Thanks. I Needed That.


And that was the race -- another one won by strategy.

Team Target Ganassi stayed out, having played the fuel mileage game, and Jimmy Vasser, who'd run in the top five all day, took the lead. Montoya wanted it, tried to get it, but couldn't do it. Parker Johnstone said he burned up his tires trying. Montoya said Vasser had the better car.

One other drivers hurt badly by the late race shenenigans were Michael Andretti, dropping to 4th in points, and Kenny Brack, losing 5th in the points to Fernandez, both of whom were caught up in a six-car melee caused by Alex Tagliani.

No matter how Vasser got to the Winner's Circle, he needed the win. Vasser and Chip Ganassi reached a parting of the ways a few weeks ago, and Jimmy's victory will be an excellent advertisement for another CART ride.

Things can get strange quickly, though. Check the story below about Vasser testing a Ganassi NASCAR entry this week.

Finishing Order

  • Jimmy Vasser
  • Juan Montoya
  • Gil de Ferran
  • Paul Tracy
  • Helio Castroneves

Season Points Standings

  • Gil de Ferran
  • Paul Tracy
  • Roberto Moreno
  • Michael Andretti
  • Adrian Fernandez

Racin' Around the 'Net.

"Today's Texaco/Havoline Grand Prix of Houston was all about Marlboro Team Penske and Target/Chip Ganassi Racing. The two most successful teams in CART history fought an epic duel that, effectively, was settled by fuel strategy and full-course cautions." Speedvision's Full Story

"It's a Vasser Victory! Under controversy and attrition, Jimmy Vasser gladly grabs his first victory since 1998 and becomes the 10th different winner this season and Toyota's first road course winner." Seventhgear's"Full Story

"Victories at Long Beach, Elkhart Lake and Vancouver plus three third places have left Paul Tracy very much in contention for this year's CART title, although the race is still wide open. After the Houston street race he is second, behind Gil de Ferran. On a rare free weekend the 31-year-old paid a visit to the US GP at Indianapolis, where Adam Cooper caught up with the Canadian." An Interview with Paul Tracy

Rumors. We Love Rumors.

Let's start with the wildest one of all, news from Jayski's reliable NASCAR Rumor Mill.

"Vasser in Cup? Ganassi CART driver, Jimmy Vasser is slated to test for Ganassi's NASCAR team next Friday (Oct 6th)."

Oh, my. Oh, my, indeed.

Jeremy Shaw's Saturday Houston Notebook from Speedvision includes a

The copyright of the article Thanks. I Needed That. in CART Auto Racing is owned by Gary Presley. Permission to republish Thanks. I Needed That. in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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