Justin Wilson claimed his first Champ Car victory of the season on Sunday, taking the checkered flag at the Edmonton Grand Prix.
The British driver, 27, started the race in the second row but overtook Toronto's Paul Tracy and pole-sitter Sebastien Bourdais of France.
Bourdais crossed the finish line in second place, slightly more than five seconds behind Wilson.
England's Justin Wilson celebrates winning the Edmonton Grand Prix on Sunday.
(Jeff McIntosh/Canadian Press)
A. J. Allmendinger of the United States placed third, while Tracy finished fifth and was the top Canadian in the 18-car field.
"The car was awesome all day," Wilson said. "I was able to burn fast and close down the gap, and Sebastien made a mistake and I managed to get by."
First pit stop
Wilson beat Tracy out of the first pit stop and later passed Bourdais with 24 laps remaining in the race.
"We decided to go for a short-fill, get past Paul and try and force the issue. And that's what we were able to do," said Wilson.
"My car was working really well and we just got quicker and quicker as the laps went on. What can I say, it was a fantastic day."
Andrew Ranger of Roxton Pond, Que., was seventh, while Alex Tagliani of Lachenaie, Que., placed 12th.
Wilson had four second-place finishes this season before breaking through with the victory on Sunday.
He also gained a measure of satisfaction winning at an event where he faltered last year.
Cold tires
Wilson was sitting in second late in the race at last season's event when he spun out on cold tires under a yellow caution. Wilson's misfortune took him out of the race, allowing
Bourdais to grab the victory.
"I was pretty nervous and just didn't want to make a mistake," Wilson said.
"It was all a case of not throwing it away like we did a year ago. It feels really good to come out and get the win and try and make up for the mistake last year."
Tracy, 37, had another disappointing race in a winless season.
Despite beginning the race on the front row, Tracy couldn't manage a comeback after being passed by Wilson in the pits.
He said a tire pressure error during the crucial pit stop cost him the race.
"The car was bottoming out everywhere and it was very difficult to drive," he said.
With files from the Canadian Press
