Barracuda Racing's top-10 run cut short by contact

Toronto, Ontario - July 13, 2013 - After climbing through the field on the streets of Toronto, Alex Tagliani's top ten run ended abruptly when his No. 98 Barracuda Racing car spun after contact with Simon Pagenaud's in turn one.

Tagliani started race one of the Honda Indy Toronto in 17th place. A full-field standing start was planned but later aborted due to a stall on the grid by Joseph Newgarden.

The Barracuda Racing team made the first of two pit stops on lap 18. The Canadian driver stayed consistent following the stop and then picked up two positions on the restart following a full-course yellow flag.

Alex Tagliani, Barracuda Racing Honda

Photo by: Covy Moore

Tagliani later gained two more positions and was running as high as tenth place on lap 64. With only three laps to go in the 85-lap competition, contact with the No. 77 car spun Tagliani and temporarily stalled the car. He would resume the race in 17th place.

"It was unfortunate because the Barracuda Racing team was running well and we were fighting for a top ten finish.

"I had a little dice with [Simon] Pagenaud in turn one. I didn't want to go on the outside but he turned and brought me all the way to the inside wall. I didn't want to tap the wall but he just hit my front tire and got me into a spin. It was one of those race incidents that would've been better to avoid. It cost us a top ten in the race."

The action continues tomorrow with race two of the Honda Indy Toronto. The 85-lap competition will take place Sunday, July 14

Barracuda Racing