Conway scores first IZOD IndyCar win

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Mike Conway, coming back from serious injuries suffered in a crash late in the 2010 Indianapolis 500, overtook Ryan Briscoe in Turn 6 of Lap 72 of 85 and went on to lead to the checkered flag of the 37th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Conway is the first first-time winner of an IZOD IndyCar Series race since Briscoe in Milwaukee 2008. It was Andretti Autosport’s first victory since June at Iowa Speedway. Five different teams were represented in the top five.

“His comeback is now complete,” said team owner Michael Andretti, whose first and final Indy car victories came at Long Beach. “The first time we put him in a race car, I could tell he had potential. I’m just so happy he was able to (win) this early and win one of the greatest races here in Long Beach. I’m just so proud of him and the whole Window World Cares team.”

Dario Franchitti, the reigning series champion, finished third to move back into the championship points lead. James Hinchcliffe, competing in his second IZOD IndyCar Series race, was fourth, and Alex Tagliani gave Sam Schmidt Motorsports a season-high fifth place.