LAT

Martin Truex Jr. scored his third win of the year in overtime at Kentucky Speedway.

Truex Jr. dominated all three segments of the race and held clear 15 second lead over second-place Kyle Larson before the caution that pushed the race into overtime, after Kurt Busch blew his engine.

While the rest of the field opted to stop for fresh tyres for the dash to the finish, Truex Jr. stayed out. He then held off both Larson and Kyle Busch who were on fresher tyres to take the win.

“It’s just … this is completely unbelievable,” said Truex, who is tied with Jimmie Johnson for victories this season. “I’m so excited to win here. It felt like we had a shot last year and it got away from us on fuel mileage and just wanted to win here so, so bad after that. This is sweet redemption.”

AUSSIES OVERSEAS

Matt Campbell scores first Porsche Supercup win – Photo: Bruce Williams

PORSCHE SUPERCUP – RED BULL RING

Aussie Porsche racer, Matt Campbell won his first Supercup race in Austria over the weekend.

The Porsche Supercup race, in support of the Formula 1 at the Red Bull Ring, returned to the site of Matt Campbell’s first European victory, just a couple of weeks ago. He immediately picked up where he left off in Austria, snatching pole position even after having one of his laps excluded.

The young Aussie then went on to dominate the race. Not even a late race safety car could stop him from taking a commanding victory.

IMSA SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP – CANADIAN TIRE MOTORSPORT PARK

Ryan Briscoe finished third in class and 11th outright in the IMSA Sportscar race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park over the weekend.

The factory Ford Chip Ganassi Racing driver, partnered with Richard Westbrook, finished on the podium in the GTLM class in wet and wild conditions. On and off rain had effected the entire race, but a sudden downpour with just with less than 50 minutes left in the race really challenged competitors allowing the No. 67 Ford to move up the field.

GRC GLOBAL RALLYCROSS

Chris Atkinson ended the GRC Global Rallycross round in Indianapolis eighth place. The Aussie driver, won his one of his three heats of the weekend before finishing second in his semi-final. However was unable to match the local drivers after some technical issues with his Subaru in the final.

For a more detailed analysis of the weekends international motorsport, pick up the next issue of Auto Action Magazine, in stores Thursday. In the mean time make sure you follow Auto Action on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest updates.