Salinas, CA (Sunday, September 11, 2022) – Takuma Sato (#51 Nurtec ODT- Dale Coyne Racing with RWR) didn’t have the race he wanted at the season finale but reflecting back on highlights of the year he ran strong at Indy, Texas and Gateway and brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.
Started: 22nd
Finished: 23rd
- Sato had great start to the race moving up to 17th place from his 22nd place on the starting grid on the first lap.
- Electing for a three-stop strategy, he had made his way to eighth by the time he entered pit lane on Lap 16.
- He then battled his way back following his stop and was running 18th when he made his second stop on Lap 38.
- Having tangled with another car on track, Sato aggravated an injury to his thumb but continued to run strong.
- He pit from 23rd on lap 68 and went on to finish the race in that position.
- In 17 races this season, Sato had a best finish of fifth (World Wide Technology Raceway) and a best starting position of second on the streets of Detroit this year. He finished in the top 10 four times and started in the top 10 six times.
Takuma Sato #51 Nurtec ODT Honda – Dale Coyne Racing with RWR
“The final race of the season was a really long one! I had a very good start. Strategy-wise it was a mixture across the field. Because of tires a lot had to do the four-stop strategy but we stuck with the three stop and didn’t quite have the pace. Plus, I had a little tangle with another car, and I already had some issues with my thumb but now it’s officially broken. So not a good day. I tried hanging on. Thank you to everyone for all the support. The 51 boys at Dale Coyne Racing with RWR, it was a privilege to have a great season with them. It’s a shame that we didn’t have a good finish today but it was great fun and I’m really happy to be a part of the team.”
dalecoyneracing.com 