IndyCar Fast Facts, 8/13 (Update)

UPDATE Earlier we stated that Franchitti has finished on the podium in four consecutive races. That information was inaccurate as Franchitti finished third at Pocono, Toronto Race 1, and Mid-Ohio. He finished fourth at Toronto Race #2.

08/13/13 Below, we have a few facts pertaining to the 2013 Izod IndyCar Series courtesy of AutoRacing1's Brian Carroccio. Enjoy.

****We've been keeping an eye on the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing intra-team battle this season here at AutoRacing1.com. While Graham Rahal holds a one point lead over James Jakes in the series standings, Jakes has out qualified Rahal in nine of 14 races. The two drivers are even at 7-7 when it comes to race finishes.

****If you want to know why Team Penske's Helio Castroneves is leading the series points standings try this: The Brazilian has ten consecutive finishes of eighth or better.
****Castroneves' teammate Will Power has posted a top-five qualifying result in 8 consecutive races.

****Since their disastrous weekend in Iowa earlier this season, the three Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Charlie Kimball, Scott Dixon, and Dario Franchitti, have recorded nine of a possible twelve podium finishes in the last four races, and and finished outside the top-10 once (Kimball 21st, Toronto Race 1). Interestingly, Franchitti, the only one of the trio to have not won, has finished on the podium in all four of the races.

****The opposite of Ganassi Racing would be Takuma Sato. Since taking the championship lead after finishing second at Sao Paulo, Sato has posted one top-10 finish (7th, Milwaukee), and finished outside the top-20 in four of the the last five races.

****Mike Conway has four top-10 finishes in four starts driving the #18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda. Aside from Conway, the best finish anyone has recorded driving that car has been 14th (Ana Beatriz, Long Beach).

****While Marco Andretti has been understandably frustrated with his inability to find victory lane, he has clearly taken a huge step forward from 2012. Last season, Andretti recorded a mere three top-10 finishes. He already has 12 this season. Last season, Andretti recorded one top-five finish. He has five so far in 2013.