Franchitti is winner at Sonoma

SONOMA, Calif., Aug. 23 (UPI) -- Dario Franchitti led all the way Sunday in California's Grand Prix of Sonoma, winning his fourth IndyCar Series race of the year.

Franchitti avoided a seven-car pileup on the first lap en route to a 0.25-second win over Ryan Briscoe.

"Track position was critical today," said Franchitti, who started on the pole. "It probably wasn't the most interesting race for the fans, but I did what I had to do today."

Defending champion Helio Castroneves finished 18th.

Briscoe leads Franchitti by four points in the race standings with three events to go. Scott Dixon is in third place.

Dixon also has four wins this season. Briscoe has been a runner-up seven times.