Back-to-Back Victories in the Lone Star State for Askew

Starting from pole for the third time in the 2019 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires season, Askew led the field to the green flag at Circuit of the Americas. However, rookie Andretti Autosport teammate, Robert Megennis, took control of the field in Turn 1. Megennis, who had his best qualifying results of the season started second and led the first five laps of the Cooper Tires Indy Lights Grand Prix Race 2 when he was challenged for the lead by teammate Askew. Askew was able to cleanly pass his teammate to regain the lead. Askew’s lead was challenged by Megennis and the rest of the field as a late yellow flag flew for the No. 13 car stopped on track. After the restart, Askew was able drive to the twin checkers and collect back-to-back wins at Circuit of the Americas.  

“I think that this win is going to set the tone for the rest of the year. That was an awesome race. It’s always a fun race when you have to work for it and pass the other cars,” Askew said.  

Megennis finished second, earning his highest Indy Lights career finish to date and bringing home double-podium results.  

“I had a great race today. I had a great start and got a draft on Oliver going in to Turn 1 and passed him on the inside. Led the first five laps then Oliver got by. I am super happy with second place and holding off David (Malukas) on the restart,” Megennis said.  

After starting fourth for Race 2, Ryan Norman’s race was filled with unfortunate luck.  

“Overall it was another really disappointing weekend. With the race yesterday, we had the pace to get a podium, but today the car wasn’t as fast – we just had a bunch of push in all the corners, especially the slow corners on the long straights,” 

The veteran driver was able to battle for position before bringing his racing machine home in ninth. 

“We now have a long break before Indy, so I’ll mentally and physically recheck myself and come back stronger,” Norman said.  

With sweep of two wins and pole positions at Circuit of the Americas, Askew heads into the break and month of May as the points leader for the Indy Lights championship with 98 points.