What Is 2007 Grand Prix of Cleveland

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 Grand Prix of Cleveland was an IndyCar Series race held on July 1, 2007, at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, Ohio. Scott Dixon won the 100-lap race driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, leading 53 laps and finishing with a time of 1:47:39.6477.

Key Facts

Race took place on July 1, 2007, at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, Ohio
Scott Dixon won the race driving for Chip Ganassi Racing
The race was 100 laps long, covering 137.5 miles
Dixon led 53 of the 100 laps
Race was part of the 2007 IndyCar Series season

Overview

The 2007 Grand Prix of Cleveland was a key event in the IndyCar Series season, marking the fifth running of the race at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, Ohio. Held on July 1, 2007, the race featured 21 drivers competing over a 100-lap course on a 1.375-mile temporary street circuit.

Scott Dixon emerged victorious, driving the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car. His win was notable for its strategic pit execution and consistent lap times, ultimately securing him 50 championship points and boosting his position in the 2007 standings.

Scott Dixon won the race after starting in second position, overtaking pole-sitter Helio Castroneves early in the first stint.
The race covered 137.5 miles over 100 laps, with an average speed of 78.5 mph due to multiple caution periods.
Helio Castroneves started first after securing pole position but finished third, unable to maintain pace in the final laps.
Dario Franchitti finished second, closing within 1.2 seconds of Dixon in the final laps but unable to pass.
The race featured five caution periods, totaling 23 laps under yellow, primarily due to crashes and mechanical issues.

How It Works

The Grand Prix of Cleveland was a street circuit race with tight turns, short straights, and minimal runoff areas, demanding precision from drivers. The 2007 edition followed standard IndyCar Series regulations, including Dallara chassis and Honda or Toyota engines.

Track Layout: The 1.375-mile circuit had 10 turns and was laid out on the tarmac of Burke Lakefront Airport. Elevation changes were minimal, but surface bumps affected handling.
Race Format: The event consisted of a 100-lap race following a qualifying session to determine starting positions. The pole was awarded to the fastest qualifier.
Engine Specifications: Honda and Toyota supplied 3.5L V8 engines, producing approximately 650 horsepower, allowing top speeds near 190 mph on straights.
Pit Strategy: Teams used two to three pit stops depending on fuel mileage and tire wear. Each stop averaged 12.5 seconds, including fuel and tire changes.
Championship Points: The winner earned 50 points, with second receiving 40 and decreasing incrementally to 1 point for 20th place.
Safety Procedures: The race featured a safety car for caution periods, deployed after crashes or debris, with all cars required to line up in order behind it.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five finishers in the 2007 Grand Prix of Cleveland based on lap count, time, and margin of victory.

Position	Driver	Team	Laps Completed	Time/Gap
1	Scott Dixon	Chip Ganassi Racing	100	1:47:39.6477
2	Dario Franchitti	Andretti Green Racing	100	+1.2031
3	Helio Castroneves	Team Penske	100	+10.4572
4	Marco Andretti	Andretti Green Racing	100	+12.8910
5	Ed Carpenter	Versus/Ed Carpenter Racing	100	+14.7763

The close finish between Dixon and Franchitti highlighted the competitiveness of the 2007 season, with only 1.2 seconds separating first and second. Castroneves, despite starting first, lost time during mid-race pit stops, allowing others to overtake him. The tight margins underscored the importance of fuel strategy and tire management on the abrasive airport surface.

Why It Matters

The 2007 Grand Prix of Cleveland was significant for both driver standings and team momentum during a tightly contested season. It showcased the growing competitiveness of Chip Ganassi Racing and highlighted technical and strategic elements crucial in open-wheel racing.

Scott Dixon's win moved him into second place in the championship standings, just 18 points behind leader Dario Franchitti after six races.
The race demonstrated the importance of pit strategy, as Ganassi's crew executed flawless stops, gaining crucial track position.
It marked the first time since 2003 that all top five finishers used Honda engines, reinforcing Honda's dominance that season.
The event drew an estimated 35,000 spectators, boosting local tourism and media coverage for the city of Cleveland.
It was one of the last major races held at Burke Lakefront Airport, as the venue lost its IndyCar contract after 2007 due to logistical challenges.
The race contributed to growing interest in American open-wheel racing, helping pave the way for future street circuit events like those in St. Petersburg and Long Beach.

The 2007 Grand Prix of Cleveland remains a notable chapter in IndyCar history, remembered for its close racing, strategic depth, and role in shaping the championship battle. Though the event has not returned to Cleveland since, its legacy endures in motorsport archives and fan memories.