Friday - Carb Day@Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves set the quick time of the practice session, a 223.920mph circuit that bested everyone but team mate Will Power by nearly a mile an hour. Power was second quick at 223.560mph in his Verizon sponsored machine followed by encouraging performances by ...

More ...@Speed Open Wheel Forum

Danica Patrick talks to one of her crewmembers during Carburetion Day, the last day of practice for this year's Indianapolis 500. Patrick was far down--23rd--on the day's speed chart.

Marco Andretti and his crew enjoy the antics of the fans in the stands during the annual pit stop competition. We won't say exactly what they were staring at, but if you think it has something to do with inebrieted young women doffing their clothing, you might be right.

Spain's Oriol Servia gestures to his crew during Carburetion Day practice.

Helio Castroneves gives a thumbs up to madly cheering fans on his way to winning the annual pit stop competition. Castroneves and his car #3 Team Penske crew set the quickest time in the 32-year history of the contest during the semi-final round with a 7.636 second stop against their teammates, Ryan Brisco and his car #6 Penske men. It was a great day for Castroneves. The polesitter for this year's Indianapolis 500 was also the fastest during the final practice session, with a speed of 223.960mph.

Bump Day@Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

While some are elated, others are deflated after Bump Day. The 1996 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2000 Indy Racing League champion, Buddy Lazier, shown with wife Kara, was bumped out of the race thus ending a 14-year Indianapolis 500 qualifying streak.

Almost overlooked in the bumping finale frenzy was Tomas Scheckter’s terrific 221.496mph re-qualifying effort. After E.J. Viso bumped John Andretti and put Scheckter “on the bubble,” Scheckter withdrew his Saturday qualification speed and chose to make another attempt. His second try landed him in the middle of row 9.

The Indy 500 Field Is Full - Bump Day Tomorrow @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Alex Tagliani is greeted by his mother after qualifying his Rexall Edmonton Indy car for this year's Indy 500. The Canadian's 220.553mph run puts him in the middle of the ninth row.

Robert "Bobby D" Doornbos gives a thumbs up after posting the fastest qualifying speed--221.692mph-- on the third day of qualifications for the 2009 Indianapolis 500. Doornbos' two crashes this month has had his Newman-Haas-Lanigan crew working overtime, but he will start in the middle of the eighth row on raceday.

More shuffling in the lineup will probably occur tomorrow on the last day of qualifications, or "Bump Day." Drivers not yet qualified will be trying to go faster than those who are currently the slowest in the provisional lineup--and "bump" their way into the field of 33.

John Andretti was all smiles during Saturday's rain delay. Andretti qualified for this year's Indianapolis 500, but his speed was only good for the last row--and it may not hold through bump day.

Castroneves Grabs the Pole for the Indy 500 @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

The 2009 Indianapolis 500 polesitter, Helio Castroneves, and his girlfriend Adriana Henoa snuggle for the cameras during the official qualifications photos.

Danica Patrick was not happy with her qualifying run. She was the second slowest of the 11 qualifiers on pole day and will start on the inside of row four.

Helio Castroneves and crew celebrate winning the pole for the 2009 Indianapolis 500.

Tony Kanaan (M) and his Andretti-Green teammate Marco Andretti (R) react to the announcement that Kanaan's first qualification run was disqualified because his car was underweight.

For more info, check the @Speed Open Wheel Forum.

Scott Dixon Wins The 2008 Indy 500 @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

New Zealand’s Scott Dixon, winner of the 92nd Indianapolis 500, kisses the bricks on the start finish line at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Scott Dixon is “#1” in victory lane at the Indianapolis 500. Dixon led 115 of the 200 laps of the race and held off Vitor Meira and Marco Andretti at the end.

Scott Dixon and his new bride Emma enjoy the post race activities after winning the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. The couple were married after the 2007 season.

Scott Dixon swigs the winner’s traditional drink of milk in victory lane Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Who Will Win The Indy 500 @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Eventual Indy Pro Series winner Dillon Battistini leads Richard Antinucci, Wade Cunningham and Robbie Pecorari down the Indianapolis Motor Speedway main straightaway toward the white flag.

England’s Dillon Battistini holds the winner’s trophy high in victory circle after claiming the Indy Pro Series’ Freedom 100 race for Panther Racing.

J.R. Hildebrand comes back into pit lane with a bent front wing following his altercation in turn one with James Davison on lap 30 during the Indy Freedom 100.

Jeff Simmons takes a swig of water after finishing eighth in the Indy Freedom 100. Simmons is the only driver doing “double-duty” this weekend, driving in both the Indy Pro Series race and tomorrow’s Indianapolis 500.

He’s merry, and extremely popular among his fellow drivers; always joking, it seems, except when he’s behind the wheel. He’s modest and self-depreciating, always poking fun at his own rather prominent nose. Rarely have I seen this man angry. But I have seen him dejected, utterly distraught, after the last two Indianapolis 500s. He’s come so close, victory in his grasp, only to have it slip through his fingers. He wants this race!

Penske teammates Ryan Briscoe (L) and Helio Castroneves (R) try to interpret hand signals from friendly rivals, ...

... Andretti Green Racing teammates Danica Patrick (L) and Tony Kanaan (R) just before the Driver’s Meeting.

But tomorrow may be his day. This might be the most unpredictable Indy 500 in years. It’s hardly seemed like May all month. It’s been chilly and rainy—no shirtsleeves in sight and certainly no “farmer’s tans.” Everyone’s been bundled up in thick coats and layers of sweatshirts—and toting umbrellas.

With the worst weather in memory, track time has been very limited for the Indy 500 veterans. Those much needed practice days for the rookies

Polesitter Scott Dixon waves to the crowd during his introduction at the Driver’s Meeting.

and “transitional” drivers coming over from the Champ Car Series were cut to a precious few.

But Saturday, the day before the race, the sun is finally out. It’s in the mid-70s, warm and not a rain cloud in sight. Tomorrow’s weather prediction is hotter and more humid—a huge change from anything seen all month. Everyone will be behind the eight-ball, trying to figure out how the heat and humidity will affect the cars and how the track will change. The weather may throw the rookies and the Champ Car guys, none of whom have ever driven a 500-mile race, further under the bus than they already are. Some pitsiders fear that attrition, especially of the wrecking kind, will be prevalent. A few are saying the first couple of laps might be a little too interesting. Let’s hope not.

Rookie Mario Moraes of Dale Coyne Racing fires racing T-shirts toward fans prior to Saturday's ceremonial Drivers’ Meeting.

With the weather and track changes, a handful of drivers who are masters at “chasing the track” will be heavy favorites. Tony Kanaan is one of the best. He’s due—even overdue. And he’s got one of the savviest crews in IndyCar. Andretti Green Racing won it last year. They could win it again with the driver they rely on for most of their set-up knowledge.

Tony Kanaan

Kanaan's going to get some competition, to be sure, particularly from fellow Brazilian Helio Castroneves, who will be trying to tango past him at every opportunity. A win by Castroneves, even more world-famous since his “Dancing With the Stars” championship, or by fan-favorite and glamour-girl Danica Patrick might be considered “better” by the series brass. A victory by either of these two drivers would launch IndyCar into the stratosphere, enabling the newly reunited and premier open-wheel series to regain some of its former glory-- and do some mighty-needed catching up in the popularity polls to NASCAR.

But look for the # 11 7-11-sponsored racecar in victory circle. And Tony Kanaan will have the biggest grin on his face ever—and that is saying something. In fact, a lot of people, including his fellow competitors, just may be smiling with him.

Carb Day @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Marco Andretti (R) gets a little advice from Grandpa Mario before Carb Day Practice.

Tony Kanaan gets encouragement from two-time Indy 500 champion Arie Luyendyk before Carb Day practice. Kanaan ended up fourth fastest on the day.

John Andretti surprised everyone with his 221.699mph speed on Carb Day. Andretti, racing for underfunded team Roth Racing, was fifth on the speed charts.

Dan Wheldon is all smiles after posting the top speed, 223.934mph on Friday, Carburetion Day, the final practice day before Sunday’s Indianapolis 500. Carb Day practice, scheduled for an hour, was cut to 12 minutes of green time because of rain.

Smiles All Around For Qualifyers @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Buddy Rice and wife Michelle show off infant daughter Mina after the 2004 Indy champion qualified for this year’s race.

Car owner and driver. Sarah Fisher pumps her fist after her qualifying run. Sarah formed her own team this year and is the first woman driver owner at the Speedway.

John Andretti flashes a big smile after qualifying for his ninth Indy 500.

Everybody Was Out To Practice @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Roger Yasakawa (R) and his car owner Greg Beck (L) check tires after practice.

1996 Indy 500 winner Buddy Lazier sits in his car as his crew makes adjustments. Buddy was one of the slower non-qualifiers Friday.

Max Papis greets his son Marco while mom Tatiana looks on. Marco should have plenty of racing genes, as his maternal grandfather is former F-1 champion and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Emerson Fitttipaldi.

Sarah Fisher smiles as she leaves the pit lane for the day. Sarah was one of the faster non-qualified drivers on the day

Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk (L) advises rookie Alex Lloyd (C) and his car-co-owner Chip Ganassi.

Bruno Junqueira lights up the tires as he exits the pit to practice.

Rain Returns To Spend A Day @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon react to a comment by Ryan Briscoe during the front row press conference.

Indianapolis 500 pole winner Scott Dixon answers a question during the front row press conference Sunday May 11. Rain cancelled all track activity today. Read more in the @Speed Open Wheel Forum.

Pole Day @Indy

@Speed Words by David Carr - Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Chip Ganassi's Front Row Well, two thirds of it. Scott Dixon (L) and Dan Wheldon (above) swept the top two qualifying spots for Target Team Ganassi on do-overs and were joined on the front row by Team Penske’s Ryan Briscoe who also used a second attempt to post his quick time. Read the whole story in the @Speed Open Wheel Forum.

Antron Brown, NHRA Top Fuel driver, and his crew chief, Lee Beard visited on Pole Day. Helio Castroneves took only one bite at the apple around 3:00pm and had to settle for fourth on the grid. Danica Patrick held the pole early and did not make a later attempt to try to get the pole back.

Finally! Fast Friday @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Max Papis signals to his Rubicon Racing crew. Papis’ father-in-law, Emerson Fittipaldi, will be driving the pace car for this year’s 500.

Team Ganassi has been fast all year and Friday was no exception. Scott Dixon was quickest of the day at 226.968mph. Andretti Green Racing’s Marco Andretti, who had Tuesday’s fast time, was second at 226.710. Andretti’s teammate Tony Kanaan was right behind him (226.688).

2004 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Rice (in car) of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing talks with teammate Townsend Bell.

Dixon and Wheldon, who was sixth-fast today, have a chip on the shoulder this year and have extra incentive in aiming for the pole. Last year, despite being at the top of the speed charts most of the first practice week, they were embarrassingly shut out of the front row on pole day.

Friday was marred by several incidents. Rookies Mario Dominguez and Alex Lloyd both hit the first turn wall. Dominguez was unhurt, but Lloyd is spending the night at Methodist Hospital for observation.

Tomas Scheckter (L) tells his Luczo Dragon Racing engineer Grant Newberry and 2003 Indy 500 winner Gil de Ferran how his car is handling.

In a freak pit accident, longtime mechanic Chuck Bucknam, working this year for Dale Coyne Racing, was jumping out of the way of Marco Andretti’s car—only to be hit by Andretti’s AGR teammate Danica Patrick, who could not avoid striking him. Bucknam sustained a concussion and facial and scalp lacerations.

For more info, check the @Speed Open Wheel Forum.

ARCA Rookie Joey Lagano Wins @The Rock

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

After his battlle with Schrader, Lagano pitted under yellow for fresh tires with ten laps to go, returned to the track in fourth, and a lap later he was leading and never looked back.

Schrader did not have any new tires left to put on. He won the "Hard Charger" award, starting in position 31 to finish second.

Roush Fenway Racing’s Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., the only other driver who pitted with Logano during that final stop, finished third.

Size Matters @Twin Ring Motegi

Since the 2005 Indianapolis 500, Danica Patrick has faced questions of when she would win an IndyCar Series race.

Patrick, who turned 26 three weeks ago, won in Japan on her 50th IndyCar Series start.

"Finally!" Patrick said in victory lane. "This is a long time coming. It was a fuel strategy race, but my team called it perfectly for me. I know I was on the same strategy as Helio (Castroneves) and when I passed him for the lead, I couldn't believe it. This is fabulous."

Helio Castroneves, making his 100th IndyCar Series start, was told by his team to let Patrick pass because they were looking at the points to be earned with a finish vs running out of fuel before the end. He finished 5.8594 seconds behind Patrick and Scott Dixon was third. Dixon's Target Chip Ganassi Racing teammate, Dan Wheldon, finished fourth and Tony Kanaan was fifth.

Hamlin Expressed Relief After Win @Martinsville

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

Hamlin started the day second on the grid and overcame some late race difficulties to pass Jeff Burton with 74 laps to go. Hamlin was able to hold off Burton and a late charging Jeff Gordon to score his first victory in the Cup series at Martinsville Speedway.

"I've raced here probably three times in the Late Model Series and their 300 lapper or 200 lappers they run here each fall and that's kind of our Super Bowl race, to come here at Martinsville. So this has always been a big racetrack to me," Hamlin said. "It feels good. It's just been so close so many times (that) to finally break through here definitely means a lot.

Dale Bows Out, Then Hot Times & Burton Wins @Bristol

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

Edwards Dishes Up Win, Then Serves Champagne @Vegas

@Speed Photo by Les Welch

Mark Martin Grabs The Nationwide Moment @Vegas

@Speed Photo by Les Welch

Hometown Favorite Busch On Cup Poll @Vegas

@Speed Photo by Les Welch

Newman & Penske Finally Win the 500 @Daytona

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

Tony Stewart Nationwide Series Winner

Todd Bodine Craftsman Truck Series Winner

  Duel Winners

Ella Sofia Gordon Gets First Win @Talladega

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

Tony Tigers To Second Victory @The Brickyard

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Stewart showed his muscle all day long and was always in the hunt. His first Brickyard win was in 2005. Stewart is now fifth in the NEXTEL

Tony Stewart and his Home Depot crew kiss the bricks.

Cup point standings, behind Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth and Jeff Burton.

Of the nine yellow flags, six were for crashes--all of them during the first half of the race. Wrecking out were Jeff Green, Ryan Newman, Tony Raines, Kasey Kahne, Jimmy Johnson and J.J. Yeley. There were 14 lead changes among five drivers. Besides Stewart and Harvick, also leading laps were Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and Greg Biffle.

Sorenson Surprise @The Brickyard

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Reed Sorenson contemplated his first Cup pole as he signed a hat after qualifying ended.

Fans cheer as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and car #8 leave the garage area during the morning practice session.

Defending NEXTEL Cup and Brickyard 400 champion Jimmy Johnson heads out to practice in his #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet. Johnson starts in the 10th row for the race.

NEXTEL Cup rookie Juan Pablo Montoya will start alongside his Ganassi Racing teammate in the front row. If Montoya leads a lap tomorrow, he

Ryan Newman and wife Krissie head to pit lane for qualifying. Newman will start third on Sunday.

will not only be the first driver to race in the Indianapolis 500, the United States Grand Prix and the Brickyard 400, but he will also become the first to lead all three races. Ryan Newman will start third, Dale Earnhardt Jr., fourth, and Kasey Kahne, fifth.

Rain Plays Havoc With NASCAR's Schedule @The Brickyard

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Juan Pablo Montoya (front, L) signs autographs while being interviewed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Friday. If he qualifies, the Columbian will make history as the first driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500, the U.S. Grand Prix and the Brickyard 400, all at the IMS.

Jeff Gordon’s Hendrick Racing crew pushes the 24 Chevrolet through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway garage area before the rain began. Gordon, who has won both the NASCAR championship and the Brickyard 400 four times, is the current NEXTEL Cup points leader.

The NEXTEL Cup cars will practice Saturday from 8:30-11am, weather permitting, with qualifying at 4:05pm. There will be no practice after qualifications. The showers also postponed Friday night’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at O’Reilly Raceway Park. The trucks will race Sunday morning at 10am at ORP.

Team Speedsport Dodges A Bullet @Augusta

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

John Haas has the candles lit as he takes the Augusta Southern Nationals win.

Other winners included Dave Lipinski in Pro Comp Eliminator, Randy Reynolds in Pro Eliminator, Charley Wilkie in Top Eliminator, Ron Morton in Modified Eliminator, Tommy Turner in Stock Eliminator, and Skully Alley, Jr. in River Racer.

Plans are already in the works for the 23rd Augusta Southern Nationals to be held July 18-20, 2008. Mark it on your calendar and make your plans now to attend.

The Augusta Southern Nationals is held as a benefit for the Chapter 9 Georgia Special Olympics.

USGP to Hamilton on Historic Day @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

The first turn of the USGP at Indy usually is a melee and this year was no exception. Anthony Davidson’s Super Aguri Honda (upper left) plows through the grass while David Coulthard of Red Bull Racing (center) remains mired there. In the lower part of the picture, Rubens Barichello’s Honda (L) and Ralf Schumacher’s Toyota (R) also are off course and headed for the grass.

McLaren Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton rewrote the history books Sunday when he won the United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hamilton is the youngest Formula 1 driver and the first F-1 rookie driver to triumph at the IMS. Moreover, he became the first black driver to win a major race in the history of the famed Brickyard.

A turn 2 corner worker waves the yellow flag as Takuma Sato’s Super Aguri Honda goes spinning through the gravel.

Hamilton, from England, edged out his McLaren teammate, two-time defending Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso, by 1.5 seconds. The two

Nico Rosberg makes a fast exit from his Williams after his engine blew and the car caught fire near turn one.

Ferraris crossed the line after the two McLarens, with Felipe Massa finishing third and Kimi Raikkonen fourth. The top four finishers also started the race in the same positions.

Also scoring points on the day were Heikki Kovalainen in fifth, Jarno Trulli, sixth, Mark Webber, seventh and Sebastian Vettel, eighth.

Try as he might, this is about as close as Alonso (R) got to his McLaren teammate Hamilton the entire day.

Vettel added to the historic perspective by, at age 19, being the youngest driver ever to score a point in a Formula 1 race. Vettel was subbing in Robert Kubica's BMW Sauber as Kubica was not cleared to drive after wrecking in the Grand Prix of Canada.

Lewis Hamilton of McLaren Mercedes waves to the fans after winning the 2007 United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Hamilton led 66 of the 73 laps. The only time he relinquished the lead was when he pitted. Alonso pulled to within a half a second on lap 41 after both had made their second and final pit stops, but Hamilton was able to once again extend his lead in the closing laps.

Rookie Hamilton To The Pole Again @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Hamilton sweeps through turn 13 of the IMS road course which is turn 1 of the oval track.

An elated Lewis Hamilton clapped his hands, gave two thumbs up and waved to the cheering crowd as he came into the pits.

The impressive Sebastian Vettel, who will make his F-1 debut Sunday, is only 19 years old.

Scuderia Ferrari, which has dominated the USGP at the IMS, was relegated to the second row. Felipe Massa qualified third and Kimi Raikkonen fourth. In the third row will be BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld and Heikki Kovalainen of Renault.

Sebastien Vettel continues to surprise. Vettel, Sauber’s test driver, is subbing for Robert Kubica, who was not medically cleared to race after his horrific crash in the Grand Prix of Canada last Sunday. Vettel, who posted the second-fastest lap in the morning practice, will start seventh alongside Toyota’s Jarno Trulli.

Formula One Cars Hit The Track @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Fernando Alonso speeds through turn 9 in his McLaren Mercedes on his fast lap of the day.

The Spaniard set the time during the morning practice session. He was fastest again in the afternoon, but failed to top his earlier time.

Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren leads Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen through turn 6 during the afternoon session.

His teammate, Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, was only .153 of a second behind him. The two Ferraris followed, with Felipe Massa besting Kimi Raikonnen. The surprise on the day was David Coulthard, who was sixth-quickest, right behind Nick Heidfeld. Heidfeld had posted the second-quickest time in the morning round, but fell to fifth in the later practice.

Third-quick on Friday was Felipe Massa in his Ferrari.

The only incident of the day - a minor spin into the turn 11 gravel by Spyker’s Adrian Sutil.

Formula One "Walkabout Day" @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton gives a “thumbs up to the fans” while onstage.

Another popular moment - Sato elated fans with an amusing description of his amazing pass of Raikkonen during the closing laps @Canada.

The crowd cheered for all their favorites, and most of the drivers responded to the fans’ enthusiasm. Chief among those was Formula 1 rookie

Spain’s Fernando Alonzo of McLaren, F-1 champ for the past two years, acknowledges the lively fans @Indy.

sensation Lewis Hamilton of Vodaphone McLaren Mercedes. Hamilton, who has led every F-1 race this year, won his first Grand Prix of Canada last Sunday in Montreal. The engaging Englishman, who said during his interview that he has never been to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, currently leads the F-1 point standings.

Nico Rosberg of AT&T Williams, like the rest of the drivers, threw hats to the appreciative crowd around the stage following his interview.

The only regular driver missing onstage was Robert Kubica, who was undergoing medical testing to determine if he could race this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dr. Gary Harstein of the FIA and the IMS medical director, Dr. Geoffrey Billows, decided against allowing Kubica to drive, saying it was too risky for him after his vicious wreck at Montreal. Taking his place in the BMW Sauber will be the team’s German test driver, 19-year-old Sebastian Vettel.

The F-1 cars take to the track Friday for practice.

Earnhardt to Hendrick @Mooresville

@Speed Photos & Words by Bob McSwain

Kelly Earnhardt Elledge (Jr.’s sister)                            Rick Hendrick                                                 Dale Earhhardt, Jr.

In fact, he had signed Jr. years ago. In a humorous story, Jr. related how at 16 he and Kenny Schraeder were on a trip to the midwest. At some point in the trip, Jr. and Kenny met Rick and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. At a restaurant Hendrick slid a ...

read more by Bob McSwain

Official Indy 500 Winner Photo Day @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

In the post-race interviews, Andretti hinted that he may once again retire from racing—this time for good. Obviously it wasn't meant to be, to win it as a driver,” said Andretti.

“We won (the Indy 500) as an owner. Two of the last three years isn't too bad,” Andretti noted. Dan Wheldon, now at Chip-Ganassi Racing, won the race for Andretti-Green in 2005.

Also during the photo session, Franchitti kissed his wife, actress Ashley Judd, while one of his sponsors (L) and Judd’s pooch, Buttermilk, looked on.

Be sure and check out more @Speed Indy 500 news on the board!

Or is it now called a blog?

Casey Mears In 600 For The National Guard @Lowe's

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

Yet tonight Casey Mears won (right), and it should be considered an upset. Even though he drives for Hendrick Motorsports, it was an upset! Mears had never ... read more by Bob McSwain

Kasey Kahne raced to his first Busch Series win of the season Saturday night.

Dario Franchitti @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Polesitter Helio Castroneves and family head to the garage area after his third place finish in the Indianapolis 500. Helio had a bad pit stop that caused him to drop to deep in the field, but he battled his way back into contention at the end.

Marco Andretti shakes the hand of a friend after the Indianapolis 500. The young Andretti's car flipped upside down on the backstretch late in the race, but he was unhurt.

The Day Before ... Who Will Win @Indy?

@Speed Photos by Annie Miller Carr

The Best Bargain In Motorsports - $10 Carb Day @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

A massive crowd jammed to Kid Rock and enjoyed the annual pit stop competition, won by polesitter Helio Castroneves, in addition to watching the final day of practice for The 500.

Andretti Green Racing showed their stuff today with Tony Kanaan (R) at the top of the speed charts, followed by Dario Franchitti (C) and Michael Andretti (L).

Former Indianapolis 500 winner Buddy Lazier (R) explains to his car owner Sam Schmidt how his car handled during the final practice. Schmidt, a former 500 competitor who was paralyzed in a racing accident, saw his Indy Pro Series driver, Alex Lloyd, win the Freedom 100 race today.

Al Unser Jr., a two-time Indy 500 champion, wipes his brow after climbing out of his car after practice.

Carb Day, and hot weather is upon us in Indy this week. The weather is hot and dry, very similar to what one expects in late ... read more by Len Ashburn

All 33 Starters Practiced On Carb Day @Indy

@Speed Photo by Glenn Smith

Pole sitter Helio Castroneves leads fastest of the day Tony Kanaan through turn one during Carb Day practice for the Indy 500.

Carburetion Day Pit Stop Competition @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

"Spiderman" Helio Castroneves climbs the fence after his pit stop competition win. Castroneves also won the pole position for the Indianapolis 500 earlier in the month.

Spider Man 3 was recently released in movie theaters setting all sorts of records for opening week theatrical grosses. Helio Castroneves did his own Spider Man routine climbing the fences after his ... read more by Dave Carr

Helio Castroneves hugs his Penske teammate Sam Hornish Jr. after Castroneves's pit crew beat Hornish's during the annual pit stop competition.

Harvick Breaks Johnson's All Star Win Streak @Lowe's

@Speed Photo Ted Seminara

PJ Wooshes Out ... Kite Doesn't Fly ... @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Richie Hearn gets ready for his refresher test.

Richie Hearn climbed into his Hemelgarn/Racing Professionals car #91 at 10:15am and took the car out on the track for the first time this month for a refresher test. By 2:39pm, Hearn and his amazing crew, led by longtime chief mechanic Mark Bridges, had the car into the race with qualifying speed of 218.860mph! Hearn was even the first qualifier of the day, filling the 33-car field.

After qualifying, a relieved Phil Giebler thanks his crew for getting the car he wrecked yesterday fixed in time.

By 2pm, Mark Weida and the Playa Del Racing crew had Phil Giebler’s #31 machine repaired after Giebler crashed it on the final lap of a qualifying attempt late yesterday afternoon. Giebler put it in the show less than two hours later. Even though his qualifying laps today (219.637 average) were about two miles an hour slower than his abbreviated run Saturday, it didn’t matter to his exhausted but very happy crew. Giebler bumped Jimmy Kite’s #18 PDM car from the field.

Roberto Moreno was then “on the bubble.” But Moreno had been practicing faster than his qualifying speed of yesterday (216.229). The Chastain

A disappointed P.J. Jones is consoled by friend and fellow driver Jaques Lazier.

Motorsports team took a big gamble and withdrew car #77’s qualifying run and Moreno re-qualified the car at 220.299.

While Hearn, Giebler and Moreno were celebrating, others were frustrated. P.J. Jones and the Diversified Team Leader crew just couldn’t get the #40 “Whooshmobile” up to speed. The team ran out their engine mileage allotment from Honda. Jones and the team admitted they were too

“Bumped” Jimmy Kite gets a “good luck” hug from the legendary Linda Vaughn just before his unsuccessful attempt to get his car back into the 500 field.

slow and weren’t finding the right combination on the car. They decided to pack up and end their efforts.

Jimmy Kite made a last-ditch qualifying run just before the 6pm closing, but after one lap in the 214.7mph range his PDM crew waved him off.

Between qualification attempts, cars already in the race practiced. Dan Wheldon's top speed of 222.797 was just a tick faster than his Target-Chip

There will be no track activity until Carburetion Day on Friday.

And Then There Was One small spot ... @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Yasakawa (R) confers with team co-owner Robbie Buhl after he posted the fastest qualifying speed Saturday.

John Andretti poses for his official qualification photos.

Milka Duno seems to be saying “I did it!” after having trouble getting up to speed earlier in the week sparking rumors that she might be replaced.

Injured driver Stephan Gregoire (R) advises his replacement Roberto Moreno during practice. After he wrecked the car and broke one of his vertabrae on Thursday, Gregoire had to relinquish his ride. Moreno qualified the car late Saturday afternoon.

OK, Jacques, here it is.

After he saw that I put up a picture of his brother Buddy and Buddy’s wife Kara last week (see below) after Buddy qualified, Jacques made me promise I would put up him and his actress wife Angelique if he qualified today!

Search for Speed Ends @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Defending Indy 500 champion Sam Hornish Jr. heads into the pits.

Roger Yasakawa, one of the quickest non-qualified drivers today.

Sarah Fisher, one of Yasakawa’s teammates at Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, has had a steady month.

Scott Sharp’s team works on the Team Rahal- Letterman #8. The team struggled finding speed for qualifying, but improved in race trim.

Good News, Bad News & Ugly Rumors on Thursday @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

The Good News: John Andretti finally climbed back into an Indy car. After his refresher course, John ran 67 laps in his #33 Panther Racing

John Andretti Back In A Car

machine with a fast lap of 216.737. But the NASCAR habits are hard to break. His cousin Michael told him that he was running too low a line on the track and John violated the pit road speed limit at least twice.

John Andretti is adjusting, but admitted the learning curve is large after so many years out of an open-wheel race car. “I just learned a lot of things today,” he said. “It's a lot to digest, and unfortunately the weather didn't want to cooperate today as much as I'd hoped.” “Old Blue Eyes” is shown waiting to take to the IMS oval after his 13-year absence.

Other quick non-qualifiers were Al Unser Jr. (217.590) in Foyt Racing’s #50 and Roger Yasakawa (217.230). Yasakawa, who, like John Andretti, had to take a refresher test, got up to speed quickly on his first day in the #24 Wellman Corbier/Dreyer and Reinbold third car.

Milka and Al Unser, Sr.

As for the qualified cars, the Target-Chip Ganassi team topped the charts as they had all last week before pole day’s downfall. Scott Dixon led the way at 219.985 and Dan Wheldon followed with a 219.773. The pair dueled for laps around the track, taking turns at giving each other tow. Darren Manning was a surprise third in the #14 Foyt machine at 219.116.

Milka Duno got some instruction from four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Sr., one of the IndyCar Series driver coaches, after her practice laps today.

By 4:30pm, most teams, perhaps chased by the stiff wind, had exited pit lane. Quite a few had even packed up for the day and left the garage area. With little activity on track, it was time for the rumor mill to work overtime. A lot of talk revolved around Milka Duno. The Venezuelan rookie, who has little oval track experience, is having her difficulties acclimating and it is said she may step out of the #23

PDM team thrashing on Jimmy Kite’s #18

SAMMAX car. Citgo, who sponsors the car, is owned by the (anti-U.S., anti-free enterprise ... ed.) Venezuelan government. It is speculated that if Duno goes, so does the sponsor. Word spread late today that SAMMAX may withdraw. Others are saying that Duno will be replaced by Brazilian veteran Roberto Moreno and the sponsor will stay.

More last-minute deals are coming together. Richie Hearn in the second Hemelgarn/Racing Professionals entry is said to be sure thing and Greg Beck Motorsports is expected to run Alex Barron if more money is found. Barron has already driven two Indy car races for Beck this year.

Almost Like Old Times - Andretti, Jones @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Hendrick Dominates With NASCAR's Design @Darlington

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

Sunday Qualifying Sees Two Thirds of the Field Set @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

After the day’s allotment of 11 was filled, five bumps happened. Two drivers who were knocked out of the field made their way back in, but one was immediately bumped out again.

Scott Sharp, Jeff Simmons, Buddy Rice, Ed Carpenter and Kosuke Matsuura, all bumped out yesterday, re-qualified and stayed in the starting field today. Drivers who made their first qualifying attempts today who remained in were Sarah Fisher, A.J. Foyt IV, Vitor Meira, Davey Hamilton and Darren Manning. Sarah Fisher is shown at left being congratulated by her team owner, Robbie Buhl, after she qualified. Buhl, a former driver himself, was Fisher’s teammate a few years ago.

Marty Roth qualified today, but was bumped out later by Foyt. Jon Herb also made it in, but was bumped by Fisher. Buddy Lazier made the lineup, then was bumped by Rice. Al Unser Jr. qualified, but was bumped by Herb. Lazier later bumped his way back in, ousting Herb again.

Two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr. shook hands with his A.J. Foyt Racing teammate Darren Manning after the latter qualified. At the time, Unser was also in the starting 500 field. Later, Unser was bumped.

Buddy Lazier managed to qualify twice and then posed with his wife Kara for his official qualifying photo. Jon Herb, who has qualified and bumped twice, is still out of the field. So is Unser Jr.

Five of Sunday’s qualifiers have faster speeds than Saturday’s slowest qualifier, Michael Andretti.

The track is quiet until Wednesday when practice resumes. Qualifying begins again on Saturday.

Castroneves and Penske Hit Target @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Helio Castroneves claimed the top speed with the second-last qualifying run of the day, then withstood a valiant effort by Tony Kanaan to win the pole for the Indianapolis 500.

Castroneves piloted his #3 Team Penske Dallara/Honda around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval with a four-lap average of 225.817mph. Kanaan’s #11 Team 7-Eleven Andretti-Green entry was faster than Castroneves on three of his qualifying laps. But Kanaan’s fourth lap was way short, and Castroneves and his Penske crew erupted into jubilant celebration. With a thumbs up for the cheering fans, Castroneves headed for television interviews which, along with the team's celebration, lasted so long that the official qualifying photos had to be postponed until Sunday morning.

Kanaan’s (right) speed, 225.757, put him second and in the middle of the front row. Kanaan’s teammate Dario Franchitti, who ended up third and on the outside of row one, held the provisional pole at 225.191 until the last second duel between Castroneves and Kanaan.

Dario Franchitti and his actress wife, Ashley Judd, were all smiles when Franchitti was on the provisional pole. Franchitti was the quickest early but fell to third at the end of the day’s qualifying.

The Target-Chip Ganassi team of Dixon and Wheldon were relegated to the inside and outside of the second row respectively. Last year’s Indy 500 champion Sam Hornish Jr. Castroneves’ Penske teammate, is in the middle of row two.

In the third row are Ryan Briscoe, Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti, with Tomas Scheckter and Michael Andretti, the slowest of the 11 first day qualifiers, in a partial row four.

Team Ganassi On Top Of Speed Charts All Week @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

“On our first run we had a bit of understeer and for our second one, we took some wing out, and it just went quicker,” said Dixon. He also admitted he got a little help on his hot lap: “We got a bit of a tow off of Sam (Hornish Jr.).

Wheldon was second quick, but a full half a second slower at 226.650. Andretti Green Racing claimed the next three spots with Tony Kanaan in third, Marco Andretti, fourth and Dario Franchitti in his best showing of the month in fifth (shown waving to fans while talking with Franchitti).

Where was Team Penske? Sam Hornish Jr. was sixth and Helio Castroneves a distant ninth.

The pole day weather forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 76 degrees, a bit cooler than it has been in the past few days.

Thursday Was Dixon's Day To Speed @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Dixon’s mark, 226.473mph, bested Andretti- Green Racing’s Danica Patrick (right) by just a fraction (226.348). A chagrined Danica checks out the large screen readout of speeds just after she came within a whisker of being the fastest driver of the day. Wheldon, who was third quick, and Tomas Scheckter of Vision Racing were also over 226mph. All the top speeds were set during a frantic final 15 minutes of practice.

Finding even more speed will be the task tomorrow on “Fast Friday,” the final day of practice before qualifying begins on "Pole Day."

Earnhardt, Jr. Announced 2007 His Last Year @DEI

@Speed Photo by Ed Hill

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Vice President and General Manager of JR Motorsports, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge held a news conference to announce that Jr. will end his DEI driving carreer and move to another team in 2008.

Wheldon — Again — On a Rain-Shortened Day @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Wheldon’s early dominance has a lot of teams scratching their heads and knitting their brows--and a lot of pitsiders predicting the #10 car on the pole after Saturday’s qualifications.

But Team Penske may have something to say about that. Perplexed Team Penske drivers Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish compared notes during “yellow light” time. Castroneves ended up second quick Wednesday at 225.820, allegedly in a race set-up. Wheldon claims his car was halfway between a qualifying and a race set-up.

Michael Andretti and son Marco, looking almost as concerned as Team Penske, huddle with Bryan Herta after practice. Marco was third fastest Wednesday.

Although Herta is not driving in the 500 this year, he is still with Andretti-Green Racing, test driving and piloting the team’s new sports car effort.

Heat and Speeds Climb @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

Dan Wheldon, the 2005 Indy victor, led the pack at 225.074mph in his #10 Target-Chip Ganassi Dallara/Honda. Two-time winner Helio Castroneves’ #3 Marlboro-Penske was close on his heels…er…rear wing with a 224.996. Twenty-seven cars turned laps, with 19 of them over 220mph.

A.J. Foyt Jr., known for taking things into his own hands at the track, pounds on a mirror from Al Unser Jr.’s race car. Foyt surprised many when he tabbed Unser Jr., whose off-track escapades have made frequent headlines, as one of his drivers this year.

While other veterans were finding speed quickly, Al Unser Jr. struggled. The two-time Indy 500 champ’s 206.930 was slowest for the day.

Exclusive Club of Rookies Take to the Track @Indy

@Speed Photos & Words by Annie Miller Carr

The only two rookies entered in this year's race are Venezuelan distaff driver Milka Duno and Oxnard, California's Phil Giebler. Giebler was the slowest driver on the track Sunday--nearly 209.4 mph. But he improved considerably on Monday to over 217mph.

Duno (shown describing how her car handled during her last laps on Monday), whose previous racing experience was solely on road courses, racked up 153 laps on the IMS oval. Her fastest speed, set late Monday, was 215.949.

Even Michael Andretti, who hasn't driven an Indycar since finishing third in last year's 500, took the opportunity to practice. He posted the quickest lap of the month so far, 221.579, Monday afternoon.

Indy 500 veterans and Vision Racing teammates (L-R) Ed Carpenter, Tomas Scheckter and A.J. Foyt IV joke around during a lull in Monday's practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The three drivers were on hand to watch their fourth teammate, Davey Hamilton, during his driver's refresher test.

Tomorrow the rest of the veterans take to the track and practice begins in earnest for this year's race.

And Again, Jimmie Johnson @Richmond

@Speed Photo by Greg Gage

Cousin Carl, Just Cruzin', Pickin' & Grinnin' @Nashville

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

Even In Retirement, DW Tears Up The Track @Bristol

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

Wings, Wings, Wings, And More Wings @Bristol

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

The Impala nameplate (but not the car) returned to Cup competition on a high note with Jeff Gordon winning the pole position for Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Gordon put his NASCAR designed Impala SS on the pole with a 15:295 second lap, his fifth pole at Bristol. Speaking of NASCAR's design, Gordon said "I just didn't think we would run these kinds of speeds. I just definitely didn't think we would run a .29. That is impressive. We had it set up pretty loose to get through the middle and man it was. But off the corner it is just fantastic. You aren't going to be able to run a car that loose all day long in the race. But you are going to have to run it loose because these cars just don't turn in the middle like the old cars do. I think we are going to have to have a compromise of pretty loose on entry, we'll see. We didn't play around with race setups today at all and it paid off for us."

The Food City 500 is the first event to feature NASCAR's next generation of race cars and takes the green flag on Sunday, March 25 at 2:00 p.m.

Skinner, And Again Johnson & Burton @Atlanta

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

Rick Hendricks' 150th, Johnson's Third Win @Vegas

@Speed Photos by Les Welch

A Slip, A Spin, And A Win @Vegas

@Speed Photos by Les Welch

Waltrip's Toyota Teething Troubles Continue @Vegas

@Speed Photos by Les Welch

NASCAR Motor Corp. Tests Its "COT" Model @Bristol

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

Gordon on Cup Pole @Fontana

@Speed Photos by Gary Nastase & Ron Lewis

"It feels good to me just to get out from restrictor-plate racing [at Daytona] and have a car that has downforce and be able to drive it through the corners and work with the teams on the handling," said Gordon. It was a great come back after beig one of those who crashed on the last lap in the Daytona 500 and finished 10th.

Kasey Kahne's speed was 185.519 while Michael Walthrip's Toyota was unable to break into the field again this week.

Harvick Handed 500 Win @Daytona

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

Not only was Martin the favorite to win on the basis of performance, not since Dale Earnhardt, Sr. won his his Daytona 500 had there been such a ground swell of positive feelings for a driver to win his first Daytona 500.

But it was not to be. Thanks to a wiggle of his own, a hard charging Harvick passed Martin on the outside seconds after a multi-car "big one" began. It took NASCAR almost 10 seconds to display the yellow flag. Not until Harvic and Martin had crossed the line did the yellow flag come out.

Harvick was declared the winner even though Martin had been in the lead when the crashing began and the yellow should have been displayed.

The 2007 Racing Season Opens "Wet'n Wild" @Daytona

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

JJ - 2006 Cup Champion Crowned @Miami

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

Kenseth Shines in the Night @Miami

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

Meanwhile, for Kevin Harvick, it was just a matter of getting through the race to collect his series championship trophy. That spot had been decided a month ago. He wound up sixth in the race.

Martin Wins The Battle, Bodine The Truck War @Miami

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

Bodine's truck started the race with a vibration that only got worse as the race went on. After a season of consistency, Bodine had to let any visions of a good finish go, blurred as they might be, to keep the truck together and finish the race. Luckily he had help in the form of Johnny Benson's bad luck which kept him from challenging for the championship points lead. Benson was collected in an accident but managed to stay on the lead lap and later had to pit under green for a cut tire that put him three laps down.

"We finally did it," Todd Bodine said. "We've been racing for a lot of years. I've got brothers racing, cousins, nephews, and it's the first time we've won something this special. I can't imagine what it means to me, to my family."

While Bodine was protecting his championship position, Mark Martin was battling to win his last truck race in a Jack Roush truck. In 2007 Martin will be driving a Wood Brothers truck for a minimum of five races, more depending on sponsorship.

Stewart Wins Cup & 2006 IROC @Atlanta

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

Tony Stewart, who failed to qualify for the "Chase" after having won two previous Cup championships, can only race for wins. On Sunday at Atlanta he held off Jimmie Johnson for his fourth victory of the season and second win of the 2006 chase series. After the win, once again Stewart climbed the fence to the flag stand to capture the checker flag for the second time that day. Unlike the last time, he was able to get back to his car without venturing into the crowd. Stewart is having fun! Without any of the pressure those in the chase are feeling, Stewart is winning chase races where he couldn't "buy" a win last year.

Johnson didn't really mind the runner-up finish. It helped moved him to a much better position than where his chase started ... to within 26 points of current leader Matt Kenseth.

Earnhardt overcame the loss of a lap (because of a flat tire early in the race) and took the lead when he stayed on track while all the other drivers on the lead lap pitted during a late race caution. He may not have exactly wanted to say out while running third, but Stewart and Johnson both waited 'til the last possible moment to enter the pits and Earnhardt didn't, or couldn't, make the turn. In the end, Earnhardt and Kenseth dueled for third with Earnhardt winning the battle by just a few inches.

Atlanta scrambled the chase standings ... Hamlin moved from fourth to third, 65 points behind Kenseth, Earnhardt moved into a tie with Burton for fourth, 84 points back, Harvick slipped from second all the way to sixth, 121 points behind, while Gordon -- who survived getting hit it the rear by Jamie McMurray after slowing with a flat tire -- jumped from ninth to seventh but lost ground in the points, from 141 to 146. Martin, Kahne and Busch, all 201 or more points behind, were all but eliminated from contention

Saturday

Tony Stewart did win a championship this year ... that of the 2006 International Race Of Champions (IROC)! He earned the championship by finishing third in the Atlanta edition of the 2006 series just behind Matt Kenseth and ahead of Ryan Newman.

Winner of the IROC race, for the second consecutive year, was Martin Truex, Jr. He held off the hard charging three behind him to win the battle while Stewart was winning the war. "I didn’t know until I crossed the finish line that I had won,” Truex said. “It was one of the better races I’ve been a part of."

Stewart stayed out of the fray most of the race, choosing to lay back and preserve his championship hopes. Entering the race, four drivers – Stewart, Kenseth, Newman and Max Papis – had a mathematical chance of winning the title.

"I was playing defense, really, trying not to get into any situations that were going to cause us to have any problems," Stewart said. "I just needed to do what we did today and stay out of trouble and keep Matt (Kenseth) in sight. At the end there I thought we had a shot of running for it, they got a little wild and crazy up there. I was ready to go for it if we had a chance at the end, but (it was) one of those days where third was better than trying to run for the thing."

After the race, Stewart said he was just beginning to comprehend the honor of winning the IROC title. "To know that my heroes – Mark Martin, AJ Foyt – have won this and all the other champions that have won this title, it’s awesome to have this honor," Stewart said. "It’s not a championship where you’re racing 42 other guys every week, but when you’re racing 12 other champions from other series – there’s a reason they’ve won their championships – to be the guy that wins this four-race series, it’s incredible."


Mike Bliss finally got his first win of the season in his unspoonsored truck Saturday night. He did it by holding off a challenging Terry Cook for the final two laps. "After I got to 10 truck lengths (ahead of the pack) I started to breathe a little, and then they said a truck's coming up," Bliss said. "Yeah, I was concerned when I looked in the mirror and saw him coming. I just ran it wide open the last two laps, and it was kind of sliding around. I'm glad it wasn't two laps longer. I probably wouldn't be here."

Rookie Erik Darnell finished third, while David Reutimann and Rick Crawford rounded out the top-five. Local driver David Ragan, from Stockbridge, Ga., finished sixth.

Kahne Sweeps 2006 @Lowe's

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

As for Burton, his response was "We're not going to take ourselves too seriously just yet. We will continue to put a good effort together. I think we're our biggest competition."

The hard luck award had to be split between Jeff Gordon, who lost an engine and scored an DNF, and Mark Martin, who was taken out by a late race crash when J.J. Yaley turned into him while attempting to head for the pits. Gordon sits in 10th, Martin dropped one spot to fourth.

Friday the 13^th @Lowe's

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

When the flags settled, Dave Blaney had won his first Busch race after Mears lost the back end on his car and took out Edwards as they battled for the lead on lap 199. What followed was the final red flag of the night with for the clean up with a green, white, checker situation when the race was restarted.

Kevin Harvick finished high enough to wrap up the season championship.

Grand-Am Cup Crowns Season Series Champs @VIR

@Speed Photos by Les Welch

The victory was the second of the season for the Plumb brothers after winning at Barber Motorsports Park in July and their success helped Acura clinch its fifth Grand-Am Cup ST manufacturer championship in the last six years. Matt Plumb crossed the finish line 6.255 seconds ahead of Turner in the No. 97 BMW and the winners averaged 81.529 mph in the six-hour race. The No. 68 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 of Ken Dobson and Scott Schlessinger finished third.

While the Acura team celebrated the VIR victory, they came up just short in trying to beat Turner BMW and its drivers for the ST driver and team championships. After a rare mechanical failure sidelined the No. 70 SpeedSource Mazda RX-8 of former series champion Sylvain Tremblay on the opening lap, the championships and ultimately the race came down to a two-team battle between the Turner BMW and the Fenton Acura outfits.

Salama led the opening lap of the race, Matt Plumb led the final lap and for the six hours in between the two teams were rarely separated on the race track. Each of the four drivers led at various points and in one nearly three-hour stretch between laps 46 and 109, the No. 95 BMW and the No. 27 Acura ran first and second, with each taking a turn up front. Matt Plumb took the lead for good when he passed Dobson for the lead with just under 45 minutes remaining, but when Turner also passed the Mazda 15 minutes before the finish for second place, any slim chance of the Plumbs taking the title were gone. Turner and Salama clinched the title with 285 points, eight points ahead of the Plumb brothers.

Grand-Am Cup Drivers Duel Elements @VIR

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne and Les Welch

The victory was the first in Grand-Am Cup for both Miller, Traver and the Florida-based BGB team that drove a smart and strategic race in cold and ultimately rainy conditions. The winners stayed in lead-pack contention throughout the six-hour race on the 3.27 mile VIR circuit but never looked back when Miller took the lead for the one and only time all day less than 45 minutes from the finish. Miller was trailing the race leading Automatic Racing BMW M3s of No. 90 Nick Longhi and No. 09 David Russell but slipped by for the lead when both BMWs pitted. Miller kept the Porsche up front for the rest of the race and crossed the finish line a comfortable 25.922 seconds ahead of Jeff Segal who co-drove with Longhi in the No. 09 BMW for Automatic's best finish of the season.

"This was a very challenging race, the longest race I have ever driven in and the first time I raced at night," Miller said. "Plus it rained at the end when we were racing in the dark and I saw cars go off everywhere. I radioed to the crew and said 'guys, it might be time to put rain tires on.' That worked out great and I can't thank BGB enough for giving us a great car and the perfect strategy."

Traver overcame his own challenges when he took over after Miller started the winning Porsche.

"I had a flat tire early on so I had to come in and get it changed but we stayed on the lead lap," Traver said. "The BGB team did a great job, the strategy for rain tires was great and Mikel did a great job in the rain. This win is kind of a monkey off our back. We have been there all season but things kept happening. Today's race was difficult and challenging like our whole year but to win in the final race, it was just amazing."

Bill Auberlen, who co-drove with Joey Hand and Chris Gleason, finished third in the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M3 while their teammates Anders Hainer and Boris Said crossed the finish line in sixth place in the similar No. 97 Turner Motorsport BMW. The sixth-place showing was good enough for Hainer to clinch the 2007 Grand-Am Cup Series Driver Championship and give the No. 97 Turner machine the GS Team Championship. Hainer and Said co-drove to victory in the No. 97 BMW for the team's sole victory of the season one race ago in Salt Lake City and the race car finished no lower than sixth place in the year's final seven races. Joey Hand (Trois-Rivieres) and Nic Jönsson (Mid-Ohio) also drove the championship winning ride in spotlight appearances during the 2007 season.

Chase Competitors Set - Harvick Hot @Richmond

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

Earnhardt, Jr. made it in this year, but "kicked to the curb" was current champ Tony Stewart. His only chance to repeat this year went up in smoke when "Smoke" was forced to a back up car because of a crash earlier in the weekend. He dropped three positions, to eleventh, while the beneficiary of his misfortune was Kasey Kahne who slipped into the bottom position.

Kevin Harvick passed Kyle Busch on the last lap to complete a sweep of the weeked @Richmond. Harvick could have "played it safe", needing only to finish 40^th or better to remain in the Chase. He didn't, and picked up both the Cup and Busch race wins.

Kenseth Goes Back For Seconds @Bristol

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

• His second straight Bristol night race;
• His second Cup win in a row, having won Michigan last week, too; and
• His second NASCAR victory in as many nights, having won the Busch race.

"The last two weeks have been just unbelievable," said Kenseth. "If we can go into the Chase like this, we'll have a shot at the championship." NASCAR changed the championship winning format after Kenseth's 2003 championship and this is the first year since that he has been in contention.

Johnson Pulls One Out Of A Hat @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller-Carr

Things didn’t get any easier for Johnson when he got there. It was a long pit stop—27 seconds—to fix the fender. Then his crew spilled fuel and, as Johnson left, the pit erupted in flames. Luckily, the fire was extinguished quickly and there were no injuries.

But the NEXTEL Cup points leader wasn’t about to sit back and just motor around the track. Johnson bonzaied back into contention and by lap 84 he was running seventh, lap 112 he was third, and five laps later he passed eventual runner-up Matt Kenseth for the lead. The yellow came out on lap 141 for debris on the track, and most of the cars, including the #48, pitted. But Kyle Busch, Ryan Newman and Joe Nemecheck decided to stay out. Struggling with an ill-handling car all day, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was deep in the pack when crew cheif Tony Eury also elected not to pit. This savvy pit strategy set Earnhardt, Jr. up for the lead, but when the green flew, Johnson was on the attack again. On lap 151, Earnhardt, Jr. flew by Busch in turn two with Johnson closing fast. By the end of the lap, Johnson passed Earnhardt, Jr. and was out in front for good. Earnhardt, Jr. brought it home sixth and vaulted into 10th place in "The Chase."

After his win, Johnson admitted he was concerned about his chances following his early tire woes. “I was really nervous because I knew we had a fast race car, but I knew I had to come through traffic, and I knew it would be harder on the tires coming through traffic,” he said. “But Chad (Knaus, his crew chief) knew something that would help that left front survive. Two short runs after that and the tire pressures were right, and this baby was money after that.”

Johnson is the second driver to win the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same year. When asked about this feat, Johnson replied, “I’m speechless right now. I can’t thank this (the Rick Hendrick Lowe’s team) enough for what they’ve done. We overcame a left front flat tire to rally back. We drove all the way to the front. I never thought I would win at this racetrack (the Indianapolis Motor Speedway).”

It was car co-owner Hendrick’s fifth win at Indy—widening his lead as the winningest NASCAR owner at the IMS. Rounding out the top five were Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer and Mark Martin. Pole sitter Jeff Burton faded to 15th.

All Childress Front Row for Brickyard 400 @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller-Carr

Burton was second out to qualify on Saturday morning and the rest of the field couldn’t best him as the temperature climbed. Kasey Kahne, who was last to qualify, made a valiant try in the heat of the day, but wound up fourth.

Burton’s shares the front row with Richard Childress Racing teammate, NEXTEL Cup rookie Clint Bowyer. NASCAR points leader Jimmy Johnson will start fifth and four-time Brickyard 400 winner Jeff Gordon begins the race in the eighth row. Tony Stewart, defending Brickyard 400 and NEXTEL Cup champion, is mired back in row 16. He's shown here discussing his ill handling car with Kasey Kahne.

Immediately after his qualification attempt, Burton literally dashed out the back gate of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway garage area and headed to O’Reilly Raceway Park in nearby Clermont to practice and qualify for Saturday night’s Busch Series race, the Kroger 200. Burton returned for the afternoon NEXTEL Cup practices.

Tire wear may be an issue during tomorrow’s race. Several teams had left front tires go down in the final practice sessions, and NASCAR officials may throw a yellow flag early in the race — around lap 15 - to check for tire problems.

Kurt Busch Fastest in Brickyard Practice @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller-Carr

Busch credited his Penske crew for his success on Friday. “They have given me what every driver dreams of, a position to go for the pole on Pole Day. I hope I can deliver for the Miller Lite team tomorrow,” he said. “It feels good that we have done our homework and it has translated into a solid start so far this weekend. It's just real exciting to have a shot at the pole."

The Penske driver can be excused for doubting himself this weekend. He’s been distracted for the past couple of weeks -- he got married. But his car owner, Roger Penske, had no doubts at all. "I was cruising around in the garage area this morning, phone rang, and it was Roger, Busch related. “He was pumping me up on what this (Indianapolis) means to him, and he had already let me know this before the wedding. And now it is after the wedding, and he is still letting me know what it means to him.”

Busch and Penske better not get too confident. Conditions for qualifying won’t be nearly the same as they were Friday afternoon between 3:30-4:30pm, when Busch was quick. Qualifying starts at 10am Saturday. Busch is 25th in the qualifying order, but even by the time he takes to the track the temperature won’t be quite as hot.

Scott Riggs sits in the right rear wheel well as he helps his crew fix his damaged #10 Stanley Tools/Valvoline Dodge. Riggs brought on the yellow during Friday’s first practice session for the Brickyard 400 when he brushed Indianapolis Motor Speedway wall. You break it, you fix it!

Danica Patrick Not Going To NASCAR Says A-G @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller-Carr

Michael Andretti, one of the three owners of AGR, said the team will continue to field four cars in the Indy Racing League. Three are confirmed, current drivers Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti, plus Patrick. Dario Franchitti, who drives the remaining AGR car, may keep his ride or move with Herta to the team’s ALMS effort.

Patrick, the league’s 2005 Rookie of the Year, has struggled mid-pack this season. At the beginning of the year, Rahal-Letterman chose to use the Panoz chassis. Several races ago, the team switched to the more successful Dallara chassis, which is said to work better with the league’s Firestone tires. The team is trying to catch up and she has come home fourth the past two races. But the improvement didn’t deter her switch.

Contract details were not released, but Patrick is rumored to be making $3 million for next year.

Patrick will be joining the IRL’s most successful team. AGR drivers have stood atop the podium 22 times--half of them last year--since Michael Andretti, Kim Green and Kevin Savorie started the team in 2003. The team won back-to-back championships in 2005 with Kanaan and 2006 with Dan Wheldon, who jumped to Target-Chip Ganassi this year. Wheldon also won last year’s Indianapolis 500 and Marco Andretti came within a whisker of winning the May classic this year. But AGR hasn’t been up to par in 2006. Although the team has raced strong, they have finished behind Team Penske and Target-Chip Ganassi. Kanaan’s victory at Milwaukee was the team’s first this season.

Rahal-Letterman may return to the rival Champ Car series next year after two years in the IRL. Bobby Rahal’s talented teenage son, Graham, may be one of the drivers.

Ishimaru Crowned Emperor of IHBA @Augusta

@Speed Words & Photos by Kevin Thorne & Glenn Smith

But is was Top Fuel Hydro driver Andy Reynolds who stole the show. Reynolds, driving his Parental Discretion Advised Top Alcohol Hydro left the line in a normal fashion, but 200 feet down the course, the boat started to wiggle. The boat hopped from side to side before digging in and flipping high into the air. It landed with force enough to break the boat apart before slipping under the water. Reynolds quickly popped out of the capsule and surfaced near the partially submerged race boat. Safety workers quickly pulled Reynolds from the water and took him for the mandatory check up at the medical center. Andy was checked out and released.

Asphalt drag race motorcycle pilot Skip Ellis was piloting something a bit different on his week off. He's shown here making a pass down the liquid quarter mile in the modified division Pure Insanity boat, something some might say is just a bit more calm than his usual just under 200 mph ride.

Stewart Presents Victory Junction With Check @NHIS

@Speed Words & Photos by Contessa & Charlie

Pattie accepted the check with Kyle by her side. With her voice trembling, and clutching Tony's hand for support, Pattie expressed her gratitude to Tony and all others who have donated. Tony was one of the first drivers to get on board.

Tony was presented with a framed letter and drawing from one of the children. Kyle read the letter to the crowd.

Ferrari Finishes First (and Second) @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Ferrari dominated the United States Grand Prix weekend, as Schumacher's teammate Felipe Massa started alongside Schumacher in the front row and came in second. It was Massa's best finish since joining the team this past winter.

Schumacher's margin of victory was 7.984 seconds and gained six points on Alonso (both shown above) in the battle for the 2006 Formula 1 championship standings. Alonso, who finished fifth, still leads Schumacher by 19 points.

Turn 1 on the IMS road course has provided some of the most exciting moments on the tour. This year was no exception. Massa grabbed the lead from Schumacher going into the turn. Defending Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso charged from his fifth place starting position to challenge Schumacher for second, but Schumacher pinched his rival down on the track going into turn 2 and Alonso backed off. Meanwhile, Juan Pablo Montoya ran into the back of his McLaren teammate, Kimi Raikkonen. Raikkonen in turn hit Jenson Button, sending Button into Nick Heidfield, who flipped and barrel-rolled though the sand. Even farther back in the pack, a second crash involved Christian Klein, Mark Webber, Franck Montagny and American Scott Speed. When the smoke cleared, all eight drivers had been eliminated.

On the restart on lap 9, Takuma Sato crashed into Tiago Montero in the same turn (right), causing the second full-course yellow.

After yet another restart, Massa held the lead until the first round of pit stops. Schumacher, running in second, pitted earlier than Massa. When Massa pitted, his pit stop was slower, and Schumacher was able to pass his teammate before Massa left the pits. Schumacher was never challenged and cruised to the checkered flag.

Stewart Wins - A Photo Essay @Daytona

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne, Penny Holder and Glenn Smith

Ferrari Fills Front Row @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Schumacher, who has won the race four times, now also has four USGP poles to his credit. The German’s quick lap was 1:10.832, besting his Italian teammate by nearly 0.6 of a second. This is the third time that Ferrari drivers have comprised the front row at Indianapolis. Schumacher is shown speeding through Turn 13 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway roadcourse on his way to his fourth USGP pole.

Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella will start third. Fisichella continues to have a much better weekend than his teammate, last year’s Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso. Alonso has been the polesitter for the past five races, but only qualified fifth for Sunday’s race.

Another team that is struggling this weekend is the usually strong Team McLaren. McLaren drivers Kimi Raikonnen and Juan Pablo Montoya will start 9th and 11th respectively.

Alongside Fisichella in Row Two is 2002 USGP winner Rubens Barichello, Shumacher’s former teammate at Ferrari, who now races for Honda. Sharing Row Three with Alonzo will be 1997 Formula 1 champ and 1995 Indianapolis 500 victor, Canadian Jacques Villeneuve (above) in by far his best starting position of this season.

American Scott Speed qualified 13th.

Rahal Falters; Lloyd Wins Liberty Challenge @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Test Drivers On Top @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Fast time of the day was set by a test driver, Lucky Strike Honda Racing's Anthony Davidson of Britain, with a lap at 130.222 mph. Another test driver, Poland's Robert Kubica of BMW, was third.

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher was second-quickest, but had the only big off-track excursion of the day. The German lost control of his Ferrari and spun in turn 4, ending up in the sand trap. Schumacher took exception to the way in which the course workers were removing his car from the "kitty litter." The tow truck lifted the rear of the car and the nose hit the sand. Schumacher scolded the course workers and then helped them by lifting the front of the car.

Spain's Fernando Alonzo (right), the 2005 Formula 1 champion and current points leader, struggled to find speed in his Renault and ended up a distant 10th on the time chart. His teammate, Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, fared much better--in fourth place.

Best performance of the day wasn't turned in by a Formula 1 driver. Seventeen-year-old Graham Rahal (shown passing his teammate), in his first appearance in the Indy Pro Series, qualified on the pole for Saturday's Liberty Challenge race. The Ohioan, who has already won in Formula Atlantics, toured the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course at 109.580 mph. Rahal, whose father is 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, is driving a second entry this weekend for Kenn Hardley Racing.

Drivers Gear UP For The USGP @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Formula 1 drivers spent Thursday in a whirlwind of media interviews, press conferences and autograph sessions. Fans wandered about the Indianapolis Motor Speedway pits on the walkabout tour and stood for hours in front of the SpeedTV stage awaiting a glimpse of their favorite drivers. (Massa, left, waves after an interview; Jarno tosses a hat to the crowd.)

But the crowd on Thursday was barely half of what is was in the past several years--despite the presence of the first American driver in the series in 13 years. There may be a variety of reasons, World Cup and the projected 90-degree heat for the weekend among them. But the main factor is probably the fallout from the 2005 United States Grand Prix.

Last year’s debacle, when only six cars started the USGP at the IMS, caused what many consider the biggest uproar in the history of motorsports. The blame fell on Michelin Tire, one of the two rubber suppliers of the series, but the problem went deeper than that.

True, during the Friday practice sessions the then two Toyota drivers, Jarno Truli and Ralf Schumacher, crashed both their Michelin-shod cars. By Sunday morning, Michelin advised the teams that use their rubber not to race, and they didn’t. But two Bridgestone teams, Jordan and Minardi, also considered boycotting the race in what appeared to be a strategic revolt of the teams and other engine manufacturers against Scuderia Ferrari (the only team who would have been left to race), Bernie Ecclestone, the F-1 major domo, and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the overall sanctioning body of Formula 1. But, at the last minute, Jordan and Minardi capitulated, and all three Bridgestone teams ended up racing.

Williams drivers Mark Webber & Nico Rosberg.

Michelin ended up negotiating a settlement with Tony George and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, whereby fans who bought tickets in 2005 received refunds and free ducats for this year’s race. George, who was powerless to stop the chain of events at his own track last year, and Ecclestone are due to negotiate for future USGPs. The IMS’s contract to host Formula 1 expires this year. Ecclestone has said that attendance on Sunday will be an important consideration on whether the IMS will get the nod to host the series again.

Ecclestone is posturing—alluding to possible interest from a group in Las Vegas. Yet media sources in that city tell this reporter that Ecclestone’s claims are groundless. Ecclestone also says up to ten other cites around the globe are vying for a spot on the F-1 calendar.

So more is at stake for drivers, teams and sponsors this Sunday than the victor’s trophy. The future of F-1 in the U.S hangs in the balance. Sponsors want exposure in the giant American consumer market, but will that be enough to influence Ecclestone to have the series continue on American soil?

Hornish Runs Circles Around The Field @Richmond

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

The race ended under caution after Hornish's teammate, Helio Castroneves, suffered a flat right rear tire. Vitor Meira dove under Dario Franchitti to claim the sixth runner-up finish of his IndyCar Series career.

Breaktrough Oval Win for Bourdais @Milwaukee

@Speed Photo by Kenn Heinlein

Bourdais won in convincing fashion, scoring his fourth straight Champ Car World Series victory, and his ninth series win in the last 11 races. Domination would be a word to describe the Frenchman’s recent successes, but not a term used to describe his luck on ovals. That is, until today.

Hornish Gets Big--But Not A Record--Check @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Rice led more laps during the 2004 race and his team also won the annual Checkers/Rally’s Pit Stop Contest. However, Team Penske still racked up the pit stop winnings this year, as Hornish’s teammate Helio Castroneves and his crew claimed first prize in the contest.

Hornish was also named the 2006 recipient of the Scott Brayton Award. The award is given yearly to the driver who best displays the racing spirit and character of the late driver Scott Brayton, who was killed in a practice accident at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after claiming the pole in 1996.

Race runner-up Marco Andretti picked up a check for a whopping $698,505. His earnings included $25,000 for being unanimously voted as the Chase Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. The 19-year-old became the fourth Andretti to win this honor, joining his grandfather Mario, his father Michael and uncle Jeff. Afterwards, a proud Mario and a beaming Michael teased Marco by declaring that his allowance was ending. Andretti deservedly swept the rookie honors. For his qualifying run, Marco was named the Fastest Rookie of the Year earlier in the month by the American Dairy Association.

Young Andretti also garnered compliments, nearly all on his driving skills, from other drivers during the ceremony. However, Marco did pick up a big nod from Tomas Scheckter for bringing so many beautiful young ladies with him to the track. Coming from man-about-town Scheckter, this was high praise indeed.

The total purse for the 2006 Indianapolis 500 was a record--$10,518,565.

Kahne For A Change @Lowe's

@Speed Words & Photo by Kevin Thorne

Kahne took the lead from Carl Edwards on lap 371 of the 400 lap race to post the fourth win of his career and his first at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Johnson had dominated the races at Lowe’s for the past two years, winning four in a row and five of the last six. Johnson finished second to Kahne’s Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge fielded by Evernham Motorsports. Kahne coasted to a 2.114 second win over Johnson’s Lowe’s Chevrolet.

The Samsational Thrill Of Victory @Indy...

@Speed Photos by Annie Miller Carr & Greg Gage
Words by Annie Miller Carr

Hornish made only two missteps all month. His initial one was his bump day crash in his backup car. The second one nearly cost him his victory. On a yellow flag pit stop on lap 151, Hornish left his pit with the fuel hose attached. For the infraction, he was levied with a 60 mph “drive through” (the pits) penalty by IMS chief steward Brian Barnhardt when the green flag waved on lap 163. Rookie Townsend Bell of Vision Racing was also assessed the same penalty, and the two cars came into the pits at the same time. Bell’s right front tire touched Hornish’s Marlboro Dallara-Honda, breaking Bell’s suspension. Miraculously, Hornish’s car escaped unscathed and the whole incident dropped Hornish from second place to seventh.

But the Penske driver rallied and steadily climbed back into contention setting up his thrilling final lap duel with the third-generation Andretti.

... And the Agony Of Defeat @Indy

Lady Luck smiled on Sam Hornish Jr. today, but broke Tony Kanaan’s heart for the third year in a row.

Kanaan was the runner-up in the rain-shortened 2004 Indianapolis 500. Last May, he had the strongest car all month, was the polesitter and the odds-on favorite to win. Instead, he watched then-teammate Dan Wheldon claim the victory while he finished eighth.

This year, he and his 7-11 sponsored Dallara-Honda performed flawlessly from the start. He ran in the top five nearly and took over the lead from Wheldon on lap 183. But Kanaan his crew, led by his race strategist and team co-owner Kim Green, knew he was running short of fuel. He was still leading with only seven laps to go when the yellow flag came out for Felipe Giaffone's wreck. Kanaan used the yellow to pit for a “splash and go,” but when he emerged from the pits he had fallen to seventh.

When race action resumed, Kanaan was able to pass his teammate Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon before the checkered flag fell. But fifth place was not what he wanted. He was visibly upset when he exited the car. His crew tried to console him. The normally affable and approachable Brazilian waved off the media for a few minutes while he composed himself. Kim Green consoled a distraught Tony Kanaan after his disappointing finish in fifth place. He led the race as late as lap 193, seven laps from the end. When he finally allowed interviews, he was smiling through tears.

Click here for Dave Carr's complete rundown of the race.

Driver Meeting Hi-Jinx @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

This year's drivers' meeting was memorable for a joke perpetrated on 2004 Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon. It is well known that Wheldon was the victim of many a prank pulled by his former teammates Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta and Tony Kanaan at Andretti-Green Racing. Even though Wheldon is now driving for Target-Chip Ganassi Racing, it seems that he still has a "tease me" sign on his back.

During the drivers' meeting, the past year's race winner receives some awards, including a plaque, a ring and the mini Borg-Warner Trophy, a small replica of the huge trophy that stays at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

It started when Wheldon got the small trophy. When he returned to his chair, he put the trophy underneath it. In a few minutes, the Englishman was called up to get a plaque. While he was up, Helio Castroneves (partially hidden behind his teammate, polesitter Sam Hornish Jr. and below Patrick), seated beside Wheldon, stole the trophy and passed it up to Danica Patrick, seated above them auditorium style. She in turn passed it up to Eddie Cheever and Max Papis, and the trophy was hidden behind Papis. Looking on are Marco Andretti (L) and Tomas Scheckter (R, next to Patrick) and Ed Carpenter (far R).

When Wheldon returned to his chair, it didn't take him long to realize his trophy had disappeared and he was being joked with. Whenever Wheldon left his chair to receive another award, the devilish (grenning and guilty) Castroneves would swipe the prior award and pass it off to another driver, etc. Hornish supresses a smile, while Scott Dixon (R), Wheldon's teammate, pretends he knows nothing.

Eventually, Wheldon reclaimed his prizes. If past history means anything, Castroneves better watch out--Wheldon retaliates!

Insiders Say Hornish Clear Favorite @Indy

@Speed Words & Photo by Annie Miller Carr

Well, will there be chicken in your box lunch? Will Jim Nabors sing "Back Home Again in Indiana?" Will there be balloons rising above the Pagoda?

Sam did it again on Friday during Carburetion Day, the last practice session before the race. His 220.698 mph fast lap was at the top of the speed charts. Hornish has been the quickest in nearly every practice session and is the polesitter.

Click here for more on Carburetion Day happenings.

In the photo: Team Penske drivers Sam Hornish (L) and Helio Castroneves (R) watch a quarterfinal run of the annual pit stop contest.

Spiderman's Crew Wins Pit Crew Contest @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

The event is held annually on Carburetion Day, the final day of practice before the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The 2001 and 2002 Indy 500 champion and his car #3 crew, led by chief mechanic Rick Rinaman, changed four tires in 8.0852 seconds, a record time for the final round. They beat Dario Franchitti's car#27 Canadian Club Andretti-Green mechanics, who had a time of 8.4428.

Even though Castroneves' team won in record time for the finals, they went even faster in the semifinals! Their scortching 7.7365 is the quickest time ever posted in the the event's history.

Following his win, "Spiderman" Castroneves delighted the massive, cheering Carb Day crowd with his traditional fence climb.

Team Penske has now won a record nine competitions in the event's 30-year history.

Infiniti Pro Series Adds Drivers to 500 @Indy

@Speed Photos by Annie Miller Carr & Greg Gage
Words by Annie Miller Carr

How many Indy Pro Series graduates have qualified for this year's Indianapolis 500?

Answer: There are six: Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter, P.J. Chesson, Arie Luyendyk Jr., Thiago Medeiros and Jeff Simmons.

Simmons took over the third Rahal-Letterman car after another Infiniti Pro Series veteran, Paul Dana, lost his life in a wreck at the Homestead course earlier this year. He is teammate to 2004 Indy winner Buddy Rice and last year's IRL and Indianapolis 500 "Rookie of the Year" Danica Patrick.

Carpenter is part of the three-car Vision Racing team, partly co-owned by his stepfather and mother, Tony and Nancy George. Andretti is driving for Andretti-Green Racing, which is fielding five cars, including one for Marco's father and team co-owner, Michael Andretti.

Arie Luyendyk Sr. is his son and namesake's team owner. Arie has reunited some of his old Treadway crew who were part of his second Indianapolis victory in 1997, including engineer Tim Wardrop, chief mechanic, Skip Faul and tire man Steve Turner.

Chesson's also has a famous co-owner, NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. Chesson's brother James is now driving in Infiniti Pro and will start Friday's race in mid-pack.

Medeiros, who won the 2004 Freedom 100, was very successful in the junior series with seven wins. His #18 PDM machine was the last to qualify for this year's Indy 500 and is the slowest in the starting field.

Two other Infiniti Pro drivers were entered in this year's 500, but failed to make the field. Jon Herb, originally slated to drive the Playa Del Racing car #12 as a teammate to Jacques Lazier, was replaced by Roger Yasukawa when Herb failed to get the car up to speed.

Marty Roth, who still drives in the minor series, crashed his #25 entry in the final hour of qualifying on Bump Day and never made an attempt.

Riggs To The Pole @Lowe's

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

The "outside pole" went to Jeremy Mayfield at 187.292 mph followed by Jimmie Johnson at 186.651 mph.

The Invisible Man @Indy

@Speed Words & Photo by Annie Miller Carr

Another hint: He finished ahead of his more famous Rahal-Letterman teammates, the 2004 Indy 500 champion Buddy Rice and rookie sensation Danica Patrick.

Give up?

It's Vitor Meira.

And he's good. Very very good. And he's quiet. Very very quiet. And he's savvy. Very very savvy. He reminds some pitsiders of another very good, very quiet, very savvy driver: Al Unser Sr. He gets through traffic like nobody's business. Then all of a sudden--with 10 laps to go--there he is, running the top five and ready to pounce.

He's stealthy--like a panther. Fittingly, this year he's driving for Panther Racing. The team is not nearly as well-financed as the Penske, Ganassi or Andretti Greens. In fact, Panther has scaled down to a one-car operation and is looking for sponsorship. They have nothing written on the sidepods of their #4 Dallara-Honda. If they don't find some money soon, they may not be able to compete too much longer. (Some of the team's mechanics told a photographer to write a check and they would put "Annie's Photography" on the car.)

Meira, car owners John Barnes and Mike Griffin and their team may be on a limited budget. But, by golly, there Panther and Meira are--starting on the outside of row 2, qualifying at 226.156mph. They've been consistently among the top 10 fastest cars every day in practice too.

Hey, Donald Davidson...when was the last time an unsponsored car won this race? It could happen this year. Someone write them a check...a big one!!!

Marco Andretti Snares Fastest Rookie Award @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Michael Andretti co-owns, with Kim Green and Kevin Savorie, the Andretti Green Racing team, which is fielding five cars in the 500 this year. Drivers Dario Franchitti (below right), Bryan Herta (below left) and Tony Kanaan (above center), the 2002 fast rookie winner) returned to the stable, but 2005 Indy winner Dan Wheldon left to join Target-Chip Gannassi, leaving a seat open for Marco. Michael, after a year's retirement, returned to the cockpit to drive alongside his son.

Marco deserves another award--for the most miles racked up in practice in May at the Speedway. His father and fellow AGR teammatesput Marco to the test whenever the sun shone during the rainy month. Last Friday, for instance, pitsiders watched in awe as the AGR team worked in unison to tutor Marco in just about every traffic situation the 19-year-old might face during the race. Marco's car 26 would speed down the main straightaway into turn one, surrounded by cars 1 (his father), 7 (Herta), 11 (Kanaan), and/or 27 (Franchitti) passing, re-passing, pinching him down a little, etc. Marco is some pupil.

He passed--literally--with flying colors.

Team Penske Dominates Front Row @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Brazilian rookie Thiago Medeiros qualified with the slowest speed (215.729) in the field and survived being "on the bubble" for about 40 minutes. Medeiros demolished the PDM team's only chassis on Thursday. PDM acquired one of Super Aguri Fernandez's backup Panoz tub and, with 14 teams giving them other required parts, the team thrashed many long hours to get the car--dubbed Frankenstein because of it's rag-tag appearance--on the track.

Car owner and driver Marty Roth had Vision Racing's Larry Curry (L) advising him today, but still wasn't fast enough to make a qualifying attempt. Canadian Roth's effort ended late in the day when he crashed into the turn one SAFER barrier and then made contact with the wall in the short chute between turns one and two. He climbed from the car uninjured.

From Dave Carr's "Bubble Day" notebook ...

The final day of qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 is traditionally a dramatic event featuring more story lines than you’d find in a daytime soap opera. While Sunday’s action at 16th and Georgetown officially consisted of a single qualification attempt to fill the field, there was no shortage of off-track storylines to follow. ... read more

Who Else @Lowe's?

@Speed Photo by Kevin Thorne

Jimmie Johnson

Hornish On The Pole For Team Penske @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

In the morning practice session before qualifying began, Hornish gave fans a thrill with a the speediest lap of the month - 229.996 mph.



Dario Franchitti and his wife, actor Ashley Judd, pose for pictures with his Andretti Green crew. A rev-limiter problem caused Franchitti to be the only qualifier to wave off his first attempt. He qualified later in the day on his second try and will start 17th.


Last year's Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon shakes hands with his car owner, Chip Ganassi, after landing a spot in the front row for this year's race. Wheldon's qualified third at 227.338mph. Wheldon had hoped to challenge Sam Hornish for the pole, but fell short.


Danica Patrick went quicker in on qualifying day than she had all month. On each of her four qualifying laps she went faster that the prior lap. Her four-lap qualifying average speed of 224.674 was 10th fastest and her provisional qualifying position is on the inside of row four.

Kahne On Pole; Busch Wins Truck Race @Lowe's

@Speed Photos by Kevin Thorne

Fans Treated To A Speed Show @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

When it was all over, Hornish came out on top at 227.925 mph, but it was still slower than Dan Wheldon’s fast speed so far this month, 228.663, posted Sunday. Unless someone is really sandbagging, one of the aforementioned four drivers will be the polesitter after tomorrow's qualifications. Is Kanaan's smile (left) one of a confidential sandbagger?

Hornish seemed to take it all in stride, but two other drivers were beaming after the checkered flag fell. Andretti-Green Racing’s Tony Kanaan, who was a bit behind the pack most of this week, made his way into the top five today at 226.104. Kanaan’s post-practice discussions with his crew made one think he thought he could have gone faster if a slower car hadn’t impeded him on his speediest lap.

Also having a fine final practice was Vitor Meira, who ranked eighth today. Meira, driving for Team Panther, has been stealthy. He’s frequently been in the Top 10, and his 225.336 today was his quickest this month. Operating under the radar is nothing new to this Brazilian … hey, who finished second in last year’s Indy 500?

Rahal-Letterman Racing’s Jeff Simmons caused the most serious yellow flag of the session, slamming the first turn wall in the final hour of practice. Simmons had just marked up his quick lap of the month, 225.281, good enough for the 10th fastest time this May, when the accident happened. He was unhurt.

Oh, just in case you thought we got through at least one day without any rain…while the Indianapolis Motor Speedway safety crews were cleaning up Simmon’s wreck, it started sprinkling on the main straightaway and in the pits — on a day when the weatherman predicted no precipitation. Scott Dixon waited in his car under a tarp and an umbrella while the sprinkles. He was second quick on the day at 227.322.

Practice Delayed Is Practice Denied @Indy

@Speed Words & Photos by Annie Miller Carr

Finally! Some Track Time @Indy

@Speed Photos by Annie; Words by Dave & Annie Miller Carr

Again, A Washout @Indy

@Speed Photo by AMC; Words by Annie Miller Carr

Pole Day Washout - Tomorrow Looks No Better @Indy

@Speed Photo by AMC; Words by Dave & Annie Miller Carr

Wheldon, who has been chasing after Penske Racing's Sam Hornish for top speed of the month, virtually promised that he and engineer Indy Brown have something up their sleeves when they do get a chance to run for the pole.

"Hornish has been very quick these first three days, but I can guarantee I'm going to magic something from somewhere just on Pole Day," said Wheldon.

The other team gracing the IMS interview room was the entire Andretti-Green stable. Many of the media questions directed towards the progress of rookie Marco Andretti, son of team co-owner Michael Andretti and grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti.

A few years ago, during a press conference before a race in the Andretti hometown of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Michael said Marco, then in the Star Mazda series, was a more talented driver at that age than he was. But, feeling the pressure of the Andretti name, Marco left the sport for a while. Michael told his son that he would support his son's return to racing only if Marco decided to do it for very specific reasons: having fun and doing it for himself. On Saturday, Michael was asked if he thought Marco was doing just that.

"I think he is... He's doing it for himself. I think his three 'big brothers' (referring to teammates Dario Franchitti, Bryan Herta and Tony Kanaan) are making sure of that, as well. I think he's been doing a fantastic job with the pressure that's been on him. He's been performing. You see him; he's right up there with all of us in times. So far, so good."

Young Andretti concurred. "I'm definitely excited to, I say, finally be here. I'm only 19. I'm definitely happy and ready to get going. I'm not really worried about trying to fulfill anybody's expectations toward me because I think mine are pretty high for myself."

Friday a Complete Washout @Indy

@Speed Photo by AMC; Words by Dave & Annie Miller Carr

For three straight pole days, the weather has been dismal-unseasonably cool, overcast and wet wet wet. This weekend is already projected to be the same, with highs hovering between 50-60 degrees and showers--until Tuesday.

If we do get qualifying in this weekend, most pitsiders agree that one of three drivers will be 2006 Indianapolis 500 polesitter The two men in the picture, defending Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon (L), now with Target-Chip Ganassi Racing, and two-time winner Helio Castroneves (R), plus Castroneve's Penske teammate Sam Hornish are the odds-on favorites. In what little practice time drivers have had, they have swift and sure. In fact, no one would be surprised if these three made up the front row, although Wheldon's teammate Scott Dixon could be a factor as well.

Hornish seems to be a man on a mission this month. He raised quite a few eyebrows Thursday with his 226.7+ in very windy conditions. After setting that lap almost right after practice started, his team packed up and left the pits and didn't return that day. They seemed ready and confident.

With a shorter entry list that normal because of the lack of available engines, some teams, pretty assured that they will make the field, may be foregoing a run at the pole. Instead, to make efficient use of their one practice engine per car, they may be working on race day setups this week. There are whispers that even a couple of the Andretti Green cars and Rahal-Letterman may be doing this.

In any case, the biggest rumor Friday was that Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials would go ahead and run qualifications on Monday and Tuesday. Why? Something about the new Honda leases starting on Wednesday...

The Weatherman Gets Fooled Again @Indy

@Speed Photo by AMC; Words by Dave & Annie Miller Carr

Scott Dixon (right) has good reason to smile. His Target-Chip Ganassi team and Team Penske with Hornish piloting have been the class of the field so far this May.

A few teams, notably Team Fernandez and Panther Racing, decided to skip today. Rahal-Letterman may wished they had too. For the second year in a row, 2004 Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice found the second turn wall, hitting it twice. Luckily, this year he sustained only knee contusions and is expected to be cleared to race tomorrow.

A total of 19 cars practiced today before (what else) rain ended practice at, with the Penske and Ganassi drivers at the top of the speed charts--as they have been all week.

Danica Prepares To Dress For Driving @Indy

@Speed Words & Photo by Annie Miller Carr

But there was plenty of media pandemonium a distance away from the start-finish line. Up in pit 26, to be exact. Some photographers were camped out--some for almost an hour--awaiting the trackside arrival of last year’s fourth-place finisher and Indy 500 and IRL rookie of the year, Danica Patrick.

By day’s end, the sophomore driver had posted a fast lap of 220.302mph in her #16 Argent Mortgage Panoz-Honda. But this was disappointing, as she was only 21st fastest out of the two dozen cars that practiced. Today she did better—her 223.084 was 12th quickest, with 23 cars on the track and bested her Rahal/Letterman teammates Rice (15th) and Jeff Simmons (19th), who brushed the wall after running three laps. She was also fastest among the Panozes.

Once again Sam Hornish of Team Penske had the top speed of the day, 226.056 before rain closed practice at 3:30pm. He was followed by Wheldon and a surprising Kosuke Matsuura. Andretti-Green racing improved their speeds from yesterday, and Tony Kanaan and Bryan Herta rounded out the “Fast Five.”

OCC Donates To Victory Junction Gang @Richmond

@Speed Words & Photos by Greg Gage

Owner Roger Penske Reviews T&S With Hornish @Indy

@Speed Words & Photo by Annie Miller Carr

Team Penske topped the speed charts, with Sam Hornish’s #6 Dallara-Honda fastest at 224.881mph. His teammate, Helio Castroneves, was a tick slower at 224.106mph in his #3 Dallara-Honda. Target Chip Ganassi’s two drivers, defending Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon (223.916) and Scott Dixon (223.797), also in Dallara-Hondas, were right behind the Penske duo. The two Penske backup cars were also in the top six swiftest machines. The quickest rookie today was Townsend Bell of Vision Racing, who wound up 10th fastest.

Rookies And Vets Get Tested @Indy

@Speed Words & Photo by Annie Miller Carr

Also passing their rookie tests during Rookie Orientation were Townsend Bell, P.J. Chesson, and Thiago Medeiros, who won the inaugural Freedom 100 Indy Pro Series race at the Speedway in 2004. Besides Michael Andretti, drivers taking refresher tests were Larry Foyt, 1992 and 1997 Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr. and rookie Arie Luyendyk, Jr., who was bumped from last year’s 500 qualifying field.