Ryan Briscoe takes Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg; Hunter-Reay, Wilson on podium

April 5, 5:24 PMTampa Bay Sports ExaminerTed Fleming

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ST. PETERSBURG – Team Penske has something to celebrate, a victory in the opening race of the 2009 IndyCar Series.

Ryan Briscoe took the checkered flag for his third career victory in the open wheel series edging out surprise second place finisher Ryan Hunter-Reay and Justin Wilson for second and third, respectively, Sunday afternoon.

With just two top-5s in his IRL career, Hunter-Reay did not have much time to be nervous because he just signed on with Vision Racing five days ago and made the most of his opportunity with his best finish in the series.

Dario Franchiti, who is making his return to open wheel racing after a year in NASCAR, finished fourth.

Briscoe started fourth and finally cruised into the top spot passing Wilson after a restart on lap 86. His three wins have come on three different tracks.

Reigning champions did not fare well in the fifth annual event. Defending Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg winner Graham Rahal was spun out early and had to play catch-up finish seventh. Rahal was hit by Tony Kanaan./

Series champ Scott Dixon broke a left wheel arm late in the race and crashed it other tires off turn nine following contact with Hideki Mutoh landing in 16th place. It was déjà vu for Dixon because his only non-finish in 2008 came in St. Pete after breaking a half-shaft.