Castroneves wins IRL race in Ala.

Associated Press

BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

Helio Castroneves held off Scott Dixon to win the inaugural Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, coasting to the finish line after coming off caution with two laps to go.

The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner took over in the stretch run when Marco Andretti headed to pit road with seven laps to go. Castroneves treated the new IndyCar venue to his “Spiderman” move, climbing a chain link fence in front of the grandstands and pumping his fists to the fans.

Castroneves won by just over half a second over Dixon and nobody else was closer than 7 seconds to the lead, making it a two-man chase at the end. He didn’t offer any opening for Dixon to get by him on a narrow track that offers few easy spots to pass and makes pit strategy as important as any daring on-track maneuvers.

Dario Franchitti was third. Will Power had won the first two races and was dominant in qualifying and practice but had to settle for fourth, still comfortably hanging onto his points lead.

It was another big day for Penske Racing even with Power failing to become the first driver to win the opening three IndyCar races. Castroneves, Power and Ryan Briscoe made up half the top six. Danica Patrick continued to struggle, finishing 19th — right where she started.

Mike Conway started in a career-best No. 2 spot and finished ninth.

Castroneves had plenty to celebrate, winning for the third time since returning to the car from his acquittal on tax charges last year. It was the 17th career victory for the charismatic Brazilian and former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant.