Avalanche Andretti driver Jake Dennis had a spectacular day in Portland despite not finishing on the top of the podium after the race in North American territory.
Dennis now leads the Season 9 Championship with a single point advantage over Envision Racing’s Nick Cassidy after winning the Julius Baer Pole Position and second place in the race.
The Briton defeated NEOM McLaren duo Jake Hughes and Rene Rast in the duels, before beating Nissan’s Sacha Fenestraz in the final to win pole position, his first this season and a home success for the Andretti team.
Those three points gained in qualifying proved vital for Dennis, who took the championship lead.
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Taking Risks
“Yeah, we had a good day,” Dennis said after the Southwire Portland E-Prix. “I think after the flag I was a little disappointed just because of the way the race went, it was really very difficult, however, we got second place.
“A race like today is all about risk. So, yeah, I just had to hold on and I knew I could get a good result and get second.”
The Briton managed to maintain his championship lead by finishing second for the third consecutive race, a result achieved after overtaking Antonio Felix da Costa on the final lap. “Nick Cassidy and I are really competing for the title. Whoever takes the most risks will win it.”
“Some of those moves by Antonio were gutsy, and he did a really good job out there,” Dennis said.
The Avalanche Andretti racer, the lone leader in the electric series drivers’ championship, hopes to take off in Rome, the next stop of the exciting Season 9, the first of the Gen3 era with the world’s lightest and most powerful electrified car.
“Now I’m looking forward to that race in Rome. The key will be to win the Pole,” Dennis concluded.
