Marco Andretti maneuvering through the sweeping downhill of turn 6.
The 2009 Sonoma Indy Grand Prix Race at Infineon Raceway started with 21 cars with Dario Franchitti on the pole position. The pack took the green flag and carnage immediately ensued at turn 2. Dario Frachitti and Ryan Briscoe, in second position, escaped the mayhem triggered by Marco Andretti crossing over in front of Graham Rahal. As cars tangled, spun, and went off the track, major pieces of cars were seen airborne. Scott Dixon, Danica Patrick, Tony Kanaan, Marco Andretti, Graham Rahal and E.J. Viso suffered significant damage.
Dario Franchitti drove a near perfect race on the challenging 12 turn, 2.3 mile road course that is known for it's lack of good passing opportunities. Team Penske drivers Ryan Brisco and Helio Castroneves maintained a hot pursuit but Franchitti didn't make a mistake that opened an opportunity to pass. A few laps from the finish, Castroneves suffered from a tire cut down from contact and went into the infield between turn 1 and 2. Points leader Briscoe maintained his position just feet behind Franchitti to finish second by .2488 seconds. Mike Conway ran a great race and finished in third place, his first podium finish.