Sports briefs: Dixon wins IndyCar's return to Pocono

Auto racing • Scott Dixon led a big day for Chip Ganassi Racing, leading a podium sweep for the team with a win Sunday at the IndyCar Series event at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa.

Dixon was followed by Ganassi teammates Charlie Kimball and Dario Franchitti in IndyCar's first race at Pocono since 1989.

Dixon won for the first time this season and it was his 30th career IndyCar victory. He struggled all season and had led only one lap, at the Indianapolis 500.

He caught a big break when Tony Kanaan clipped Dixon's car on a pass for the lead and was forced to pit road. Dixon dominated down the stretch of the 400-mile race and became IndyCar's eighth different winner this season.

• Three-time defending Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel surged to the lead in his Red Bull at the start of the German Grand Prix in Nuerburging and held off a strong challenge from the two Lotus cars to win his first race on home soil.

Vettel held off the Lotus pair of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean for his fourth win of the season.

Abbott clinches Giro Rosa victory

Cycling • American Mara Abbott won the Giro Rosa on Sunday in Cremona, Italy, wrapping up the overall victory in one of the most prestigious races for women after losing minimal time in the final time trial.

Tallinder headed back to Buffalo

NHL • The Buffalo Sabres continued to revamp their defense by reacquiring Henrik Tallinder from the New Jersey Devils for prospect Riley Boychuk. Tallinder, 34, played in just 25 games last year, posting one goal and three assists. He was a stalwart on the back end during Buffalo's playoff runs in 2006 and 2007.

• The Anaheim Ducks have signed left wing Matt Beleskey to a two-year contract extension through 2014-15. He had eight goals, five assists and 56 penalty minutes in 42 games with Anaheim last season.

From wire reports