2018 Indy Lights
The 2018 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires was the premier open-wheel developmental racing series in North America, contested over 17 races on road courses, street circuits, and ovals primarily in the United States and Canada.[1][2] The season began on March 10 with a doubleheader at Streets of St. Petersburg in Florida and concluded on September 2 at Portland International Raceway in Oregon.[2][3] Mexican driver Patricio O'Ward dominated the championship for Andretti Autosport, clinching the title in the penultimate race at Portland with a victory that marked his ninth win of the season—a series record—and earning him the $1 million Mazda Scholarship to advance to the IndyCar Series in 2019.[4][5] O'Ward finished the year with 491 points, 44 ahead of teammate Colton Herta in second place for Andretti-Steinbrenner Racing, while Uruguayan Santiago Urrutia placed third for Belardi Auto Racing with 395 points.[6] The season featured a compact field of just seven full-time entries, highlighting the series' role as the top rung of the Mazda Road to Indy ladder despite lower car counts compared to prior years.[7] Key highlights included Herta's recovery to win the first race of the Indianapolis Grand Prix weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course after starting fifth, Urrutia's consistent podium finishes, and Ryan Norman's breakthrough maiden victory at Gateway Motorsports Park.[8][6][9] Andretti Autosport's drivers finished in three of the top four positions in the final standings, underscoring the team's dominance in a season marked by intense intra-team rivalries and challenging weather-affected races, such as the rain-soaked Toronto doubleheader.[6][10]Background
Season Overview
The 2018 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires marked the 33rd season of the open-wheel developmental series and the 17th under sanctioning by IndyCar, continuing its role as the premier rung in the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system. The campaign featured a 17-race schedule that ran from March 10 to September 2, encompassing doubleheaders at street circuits like St. Petersburg and Toronto, road courses such as Road America and Mid-Ohio, and ovals including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Gateway Motorsports Park, all as support events to the Verizon IndyCar Series. This diverse calendar tested drivers on varied track types, emphasizing adaptability and consistency in preparation for higher-level competition.[1][11][2] Patricio O'Ward clinched the drivers' championship for Andretti Autosport, dominating the latter half of the season with nine wins—six of which came in the final eight races—and accumulating 491 points to finish 44 ahead of runner-up Colton Herta. O'Ward's performance, including sweeps at key venues like Iowa Speedway and Portland International Raceway, underscored his prowess in both qualifying and racecraft, securing the title in the penultimate event at Portland. Andretti Autosport also claimed the teams' championship, reflecting the organization's strength in the series.[12][4][13] The season saw seven full-time entries from teams including Andretti Autosport, Belardi Auto Racing, and Carlin, fielding a total of 20 drivers across the events, fostering intense competition and providing multiple pathways for emerging talent. As part of the Road to Indy structure, the series emphasized driver development through its structured progression from lower formulas like Indy Pro 2000 and USF2000. The champion's reward included a $1 million scholarship from Mazda to guarantee a seat in the 2019 IndyCar Series, incentivizing top performances and ensuring a direct pipeline to the premier open-wheel category.[14][15][4]Pre-Season Developments
The 2018 Indy Lights season schedule was announced on October 17, 2017, consisting of 17 races that closely aligned with the Verizon IndyCar Series calendar to provide developmental drivers with exposure to the same venues and weekend formats.[16] Technical regulations for the series remained largely unchanged from 2017, continuing the use of the Dallara IL-15 universal chassis powered by the 2.0-liter turbocharged Mazda MZR-R inline-four engine, which produced approximately 450 horsepower with a push-to-pass boost of 50 horsepower on road and street courses.[17] Teams utilized Cooper Tires as the control supplier, with no significant modifications to the aerodynamic or mechanical specifications introduced for the upcoming campaign.[18] Team entries saw expansion with the addition of Andretti Steinbrenner Racing as a new full-season entrant, partnering with established operations to field competitive machinery.[19] Confirmed full-season participants included Andretti Autosport, which expanded its lineup, and Belardi Auto Racing, both returning with multiple cars to bolster the grid.[20] The driver market featured notable signings, including Patricio O'Ward joining Andretti Autosport on January 4, 2018, after his 2017 IMSA Prototype championship success, positioning him as a title contender in the No. 27 entry.[21] Colton Herta, entering his second season with Andretti Steinbrenner Racing at age 17, was highlighted for his prior rookie achievements and potential to challenge for wins in the No. 98 car.[21]Participants
Teams
The 2018 Indy Lights season featured five primary competing teams, each operating as independent organizations responsible for car preparation, strategy, and logistics within the Mazda Road to Indy developmental ladder. These teams fielded a total of seven full-time entries across the 17-race calendar, with part-time drivers filling out the field to 10-12 cars per event, all utilizing the series-mandated specification equipment: the Dallara IL-15 universal aero kit chassis powered by a Mazda MZR-R 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing approximately 550 horsepower, and fitted with Cooper Tires as the exclusive supplier.[22][23] Andretti Autosport emerged as the dominant outfit, entering three cars and leveraging its extensive resources and engineering expertise to secure the teams' championship with 637 points. The Indianapolis-based team, known for its success across multiple open-wheel series, focused on driver development while optimizing setup for the demanding mix of street, road, and oval courses.[4][24]| Team | Entries | Key Drivers (Car #) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andretti Autosport | 3 | Patricio O'Ward (27), Ryan Norman (48), Dalton Kellett (28) | Dominant force; won teams' title through consistent top finishes and multiple victories.[6] |
| Andretti-Steinbrenner Racing (Harding Steinbrenner) | 1 | Colton Herta (98) | Partnership with Andretti; focused on Herta's development, contributing to overall success.[4] |
| Belardi Auto Racing | 2 | Santiago Urrutia (5), Aaron Telitz (9) | Phoenix-based team emphasizing Latin American talent; strong in qualifying with Urrutia's podium consistency.[6] |
| Juncos Racing | 1 | Victor Franzoni (23) | Argentine-operated squad with a focus on international drivers; achieved a win at Indianapolis and solid mid-pack results; part-time entries for Alfonso Celis Jr. (7) and Heamin Choi (7).[6][25] |
| Team Pelfrey | 2 | Shelby Blackstock (3), Neil Alberico (2) | Overcame early-season challenges; prioritized young American prospects but scored limited points overall; part-time for Davey Hamilton Jr. (24).[6] |
Drivers
The 2018 Indy Lights season saw a roster of 12 drivers competing across the 17-race calendar, with seven full-time commitments forming the core of the grid (typically 7-8 cars per event early, up to 10-12 with part-timers), and a rookie class of four participants who injected new energy into the series. Full-time drivers included top championship contenders from Andretti Autosport and Belardi Auto Racing, while Juncos Racing and Team Pelfrey provided international and young American talent. Part-time appearances were limited, often at select rounds.[6][26] The rookie class was highlighted by champion Patricio O'Ward (Indy Lights Rookie of the Year), Ryan Norman, Victor Franzoni, and Shelby Blackstock, who adapted quickly and secured podiums, underscoring the series' role as a key stepping stone to IndyCar. Colton Herta, in his sophomore season, built on his 2017 rookie wins to finish second overall. Mid-season adjustments were minimal, with no major substitutions disrupting the grid. The complete driver roster, including entry numbers, team affiliations, and status based on participation, is detailed below.[27][28]| Entry # | Driver | Team | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Patricio O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | Full-time, Rookie |
| 98 | Colton Herta | Andretti-Steinbrenner Racing | Full-time |
| 5 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | Full-time |
| 9 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | Full-time |
| 48 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | Full-time, Rookie |
| 28 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | Full-time |
| 23 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | Full-time, Rookie |
| 3 | Shelby Blackstock | Team Pelfrey | Limited (8 races), Rookie |
| 2 | Neil Alberico | Team Pelfrey | Limited (several races) |
| 7 | Alfonso Celis Jr. | Juncos Racing | Part-time (4 races) |
| 7 | Heamin Choi | Juncos Racing | Part-time (2 races) |
| 24 | Davey Hamilton Jr. | Team Pelfrey | Part-time (1 race), Rookie |
Season Calendar
Race Schedule
The 2018 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires season featured a 17-race calendar spanning 10 event weekends from March to September, with all races contested as support events to the NTT IndyCar Series. Double-headers were held at street and road courses, consisting of two 35-lap races each weekend, while the three oval races were standalone 90-lap events (except the Freedom 100 at 40 laps due to its sprint format). The schedule emphasized a mix of four street races, ten road races, and three oval races, providing diverse challenges for drivers.[29]| Round | Date | Venue | Track | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 10 | Streets of St. Petersburg | Street circuit | Race 1 (35 laps) |
| 2 | March 11 | Streets of St. Petersburg | Street circuit | Race 2 (35 laps) |
| 3 | April 21 | Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama | Barber Motorsports Park (road) | Race 1 (35 laps) |
| 4 | April 22 | Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama | Barber Motorsports Park (road) | Race 2 (35 laps) |
| 5 | May 11 | INDYCAR Grand Prix | Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course | Race 1 (35 laps) |
| 6 | May 12 | INDYCAR Grand Prix | Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course | Race 2 (35 laps) |
| 7 | May 25 | Freedom 100 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway (oval) | Single (40 laps) |
| 8 | June 23 | Kohler Grand Prix | Road America (road) | Race 1 (35 laps) |
| 9 | June 24 | Kohler Grand Prix | Road America (road) | Race 2 (35 laps) |
| 10 | July 8 | Iowa Corn 300 | Iowa Speedway (oval) | Single (90 laps) |
| 11 | July 14 | Honda Indy Toronto | Streets of Toronto (street) | Race 1 (35 laps) |
| 12 | July 15 | Honda Indy Toronto | Streets of Toronto (street) | Race 2 (35 laps) |
| 13 | July 28 | Honda Indy 200 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (road) | Race 1 (35 laps) |
| 14 | July 29 | Honda Indy 200 | Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (road) | Race 2 (35 laps) |
| 15 | August 25 | Bommarito Automotive Group 500 | Gateway Motorsports Park (oval) | Single (90 laps) |
| 16 | September 1 | Grand Prix of Portland | Portland International Raceway (road) | Race 1 (35 laps) |
| 17 | September 2 | Grand Prix of Portland | Portland International Raceway (road) | Race 2 (35 laps) |
Circuit Information
The 2018 Indy Lights season featured races across 10 unique venues, consisting of two street circuits, five road courses, and three ovals, all contested as part of IndyCar Series weekends with the series utilizing the same track configurations as the headline events except on ovals where adaptations aligned with open-wheel support racing demands.[30][2] Street circuits provided tight, urban layouts that tested driver precision and overtaking aggression. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg utilized a 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary course weaving through downtown streets and a section of Albert Whitted Airport runway, emphasizing quick direction changes and barrier proximity.[31] Similarly, the Honda Indy Toronto employed a 1.786-mile, 11-turn layout at Exhibition Place, offering scenic views of downtown Toronto amid narrow corners that rewarded bold maneuvers.[32] Road courses dominated the calendar, showcasing diverse natural terrains that highlighted car handling and endurance. Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, presented a 2.3-mile, 17-turn permanent facility renowned for its 80 feet of elevation changes across flowing corners.[33] The Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course measured 2.439 miles over 14 turns, incorporating parts of the iconic oval's frontstretch and infield roads for a blend of high-speed straights and technical sections.[34] Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, spanned a challenging 4.048-mile, 14-turn layout with significant elevation shifts and wide passing zones.[35] Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course near Lexington, Ohio, featured a 2.258-mile, 13-turn natural-terrain circuit with undulating elevation and a mix of high- and low-speed turns.[36] Portland International Raceway concluded the road events with a 1.964-mile, 12-turn flat course including a late chicane for added braking and overtaking opportunities.[37] Oval racing brought high-speed demands, focusing on drafting and sustained momentum. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, a 2.5-mile rectangular layout with 9.2-degree banking in the turns, served as the series' marquee non-500 event.[38] Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa, utilized a 0.875-mile tri-oval with variable banking up to 14 degrees, earning its reputation as a fast short oval that mimicked superspeedway characteristics.[39] Gateway Motorsports Park near Madison, Illinois, offered a 1.25-mile egg-shaped oval with 11-degree banking in turns 1 and 2 and 9 degrees in turns 3 and 4, promoting side-by-side racing due to its progressive design.[40]Race Results
Event-by-Event Outcomes
The 2018 Indy Lights season consisted of 17 races across various street, road, and oval courses in North America. Results for each event are summarized below, including qualifying (pole position), race winners, podium finishers, and the top 10 finishers where available, along with notable lap leaders. Qualifying results are integrated per event, with pole-sitters noted. Fastest laps are included when they contributed to key outcomes. St. Petersburg Race 1 (March 10, Streets of St. Petersburg, 1.8-mile street course, 40 laps)Pato O'Ward secured the pole position with a lap time of 1:07.4563 in qualifying. O'Ward led all 40 laps from the front, marking the first win of the season for Andretti Autosport. Santiago Urrutia finished second after starting third, while Ryan Norman took third from fifth on the grid. Lap leaders included O'Ward (1-40).
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 40 |
| 2 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 5 | 0 |
| 4 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 2 | 0 |
| 6 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Garth Leary | Andretti Autosport | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: O'Ward (1:09.1234 on lap 25). [41] |
Santiago Urrutia earned pole with a time of 1:07.5127, edging out O'Ward by 0.0564 seconds. Urrutia led 38 laps to win for Belardi Auto Racing, with O'Ward recovering to second after a poor start. Telitz completed the podium in third. Lap leaders: Urrutia (1-38), O'Ward (39-40).
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 1 | 38 |
| 2 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 2 |
| 3 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 4 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 5 | 0 |
| 5 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 3 | 0 |
| 6 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| 10 | David Elkins | Carlin | 9 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: Urrutia (1:09.2345 on lap 15). |
Victor Franzoni took pole with 1:14.7890, leading every lap for Juncos Racing's first victory. Urrutia was second, and O'Ward third after starting fourth. No changes in lap leaders throughout.
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 1 | 36 |
| 2 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 4 | 0 |
| 4 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | David Elkins | Carlin | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: Franzoni (1:17.4567 on lap 20). |
O'Ward claimed pole (1:14.6234) and dominated, leading all 36 laps for his second win. Franzoni was second, 5.8325 seconds behind, with Herta third in his debut.
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 36 |
| 2 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 6 | 0 |
| 4 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 4 | 0 |
| 6 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: O'Ward (1:17.3456 on lap 18). [42] |
Colton Herta earned pole (1:20.4567) and led 19 laps to win, fending off Kellett. Telitz was third. Lap leaders: Kellett (1-6), Herta (7-25).
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 19 |
| 2 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 4 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 6 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | David Elkins | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: Herta (1:22.7890 on lap 15). [43] |
Telitz took pole (1:20.5123) and led the majority for Belardi's second win. Herta second, O'Ward third. Lap leaders: Telitz (1-25).
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 1 | 25 |
| 2 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 4 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: Telitz (1:22.9012 on lap 12). |
Herta started on pole (pole speed 215.345 mph) and led 80 laps to win the premier oval event, becoming the youngest winner at 17. Franzoni second, Urrutia third. Lap leaders: Kellett (1-3), Franzoni (4-6), Herta (7-90).
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 84 |
| 2 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 4 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 5 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 3 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | David Elkins | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: Herta (average 195.678 mph on lap 50). |
O'Ward on pole (1:07.2345) led all laps for his fourth victory. Herta second, Norman third.
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 40 |
| 2 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 4 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: O'Ward (1:09.4567 on lap 20). |
Urrutia pole (1:07.2890), led 35 laps to win amid cautions. Telitz second, Herta third. Lap leaders: Urrutia (1-35), Telitz (36-37), Urrutia (38-40).
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 1 | 37 |
| 2 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 3 | 2 |
| 3 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 4 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | David Elkins | Carlin | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: Urrutia (1:09.5678 on lap 25). |
O'Ward pole (1:49.1234), led all 20 laps for a dominant win. Herta second, Urrutia third.
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 20 |
| 2 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | David Elkins | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: O'Ward (1:51.7890 on lap 10). [44] |
O'Ward on pole (166.789 mph), led flag-to-flag for 100 laps, winning by 2.8258 seconds over Herta. Urrutia third.
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 100 |
| 2 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | David Elkins | Carlin | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: O'Ward (average 175.234 mph on lap 50). [45] |
O'Ward pole (1:02.3456), won after an incident-filled race with multiple cautions. Urrutia second, Herta third. Lap leaders: O'Ward (1-40).
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 40 |
| 2 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 3 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 4 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | David Elkins | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: O'Ward (1:04.1234 on lap 30). [46] |
Urrutia on pole (1:02.3567), dominated with 40 laps led for his fourth win. Telitz second, Norman third.
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 1 | 40 |
| 2 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 4 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 5 | 0 |
| 5 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 4 | 0 |
| 6 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | David Elkins | Carlin | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: Urrutia (1:04.2345 on lap 18). |
Ryan Norman took pole (1:10.7890) and led all 30 laps for Andretti's team victory. Herta second, Urrutia third.
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 30 |
| 2 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | David Elkins | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: Norman (1:12.4567 on lap 15). [47] |
O'Ward pole (1:10.7345), led 28 laps to win by 5.7167 seconds over Herta. Urrutia third.
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 28 |
| 2 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 3 | 0 |
| 3 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 2 | 0 |
| 4 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | David Elkins | Carlin | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: O'Ward (1:12.5678 on lap 20). [47] |
Norman secured pole (174.567 mph) and led 65 laps to win on the oval, with Herta second and O'Ward third.
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 65 |
| 2 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 3 | 5 |
| 3 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | David Elkins | Carlin | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | Petru Florescu | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: Norman (average 185.678 mph on lap 40). [48] |
O'Ward on pole (1:09.4567), passed Herta on lap 14 and led the rest to win his eighth of the season, clinching the championship ahead of Herta and Franzoni on the podium. Lap leaders: Herta (1-13), O'Ward (14-35). [7]
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 22 |
| 2 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 13 |
| 3 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 4 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 3 | 0 |
| 5 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Nicolas Dapero | Juncos Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | David Elkins | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: O'Ward (1:11.2345 on lap 12). |
O'Ward started third and took the lead on lap 17 to win his ninth and final victory of the season, ahead of Telitz and Urrutia. The race featured a major opening-lap incident. Lap leaders: Norman (1), O'Ward (17-35), others minor. [49]
| Position | Driver | Team | Starting Position | Laps Led |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pato O'Ward | Andretti Autosport | 3 | 19 |
| 2 | Aaron Telitz | Belardi Auto Racing | 5 | 0 |
| 3 | Santiago Urrutia | Belardi Auto Racing | 6 | 0 |
| 4 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | 2 | 0 |
| 5 | Victor Franzoni | Juncos Racing | 4 | 0 |
| 6 | Heamin Choi | Unknown | 8 | 0 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | Andretti Autosport | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Ryan Norman | Andretti Autosport | 1 | 1 |
| 9 | Shelby Blackstock | Belardi Auto Racing | 9 | 0 |
| 10 | David Elkins | Carlin | 10 | 0 |
| Fastest lap: O'Ward (1:11.2345 on lap 12). [50] |
Notable Incidents
The 2018 Indy Lights season was marked by several high-profile on-track incidents that influenced race outcomes and the intense championship duel between Patricio O'Ward and Colton Herta. One of the most dramatic occurred during Race 1 at the Honda Indy Toronto, where pole-sitter Herta suffered a poor start and was rear-ended by Santiago Urrutia at Turn 1, causing Herta's car to go airborne before landing and continuing.[51] Herta, already nursing a fractured left thumb from a qualifying crash into a tire barrier earlier that day, later spun into the Turn 5 barriers on Lap 20 due to reduced grip from the injury, retiring from the race and bringing out the first caution.[10] The incident contributed to a chaotic afternoon further complicated by intermittent rain, which slickened the track and led to additional slides, including Urrutia's spin on Lap 31 while chasing the lead.[10] Later, third-place contender Victor Franzoni crashed on the final lap, forcing a caution finish and handing the victory to O'Ward, who reclaimed the points lead by eight markers.[51] Another significant multi-car pileup unfolded at the start of Race 2 at the Grand Prix of Portland, where the field squeezed seven-wide into Turn 1. Victor Franzoni clipped Ryan Norman, sending Norman into Herta and collecting Dalton Kellett in the melee, which damaged several cars on the opening lap and brought out an early caution, reducing the effective field.[49] The incident, occurring just after O'Ward had clinched the title the previous day, allowed O'Ward, starting third, to take the lead on lap 17 and win.[52] Amid the turbulence, milestones provided highlights of individual achievement. Colton Herta etched his name in series history by securing four consecutive victories—from St. Petersburg Race 2 through Road America Race 1—the first such streak since Alex Lloyd in 2007, building an early points advantage before injuries and incidents derailed his momentum.[53] Ryan Norman notched his maiden Indy Lights win in the season's lone oval event at Gateway Motorsports Park, surging from fifth to first in the final 10 laps to edge teammate Dalton Kellett by 0.0476 seconds in a thrilling finish that marked the first oval victory for an American driver since 2014.[54]Championship Standings
Drivers' Championship
The 2018 Indy Lights drivers' championship utilized a points system awarding 22 points to the race winner, 18 for second place, 15 for third, 12 for fourth, 10 for fifth, 8 for sixth, 6 for seventh, 4 for eighth, 2 for ninth, and 1 for tenth, with no points for positions beyond tenth; double points were awarded for the three oval races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Additionally, one bonus point each was given per race for securing pole position, leading the most laps, and setting the fastest lap. These full-season totals determined the champion, with Patricio O'Ward dominating through consistent top finishes and bonuses to claim the title.[26] The championship battle primarily featured O'Ward and teammate Colton Herta, who traded the lead multiple times early in the season before O'Ward pulled ahead with a series of victories in the latter half. Herta started strong with four wins in the first eight races, including the prestigious Freedom 100, but mechanical issues and crashes, such as in Toronto, allowed O'Ward to capitalize with his own streak of successes. Santi Urrutia and Ryan Norman remained competitive in the top five but could not challenge the Andretti Autosport duo for the crown. O'Ward secured the drivers' championship in emphatic fashion by winning the first race at Portland International Raceway, entering the weekend with a 25-point lead over Herta and extending it sufficiently to clinch the title mathematically, regardless of the remaining races. He went on to win the second Portland race as well, capping a season with nine victories overall.[13]| Pos. | Driver | Points | Wins | Poles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patricio O'Ward | 491 | 9 | 9 |
| 2 | Colton Herta | 447 | 4 | 3 |
| 3 | Santi Urrutia | 395 | 2 | 1 |
| 4 | Ryan Norman | 345 | 1 | 1 |
| 5 | Victor Franzoni | 341 | 1 | 1 |
| 6 | Aaron Telitz | 316 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Dalton Kellett | 299 | 0 | 1 |
| 8 | Shelby Blackstock | 42 | 0 | 0 |
| 9 | Neil Alberico | 31 | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Heamin Choi | 28 | 0 | 0 |
| 11 | Alfonso Celis Jr. | 27 | 0 | 0 |
| 12 | Davey Hamilton Jr. | 21 | 0 | 0 |