Formula E: Cassidy claims maiden Portland E-Prix victory
Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy clambered from 10th to the top step of the podium in an enthralling inaugural Southwire Portland E-Prix Round 12.
Cassidy measured his race to perfection from P10 on the grid as the 22-strong field jostled for the top spot over the 32-lap encounter. Just seven seconds split the first 17 runners, while the race produced some 403 overtakes.
The strategic battle for top spot was evidenced from the opening lap at Formula E’s fourth US venue, as positions and race leaders changed corner by corner in groups five and six wide at points.
The Kiwi headed the way several times but finally got the better of da Costa, himself a race leader, on Lap 28 with the decisive move – only a few turns after the Portuguese had seized the initiative.
Cassidy first hit the front on Lap 3 while da Costa clambered through the pack from eighth at the outset to pile the pressure on the Envision Racing driver right to the flag but Cassidy held fast for a third win of 2022/23.
Polesitter Jake Dennis led the opening stages but wouldn’t time his late-race charge as precisely as Cassidy managed to.
The Avalanche Andretti driver would settle for second, though, as that proved to be enough for the Drivers’ World Championship lead as things stand – the Brit heading Cassidy by just a point and both taking full advantage with prior standings leader Pascal Werhlein (TAG Heuer Porsche) escaping contact to come home only ninth and in the points at the chequered flag. Third, meanwhile, was da Costa’s first podium in seven rounds – the last being that win in Cape Town.
On his 29th birthday, Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) recovered from 20th on the grid to fourth – ensuring he’s still well in the fight for the title with four races to come in Season 9; two each at Rome next up on July 15 & 16 prior to the double-header finale in London.
