Montoya (Target Honda Reynard) mastered the elements caused by early-race rain showers that had the competitors switch from the customary slicks to rain tires about a third through the race and then return to slicks late when the 2.106-mile temporary course began to dry out.

Montoya, a 23-year-old Colombian, was strong in all conditions as he led 76 of the 90 laps and went on to a 10.604-second victory over runner-up Gil de Ferran (Valvoline/Cummins Special Honda Reynard). Due to the caution-flag conditions from the rain, the event became a two-hour timed event per CART rules on road/street courses.

Montoya led on four occasions, including the first 30 from his pole position, and his final time on the point was keyed by a restart on following a caution on Lap 64 caused by an accident involving Adrian Fernandez (Tecate/Quaker State/Patrick Racing Ford Reynard). De Ferran was leader on the restart as they went green on Lap 68, but Montoya was able to get a strong run as they crossed the start/finish line and wrestled the lead away with an inside dive as they maneuvered the Turn 1 hairpin. He never relinquished the lead as he led the final 22 laps for his second win from the pole this season. The other came at Nazareth.

De Ferran, who led nine laps, earned his third consecutive podium to move into second place in the FedEx Championship Series points championship. De Ferran, who trails Montoya, 112-87, moved past Dario Franchitti (KOOL Honda Reynard), who slipped to third with 85 points after finishing 25th and pointless due to a throttle linkage problem. The effort by de Ferran was also his third podium in his last four starts at Cleveland.

Michael Andretti (Kmart/Texaco/Havoline Ford Swift) overcame a pit-lane penalty for speeding and late engine difficulties to notch his third podium of the season. The impressive run was the sixth podium in 14 career starts at Cleveland for Andretti, who is fourth in the championship with 78 points.

The top five was rounded out by Paul Tracy (KOOL Honda Reynard) and Al Unser Jr. (Marlboro Penske Lola), respectively. Tracy's fourth-place effort was his third consecutive top-five finish and has him situated eighth in the championship with 58 points. Unser Jr.'s fifth-place performance was a season best and matched his best finish since Vancouver of last season.