Sep 15 2008
Rossi Takes Indianapolis Win
Valentino Rossi achieved his 69th premier class win yesterday at the rain soaked Indianapolis grand prix, with Nicky Hayden second and Jorge Lorenzo in Third.
Hurricane Ike hit the circuit as predicted at midday, forcing the 125 race to be red flagged, the 250 race to be re-scheduled and later cancelled. Luckily for the fans the storm stopped to allow the MotoGP race to start on time.
Casey Stoner took the hole shot only to be overtaken by a charging Andrea Dovizioso on the satellite spec Honda. Stoner was then passed by Nicky Hayden who then passed Dovizioso to take 1st position.
Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo followed by passing the reining world champion, putting stoner back in 5th position. Rossi then heads for Hayden, passing Dovizioso on the way.
The Kentucky Kid managed to stay in front of Valentino for most of the race with the grunt of that pneumatic-valve Honda and some spectacular riding, but could only keep The Doctor behind him until lap 14.
Towards the closing stages of the race, hurricane Ike came back for more, lashing the circuit with more heavy rain and heavy winds.
Jorge Lorenzo looked to capitalize on Hayden struggling with the rain and the wind in second, But the red flag came out just in time for Hayden.
Casey stoner was battling hard for 4th position with Dovizioso and Ben Spies, eventually finishing in that position.
James Toseland looked good in the early stages of the race, but eventually dropped to 18th out 19, blaming the bad weather and a hard tyre choice for the bad result. Toseland must have hoped the track would dry out.
Valentino Rossi now sits on an 87 point cushion over Casey Stoner, with four rounds to go.