Newgarden wins at Road America

ELKHART LAKE, WIS. — Josef Newgarden put in a lot of work to make his win at Road America look easy.

With no caution flags all afternoon to slow him down, the pole-sitting Newgarden finally pulled away late from Ryan Hunter-Reay for a comfortable victory.

Newgarden led 53 of 55 laps, crossing the finish line with a 3.38-second cushion over second-place finisher Hunter-Reay for his third win of the season.

"We had our work cut out for us today," Newgarden said. "We had to be perfect."

The defending series champion savored the victory in the 222-mile-long Kohler Grand Prix on his cool-down lap, taking in the crowd at the rural Wisconsin road course. Newgarden has such a devoted following here that fans planted a garden in his honor in time for this weekend's race.

"These people have a professional garden set up with little 'Baby Josefs' growing," Newgarden said with a smile. "It was kind of cool."

The victory might have been more satisfying. It completed an impressive weekend for the Team Penske driver at the 14-turn track, where Newgarden's No. 1 Chevy registered the top speed in practice.

Points leader Scott Dixon finished third. He was part of the three-car pack led by Newgarden that separated from the field with about 13 laps left.

They couldn't catch Newgarden. He returned to the podium following a five-race stretch finishing no higher than eighth.

What might be considered a slump for Newgarden came to an emphatic end. He picked up his 10th career victory and first at Road America.

Alexander races to first NHRA Top Fuel victory

NORWALK, OHIO — Blake Alexander raced to his first Top Fuel victory Sunday in the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

Alexander had a 4.011-second pass at 297.81 mph to beat Terry McMillen in the final.

"It felt really good," Alexander said. "I got a little emotional because I've tried to do this my whole life. I've come close but have lost sponsors, thought I was never going to drive the car again and basically we have gone through everything to climb back to the top."

Matt Hagan won in Funny Car, Tanner Gray in Pro Stock, and Eddie Kraweic in

Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Hagan edged points leader Courtney Force with a 4.094 at 288.21 in a Dodge Charger R/T for his first victory of the season.

FROM WIRE REPORTS