The drivers, teams and standouts that impressed and embarrassed in equal measure at the inaugural Grand Prix of Louisiana.

Hot

The plucky fans at NOLA who braved the weather to watch what looked more like a demolition derby at times. Here’s hoping they get a better date, better weather and more green flag racing next season.

Schmidt Peterson Motorsports for calling the race. There is a fine line on any strategy gamble between success and looking very foolish. SPM navigated that line beautifully and better than some of the drivers navigated the Louisiana puddles.

Juan Montoya who looked all at sea (sorry) on Saturday during qualifying but worked with his engineers to produce a car that appeared to be the fastest on Sunday. Deserved the win but lucked in to pole position in the first place so definitely came away from NOLA in credit.

Arie Lyendyk for leading the most laps at NOLA on Sunday.

Not

Simon Pagenaud – going around the outside does not give you the right to lots of space. And when the car runs on to the green stuff, you don’t keep the gas pedal mashed to the floor.

IndyCar for a questionable penalty for Sebastien Bourdais. A moot point at the end of the day but a bad precedent to set this early in the season.

Sage Karam – his introduction to the IndyCar series proper goes from bad to worse. A textbook display of rookie mistakes in, admittedly, very challenging conditions. Extended season announced today but Chip will be demanding much better performances very soon.

Francesco Dracone – more effective at going backwards than forwards in an IndyCar.

Arie Luyendyk for leading the most laps at NOLA on Sunday.