SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Josef Newgarden has won the first of two races this weekend at the Harvest GP at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The win gave Newgarden a big boost toward reeling in season points leader Scott Dixon, who came into the race with a 72-point lead in the championship chase. NBC Sports reports Newgarden has closed to within 40 points of Dixon, effectively cutting the lead in half.
The defending series champion won by more than 14 seconds. Dixon finished ninth.
"It was everything you'd want in an IndyCar race," Newgarden said.
Alexander Rossi finished second, with pole-sitter Rinus VeeKay coming in third.
The second race of the Harvest GP will be held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on Channel 13.
Will Power has won the second raace at the Harvest GP.
Fans were allowed into IMS for the first time this year, with about 10,000 spectators watching the road course race.