It had everything many in attendance wanted.
A popular winner, more Danica mania and no rain in sight.
But what it did not have was any side by side racing and passing for position, and as a result, was a somewhat lackluster affair for those of us who enjoy the aforementioned better than a follow- the- leader parade. The race also left many racing purists wondering how it could be called the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
After a turbulent series of personal and legal problems that overshadowed his tremendous driving talent, Helio Castroneves willed his way to his third career Indy 500 victory and wrapped a dramatic bow around a package this month that seemed literally impossible just weeks ago.
Fresh off a complete acquittal of tax evasion charges in federal court, the affable and often emotional Brazilian showed his strength in the latter stages of the race and separated himself from the field in a fashion that looked both easy and impressive.
In a month that also saw him capture the pole and the pit stop contest, Castroneves was cool, calm and certainly collective in how he went about the business of obliterating the competition and showed yet again why Team Penske is clearly the greatest organization that has ever competed at 16th and Georgetown.
While he led just 66 laps in the event, he was out in front and unchallenged for the final 59, and collected a record purse of $3,048,005 while outdistancing runner up and 2005 winner Dan Wheldon,who pocketed $1,258,805 in his debut at Indy for Panther Racing. Fan favorite Danica Patrick utilized great pit stops to finish third and was awarded $763,305 for her efforts.
Townsend Bell and Will Power rounded out the top five finishers on a day when most of the pre race favorites were not a factor after the mid way juncture of the event.
Defending champion Scott Dixon and 2007 champion teammate Dario Franchitti both encountered trouble in the pits and as a result, lost positions that they could not makeup. This was due in large to the current design of Indy cars relying on down force rather than mechanical grip, which in turn makes it virtually impossible to pass. With that to deal with, even the most talented drivers are subject to a simply participating in a single file procession at high speed, and as a result, were relying heavily on pit stops as an opportunity to gain track position.
Andretti Green’s Tony Kannan looked strong and appeared to be a serious contender before his day ended with a hard crash due to a suspension failure on lap 97.
Alex Tagliani who started dead last in the field of 33, fought his way to an 11th place finish and in the process earned the Rookie Of The Year Award.
Notes: Roger Penske won his 15th Indianapolis 500 as a team owner and showed once again that he has no equal at this track.
Sarah Fisher was awarded the Scott Brayton Driver’s Trophy, which is given to the participant who best represents the spirit and character of the late Scott Brayton.
Many of those covering the race in the media center engaged in a friendly debate with yours truly regarding celebrity justice, and how, if at all, it impacted the outcome of the race. While I am not familiar with all the facts in the Castroneves trial, I am aware of the stats that conclude some 95 percent of those charged in those types of cases are inclined to plea bargain or are found guilty.
While Helio’s situation may have indeed been in that 5 percent bracket, it certainly seems logical to at least consider his high profile and fame as a possible asset when sitting across the courtroom from a so called jury of his peers.
Having one of the most high-powered attorneys in America did not hurt him a bit as well, as Roy Black is indeed a heavy hitter.
In any event, the debate while spirited, was indeed relevant in my mind, and in a bigger sense, raises what I feel are logical questions about the justice system and how it is applied to all.
Long time IMS Media Manager Bill York was not present this month of May for the first time in 50 years.
York’s absence was indeed conspicuous, as he had a been a fixture at IMS. His strange and unexplainable departure left scores of people scratching their heads. He will be sorely missed, and belongs squarely in the IMS Hall of Fame.
A friend and a mentor to many over the past half century, he certainly deserved better in the opinion of this scribe.
Popular rapper Ludacris was once again in attendance at the race and seemed to really enjoy the event.
Needless to say, his entourage was a bit larger than mine.
Danny Bridges who actually enjoys old school rap, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or Bridgeshd@aol.com.
