Houston Community News >> Houston Grand Prix News
5/15/2006 Houston (AFP)-- France's Sebastien Bourdais made it two-for-two in 2006 as he won the Champ Car series' Grand Prix of Houston. The two-time defending Champ Car champion edged Canadian Paul Tracy, with Mexico's Mario Dominguez third.
Bourdais's compatriot Nelson Philippe, 19, posted the best result of his career as he finished fourth in the race run at night under temporary floodlights. No sooner had the Frenchman seized the lead on the 27th lap than the caution flag came out. Drivers headed for the pits, where Bourdais was victim of a slow stop to relinquish first place.
He continued to stalk Dominguez until the Mexican locked his wheels on lap 67, allowing Bourdais and Tracy past. Tracy never led as Bourdais maintained his advantage throughout several more cautions and re-starts.
"It was one of these, you can basically go either way," said Bourdais, who took an 18-point lead in the standings after his victory in the season-opener at Long Beach. "We took the lead, then we lost it in the pits. I was a little bit frustrated. "It was a little hard, but when races go your way, they go your way."
Tracy never led as he finished second 1.238 sec back. Dominguez's third-place finish was his 10th career podium place and put him second in the standings. Wilson is third in the standings, 20 points behind the leader.
