The Corvette Z06 will pace the 2008 Indy 500. Two versions were shown at the Indy Auto
Show. A convertable version was painted similarly to the first Corvette pace car - the
1978. Chevy will build 500 replicas of this 30th Anniversary Vette. The hardtop car is
painted in prism color which changes colors with the lighting. This car will run on Ethanol
E85 along with gasoline. Famous Formula One champion and Indy 500 Champion,
Show. A convertable version was painted similarly to the first Corvette pace car - the
1978. Chevy will build 500 replicas of this 30th Anniversary Vette. The hardtop car is
painted in prism color which changes colors with the lighting. This car will run on Ethanol
E85 along with gasoline. Famous Formula One champion and Indy 500 Champion,
The Stone Temple Pilots will be performing for the Carb Day Concert at the
speedway this May (05-23-08)! The band's five albums have sold over 17.5
million copies in the United States alone and over 20 million albums worldwide. The
band had fifteen top ten singles on the Billboard rock charts, including six #1's,
and one #1 album on the pop charts (1994's Purple). In 1994, the band won a
Grammy for "Best Hard Rock Performance" for their song "Plush". Stone Temple
Pilots were also ranked at #40 by VH1 on the 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock
list They are going on a reunion tour this year and will play Indy as their 3rd
concert on the tour! Check out their website.
speedway this May (05-23-08)! The band's five albums have sold over 17.5
million copies in the United States alone and over 20 million albums worldwide. The
band had fifteen top ten singles on the Billboard rock charts, including six #1's,
and one #1 album on the pop charts (1994's Purple). In 1994, the band won a
Grammy for "Best Hard Rock Performance" for their song "Plush". Stone Temple
Pilots were also ranked at #40 by VH1 on the 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock
list They are going on a reunion tour this year and will play Indy as their 3rd
concert on the tour! Check out their website.
NEW FOR INDYCAR IN 2008
* New teams and drivers that are coming in from Champ Car.
* Paddle shifters that allow the drivers to keep both hands on the wheel.
* A minimum weight rule that keeps lighter drivers from getting an advantage. (Sorry Danica)
* All oval tracks will now have 4-lap qualifying like the Indy 500
* New teams and drivers that are coming in from Champ Car.
* Paddle shifters that allow the drivers to keep both hands on the wheel.
* A minimum weight rule that keeps lighter drivers from getting an advantage. (Sorry Danica)
* All oval tracks will now have 4-lap qualifying like the Indy 500
INDY 500 FESTIVITIES
Julienne Hough, the blond dance partner of Helio Castroneves, who won last year's "Dancing
With The Stars," will be singing the National Anthem during this year's Indy 500.
Jim Nabors is expected to fly in from Hawaii and sing "Back Home Again" during this year's
race. He had to miss the show last year because he was ill.
Julienne Hough, the blond dance partner of Helio Castroneves, who won last year's "Dancing
With The Stars," will be singing the National Anthem during this year's Indy 500.
Jim Nabors is expected to fly in from Hawaii and sing "Back Home Again" during this year's
race. He had to miss the show last year because he was ill.
INDY 500 LINKS
Jan 28 - IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher is forming her own IndyCar team that
will compete in Indy 500 this May. The start-up venture -- integrating her
father at the race shop, father-in-law as team manager and husband as
crew chief may also add other races.
The 27-year-old Fisher, who was awarded the 2001, 2002 and 2003
IndyCar Series “Most Popular Driver” award and the 2005 NASCAR West
Regional Series “Most Popular Driver” award, continues on in the newly
unified IndyCar Series with 67 IRL races under her belt. During her IRL
career thus far, Fisher became the youngest women to race in the
Indianapolis 500, became the first woman to capture the pole position and
is the fastest female qualifier for the Indianapolis 500, in the 91 year history
of the event.
will compete in Indy 500 this May. The start-up venture -- integrating her
father at the race shop, father-in-law as team manager and husband as
crew chief may also add other races.
The 27-year-old Fisher, who was awarded the 2001, 2002 and 2003
IndyCar Series “Most Popular Driver” award and the 2005 NASCAR West
Regional Series “Most Popular Driver” award, continues on in the newly
unified IndyCar Series with 67 IRL races under her belt. During her IRL
career thus far, Fisher became the youngest women to race in the
Indianapolis 500, became the first woman to capture the pole position and
is the fastest female qualifier for the Indianapolis 500, in the 91 year history
of the event.
| Lyn St. James, Sarah Fisher, Janet Guthrie |
Apr 20 - Former IRL regular Davey Hamilton signed Kingdom Racing as
his sponsor for the Indy 500, but he still needs to find a team.
his sponsor for the Indy 500, but he still needs to find a team.
| The First Three Women To Race In The Indy 500 |
Apr 11 - A.J. Foyt Enterprises is planning to run Larry Foyt in the Indy 500.
May 1 - For the first time ever, the Speedway is offering a season pass.
For $150, the ticket gets you into all three races as general seating (ie. no
assigned seat). Plus it gets you into the track during the two days prior to
the races.
For $150, the ticket gets you into all three races as general seating (ie. no
assigned seat). Plus it gets you into the track during the two days prior to
the races.
May 3 - The 500 Mini-Marathon is the nation's largest half-marathon, with
35,000 registrants.
In the closest finish of the 32-year Mini-Marathon, Lamech Mokono and
Valentine Orare were declared the winners in today's race. They are both
Kenyans. They will both be rewarded with the $3,500 1st-place prize.
The unofficial time was 1 hour, 2 minutes, 53 seconds. Both men are
first-time participants in the 13.1-mile race.
Janet Cherobon, Acworth, Ga., was the top women's finisher with an
unofficial time of 1:14.10. She last year won her first outing at the Mini.
35,000 registrants.
In the closest finish of the 32-year Mini-Marathon, Lamech Mokono and
Valentine Orare were declared the winners in today's race. They are both
Kenyans. They will both be rewarded with the $3,500 1st-place prize.
The unofficial time was 1 hour, 2 minutes, 53 seconds. Both men are
first-time participants in the 13.1-mile race.
Janet Cherobon, Acworth, Ga., was the top women's finisher with an
unofficial time of 1:14.10. She last year won her first outing at the Mini.
| <<<<< DAY 2 - Rookie and Refresher Day >>>>>>> |
| Jaime Camara - "ouch!" |
2:14 p.m. - Rookie Jaime Camara became the first driver to crash during
preparation for the 92nd Indianapolis 500 when he spun in turn one and hit
the wall at about 1 p.m. today.
The 27-year-old Brazilian rookie walked away from the accident, but
complained of back pain and was transported to Methodist Hospital for
precautionary X-rays.
The left tires of Camara's No. 34 Conquest Racing car were below the white
line just before he lost control in the second day of rookie orientation. The
car backed into the SAFER barrier, right rear tire first.
Sparks flew from the bottom of the car as it skidded along the track in the
south chute. Practice stopped for about 20 minutes so debris could be
removed from the track.
preparation for the 92nd Indianapolis 500 when he spun in turn one and hit
the wall at about 1 p.m. today.
The 27-year-old Brazilian rookie walked away from the accident, but
complained of back pain and was transported to Methodist Hospital for
precautionary X-rays.
The left tires of Camara's No. 34 Conquest Racing car were below the white
line just before he lost control in the second day of rookie orientation. The
car backed into the SAFER barrier, right rear tire first.
Sparks flew from the bottom of the car as it skidded along the track in the
south chute. Practice stopped for about 20 minutes so debris could be
removed from the track.
May 5 - Alex Lloyd is the fastest driver after the completion of the two-day
rookie orientation for the 92nd Indianapolis 500. The 23-year-old British
rookie posted the top speed of 223.033 mph in the final 30 minutes of
today's practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Davey Hamilton and
Bruno Junqueira successfully completed the refresher course. Enrique
Bernoldi passed his rookie test.
rookie orientation for the 92nd Indianapolis 500. The 23-year-old British
rookie posted the top speed of 223.033 mph in the final 30 minutes of
today's practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Davey Hamilton and
Bruno Junqueira successfully completed the refresher course. Enrique
Bernoldi passed his rookie test.
|
CRASHES DURING MAY AT THE SPEEDWAY
|
| <<<<< OPENING DAY - Rookie and Refresher Day >>>>>>> |
May 4 - Eleven of thirteen rookie drivers passed their tests today, allowing
them to try and qualify this month for the 92nd Indy 500. Only Bernoldi and
Moraes failed to complete the program, and will retry on tomorrow
Shuffling for a seat in the May 25th race continues with more driver/team
announcements over the past several days; including one from American
Dream Racing (formerly Playa del Racing) and 2007 Indianapolis 500 top
rookie Phil Giebler.
Davey Hamilton shifted gears on his plans to run with Kingdom Racing
and now has moved to the third seat at Vision Racing; and 1996
Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Lazier announced plans to contend for
a starting spot with the Hemelgarn Racing team.
Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing team confirmed that team member,
64-year-old David Evans died early Sunday morning from a stroke,
induced by a fight.
All of the Unsers posed on the track today. Big Al took a parade lap in a
replica of his 1987-winning March-Cosworth (see below.)
them to try and qualify this month for the 92nd Indy 500. Only Bernoldi and
Moraes failed to complete the program, and will retry on tomorrow
Shuffling for a seat in the May 25th race continues with more driver/team
announcements over the past several days; including one from American
Dream Racing (formerly Playa del Racing) and 2007 Indianapolis 500 top
rookie Phil Giebler.
Davey Hamilton shifted gears on his plans to run with Kingdom Racing
and now has moved to the third seat at Vision Racing; and 1996
Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Lazier announced plans to contend for
a starting spot with the Hemelgarn Racing team.
Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing team confirmed that team member,
64-year-old David Evans died early Sunday morning from a stroke,
induced by a fight.
All of the Unsers posed on the track today. Big Al took a parade lap in a
replica of his 1987-winning March-Cosworth (see below.)
WHO PASSED ORIENTATION
Will Power
EJ Viso
Oriol Servia
Alex Lloyd
Hideki Mutoh
Ryan Hunter-Reay
Jamie Camara
Graham Rahal
Justin Wilson
Max Papis
Jay Howard
Will Power
EJ Viso
Oriol Servia
Alex Lloyd
Hideki Mutoh
Ryan Hunter-Reay
Jamie Camara
Graham Rahal
Justin Wilson
Max Papis
Jay Howard
The familiar voice of Tom Carnegie rang out over the
loudspeakers during opening ceremonies Carnegie, 88,
who retired as the full-time track announcer two years
ago because of health, now has taken part in 63 Indy
500s.
He said he is "doing well physically" and is looking
forward to being at the track every day there is on-track
activity.
"I don't intend to work, but you never know," he said with
a smile. "I just enjoy being here and it's wonderful to
come out and say hello. It keeps me young."
loudspeakers during opening ceremonies Carnegie, 88,
who retired as the full-time track announcer two years
ago because of health, now has taken part in 63 Indy
500s.
He said he is "doing well physically" and is looking
forward to being at the track every day there is on-track
activity.
"I don't intend to work, but you never know," he said with
a smile. "I just enjoy being here and it's wonderful to
come out and say hello. It keeps me young."
May 6 - 33 cars and 32 drivers hit the track on a beautiful sunny 78 degree
day. Marco Andretti had the fastest time on his first day on the track -
almost a second faster than Castroneve's pole winning time last year.
Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama have been running around Indiana the
last several weeks trying to win the Indiana primary for the democrat
presidential nomination (she won by 51%). Today, Clinton visited the
Jamie Camara was released from the hospital and will be driving as soon
as his crew repairs the car.
It appeared that the FTA was going to stop the shuttle busses that run
people from downtown or the airport to the Speedway, but a waiver was
issued and the busses will run this month! Shuttle Bus Info
day. Marco Andretti had the fastest time on his first day on the track -
almost a second faster than Castroneve's pole winning time last year.
Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama have been running around Indiana the
last several weeks trying to win the Indiana primary for the democrat
presidential nomination (she won by 51%). Today, Clinton visited the
Jamie Camara was released from the hospital and will be driving as soon
as his crew repairs the car.
It appeared that the FTA was going to stop the shuttle busses that run
people from downtown or the airport to the Speedway, but a waiver was
issued and the busses will run this month! Shuttle Bus Info
| <<<<< DAY 3 >>>>>>> |
| "If a girl can race in the Indy 500, then I should be able to be president!" |
| Al Unser, Sr. 4-time Indy 500 Champion |
May 7 - No cars on track due to rain.
IndyCar driver Milka Duno recently made her movie debut appearance in
'Speed Racer'
IndyCar driver Milka Duno recently made her movie debut appearance in
'Speed Racer'
| <<<<< DAY 5 >>>>>>> |
| <<<<< DAY 4 >>>>>>> |
Larry Curry has moved from team manager at Vision Racing to Roth
Racing after Tony George fired him for allowing the wrong part to go on a
car at the Kansas race. George gave Curry a second chance to stay in
the sport several years ago after he got out of jail for stealing over a million
dollars from Team Menard.
May 9 - Practice today was cut short by a few hours due to rain.
Practice was stopped twice for on track incidents, the first when Mario
Dominguez spun exiting the pits and made contact with the inside wall.
Dominguez climbed from the car without assistance and was taken to the
infield car center where he was checked and released. Dominguez has
been cleared to drive.
Alex Lloyd wasn't as lucky. He made hard contact with the SAFER Barrier
in Turn one and had to be assisted from the car by safety crews before
being transported to Methodist Hospital. An initial CAT scan revealed no
fractures. Lloyd may be held overnight for observation after reporting neck
pain.
Dale Coyne Racing crewman Chuck Buckman was taken to Methodist
Hospital after being hit by Danica Patrick on pit lane. Buckman was awake
and alert when he was taken to the hospital to be treated for a concussion
and scalp and facial lacerations. "I really don't remember how it happened,"
said Buckman. "All I remember is I was talking to someone on Marco
Andretti's team, and then everything is blank from that point. I will be okay
and hopefully back to work in a day or two."
First day of qualifying is tomorrow. Buddy Rice, on what qualifying at
Indianpolis is like: "If it's not scary in qualifying, you're not going fast
enough."
Practice was stopped twice for on track incidents, the first when Mario
Dominguez spun exiting the pits and made contact with the inside wall.
Dominguez climbed from the car without assistance and was taken to the
infield car center where he was checked and released. Dominguez has
been cleared to drive.
Alex Lloyd wasn't as lucky. He made hard contact with the SAFER Barrier
in Turn one and had to be assisted from the car by safety crews before
being transported to Methodist Hospital. An initial CAT scan revealed no
fractures. Lloyd may be held overnight for observation after reporting neck
pain.
Dale Coyne Racing crewman Chuck Buckman was taken to Methodist
Hospital after being hit by Danica Patrick on pit lane. Buckman was awake
and alert when he was taken to the hospital to be treated for a concussion
and scalp and facial lacerations. "I really don't remember how it happened,"
said Buckman. "All I remember is I was talking to someone on Marco
Andretti's team, and then everything is blank from that point. I will be okay
and hopefully back to work in a day or two."
First day of qualifying is tomorrow. Buddy Rice, on what qualifying at
Indianpolis is like: "If it's not scary in qualifying, you're not going fast
enough."
| <<<<< DAY 6 - Fast Friday >>>>>>> |
Alex Lloyd's car
Marco Andretti's car is
advertising a Indiana
Jones movie.
advertising a Indiana
Jones movie.
13 ROOKIES THIS YEAR!
May 10 - Scott Dixon won the pole for the 92nd Indy 500. His Target Chip
Ganassi teammate Dan Wheldon will start the race in two weeks next to
him in P2. I saw Wheldon's speed hit 231 mph today. Rival Team Penske
drivers, Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves, will start P3 and P4
respectively. Today was partly sunny and NO RAIN! Bumping was
attempted all the way till the last minutes.
Only three Americans qualified.
Graham Rahall and Davey Hamilton did not get in the field today even
though they had speeds in the 223 mph range. Justin Bell, Oriol Servia,
Townsend Bell and Mario Moraes also made failing qualifying attempts.
Only two incidents on the track today - Ryan Hunter-Reay and Bruno
Junqueira.
Rookie driver Jay Howard must be crushed. Roth Racing is replacing him
for the "500" with John Andretti, whom has 8 prior Indy 500 starts.
Ganassi teammate Dan Wheldon will start the race in two weeks next to
him in P2. I saw Wheldon's speed hit 231 mph today. Rival Team Penske
drivers, Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves, will start P3 and P4
respectively. Today was partly sunny and NO RAIN! Bumping was
attempted all the way till the last minutes.
Only three Americans qualified.
Graham Rahall and Davey Hamilton did not get in the field today even
though they had speeds in the 223 mph range. Justin Bell, Oriol Servia,
Townsend Bell and Mario Moraes also made failing qualifying attempts.
Only two incidents on the track today - Ryan Hunter-Reay and Bruno
Junqueira.
Rookie driver Jay Howard must be crushed. Roth Racing is replacing him
for the "500" with John Andretti, whom has 8 prior Indy 500 starts.
| <<<<< DAY 7 - Pole Day >>>>>>> |
| Bruno Junqueira |
|
| 1ST DAY QUALIFYING RESULTS - INDY 500 |
| Positions 1 - 11 |
| <<<<< DAY 8 - 2nd Day of Qualifying >>>>>>> |
May 11 - Qualifying is washed out due to rain.
It looks like the next two days will be dry, but practice is closed on those two
days!
It looks like the next two days will be dry, but practice is closed on those two
days!
May 12 - Jeff Simmons returns to IndyCar for the 500. He will be driving
for Foyt in the #41 car. He has ran in three Indy 500's prior.
for Foyt in the #41 car. He has ran in three Indy 500's prior.
Wednesday May 14 - Rainy conditions limited practice today to a half hour
around 5 o'clock. 29 cars participated.
John Andretti, who just joined Roth Racing a few days ago ran a lap of
221.386 mph, placing him 6th fastest of the day!
Sarah Fisher Racing's primary sponsors have not come across with her
money, which is putting the team in a bind. IUPUI, a local university located
in downtown Indianapolis has stepped in to try and help some financially.
(Go Jaguars!)
ONE RAINY MONTH SO FAR, AND MORE EXPECTED.
around 5 o'clock. 29 cars participated.
John Andretti, who just joined Roth Racing a few days ago ran a lap of
221.386 mph, placing him 6th fastest of the day!
Sarah Fisher Racing's primary sponsors have not come across with her
money, which is putting the team in a bind. IUPUI, a local university located
in downtown Indianapolis has stepped in to try and help some financially.
(Go Jaguars!)
ONE RAINY MONTH SO FAR, AND MORE EXPECTED.
| <<<<< DAY 9 >>>>>>> |
John Andretti
Driver for Roth Racing
Driver for Roth Racing
May 13 - Chuck Buckman, the Indy 500 chief mechanic who was injured
her pit during last Friday's practice session, was released from Methodist
Hospital in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
Buckman suffered a traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and a skull
fracture, but has recovered to the point where he can continue
convalescence at home. Buckman is the chief mechanic for Mario Moraes
at Dale Coyne Racing.
her pit during last Friday's practice session, was released from Methodist
Hospital in Indianapolis on Tuesday.
Buckman suffered a traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and a skull
fracture, but has recovered to the point where he can continue
convalescence at home. Buckman is the chief mechanic for Mario Moraes
at Dale Coyne Racing.
Danica Patrick has made the cover of Sports Illustrated again and there is
an article about her. The first came after her fourth-place finish in the 2005
Indianapolis 500. She also was featured in this year’s Swimsuit Issue.
Lars Anderson writes about Patrick’s star power on Pole Day at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, during which she qualified fifth for the May
25 race.
On April 27 at Twin Ring Motegi, Patrick became the first female to win a
major closed-course auto race.
During her first trip to the Indianapolis 500 in ’05, Patrick qualified and
finished fourth. She became the first female to lead a lap (19 overall), and
battled eventual winner Dan Wheldon for the point in the latter stages
before fading because of fuel mileage. Her run triggered a groundswell of
media and promotional opportunities that continue to this day.
an article about her. The first came after her fourth-place finish in the 2005
Indianapolis 500. She also was featured in this year’s Swimsuit Issue.
Lars Anderson writes about Patrick’s star power on Pole Day at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, during which she qualified fifth for the May
25 race.
On April 27 at Twin Ring Motegi, Patrick became the first female to win a
major closed-course auto race.
During her first trip to the Indianapolis 500 in ’05, Patrick qualified and
finished fourth. She became the first female to lead a lap (19 overall), and
battled eventual winner Dan Wheldon for the point in the latter stages
before fading because of fuel mileage. Her run triggered a groundswell of
media and promotional opportunities that continue to this day.
| <<<<< DAY 10 >>>>>>> |
May 15 - It looked like rain again today, but practice continued with teams
already qualified working on race setup and the others preparing for this
John Andretti picked up the pace today to 222.657, making him the 7th
fastest car today out of 35 cars. The Penske's were fastest of the day.
In other news, Andretti Green Promotions purchased the Toronto Grand
Prix Association's rights to the Toronto race, giving it a bright future as a
possible IndyCar Series event. The race has proven its popularity over
twenty-one years, earning acclaim among drivers and fans as one of the
year's most popular racing dates.
already qualified working on race setup and the others preparing for this
John Andretti picked up the pace today to 222.657, making him the 7th
fastest car today out of 35 cars. The Penske's were fastest of the day.
In other news, Andretti Green Promotions purchased the Toronto Grand
Prix Association's rights to the Toronto race, giving it a bright future as a
possible IndyCar Series event. The race has proven its popularity over
twenty-one years, earning acclaim among drivers and fans as one of the
year's most popular racing dates.
| Vitor Meira |
| Milka Duno |
| Danica Patrick |
| <<<<< DAY 11 >>>>>>> |
May 16 - Three drivers hit the wall during today's practice, including front
row starter Ryan Briscoe. Fortunately for him, it was in his backup car.
There are 37 confirmed driver/car combinations, with various drivers still
hoping to find a ride for the upcoming qualifying weekend. View Entry List.
Phil Gielber, who ran in last year's Indy 500, is back this year. He will
attempt to qualify the only Panoz chassis in the field. He is driving for
American Dream Motorsports. He was the only driver not to get on the
track today. Lack of practice will hurt their chances for this weekend.
row starter Ryan Briscoe. Fortunately for him, it was in his backup car.
There are 37 confirmed driver/car combinations, with various drivers still
hoping to find a ride for the upcoming qualifying weekend. View Entry List.
Phil Gielber, who ran in last year's Indy 500, is back this year. He will
attempt to qualify the only Panoz chassis in the field. He is driving for
American Dream Motorsports. He was the only driver not to get on the
track today. Lack of practice will hurt their chances for this weekend.
Phil Giebler
| <<<<< DAY 12 - QUALIFICATIONS >>>>>>> |
Saturday, the track featured a flurry of activity with 21 cars completing their
qualifying attempts for the legendary Indycar race. The main adversary was
a crosswind in turn two that affected nearly everyone that ran, and a brief
rain shower interrupting Oriol Servia's first attempt. After 2:30 ET, though,
there were no more qualifying attempts until the final half hour of the day,
when Marth Roth qualified for 33rd position. So we have a full field to
begin tomorrow's bump day.
Of the four drivers who did not make an attempt today, most notable was
A.J. Foyt IV who had mechanical woes on his newly-sponsored Eli Lilly
Vision Racing car. Max Papis crashed hard in Turn 3 today. His team will
work hard to try and put his car back together so he can attempt to qualify
tomorrow. Phil Giebler got on the track for the first time today. As he
worked up to speed, he crashed hard in T2 destroying the car. He ended
up with bruised lungs and it looks like he's out. Mario Dominguez also
crashed and ruined his car.
qualifying attempts for the legendary Indycar race. The main adversary was
a crosswind in turn two that affected nearly everyone that ran, and a brief
rain shower interrupting Oriol Servia's first attempt. After 2:30 ET, though,
there were no more qualifying attempts until the final half hour of the day,
when Marth Roth qualified for 33rd position. So we have a full field to
begin tomorrow's bump day.
Of the four drivers who did not make an attempt today, most notable was
A.J. Foyt IV who had mechanical woes on his newly-sponsored Eli Lilly
Vision Racing car. Max Papis crashed hard in Turn 3 today. His team will
work hard to try and put his car back together so he can attempt to qualify
tomorrow. Phil Giebler got on the track for the first time today. As he
worked up to speed, he crashed hard in T2 destroying the car. He ended
up with bruised lungs and it looks like he's out. Mario Dominguez also
crashed and ruined his car.
Dominguez's
wrecked car
wrecked car
The Last Panoz Chassis Bites The Dust
Briscoe Squashes His Backup Car
| <<<<< DAY 13 - QUALIFICATIONS - BUMP DAY >>>>>>> |
May 18 - Today was partly sunny with temperatures in the low 60's and lots
of wind.
After qualifying, A.J. Foyt IV's car caught fire as he entered the track along
the back straight. He spun and made contact with the wall and slid toward
the fourth turn. He suffered a 1st degree burn to his neck.
For the second time in his four 500-Mile Race starts, Marty Roth will be on
the last row. This year, he'll be joined by 1996 race winner Buddy Lazier
and A.J. Foyt IV. Does it matter to the Toronto native?
"As the team owner and the driver, I get a double whammy if that 25 car
doesn't make it," said Roth, who was placed initially bumped by Foyt and
later placed on the bubble by Lazier's four-lap average 219.015 mph with
13 minutes left in the session that bumped Dominguez. "It's just a real lousy
place to be on the bubble. That's when reality hits you that you might not
make the show. That is a terrifying moment; you can see it on the faces of
your teammates, you can see it in your own face when you look in the
mirror. You have to pull out all the stops to make it happen. When we came
here this morning that was the mandate - get it in the show."
Pacific Coast Motorsports repaired Mario Dominguez's car so he could try
to qualify today. Late in the day he was on pace to knock Roth out, when
he crashed during his qualifying run.
Buddy Lazier won $50,000 for the Firestone Indy 500 Final Qualifier
Award.
There are four former Indianapolis 500 winners in the starting field: Buddy
Lazier (1996), Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002), Buddy Rice (2004) and
Dan Wheldon (2005).
The oldest driver is Marty Roth, 49. The youngest qualifier is Graham
Rahal, 19.
Buddy Lazier qualified for his 16th Indianapolis 500. This will be his first
start from the Last Row. Lazier is the most experienced driver in the field,
with 15 previous Indianapolis 500 starts. The record is 35, set in
consecutive years from 1958-1992 by A.J. Foyt Jr.
Hideki Mutoh is the fastest rookie at 223.887 mph.
of wind.
After qualifying, A.J. Foyt IV's car caught fire as he entered the track along
the back straight. He spun and made contact with the wall and slid toward
the fourth turn. He suffered a 1st degree burn to his neck.
For the second time in his four 500-Mile Race starts, Marty Roth will be on
the last row. This year, he'll be joined by 1996 race winner Buddy Lazier
and A.J. Foyt IV. Does it matter to the Toronto native?
"As the team owner and the driver, I get a double whammy if that 25 car
doesn't make it," said Roth, who was placed initially bumped by Foyt and
later placed on the bubble by Lazier's four-lap average 219.015 mph with
13 minutes left in the session that bumped Dominguez. "It's just a real lousy
place to be on the bubble. That's when reality hits you that you might not
make the show. That is a terrifying moment; you can see it on the faces of
your teammates, you can see it in your own face when you look in the
mirror. You have to pull out all the stops to make it happen. When we came
here this morning that was the mandate - get it in the show."
Pacific Coast Motorsports repaired Mario Dominguez's car so he could try
to qualify today. Late in the day he was on pace to knock Roth out, when
he crashed during his qualifying run.
Buddy Lazier won $50,000 for the Firestone Indy 500 Final Qualifier
Award.
There are four former Indianapolis 500 winners in the starting field: Buddy
Lazier (1996), Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002), Buddy Rice (2004) and
Dan Wheldon (2005).
The oldest driver is Marty Roth, 49. The youngest qualifier is Graham
Rahal, 19.
Buddy Lazier qualified for his 16th Indianapolis 500. This will be his first
start from the Last Row. Lazier is the most experienced driver in the field,
with 15 previous Indianapolis 500 starts. The record is 35, set in
consecutive years from 1958-1992 by A.J. Foyt Jr.
Hideki Mutoh is the fastest rookie at 223.887 mph.
DRIVERS FAILING TO QUALIFY: Max Papis
Roger Yasukawa
Mario Dominguez
Phil Giebler
THIS YEAR'S ROOKIES: Hideki Mutoh
Graham Rahal
Justin Wilson
Alex Lloyd
Ryan Hunter-Reay
Will Power
Oriol Servia
E.J. Viso
Mario Moraes
Enrique Bernoldi
Jaime Camara
Roger Yasukawa
Mario Dominguez
Phil Giebler
THIS YEAR'S ROOKIES: Hideki Mutoh
Graham Rahal
Justin Wilson
Alex Lloyd
Ryan Hunter-Reay
Will Power
Oriol Servia
E.J. Viso
Mario Moraes
Enrique Bernoldi
Jaime Camara
| Marty Roth |
The Indy 500 queen was selected from 33 princesses.
The winner is Franklin native Karle Schaefer, 21, a
senior studying elementary education at Franklin College.
The winner is Franklin native Karle Schaefer, 21, a
senior studying elementary education at Franklin College.
A.J. Foyt IV
| Max Papis |
| <<<<< DAY 14 - CARBURATION DAY >>>>>>> |
Friday May 23 - Indycars were able to do a little practice this morning before the
rains came. The rains continued throughout the day and the Indy Lights race was
postponed until tomorrow. The Pit Stop Competition was cancelled. However, the
Stone Temple Pilots performed rain or shine for the Carb Day Concert. Many
thousands of people were on hand for the concert at the end of the day. It ROCKED!
rains came. The rains continued throughout the day and the Indy Lights race was
postponed until tomorrow. The Pit Stop Competition was cancelled. However, the
Stone Temple Pilots performed rain or shine for the Carb Day Concert. Many
thousands of people were on hand for the concert at the end of the day. It ROCKED!
| <<<<< DAY 15 >>>>>>> |
May 24 - Normally there is no track action on the day before the race, however the
Indy Lights race, the Freedom 100, was ran. Unlike most of the month, today was a
warm dry sunny day. The race was competitive, I saw 4-wide racing and even
banging of wheels! Dillon Battistini won the race, earning his second Firestone
Indy Lights victory this season. Battistini was able to hold off a late race challenge,
crossing the finish line 0.2458 seconds ahead of Richard Antinucci.
Indy Lights race, the Freedom 100, was ran. Unlike most of the month, today was a
warm dry sunny day. The race was competitive, I saw 4-wide racing and even
banging of wheels! Dillon Battistini won the race, earning his second Firestone
Indy Lights victory this season. Battistini was able to hold off a late race challenge,
crossing the finish line 0.2458 seconds ahead of Richard Antinucci.
| The 92nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 |
May 25, 2008 - The weather was cooperative today - sunny skies and 80 degrees.
The crowd was the biggest it has been in a decade.
There were six crashes during the race involving seven drivers. None were injured.
Sarah Fisher had a rough day. First, she had trouble getting her car started when
the pack first took off for the warm-up laps. She got it going quickly though, but she
ended up spinning early in the race. Luckily she did not hit anything. Her car was
restarted and she rejoined the field. However later, while leading the race, Tony
Kanaan got shoved out in T4 by his teammate Marco Andretti. Kanaan slammed
into the outside wall and rebounded back down the track right in front of Sarah
Fisher, who clobbered him and then slid into the inside wall. After spending
everything she had to get to the "500" after her main sponsor defaulted, she was
inconsolable and in tears. Kanaan was mad that he teammate would do that to him
and he also felt sorry for Fisher. Kanaan has led in the last seven "500's" (a new
record,) but bad luck continues to bite him at the speedway. Marco went on to finish
in 3rd and took little responsibility for the incident.
Graham Rahal was the first car out of the race. He lost it in turn 4 and hit the wall
around lap 30. He seems to have been a popular driver this month, especially with
the media. Several drivers would go up high out of the groove in T4 today and
smack the wall. Like Fisher, there was another driver/owner in the field - 49 y/o
Marty Roth. His day would end up against the T4 wall. Rookie Alex Lloyd had been
having a decent uneventful race until he too hit the outside wall, past Turn 4. He
spun across the field, narrowly missing a car, and flew quickly into the pits, smacking
the pit wall.
Rookie Jaime Camara took a hard double hit in T2. It appeared a part broke on
Jeff Simmon's car, as he suddenly drove into the front straight wall and skidded
across the track to the inside wall. There were a lot of caution periods today. AJ
Foyt IV's car caught fire in the pits. Somehow he came back and ran till the end. It
was his 24th birthday today. Tomas Scheckter was having a pretty good day, but
then his half-shaft broke ending his day.
Buddy Lazier only got one day of practice and managed to finish in 17th.
Scott Dixon started from pole and won the race. He led for 115 laps and is the first
native of New Zealand to win the Indianapolis 500. His main competition early in the
race was his Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Dan Wheldon. Wheldon, the
2005 Indianapolis 500 winner whose started in the middle of the front row, passed
Dixon for the lead three times.
After Wheldon's car started handling poorly in the middle of the race, Dixon's stiffest
competition came from Marco Andretti and Vitor Meira. Meira finished in 2nd, as
he did in 2005. I think it is quite a compliment to his driving prowess that he beat all
the high power teams with the little 1-car Panther team.
The crowd was the biggest it has been in a decade.
There were six crashes during the race involving seven drivers. None were injured.
Sarah Fisher had a rough day. First, she had trouble getting her car started when
the pack first took off for the warm-up laps. She got it going quickly though, but she
ended up spinning early in the race. Luckily she did not hit anything. Her car was
restarted and she rejoined the field. However later, while leading the race, Tony
Kanaan got shoved out in T4 by his teammate Marco Andretti. Kanaan slammed
into the outside wall and rebounded back down the track right in front of Sarah
Fisher, who clobbered him and then slid into the inside wall. After spending
everything she had to get to the "500" after her main sponsor defaulted, she was
inconsolable and in tears. Kanaan was mad that he teammate would do that to him
and he also felt sorry for Fisher. Kanaan has led in the last seven "500's" (a new
record,) but bad luck continues to bite him at the speedway. Marco went on to finish
in 3rd and took little responsibility for the incident.
Graham Rahal was the first car out of the race. He lost it in turn 4 and hit the wall
around lap 30. He seems to have been a popular driver this month, especially with
the media. Several drivers would go up high out of the groove in T4 today and
smack the wall. Like Fisher, there was another driver/owner in the field - 49 y/o
Marty Roth. His day would end up against the T4 wall. Rookie Alex Lloyd had been
having a decent uneventful race until he too hit the outside wall, past Turn 4. He
spun across the field, narrowly missing a car, and flew quickly into the pits, smacking
the pit wall.
Rookie Jaime Camara took a hard double hit in T2. It appeared a part broke on
Jeff Simmon's car, as he suddenly drove into the front straight wall and skidded
across the track to the inside wall. There were a lot of caution periods today. AJ
Foyt IV's car caught fire in the pits. Somehow he came back and ran till the end. It
was his 24th birthday today. Tomas Scheckter was having a pretty good day, but
then his half-shaft broke ending his day.
Buddy Lazier only got one day of practice and managed to finish in 17th.
Scott Dixon started from pole and won the race. He led for 115 laps and is the first
native of New Zealand to win the Indianapolis 500. His main competition early in the
race was his Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Dan Wheldon. Wheldon, the
2005 Indianapolis 500 winner whose started in the middle of the front row, passed
Dixon for the lead three times.
After Wheldon's car started handling poorly in the middle of the race, Dixon's stiffest
competition came from Marco Andretti and Vitor Meira. Meira finished in 2nd, as
he did in 2005. I think it is quite a compliment to his driving prowess that he beat all
the high power teams with the little 1-car Panther team.
Dillon Battistini
Firestone Indy Lights
Freedom 100 Winner
Firestone Indy Lights
Freedom 100 Winner
Nicky Hayden did a lap to promote the upcoming
motorcycle race at the Indy Speedway.
motorcycle race at the Indy Speedway.
Sarah Fisher's car gets a lift back to the garage
Ed Carpenter finished a career-high 5th place
| Vitor Meira finished 2nd again |
Scott Dixon Leading the FIeld
| Scott Dixon - WInner! Target Chip Ganassi Racing |
| 2008 Indianapolis 500 Qualifying and Race Results |
| 2008 Indianapolis 500 Prize Money |
33rd
32nd
31st
30th
29th
28th
27th
26th
25th
24th
23rd
22nd
21st
20th
19th
18th
17th
16th
15th
14th
13th
12th
11th
10th
9th
8th
7th
6th
5th
4th
3rd
2nd
1st
DRIVERS
Graham Rahal
Marty Roth
Jaime Camara
Sarah Fisher
Tony Kanaan
Jeff Simmons
Justin Wilson
EJ Viso
Alex Lloyd
Tomas Scheckter
Ryan Briscoe
Danica Patrick
AJ Foyt IV
Bruno Junqueira
Milka Duno
Mario Moraes
Buddy Lazier
John Andretti
Enrique Bernoldi
Davey Hamilton
Will Power
Dan Wheldon
Oriol Servia
Townsend Bell
Darren Manning
Buddy Rice
Hideki Mutoh
Ryan Hunter-Reay
Ed Carpenter
Helio Castroneves
Marco Andretti
Vitor Meira
Scott Dixon
Graham Rahal
Marty Roth
Jaime Camara
Sarah Fisher
Tony Kanaan
Jeff Simmons
Justin Wilson
EJ Viso
Alex Lloyd
Tomas Scheckter
Ryan Briscoe
Danica Patrick
AJ Foyt IV
Bruno Junqueira
Milka Duno
Mario Moraes
Buddy Lazier
John Andretti
Enrique Bernoldi
Davey Hamilton
Will Power
Dan Wheldon
Oriol Servia
Townsend Bell
Darren Manning
Buddy Rice
Hideki Mutoh
Ryan Hunter-Reay
Ed Carpenter
Helio Castroneves
Marco Andretti
Vitor Meira
Scott Dixon
The Chase Rookie of the Year award went to Ryan Hunter-Reay.
PRIZE AMOUNT
$312,065
$300,315
$300,565
$277,215
$331,215
$270,000
$302,065
$301,565
$272,065
$270,315
$312,315
$301,915
$311,815
$301,215
$300,315
$303,415
$327,015
$300,315
$300,565
$270,315
$300,565
$366,815
$302,065
$275,315
$301,815
$311,415
$307,115
$328,065
$399,665
$482,815
$782,065
$1,273,215
$2,988,065
$312,065
$300,315
$300,565
$277,215
$331,215
$270,000
$302,065
$301,565
$272,065
$270,315
$312,315
$301,915
$311,815
$301,215
$300,315
$303,415
$327,015
$300,315
$300,565
$270,315
$300,565
$366,815
$302,065
$275,315
$301,815
$311,415
$307,115
$328,065
$399,665
$482,815
$782,065
$1,273,215
$2,988,065
Total Prize Money: $14,460,085
Winner also gets:
Mini-Borg-Warner Trophy
Race flag signed by all drivers
Herf-Jones Champion of Champions ring
Corvette pace car
Mini-Borg-Warner Trophy
Race flag signed by all drivers
Herf-Jones Champion of Champions ring
Corvette pace car
News
Teams/Drivers
Schedules/Results
Statistics
Series
Photos
Links
Indy 500 Memorial
F1 vs. Indycar
General Info
Things To Do
What To Take
Food & Drink
Where To Sit
Seating Chart
Tickets
Maps
Parking
Transportation
Camping
The Party
Cool Tales
Indy 500 FAQ
City Guide
Teams/Drivers
Schedules/Results
Statistics
Series
Photos
Links
Indy 500 Memorial
F1 vs. Indycar
General Info
Things To Do
What To Take
Food & Drink
Where To Sit
Seating Chart
Tickets
Maps
Parking
Transportation
Camping
The Party
Cool Tales
Indy 500 FAQ
City Guide
| 2008 INDY 500 NEWS |