Zanardi Takes First Indycar Title

Mon., June 24, 1996

Compiled From Wire Services

Italian Alex Zanardi survived a slippery few laps during a rain shower early in the race and recorded what was nearly a wire-to-wire victory in the Budweiser-G.I. Joe’s 200, his first IndyCar triumph.

Zanardi, a former bit player on the Formula One circuit, became only the third pole sitter to win at Portland in the race’s 13-year history. He finished 9.14 seconds ahead of second-place Gil de Ferran.

Christian Fittipaldi was third and two-time defending champion Al Unser Jr. was fourth, despite an extra pit stop to switch from rain tires.

Mike Dunn, John Force and Warren Johnson won professional titles at the NHRA Pennzoil Nationals at Memphis International Motorsports Park in Millington, Tenn.

Dunn of Mount Joy, Pa., used a huge advantage in reaction time to the starting light to beat Joe Amato in Top Fuel - finishing in 4.897 seconds to Amato’s 4.804.

Blaine Johnson preserved his Top Fuel points lead despite losing to Dunn in the semifinals. He leads second-place Larry Dixon by 51 points.

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Zanardi Takes First Indycar Title

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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