By Andrew Cutler
April 12 2010

The IndyCar Series' first race at Barber Motorsports Park at least partially lived 'down' to the worst fears of those who voiced conerns about there being little opportunity for passing. This put the emphasis on pit/fuel strategy, and the drivers who are best at streching a tank of ethanol the furtest shone through at the end.

Pole-sitter Will Power lead the erly laps, with Mike Conway tucking in behind and following as close as he could manage. Both ducked into the pits on lap 12 when Takuma Sato's engine stalled, bringing out a yellow flag. Helio Castroneves stayed on track to take the point, only to be passed by Marco Andretti a couple of laps later. Helio and Marco would spend the rest of the event swapping the lead over pit stops.

Andretti would lead the most laps but, with no yellow flag laps for most of the day, he was unable to conserve enough fuel to make the distance in only two stops. He would relinquish the lead for good to come in for a 'splash & go' with only laps remaining - only to have a yellow flag come out four laps later! Marco would hang on to finish in the fifth spot.

Castroneves and Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon would be the only drivers who would make the distance on two stops, and would finish in first and second, respectively. Dario Franchitti would come home in third, and Will Power would place fourth.

Here are the complete results: http://www.indycar.com/var/assets/IndyGPofAlabamaBoxScore.pdf 

Earlier in the day, J.K. Vernay won the Firestone Indy Lights race. It is his second strait series win.

The next race for the IndyCar Series will be the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, next Sunday at 3:30pm ET/8:30pm GMT