OLIVER ASKEW WINS COOPER TIRES GRAND PRIX RACE 2 IN TORONTO

TORONTO — Oliver Askew pounced after leaders collided and snagged a monumental victory in the second race of the weekend for Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires at Honda Indy Toronto.

The 22-year-old Floridian started on pole in the No. 28 Andretti Autosport Dallara IL-15, but a slow start allowed Aaron Telitz (No. 4 Belardi Auto Racing) to jump from third and make the inside pass for the lead entering Turn 1. Meanwhile, Rinus VeeKay (No. 21 Juncos Racing) went to the outside as the pair split Askew, who fell to third.

VeeKay lurked in the shadows of Telitz, yesterday’s winner, for several laps around the 11-turn, 1.786-mile temporary street circuit until making a strong move for the lead on Lap 25 of 40. The two went side-by-side in a drag race down the long straight between Turns 2 and 3. However, both drivers locked up briefly as VeeKay attempted to slide over to force himself to the top spot, which ended with the two barely touching and heading straight into the tire barriers in Turn 3.

This opened the door for Askew to slide by and coast to a comfortable 6.8331 second margin of victory en route to his fourth win of the 2019 season.

“I had a feeling that was going to happen,” Askew said. “I got a bad start, for some reason I didn’t get a good run off the line. Once those two started battling, I just had a feeling something was going to happen. It’s unlucky for them, but that’s what happens.”

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