Stenhouse untouchable in Iowa

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. extended is advantage atop the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings on Sunday (May 20) with a dominant victory at Iowa Speedway.

The Roush-Fenway driver, who took two wins at the circuit last season on his way to the 2011 Nationwide crown, kept himself in familiar championship territory by securing another triumph at the 1.4 km oval.

Stenhouse assumed the leader from former IndyCar star Sam Hornish Jr. on lap 30 and, though he would briefly drop to second on several occasions, essentially led the remainder of the event. In total Stenhouse completed 209 of 250 laps in P1, equaling Kyle Busch's circuit record achieved in 2010.

“Man, this one was fun," said an elated Stenhouse after the win. "I love dominating those races.” Busch was the only top-tier driver to make an appearance in Iowa, the Nationwide team owner electing to start from the back of the grid aboard his Toyota after competing in Saturday's Sprint Cup all-star race in Charlotte. He would climb the order - and was one of the drivers to briefly remove Stenhouse from the lead - on his way to an eventual fifth place finish.

Sadler minimised Stenhouse's points gain

Elliott Sadler (Richard Childress-Chevrolet) minimised Stenhouse's points gain by finishing second, with Michael McDowell (Joe Gibbs-Toyota) completing the podium. Top rookie Austin Dillon (Richard Childress-Chevrolet) came home ahead of Busch in fourth. Meanwhile Danica Patrick (JR Motorsport-Chevrolet) started ninth but dropped back to run 16th approaching mid-distance. She crashed heavily into retirement on lap 114 to be classified 30th.

Stenhouse now holds a 28 point championship advantage over long-time rival Sadler. Dillon sits third with Hornish fourth and rookie Cole Whitt fifth. The series' next event is a trip to NASCAR heartland Charlotte on May 26. Watch LIVE NASCAR Nationwide Series action on Motors TV


James Weeks