Linus Lundqvist takes Indy Lights victory as McElrea and Brabham collide at Barber
Linus Lundqvist has won a thrilling Indy Lights outing at the Grand Prix of Alabama as Hunter McElrea and Matthew Brabham collided in a late-race duel.
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Lundqvist lead the race from pole in wet conditions after a thunderstorm delayed running at Barber Motorsports Park.
The #26 HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing driver held off a late challenge from Benjamin Pederson to take the chequered flag.
“First, I got to say good job to my teammate Benjamin,” Lundqvist said.
“That was one of the closest fights I’ve had in a very long time."
"I knew that it was the last lap, so I didn’t have to hold back, but obviously Benjamin gave me a good run for my money.
“I’m super happy, and a massive thank you to my HMD Motorsports with Dale Coyne Racing team. It’s just fantastic.”
Linus Lundqvist leads at Barber Motorsports Park. (Penske Entertainment)
Further back it was heartbreak for Matthew Brabham and Hunter McElrea, as the teammates came together while battling for firth, spinning off the track with just over two minutes remaining.
Brabham was able to recover to seventh, while McElrea finished twelfth.
Lundqvist's victory takes him to the lead of the championship standings after two races, finishing ahead of Pederson and Sting Ray Robb.
Pederson is now second in the standings after two second-place finishes, while Brabham sits in third.
The Indy Lights season resumes May 13 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course for a double-header weekend to kick off the Mount of May.
