ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Zachary Claman DeMelo dominated Saturday afternoon to win the first of two Indy Lights races this weekend on the streets of St. Petersburg.
Toby Sowery finished second in the season opener, followed by Oliver Askew, David Malukas and Rinus VeeKay.
Claman DeMelo started on the pole position and led all 35 laps.
"“That was a great welcome back party,” the Montreal native said. “I’m really happy for Belardi. I know last year didn’t always go their way so I’m happy to get the win for them. We pushed really hard in the beginning, so the car dropped off a bit toward the end.
“Toby was right there, and in his first street race, so he’ll be one to keep an eye on. I was happy to take the checkered flag but my immediate thought was how to make it 2-for-2 (Sunday).”
Claman DeMelo returned to Indy Lights full time this season after running nine races (including the Indianapolis 500) last season in IndyCar. This was the second career win in Indy Lights for the Montreal native.
The Indy Lights Series will return for its second race at 10:05 a.m. ET Sunday.