PDVSA HVM Racing Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach 
Race Report
 
Venue: The Streets of Long Beach, 1.968-mile street course, Long Beach, Calif.
Starting Position: 4
Finishing Position: 23
Notes:
 
The PDVSA HVM Racing team suffered an early and abrupt end to their day at Sunday’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach after contact with another car forced E.J. Viso’s No. 13 Honda Dallara into the wall.
 
After taking the green flag in fourth position – his career-best qualifying effort in his IndyCar Series career – Viso stayed right with the leaders for the first 16 laps of the race.  On Lap 17, Viso was squeezed into the wall when Scott Dixon veered off his line in Turn 6.  The No. 13 car sustained enough damage that it could not be restarted and HVM’s day was finished.
 
The early exit was a disappointing result after strong performances in practice and qualifying indicated that the No. 13 car was going to be one to watch on Sunday.  The team finished the race in 23rd place.

Comments from PDVSA HVM Racing Team Principal Keith Wiggins after Sunday’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach:
 
“It’s very disappointing to have our day end this way.  We were strong in practice, had a great qualifying effort, and were really optimistic about what the car and E.J. could do.”
 
Comments from PDVSA HVM Racing Driver E.J. Viso after Sunday’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach:
 
“Things were going smoothly and someone ruined my race.  I was running my line and suddenly (Scott) Dixon changed his line.  I had nowhere to go.
 
“It’s very frustrating because I had a good car and the Firestone tires were working well for me.  I would just like to thank my team for working so hard to give me a great car for this weekend.”

 
HVM is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. In its eight years of competition, the team has earned six wins, two pole positions, and an additional 16 podiums since 2001. The team finished fourth and third, respectively, in the Champ Car championship standings in 2006 and 2007, and earned its drivers Mario Dominguez and Robert Doornbos Rookie of the Year honors in 2002 and 2007, respectively. In 2008 with driver E.J. Viso, the team earned seven top-10 finishes, including a fourth at St. Petersburg in its inaugural year in the IRL Championship.