Marco Andretti focused on regaining momentum at Iowa

Marco Andretti lost momentum and championship ground after finishing 20th in last week’s Milwaukee IndyFest.

The polesitter was stout early in the race but a faulty alternator drive stalled the third-generation driver on the backstretch on lap 97 and the repairs cost him numerous laps and a chance to score his first victory of the season.

To add insult to injury, his primary championship rivals finished first and second with Ryan Hunter-Reat edging Helio Castroneves by over four seconds.

The results dropped Andretti to third in the standings, 50 points behind Castroneves and in need of a good finish this weekend at Iowa.

With Iowa paying championship points and starting the Sunday grid with heat races, this weekend could be just the opportunity Andretti needed to get his season back on track. This is especially true when one considers how Andretti has fared at Iowa over the past two seasons -- a first and second.

This is perhaps Andretti’s best track.

“Both on the No. 25 side and as a team we’ve traditionally been strong in Iowa, and we need to continue that this year,” he said. “Milwaukee didn’t go as planned for the RC (Cola) Chevy so we really need to make up some points and get the lead back -- this as good of place as any to do that.

“We’re coming for a win but definitely would like to at least keep the consistency going. With the heat races paying extra points ... well ... we’re aiming for total domination and maximum points.”

Unfortunately for Andretti, the driver who won at Iowa last year Is also streaking -- but in the right direction. That would be Hunter-Reay, so Andretti could be in for a dogfight to get championship momentum back on his side.