Hornish posts narrow win in IRL season opener

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2004

HOMESTEAD, United States (AFP) — Sam Hornish battled past Penske Racing teammate Helio Castroneves in the third turn of the final lap to win the Indy Racing League Toyota Indy 300 by .0698sec.

The 10th-closest finish in IRL history was just what Roger Penske and Tim Cindric had in mind when they hired Hornish for the new season.

"Do you think we hired the right guy?" asked Cindric, the president of Penske Racing. "I don't think there is any question. This is what you hoped for. Having these guys drive wheel to wheel like that, no different than what they've done in the past, they are just flying the same colors and it's great to see that for the team."

What Hornish did was even more historic. He became the first driver to win his debut with Penske Racing, an...