The season’s first race is within the books, and Alexander Rossi led the Andretti Autosport crew with a 5th area finish in the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

Rossi ran a clean, regular race at the 14-flip, 1.8-mile transient street direction, main two laps, to earn an additional point (totaling 31) within the championship chase.

AUTO RACING: Rossi continues it safe, brings home points 1

“It became all we had, quite a great deal in which we began,” stated Rossi. “It’s excellent for factors, but it is disappointing you continually come to races looking a win.”

Rossi qualified 6th on Saturday and had hoped to make up a few spots on race day. But with the best two yellows (tying for the fewest in race records) and the difficult passing in grimy air, he chose to keep it safe and bring home the points. There were 24 entries in the race, which was considered private in IndyCar records.

AUTO RACING: Rossi continues it safe, brings home points 2

“It changed into a great setup within the race; I just suppose we have been one step behind our competition,” said Rossi. “We located the surest setup, or as a minimum, a vehicle that I became cozy with, but we want to be a bit greater on the pinnacle of it. Nonetheless, a good recovery through the No. 27 NAPA AUTO PARTS Andretti Autosport boys.”

This season, Sunday’s race is the primary of a numerous and stressful 17-race NTT IndyCar Series schedule. Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden received the race, with Scott Dixon and Will Power rounding out the rostrum. The NTT IndyCar Series travels to Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, on March 24. The race airs live at 10 a.m. on NBCSN and the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network.