While all 33 drivers are pumped for this Sunday’s action, the real question that remains is can anyone who is not considered to be a front runner capture the Indianapolis 500?
Conventional wisdom would certainly say no, but there are a few storylines to consider that could (with a little magic) indeed transpire, and free the stranglehold the upper echelon teams have on this storied event.
Both Buddy Rice and Dan Wheldon have looked rather stout in practice and qualifications, and with good pit stops and a bit of attrition, they could sneak into Victory Lane for what would be a second win for both of these talented drivers.
While they had other offers to drive this year, both made it clear they were deliberate in aligning themselves with the best possible team and thereby enhancing their ability to be competitive on race day.
“I feel great about our chances to win this race,” said Wheldon, after qualifying sixth for Herta Autosports. “We have a solid team in place and from an engineering perspective I could not be happier.”
Buddy Rice echoed Wheldon’s sentiments after qualifying his Panther Racing entry seventh.
“I was determined not to come to Indianapolis with just any team,” declared Rice, the 2004 winner. “We have a solid foundation for success and I am pleased to say the least.”
Both of these talented drivers are attempting to win the 500 in a “one off” fashion, as they are currently not slated to compete in any other Izod Indy Car Series events. Both know the tremendous challenge that goes along with this type of approach to competing, but neither is looking at the matter as insurmountable.
“We certainly have our work cut out for us,” added Wheldon. “At the same time, we have established a plan that we feel will allow us to be successful.”
One thing is for certain, both of these talented drivers are much more than hired guns, and with a bit of luck on race day, they both can be factors. Look for them to run hard, yet strategically in their quest to get to the front of the field. While they know the proverbial deck is stacked against them, both of these drivers know they can win at Indianapolis again.
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NOTES: Alex Tagliani captured his first Indy 500 pole with an average speed of 227.472 mph. Scott Dixon of Ganassi Racing and Oriol Servia of Newman/Haas Racing rounded out the front row.
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Mike Conway, also of Andretti Motorsport, did not make the starting field. Conway, who rehabbed hard to get back to racing after a horrific crash at the 2010 Indy 500, was devastated after failing to qualify. Indy can be a sobering place for drivers, but it has been cruel to this talented, polite young man.
Look for Conway to be back at Indy in the future and compete at a high level.
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You can get autographs from a number of former drivers at the Speedway Saturday during what just might be the world’s largest autograph session.
The entire starting field will also be present and there is no admission charge. More details regarding this can be found at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
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You can still get tickets for the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 at the IMS box office or by calling (317) 492-6700. Prices begin at $30. The race begins at noon and if you cannot attend you may tune on the IMS Radio Network locally.
Danny Bridges, who would love to see Wheldon and Rice going nose to nose at the finish, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
Gold brick placed in track
Mari Hulman George, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Chairman of the Board, joined legendary four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. President and CEO Jeff Belskus in placing a commemorative “golden” brick into the famous Yard of Bricks at the Speedway.
The brick commemorates the 50th anniversary of Foyt’s first Indy 500 win in 1961 and the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.
The tradition of a special brick dates back to 1909 when a golden brick was placed along the front stretch. In 1961, former Speedway owner Tony Hulman and inaugural Indianapolis 500 winner Ray Harroun placed a “golden” brick into the famed Yard of Bricks at the start-finish line of the 2.5-mile oval after the main straightaway was paved with asphalt in preparation for the 50th anniversary year of the race.
