Briscoe wins Ohio IRL auto race

LEXINGTON, Ohio, July 20 (UPI) -- Ryan Briscoe drove his Dollara Honda to victory Sunday at the IndyCar Series race in Lexington, Ohio.

He led 43 of 85 laps and crossed the finish line 7.2640 seconds ahead of Team Penske teammate Helio Castroneves.

Briscoe's victory was aided by key pit strategies in the early stages.

On Lap 25, he pitted much earlier than expected, and the strategy worked to his advantage.

"We ran into a little bit of trouble early on," Briscoe said. "We went back in the pits and then stayed out a little too long, but what a comeback. That's all Roger (Penske). That's his strategy."

It was Briscoe's second career IndyCar victory this season after taking the checkered flag at the Indy 225 last month at West Allis, Wisc.

Castroneves started on the pole and led the first five laps before he made a critical tire change and could not regain his leader's spot.

Scott Dixon, Will Power and Oriol Servia completed the top-five.