2005 Indianapolis 500
Encyclopedia
The 89th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
on Sunday, May 29, 2005. It was the premier event of the 2005 IndyCar Series season, and the tenth Indy 500 sanctioned by the Indy Racing League. Dan Wheldon
won the race under a yellow flag. Wheldon became the first British
winner since Graham Hill
in 1966
.
Rookie Danica Patrick
, who qualified fourth and finished fourth, became the first female driver in Indy history to lead laps during the race. Patrick led three times for a total of 19 laps, and won the Rookie of the Year award. Considerable media hype and attention was focused on the race and on Patrick in particular during the month, giving birth to the term "Danica Mania."
The increased attention going into the race helped register a 6.5 Nielsen rating
, the highest since 1996
.
was milled
and repaved in asphalt
. Selective diamond grinding was done in an effort to smooth out bumps in the turns. On April 5, 2005, a private test session saw four teams (AGR
, Ganassi
, Rahal
, and Panther
) test for Firestone
. The session was cancelled, however, when the inconsistent pavement in the turns created an unsuitable dual level of grip in the corners. A week later, the entire track was diamond grinded to cure the problem.
Among the numerous team/driver changes for 2005 included Rahal Letterman Racing
. Defending Indy 500
winner Buddy Rice
returned, and was joined by rookie Danica Patrick
. Newman/Haas Racing
returned to the Indy 500, entering Sébastien Bourdais
and Bruno Junqueira
.
. Among the top drivers of the day were Patrick (221.463 mph), Ryan Briscoe
, and Patrick Carpentier
. Seven out of the nine drivers participating completed their required rookie test.
again set the pace. She set the fast lap of the month thus far at 222.741 mph. Sébastien Bourdais
completed his rookie test, while Jeff Ward
completed a refresher test.
led the speed chart at 226.808 mph, and no incidents were reported.
suffered a significant crash at 12:16 p.m. The car spun in turn 2 and made heavy contact to the rear of the car. Kosuke Matsuura
spun to avoid the crash, but received minimal damage. Rice was tranported to Methodist Hospital
with a concussion.
Rain ended the day about a half hour early, with Tony Kanaan
fastest of the day, and fastest of the month thus far, at 227.453 mph.
and Paul Dana
both suffered single-car crashes during the session, but neither were seriously injured. Tony Kanaan
led the pace early over 227 mph, but late in the day, Danica Patrick
upped the speed to 227.633 mph. It marked the fastest lap thus far during the month, and the first time a female driver had led the speed chart on a full day of practice (without a rain delay) since 1977.
wrecked his backup car, the second day in a row crashing. Exiting turn two, Dana spun and hit the outside wall, and slid down the back stretch. Sam Hornish, Jr.
hit a piece of debris from the wreck on the back stretch, and did a full flip. The car came down upright, but continued to spin and came to a rest overturned. Hornish was uninjured, but Dana was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Tomas Scheckter
turned the fastest lap thus far around 1 p.m., at 227.804 mph. Rain began to fall shortly after 2 p.m., and closed the track for the day.
Shortly after the official postponement, the rain stopped and blue skies emerged. Some complained that qualifying could have been held after all, but head official Brian Barnhart
still felt there would not be sufficient time to finish the qualifying order.
set the fastest lap of the entire month during the morning session at 229.675 mph. The lap made her a favorite for the front row. Dario Franchitti
and Tony Kanaan
were close behind on the speed chart.
Due to the rainout on Saturday, 22 positions were to be filled on Sunday. After the field filled to 22 cars, bumping would begin.
At noon, Scott Sharp
was the first car to make a qualifying attempt. He placed himself in the field with a speed of 227.126 mph. Moments later, Tony Kanaan
put himself on the provisional pole position with a speed of 227.566 mph.
At 12:45 Danica Patrick
took to the track. On her first lap, midway through turn 1, the back end of the car wiggled a bit, and slowed her exit from the turn. The first lap was a disappointing 224.920 mph. The second lap, however, increased to 227.638 mph. her fourth and final lap was run at 227.860 mph, the fastest single lap of the day. The final four-lap average of 227.004 mph put her in the fourth starting position. Many feel that if not for the mistake on the first lap, her speed would have been sufficient to secure the pole position.
Later in the day, Sam Hornish, Jr.
bumped his way onto the front row. Helio Castroneves
withdrew his earlier speed, but ended up losing a position when he requalified. The field filled to 22 cars, and the day ended as Jaques Lazier
was "bumped."
named Kenny Bräck
as the replacement for injured Buddy Rice
. Brack was the 1999 winner
, but sat out the 2004 season recovering from a massive crash in October 2003 at Texas
.
Nearly 2,500 laps were run during the afternoon, with Dan Wheldon
fastest at 227.320 mph. The fastest non-qualified car was Kenny Bräck
, already up to 225.774 mph.
remained on top of the speech chart at 226.399 mph, until Tony Kanaan
(226.490 mph) bumped him off in the final hour.
Arie Luyendyk, Jr.
, attempting to complete his rookie test, suffered gearbox trouble, then later blew an engine.
, Marty Roth
and Kenny Bräck
completed runs. Bräck
qualified at 227.598 mph, the fastest qualifier in the field. Though he qualified faster than polesitter Tony Kanaan
, as a third day qualifier, Bräck would be required to start 22nd.
After blowing an engine earlier, A. J. Foyt IV
put a car in the field, and the field finished the day with one grid position open.
was the only entry going into the day confirming an intent to qualify.
At 3:10 p.m., Luyendyk, Jr.
completed a run at 215.039 mph, and filled the field to 33 cars. Luyendyk, Jr. was the slowest car in the field, and on the bubble. However, it appeared that Luyendyk would be safe, with no other teams preparing to qualify.
Shortly after the run, A. J. Foyt Racing
announced that they had signed veteran Felipe Giaffone
, and he would attempt to qualify. Giaffone had been shopping with his wife at Babies "Я" Us when he got a telephone call to run over to the Speedway. Within two hours of being at the store, Giaffone was suited up and ready to drive. In less than 45 minutes, he was up to speed and ready to qualify.
At 5:36 p.m., with less than 25 minutes left in the day, Giaffone
took to the track and easily bumped Luyendyk, Jr.
from the field. Luyendyk's team quickly scrambled his car to go out one final time. With one minute remaining before the 6 o'clock gun
, Luyendyk entered the track. His speed was pitifully slow, and he fell more than 7 mph shy of bumping his way into the field.
(W) = former Indianapolis 500 winner; (R) = Indianapolis 500 rookie
Failed to qualify:
All 33 qualified cars took to the track. Nine minutes into the session, Buddy Lazier
wrecked coming out of turn four, sliding along the outside wall down the front stretch. Lazier was not seriously injured, but the car would have to be repaired before Sunday.
Danica Patrick
led the speed chart at 225.597 mph, and no other serious issues were reported.
Later in the afternoon, Penske Racing
with driver Sam Hornish, Jr.
won the Checker's/Rally's Pit Stop Challenge. They defeated Andretti Green Racing
(Bryan Herta
) in the final round.
gave the command to start engines at 11:58 a.m. (EST). The field assembled for two parade laps and one pace lap behind the Chevrolet Corvette C6
pace car, driven by Colin Powell
.
At the start, a very well-aligned field saw polesitter Tony Kanaan
take the lead into turn 1. The field circulated safely through the first lap. In the third turn, Sam Hornish, Jr.
passed Kanaan for the lead, and led the first lap. Kanaan
re-took the lead on lap 3. The duo traded the lead once more before Larry Foyt
crashed on lap 18, bringing out the first caution.
Most of the leaders pit under the yellow, and Kanaan
won the race off of pit road.
took the lead on lap 38, and the race began to settle into a pace. On lap 55, a series of green flag pit stops shuffled the field momentary. Hornish ducked into the pits first, followed by Kanaan. The shuffle brought Danica Patrick
to the lead on lap 56. It marked the first time in Indy 500 history that a female driver led a lap in competition. She pitted the next time around, and Hornish
emerged once again as the leader.
On lap 78, Bruno Junqueira
went to pass the lap car of A. J. Foyt IV
in turn 2. The two cars touched, and Junqueira crashed hard into the outside wall. He suffered a concussion and fractured vertebras
.
Kenny Bräck
headed for the pits on lap 82 with mechanical trouble. The car eventually dropped out due to a broken wishbone suspension.
As they approached the halfway point, Hornish
and Kanaan
again battled back and forth for the lead.
and Scott Dixon
tangled and crashed in turn one. On the restart, Kanaan
and Dario Franchitti
passed Hornish
on the front stretch, and pulled away from the field.
On lap 147, Sam Hornish, Jr.
went to pass Sébastien Bourdais
on the outside of turn one. He slid high, and smacked the outside wall. The leaders pit on lap 149, which meant that only one more fuel stop would be required for each car. Exiting the pits, Bryan Herta
was penalized for speeding on pit road, and was moved to the rear of the field for the upcoming restart.
On 155, the field prepared to go back to green. Accelerating in the north short chute, Danica Patrick
, running 8th, did a half-spin, and tagged Tomáš Enge
. Tomas Scheckter
spun to avoid the crash, and wrecked into the inside wall. Jeff Bucknum
, Patrick Carpentier
, and Jaques Lazier
also got caught up in the melee. Patrick damamged her nosecone, and ducked immediately into the pits. The team replaced the nose of the car, then a second pit stop (lap 159) saw her change tires and top off the fuel. Patrick dropped to 11th, the last car on the lead lap. Just before the restart on lap 161, Bryan Herta
ducked into the pits, and topped off the fuel. The team intended to go the distance without another pit stop.
led Vitor Meira
. Roger Yasukawa
brought out the yellow when his car blew an engine down the front stretch. All of the leaders except Patrick
and Herta
went to the pits. Staying out, Patrick and Herta shuffled up to the front of the field. Patrick took the lead for the second time of the day on lap 172, and led Herta on the lap 173 restart. To the delight of the crowd, Patrick pulled out to a 1 second lead. Her crew instructed her to dial down the fuel mixture
(in an effort to make it to the finish), and her lead began to dwindle. Dan Wheldon
caught her on lap 186, and took the lead. At the same time, Kosuke Matsuura
hit the wall in the exit of turn four.
With ten laps to go, the green flag came back out. Patrick
darted around Wheldon
, and took the lead into turn 1. She held the lead for three laps. With seven laps to go, Wheldon
passed her once again, and pulled out to a lead. With less than three laps to go, Vitor Meira
and Bryan Herta
managed to get by Patrick, while Wheldon continued to pull away. Down the back stretch with less than 1½ laps to go, Buddy Lazier
passed Sébastien Bourdais
on the outside for 5th place. Bourdais got loose in turn 3, and crashed into the outside wall. The yellow and white flag were displayed, and one lap later, Dan Wheldon
won the race under caution.
Bryan Herta
's fuel strategy worked out, and he came home third. Danica Patrick
held on to 4th place, beating Janet Guthrie
's Indy 500 record (9th place in 1978
) for best finish by a female driver. Buddy Lazier
finished a strong 5th, despite nursing a broken front wing after contact by Scott Sharp
.
(W) = former Indianapolis 500 winner; (R) = Indianapolis 500 rookie
*C Chassis
: D=Dallara
; P=Panoz
.
*E Engine
: C=Chevrolet
; H=Honda
; T=Toyota.
All cars in the 2005 Indianapolis 500 used Firestone
tires.
back into the limelight after several slumping years. Dan Wheldon
rode the wave of success to six total victories in 2005, and clinched the 2005 IndyCar Series championship.
Danica Patrick
, however, emerged from the race as the biggest star. She was interviewed on Good Morning America
the morning after the race, and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated
. Patrick became a household name nearly overnight, and became a "watercooler" topic.
Two weeks after the race, other drivers in the series started to embrace and make light of the attention. Race winner Dan Wheldon
wore a t shirt stating "Actually won the Indy 500." Buddy Rice
, the 2004 Indy 500
winner sported a shirt saying "Danica's teammate," while Vitor Meira
, who finished second wore a shirt with "Danica's other teammate."
replaced veteran announcer Paul Page
with Todd Harris
. Harris had previously covered the World's Strongest Man
competitions, and worked as a sideline–pit reporter. However, he was inexperienced in anchoring live sports, and did not personally pursue the role. Harris was joined by analyst Scott Goodyear
in the booth.
Going into the race broadcast, one of the most significant stories of the month was Danica Patrick
qualifying 4th, and having a legitimate chance to win the race. ABC Sports planned to focus considerably on Patrick during the pre-race and race running. Many felt that ABC was ignoring the other drivers, including polesitter Tony Kanaan
and eventual winner Dan Wheldon
. In the days after the race, ABC
, and Harris in particular, were largely criticised by columnists and bloggers for poor coverage, and for biased and subjective coverage of Patrick.
It was pointed out that despite the close attention, neither Harris nor Goodyear
noticed that Patrick had taken the lead during a sequence of pit stops on lap 56. Nine laps later, as ABC returned from commercial, Harris mentioned Patrick having taken the lead for the first time. His comments were criticised as he said she "...turned the trick..." (usually a sexual reference), and that "Fifty years from now you will remember where you were when Danica Patrick made not only motorsports history, but she joined the likes of Amelia Earhardt and Sally Ride
in a barrier-breaking performance..." Of which Jerry Greene of the Orlando Sentinel
wrote "I seriously doubt it, Todd." Greene also wrote that Harris "said many stupid things Sunday because of Ms. Patrick's efforts."
Richard Sandomir wrote that Harris and Goodyear faltered in three distinct instances late in the race. With 13 laps to go, they closely examined Dan Wheldon
taking the lead by the nose of the car at the line repeatedly when a caution came out. It was portrayed as if they were racing back to the caution
. However, such was not allowed under Indy Racing League rules. It was later observed that the caution light did not turn on until the cars were in turn 1 (well after Wheldon had completed the pass), and the attention focused at the start–finish line was misguided, misleading, and irrelevant.
Three laps later, Harris awkwardly waited ten seconds before noting that Patrick had re-taken the lead on the restart. When Wheldon
took the lead for good on lap 193, Harris again hesitated, and waited 20 seconds to report the move, and another 30 seconds to report that Patrick had dropped to 4th place. Sandomir also criticized a perceived "softball" post-race interview of Patrick by Jerry Punch
.
Houston Chronicle
writer David Barron said during the pre-race show and the race's first 90 minutes, he "counted an average of one Patrick reference every five minutes, and each reference went on for some time." Others blogged that ABC
was intentionally bringing attention to Patrick's looks, at the same time trying to downplay them.
With all the hoopla regarding Danica Patrick it was also seen as interesting by some that the song that was played during the closing credits of the broadcast was a song by the title "Luckiest Man Alive" by the Finn Brothers. Some felt that while jumping on the Danica hype for all it was worth this pointed to abc never really taking the idea seriously that she might actually win. Of course there could've been another version of the closing credits with another song available if she had won but no one at abc has ever commented on it.
At the end of the 2005 season, Todd Harris was removed from the booth, and replaced with veteran Marty Reid
.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States, is the home of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Brickyard 400....
on Sunday, May 29, 2005. It was the premier event of the 2005 IndyCar Series season, and the tenth Indy 500 sanctioned by the Indy Racing League. Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
won the race under a yellow flag. Wheldon became the first British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
winner since Graham Hill
Graham Hill
Norman Graham Hill was a British racing driver and two-time Formula One World Champion. He is the only driver to win the Triple Crown of Motorsport — the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Indianapolis 500 and Formula One World Championship.Graham Hill and his son Damon are the only father and son pair both to...
in 1966
1966 Indianapolis 500
Results of the 1966 Indianapolis 500 held at Indianapolis on Monday, May 30, 1966....
.
Rookie Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
, who qualified fourth and finished fourth, became the first female driver in Indy history to lead laps during the race. Patrick led three times for a total of 19 laps, and won the Rookie of the Year award. Considerable media hype and attention was focused on the race and on Patrick in particular during the month, giving birth to the term "Danica Mania."
The increased attention going into the race helped register a 6.5 Nielsen rating
Nielsen Ratings
Nielsen ratings are the audience measurement systems developed by Nielsen Media Research, in an effort to determine the audience size and composition of television programming in the United States...
, the highest since 1996
1996 Indianapolis 500
The 80th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, 1996. This was the first Indy 500 contested by the Indy Racing League, under the overall sanctioning umbrella of USAC. It was the third and final race of the 1996 IRL season. Buddy Lazier won the race, his...
.
News
Over the offseason, the Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayIndianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway, Indiana in the United States, is the home of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race and the Brickyard 400....
was milled
Asphalt milling machine
Asphalt milling machines have been around for over 30 years. Asphalt milling is the process of grinding up asphalt that can then be recycled. The process came about because many streets were getting higher and higher on curbs, and therefore drainage of the roadway was becoming an increasingly bad...
and repaved in asphalt
Asphalt concrete
Asphalt concrete is a composite material commonly used in construction projects such as road surfaces, airports and parking lots. It consists of asphalt and mineral aggregate mixed together, then laid down in layers and compacted...
. Selective diamond grinding was done in an effort to smooth out bumps in the turns. On April 5, 2005, a private test session saw four teams (AGR
Andretti Green Racing
Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti...
, Ganassi
Chip Ganassi Racing
Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is an automotive racing organization with teams competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series. It is owned by businessmen Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates. They have won 4 Champ Car, 3 Indy Racing League and 1 Grand-Am championships...
, Rahal
Rahal Letterman Racing
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is an auto racing team that currently races in the American Le Mans Series and part–time in the IndyCar Series. Based in Hilliard, Ohio, it is co–owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, television talk show host David Letterman, and businessman Mike...
, and Panther
Panther Racing
Panther Racing is an American open wheel auto racing team. It is one of the oldest continually operating teams in Indy Racing League LLC's IZOD IndyCar Series....
) test for Firestone
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is an American tire company founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons, buggies, and other forms of wheeled transportation common in the era. Firestone soon saw the huge potential for marketing tires for automobiles. The company...
. The session was cancelled, however, when the inconsistent pavement in the turns created an unsuitable dual level of grip in the corners. A week later, the entire track was diamond grinded to cure the problem.
Among the numerous team/driver changes for 2005 included Rahal Letterman Racing
Rahal Letterman Racing
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is an auto racing team that currently races in the American Le Mans Series and part–time in the IndyCar Series. Based in Hilliard, Ohio, it is co–owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, television talk show host David Letterman, and businessman Mike...
. Defending Indy 500
2004 Indianapolis 500
The 2004 Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis on Sunday, May 30, 2004. It was part of the 2004 IndyCar Series season and the ninth Indy 500 sanctioned by the Indy Racing League. Pole winner Buddy Rice led the most laps and won the race for team owners Bobby Rahal and David Letterman.After...
winner Buddy Rice
Buddy Rice
Buddy Rice is an American racecar driver. He is best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, and the 2009 24 Hours of Daytona for Brumos Racing.-Early career:...
returned, and was joined by rookie Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
. Newman/Haas Racing
Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing
Newman/Haas Racing was a motor racing team competing in the IndyCar Series. The team operations were based in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Newman/Haas Racing was formed when actor Paul Newman and long-time racer Carl Haas, competitors in the Can-Am championship, each began looking to Champ Car racing...
returned to the Indy 500, entering Sébastien Bourdais
Sébastien Bourdais
Sébastien Olivier Bourdais is a French race car driver. He is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Champ Car World Series, having won four successive championships from 2004 to 2007....
and Bruno Junqueira
Bruno Junqueira
Bruno Junqueira is a Brazilian race car driver that most recently competed in the IRL IndyCar Series. He is a former Formula 3000 champion and three-time runner-up in the Champ Car World Series.-Early career:...
.
Sunday May 8
Opening day of practice focused on rookie orientation. The coveted first driver on the track was Danica PatrickDanica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
. Among the top drivers of the day were Patrick (221.463 mph), Ryan Briscoe
Ryan Briscoe
Ryan Briscoe is an Australian auto racing driver who has raced open wheel and sports cars in Europe and America.In addition to his native English, Briscoe speaks Italian and French...
, and Patrick Carpentier
Patrick Carpentier
Patrick Carpentier is a retired Canadian race car driver. He is best known for his career in the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series. In 2009, Patrick shared the #36 of Tommy Baldwin Racing with Mike Skinner and ran Michael Waltrip's #55 Toyota Camry in the road course races in the...
. Seven out of the nine drivers participating completed their required rookie test.
Monday May 9
The second day of rookie orientation saw Danica PatrickDanica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
again set the pace. She set the fast lap of the month thus far at 222.741 mph. Sébastien Bourdais
Sébastien Bourdais
Sébastien Olivier Bourdais is a French race car driver. He is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Champ Car World Series, having won four successive championships from 2004 to 2007....
completed his rookie test, while Jeff Ward
Jeff Ward (motocross)
Jeff Ward is the first motocross rider in history to win every major AMA motocross national championship...
completed a refresher test.
Tuesday May 10
The first full day of veteran practice saw heavy activity. Dan WheldonDan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
led the speed chart at 226.808 mph, and no incidents were reported.
Wednesday May 11
Defending Indy 500 winner Buddy RiceBuddy Rice
Buddy Rice is an American racecar driver. He is best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, and the 2009 24 Hours of Daytona for Brumos Racing.-Early career:...
suffered a significant crash at 12:16 p.m. The car spun in turn 2 and made heavy contact to the rear of the car. Kosuke Matsuura
Kosuke Matsuura
is a race car driver currently competing in the Formula Nippon series. He previously competed in the IRL IndyCar Series.-Early career:After winning the Japanese Formula Dream Championship in 2001, Kosuke attracted the attention of former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki as a teenager and was placed...
spun to avoid the crash, but received minimal damage. Rice was tranported to Methodist Hospital
Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis
Methodist Hospital of Indianapolis is a hospital part of Indiana University Health, located in Indianapolis, state of Indiana, United States. It is the largest hospital in the state of Indiana and one of only two regional Level I Trauma Centers in the state...
with a concussion.
Rain ended the day about a half hour early, with Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
fastest of the day, and fastest of the month thus far, at 227.453 mph.
Thursday May 12
Darren ManningDarren Manning
Darren Manning is a motor racing driver, most recently racing in the IRL IndyCar Series for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.-Early career:...
and Paul Dana
Paul Dana
Paul Dana was an American race car driver in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Early life:Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Dana graduated from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Before becoming a race driver, he worked as a mechanic, a private racing coach, a driving...
both suffered single-car crashes during the session, but neither were seriously injured. Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
led the pace early over 227 mph, but late in the day, Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
upped the speed to 227.633 mph. It marked the fastest lap thus far during the month, and the first time a female driver had led the speed chart on a full day of practice (without a rain delay) since 1977.
Friday May 13
"Fast Friday" practice saw cloudy skies, and warm terperatures. Paul DanaPaul Dana
Paul Dana was an American race car driver in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Early life:Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Dana graduated from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Before becoming a race driver, he worked as a mechanic, a private racing coach, a driving...
wrecked his backup car, the second day in a row crashing. Exiting turn two, Dana spun and hit the outside wall, and slid down the back stretch. Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
hit a piece of debris from the wreck on the back stretch, and did a full flip. The car came down upright, but continued to spin and came to a rest overturned. Hornish was uninjured, but Dana was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Tomas Scheckter
Tomas Scheckter
Tomas Scheckter is a South African racing driver, born in Monte Carlo. He is the son of 1979 Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter.-Early years:...
turned the fastest lap thus far around 1 p.m., at 227.804 mph. Rain began to fall shortly after 2 p.m., and closed the track for the day.
Saturday May 14
Rain fell overnight and into the morning, preventing any track activity. A new qualifying format was put into place for 2005, providing that only the top 11 cars would secure positions on pole day, and bumping would then occur. Track officials decided to cancel activities for the day at 12:15 p.m., and postpone pole qualifying until Sunday.Shortly after the official postponement, the rain stopped and blue skies emerged. Some complained that qualifying could have been held after all, but head official Brian Barnhart
Brian Barnhart
Brian Barnhart is the President of Race Operations of IndyCar . Having previously served as director of race operations for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IRL, he is charged with primarily the safety and competition of the racing...
still felt there would not be sufficient time to finish the qualifying order.
Sunday May 15 (Pole day)
Cool temperatures in the mid-50s were observed for morning practice. Danica PatrickDanica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
set the fastest lap of the entire month during the morning session at 229.675 mph. The lap made her a favorite for the front row. Dario Franchitti
Dario Franchitti
George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing...
and Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
were close behind on the speed chart.
Due to the rainout on Saturday, 22 positions were to be filled on Sunday. After the field filled to 22 cars, bumping would begin.
At noon, Scott Sharp
Scott Sharp
Scott Sharp is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. He is the son of six-time SCCA champion Bob Sharp. Scott Sharp is best known for his years as a competitor in the Indy Racing League....
was the first car to make a qualifying attempt. He placed himself in the field with a speed of 227.126 mph. Moments later, Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
put himself on the provisional pole position with a speed of 227.566 mph.
At 12:45 Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
took to the track. On her first lap, midway through turn 1, the back end of the car wiggled a bit, and slowed her exit from the turn. The first lap was a disappointing 224.920 mph. The second lap, however, increased to 227.638 mph. her fourth and final lap was run at 227.860 mph, the fastest single lap of the day. The final four-lap average of 227.004 mph put her in the fourth starting position. Many feel that if not for the mistake on the first lap, her speed would have been sufficient to secure the pole position.
Later in the day, Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
bumped his way onto the front row. Helio Castroneves
Hélio Castroneves
Hélio Castroneves is a Brazilian auto racing driver currently competing in the North American IndyCar Series. In IndyCar competition, Castroneves has 14 wins and 28 poles, and has never placed lower than sixth in the standings in a complete season of racing...
withdrew his earlier speed, but ended up losing a position when he requalified. The field filled to 22 cars, and the day ended as Jaques Lazier
Jaques Lazier
Jaques Lazier is an American racing driver born January 25, 1971 in Denver, Colorado and is the younger brother of 1996 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Lazier and son of former Indy racer Bob Lazier....
was "bumped."
Wednesday May 18
Rahal Letterman RacingRahal Letterman Racing
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is an auto racing team that currently races in the American Le Mans Series and part–time in the IndyCar Series. Based in Hilliard, Ohio, it is co–owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, television talk show host David Letterman, and businessman Mike...
named Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck is a race car driver from Sweden. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He is the winner of the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 1998 driving champion of the Indy Racing League. He survived one of the racing sport's biggest...
as the replacement for injured Buddy Rice
Buddy Rice
Buddy Rice is an American racecar driver. He is best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, and the 2009 24 Hours of Daytona for Brumos Racing.-Early career:...
. Brack was the 1999 winner
1999 Indianapolis 500
The 1999 Indianapolis 500 was held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 30, 1999.-Recap:Robby Gordon and Team Menard take a major gamble late in the race, and try to stretch their fuel for the win. Gordon had last pit on lap 164, and attempted to run the final 36 laps on one tank...
, but sat out the 2004 season recovering from a massive crash in October 2003 at Texas
Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway is a speedway located in the northernmost portion of the U.S. city of Fort Worth, Texas – the portion located in Denton County, Texas....
.
Nearly 2,500 laps were run during the afternoon, with Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
fastest at 227.320 mph. The fastest non-qualified car was Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck is a race car driver from Sweden. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He is the winner of the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 1998 driving champion of the Indy Racing League. He survived one of the racing sport's biggest...
, already up to 225.774 mph.
Friday May 20
Another busy day of practice saw 2,228 laps completed incident-free. Dan WheldonDan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
remained on top of the speech chart at 226.399 mph, until Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
(226.490 mph) bumped him off in the final hour.
Arie Luyendyk, Jr.
Arie Luyendyk, Jr.
Arie Luyendyk, Jr. is an auto racing driver and son of Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Despite his European birth, all of his adult racing has taken place in North America where his father lives and made his career. He placed second in points in the 2002 inaugural season of the Infiniti Pro...
, attempting to complete his rookie test, suffered gearbox trouble, then later blew an engine.
Saturday May 21
The third day of time trials saw the field fill to 32 cars. In the first hour, Ryan BriscoeRyan Briscoe
Ryan Briscoe is an Australian auto racing driver who has raced open wheel and sports cars in Europe and America.In addition to his native English, Briscoe speaks Italian and French...
, Marty Roth
Marty Roth
Marty Roth is a former Canadian race car driver who most recently competed in the IndyCar Series where he owned his own team, Roth Racing....
and Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck is a race car driver from Sweden. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He is the winner of the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 1998 driving champion of the Indy Racing League. He survived one of the racing sport's biggest...
completed runs. Bräck
Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck is a race car driver from Sweden. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He is the winner of the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 1998 driving champion of the Indy Racing League. He survived one of the racing sport's biggest...
qualified at 227.598 mph, the fastest qualifier in the field. Though he qualified faster than polesitter Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
, as a third day qualifier, Bräck would be required to start 22nd.
After blowing an engine earlier, A. J. Foyt IV
A. J. Foyt IV
Anthony Joseph "A.J." Foyt IV is an American race car driver. He competed in the IndyCar Series and briefly in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, then called the Busch Series. He is the grandson of A. J. Foyt....
put a car in the field, and the field finished the day with one grid position open.
Sunday May 22 (Bump day)
With one position open, very few teams in the garage area were prepared to make a qualifying attempt. Most teams used the morning and afternoon sessions for practice. Arie Luyendyk, Jr.Arie Luyendyk, Jr.
Arie Luyendyk, Jr. is an auto racing driver and son of Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Despite his European birth, all of his adult racing has taken place in North America where his father lives and made his career. He placed second in points in the 2002 inaugural season of the Infiniti Pro...
was the only entry going into the day confirming an intent to qualify.
At 3:10 p.m., Luyendyk, Jr.
Arie Luyendyk, Jr.
Arie Luyendyk, Jr. is an auto racing driver and son of Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Despite his European birth, all of his adult racing has taken place in North America where his father lives and made his career. He placed second in points in the 2002 inaugural season of the Infiniti Pro...
completed a run at 215.039 mph, and filled the field to 33 cars. Luyendyk, Jr. was the slowest car in the field, and on the bubble. However, it appeared that Luyendyk would be safe, with no other teams preparing to qualify.
Shortly after the run, A. J. Foyt Racing
A. J. Foyt Enterprises
A.J. Foyt Enterprises is a racing team in the IZOD Indycar Series and formerly NASCAR. It is owned by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A. J. Foyt. Foyt Enterprises won IRL titles in 1996 with Scott Sharp and 1998 with Kenny Bräck, the latter driver also winning the Indianapolis 500 for the team...
announced that they had signed veteran Felipe Giaffone
Felipe Giaffone
Felipe Giaffone is a race car driver from Brazil. He competed in the Indy Racing League between 2001 and 2006. His father, "Zeca" Giaffone is the 1987 Stock Car Brasil champion and Mil Milhas Brasil five times winner in the 1980s.-Racing career:...
, and he would attempt to qualify. Giaffone had been shopping with his wife at Babies "Я" Us when he got a telephone call to run over to the Speedway. Within two hours of being at the store, Giaffone was suited up and ready to drive. In less than 45 minutes, he was up to speed and ready to qualify.
At 5:36 p.m., with less than 25 minutes left in the day, Giaffone
Felipe Giaffone
Felipe Giaffone is a race car driver from Brazil. He competed in the Indy Racing League between 2001 and 2006. His father, "Zeca" Giaffone is the 1987 Stock Car Brasil champion and Mil Milhas Brasil five times winner in the 1980s.-Racing career:...
took to the track and easily bumped Luyendyk, Jr.
Arie Luyendyk, Jr.
Arie Luyendyk, Jr. is an auto racing driver and son of Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Despite his European birth, all of his adult racing has taken place in North America where his father lives and made his career. He placed second in points in the 2002 inaugural season of the Infiniti Pro...
from the field. Luyendyk's team quickly scrambled his car to go out one final time. With one minute remaining before the 6 o'clock gun
Starting pistol
A starting pistol or starter pistol is a handgun or electronic toy weapon that is fired to start track and field races, as well as competitive swimming races at some meets. The loud report of the gun going off is a signal to the athletes to begin the event. Usually a cloud of smoke can be seen...
, Luyendyk entered the track. His speed was pitifully slow, and he fell more than 7 mph shy of bumping his way into the field.
Starting Grid
| Row | Inside | Middle | Outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  11 - Tony KanaanTony Kanaan Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara... |
 6 - Sam Hornish, Jr.Sam Hornish, Jr. Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car.... |
8 - Scott Sharp Scott Sharp Scott Sharp is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. He is the son of six-time SCCA champion Bob Sharp. Scott Sharp is best known for his years as a competitor in the Indy Racing League.... |
| 2 | 16 - Danica Patrick Danica Patrick Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd... (R) |
3 - Hélio Castroneves Hélio Castroneves Hélio Castroneves is a Brazilian auto racing driver currently competing in the North American IndyCar Series. In IndyCar competition, Castroneves has 14 wins and 28 poles, and has never placed lower than sixth in the standings in a complete season of racing... (W) |
 27 - Dario FranchittiDario Franchitti George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing... |
| 3 | 17 - Vitor Meira Vitor Meira Vitor Meira is an auto racing driver currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He has twice finished second in the Indianapolis 500.... |
 55 - Kosuke MatsuuraKosuke Matsuura is a race car driver currently competing in the Formula Nippon series. He previously competed in the IRL IndyCar Series.-Early career:After winning the Japanese Formula Dream Championship in 2001, Kosuke attracted the attention of former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki as a teenager and was placed... |
95 - Buddy Lazier Buddy Lazier Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times... (W) |
| 4 |  2 - Tomáš EngeTomáš Enge Tomáš Enge is a motor racing driver from the Czech Republic, who has competed in many classes of motorsport, including three races in Formula One.-Career:... (R) |
 4 - Tomas ScheckterTomas Scheckter Tomas Scheckter is a South African racing driver, born in Monte Carlo. He is the son of 1979 Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter.-Early years:... |
36 - Bruno Junqueira Bruno Junqueira Bruno Junqueira is a Brazilian race car driver that most recently competed in the IRL IndyCar Series. He is a former Formula 3000 champion and three-time runner-up in the Champ Car World Series.-Early career:... |
| 5 |  9 - Scott DixonScott Dixon Scott Ronald Dixon, MNZM is a New Zealand motor racer who became the most successful all-time driver in the Indy Racing League championship in the United States when he won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in August 2009. This took his total to 21 wins... |
 5 - Adrian FernándezAdrian Fernández José Adrián Fernández Mier is a Mexican racing driver and co-owner of the Fernandez Racing team.-Early career:... |
 37 - Sébastien BourdaisSébastien Bourdais Sébastien Olivier Bourdais is a French race car driver. He is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Champ Car World Series, having won four successive championships from 2004 to 2007.... (R) |
| 6 | 26 - Dan Wheldon Dan Wheldon Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011... |
24 - Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa is a Japanese-American auto racing driver.Yasukawa started karting in Southern California, winning the California State Championship in 1991 in Junior Sportsman. He then moved to Italy to compete in JICA... |
7 - Bryan Herta Bryan Herta Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series... |
| 7 | 10 - Darren Manning Darren Manning Darren Manning is a motor racing driver, most recently racing in the IRL IndyCar Series for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.-Early career:... |
70 - Richie Hearn Richie Hearn Richie Hearn , is an American IndyCar racing driver.Hearn was born in Glendale, California. He ran in the Toyota Atlantic championship for two seasons, winning the title in 1995. In 1996, he began driving for John Della Penna in both the IRL and Champ Car ranks... |
44 - Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum is an American race car driver. Jeff is the son of Formula One and Championship Car racer Ronnie Bucknum.... (R) |
| 8 | 51 - Alex Barron Alex Barron (driver) Alex Barron in San Diego, California) is an American race car driver. He began racing CART FedEx World Series Championship cars in 1998 and made his first Indy Racing League Northern Lights Series start in 2001.... |
 15 - Kenny BräckKenny Bräck Kenny Bräck is a race car driver from Sweden. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He is the winner of the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 1998 driving champion of the Indy Racing League. He survived one of the racing sport's biggest... (W) |
 33 - Ryan BriscoeRyan Briscoe Ryan Briscoe is an Australian auto racing driver who has raced open wheel and sports cars in Europe and America.In addition to his native English, Briscoe speaks Italian and French... (R) |
| 9 |  83 - Patrick CarpentierPatrick Carpentier Patrick Carpentier is a retired Canadian race car driver. He is best known for his career in the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series. In 2009, Patrick shared the #36 of Tommy Baldwin Racing with Mike Skinner and ran Michael Waltrip's #55 Toyota Camry in the road course races in the... (R) |
20 - Ed Carpenter |
21 - Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier is an American racing driver born January 25, 1971 in Denver, Colorado and is the younger brother of 1996 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Lazier and son of former Indy racer Bob Lazier.... |
| 10 | 14 - A. J. Foyt IV A. J. Foyt IV Anthony Joseph "A.J." Foyt IV is an American race car driver. He competed in the IndyCar Series and briefly in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, then called the Busch Series. He is the grandson of A. J. Foyt.... |
25 - Marty Roth Marty Roth Marty Roth is a former Canadian race car driver who most recently competed in the IndyCar Series where he owned his own team, Roth Racing.... |
41 - Larry Foyt Larry Foyt Larry Joseph Roberds Foyt is a semi-retired NASCAR and IndyCar driver. He is the biological grandson and adopted son of A. J. Foyt, and a biological cousin of A. J. Foyt IV. His biological mother is Terry Lynn Foyt, daughter of A. J. Foyt, who divorced his biological father Larry Gene Roberds... |
| 11 | 22 - Jeff Ward Jeff Ward (motocross) Jeff Ward is the first motocross rider in history to win every major AMA motocross national championship... |
91 - Jimmy Kite Jimmy Kite Jimmy Kite is an American race car driver. He debuted in the Indy Racing League in 1997 and has competed in over 30 IRL races, including five Indianapolis 500s... |
48 - Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone is a race car driver from Brazil. He competed in the Indy Racing League between 2001 and 2006. His father, "Zeca" Giaffone is the 1987 Stock Car Brasil champion and Mil Milhas Brasil five times winner in the 1980s.-Racing career:... |
| Official report | |||
(W) = former Indianapolis 500 winner; (R) = Indianapolis 500 rookie
Failed to qualify:
- 98
Arie Luyendyk, Jr.Arie Luyendyk, Jr.Arie Luyendyk, Jr. is an auto racing driver and son of Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Despite his European birth, all of his adult racing has taken place in North America where his father lives and made his career. He placed second in points in the 2002 inaugural season of the Infiniti Pro...
(bumped) - 91 Paul DanaPaul DanaPaul Dana was an American race car driver in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Early life:Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Dana graduated from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Before becoming a race driver, he worked as a mechanic, a private racing coach, a driving...
(injured during a practice crash; replaced by Jimmy KiteJimmy KiteJimmy Kite is an American race car driver. He debuted in the Indy Racing League in 1997 and has competed in over 30 IRL races, including five Indianapolis 500s...
) - 15 Buddy RiceBuddy RiceBuddy Rice is an American racecar driver. He is best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, and the 2009 24 Hours of Daytona for Brumos Racing.-Early career:...
(injured during a practice crash; replaced by Kenny BräckKenny BräckKenny Bräck is a race car driver from Sweden. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He is the winner of the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 1998 driving champion of the Indy Racing League. He survived one of the racing sport's biggest...
) - 41 Scott MayerScott Mayer (driver)Scott Mayer is a former driver in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series. He participated in the first three races of the 2003 IndyCar Series season for PDM Racing and crashed in all three races. He then failed to complete rookie orientation for the Indy 500. He entered the 2005 Indianapolis 500...
(failed to complete rookie orientation; replaced by Larry FoytLarry FoytLarry Joseph Roberds Foyt is a semi-retired NASCAR and IndyCar driver. He is the biological grandson and adopted son of A. J. Foyt, and a biological cousin of A. J. Foyt IV. His biological mother is Terry Lynn Foyt, daughter of A. J. Foyt, who divorced his biological father Larry Gene Roberds...
)
Carb day
For the first time modern scheduling, Carb Day was moved to the Friday before the race (May 27). Previously it was held on a Thursday. The final practice session was also trimmed back to one hour.All 33 qualified cars took to the track. Nine minutes into the session, Buddy Lazier
Buddy Lazier
Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times...
wrecked coming out of turn four, sliding along the outside wall down the front stretch. Lazier was not seriously injured, but the car would have to be repaired before Sunday.
Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
led the speed chart at 225.597 mph, and no other serious issues were reported.
Later in the afternoon, Penske Racing
Penske Racing
Penske Racing is a racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series and NASCAR. They also previously competed in road racing, and Formula One. Penske Racing is a division of Penske Corporation, and is owned and chaired by Roger Penske...
with driver Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
won the Checker's/Rally's Pit Stop Challenge. They defeated Andretti Green Racing
Andretti Green Racing
Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti...
(Bryan Herta
Bryan Herta
Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series...
) in the final round.
Start
Race dawn emerged warm and sunny, with temperatures in the mid 70s (°F), and no chance of rain. Speedway chairperson Mari Hulman GeorgeMari Hulman George
Mari Hulman George, born Mary Antonia Hulman on December 26, 1934, in Terre Haute, Indiana, is the daughter of the late Anton "Tony" Hulman and Mary Fendrich Hulman, prominent Indiana philanthropists and business owners...
gave the command to start engines at 11:58 a.m. (EST). The field assembled for two parade laps and one pace lap behind the Chevrolet Corvette C6
Chevrolet Corvette C6
The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced for the 2005 model year. The current generation Corvette is the first with exposed headlamps since the 1962 model...
pace car, driven by Colin Powell
Colin Powell
Colin Luther Powell is an American statesman and a retired four-star general in the United States Army. He was the 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African American to serve in that position. During his military...
.
At the start, a very well-aligned field saw polesitter Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
take the lead into turn 1. The field circulated safely through the first lap. In the third turn, Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
passed Kanaan for the lead, and led the first lap. Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
re-took the lead on lap 3. The duo traded the lead once more before Larry Foyt
Larry Foyt
Larry Joseph Roberds Foyt is a semi-retired NASCAR and IndyCar driver. He is the biological grandson and adopted son of A. J. Foyt, and a biological cousin of A. J. Foyt IV. His biological mother is Terry Lynn Foyt, daughter of A. J. Foyt, who divorced his biological father Larry Gene Roberds...
crashed on lap 18, bringing out the first caution.
Most of the leaders pit under the yellow, and Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
won the race off of pit road.
First half
Sam Hornish, Jr.Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
took the lead on lap 38, and the race began to settle into a pace. On lap 55, a series of green flag pit stops shuffled the field momentary. Hornish ducked into the pits first, followed by Kanaan. The shuffle brought Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
to the lead on lap 56. It marked the first time in Indy 500 history that a female driver led a lap in competition. She pitted the next time around, and Hornish
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
emerged once again as the leader.
On lap 78, Bruno Junqueira
Bruno Junqueira
Bruno Junqueira is a Brazilian race car driver that most recently competed in the IRL IndyCar Series. He is a former Formula 3000 champion and three-time runner-up in the Champ Car World Series.-Early career:...
went to pass the lap car of A. J. Foyt IV
A. J. Foyt IV
Anthony Joseph "A.J." Foyt IV is an American race car driver. He competed in the IndyCar Series and briefly in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, then called the Busch Series. He is the grandson of A. J. Foyt....
in turn 2. The two cars touched, and Junqueira crashed hard into the outside wall. He suffered a concussion and fractured vertebras
Compression fracture
A compression fracture is a collapse of a vertebra. It may be due to trauma or due to a weakened vertebra. This weakening is seen patients with osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta, lytic lesions from metastatic or primary tumors, or infection. In healthy patients it is most often seen in...
.
Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck
Kenny Bräck is a race car driver from Sweden. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He is the winner of the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 1998 driving champion of the Indy Racing League. He survived one of the racing sport's biggest...
headed for the pits on lap 82 with mechanical trouble. The car eventually dropped out due to a broken wishbone suspension.
As they approached the halfway point, Hornish
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
and Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
again battled back and forth for the lead.
Second half
On lap 114, Richie HearnRichie Hearn
Richie Hearn , is an American IndyCar racing driver.Hearn was born in Glendale, California. He ran in the Toyota Atlantic championship for two seasons, winning the title in 1995. In 1996, he began driving for John Della Penna in both the IRL and Champ Car ranks...
and Scott Dixon
Scott Dixon
Scott Ronald Dixon, MNZM is a New Zealand motor racer who became the most successful all-time driver in the Indy Racing League championship in the United States when he won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in August 2009. This took his total to 21 wins...
tangled and crashed in turn one. On the restart, Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
and Dario Franchitti
Dario Franchitti
George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing...
passed Hornish
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
on the front stretch, and pulled away from the field.
On lap 147, Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
went to pass Sébastien Bourdais
Sébastien Bourdais
Sébastien Olivier Bourdais is a French race car driver. He is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Champ Car World Series, having won four successive championships from 2004 to 2007....
on the outside of turn one. He slid high, and smacked the outside wall. The leaders pit on lap 149, which meant that only one more fuel stop would be required for each car. Exiting the pits, Bryan Herta
Bryan Herta
Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series...
was penalized for speeding on pit road, and was moved to the rear of the field for the upcoming restart.
On 155, the field prepared to go back to green. Accelerating in the north short chute, Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
, running 8th, did a half-spin, and tagged Tomáš Enge
Tomáš Enge
Tomáš Enge is a motor racing driver from the Czech Republic, who has competed in many classes of motorsport, including three races in Formula One.-Career:...
. Tomas Scheckter
Tomas Scheckter
Tomas Scheckter is a South African racing driver, born in Monte Carlo. He is the son of 1979 Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter.-Early years:...
spun to avoid the crash, and wrecked into the inside wall. Jeff Bucknum
Jeff Bucknum
Jeff Bucknum is an American race car driver. Jeff is the son of Formula One and Championship Car racer Ronnie Bucknum....
, Patrick Carpentier
Patrick Carpentier
Patrick Carpentier is a retired Canadian race car driver. He is best known for his career in the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series. In 2009, Patrick shared the #36 of Tommy Baldwin Racing with Mike Skinner and ran Michael Waltrip's #55 Toyota Camry in the road course races in the...
, and Jaques Lazier
Jaques Lazier
Jaques Lazier is an American racing driver born January 25, 1971 in Denver, Colorado and is the younger brother of 1996 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Lazier and son of former Indy racer Bob Lazier....
also got caught up in the melee. Patrick damamged her nosecone, and ducked immediately into the pits. The team replaced the nose of the car, then a second pit stop (lap 159) saw her change tires and top off the fuel. Patrick dropped to 11th, the last car on the lead lap. Just before the restart on lap 161, Bryan Herta
Bryan Herta
Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series...
ducked into the pits, and topped off the fuel. The team intended to go the distance without another pit stop.
Finish
With 30 laps to go, Dan WheldonDan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
led Vitor Meira
Vitor Meira
Vitor Meira is an auto racing driver currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He has twice finished second in the Indianapolis 500....
. Roger Yasukawa
Roger Yasukawa
Roger Yasukawa is a Japanese-American auto racing driver.Yasukawa started karting in Southern California, winning the California State Championship in 1991 in Junior Sportsman. He then moved to Italy to compete in JICA...
brought out the yellow when his car blew an engine down the front stretch. All of the leaders except Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
and Herta
Bryan Herta
Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series...
went to the pits. Staying out, Patrick and Herta shuffled up to the front of the field. Patrick took the lead for the second time of the day on lap 172, and led Herta on the lap 173 restart. To the delight of the crowd, Patrick pulled out to a 1 second lead. Her crew instructed her to dial down the fuel mixture
Air-fuel ratio
Air–fuel ratio is the mass ratio of air to fuel present in an internal combustion engine. If exactly enough air is provided to completely burn all of the fuel, the ratio is known as the stoichiometric mixture, often abbreviated to stoich...
(in an effort to make it to the finish), and her lead began to dwindle. Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
caught her on lap 186, and took the lead. At the same time, Kosuke Matsuura
Kosuke Matsuura
is a race car driver currently competing in the Formula Nippon series. He previously competed in the IRL IndyCar Series.-Early career:After winning the Japanese Formula Dream Championship in 2001, Kosuke attracted the attention of former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki as a teenager and was placed...
hit the wall in the exit of turn four.
With ten laps to go, the green flag came back out. Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
darted around Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
, and took the lead into turn 1. She held the lead for three laps. With seven laps to go, Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
passed her once again, and pulled out to a lead. With less than three laps to go, Vitor Meira
Vitor Meira
Vitor Meira is an auto racing driver currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He has twice finished second in the Indianapolis 500....
and Bryan Herta
Bryan Herta
Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series...
managed to get by Patrick, while Wheldon continued to pull away. Down the back stretch with less than 1½ laps to go, Buddy Lazier
Buddy Lazier
Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times...
passed Sébastien Bourdais
Sébastien Bourdais
Sébastien Olivier Bourdais is a French race car driver. He is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Champ Car World Series, having won four successive championships from 2004 to 2007....
on the outside for 5th place. Bourdais got loose in turn 3, and crashed into the outside wall. The yellow and white flag were displayed, and one lap later, Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
won the race under caution.
Bryan Herta
Bryan Herta
Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series...
's fuel strategy worked out, and he came home third. Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
held on to 4th place, beating Janet Guthrie
Janet Guthrie
Janet Guthrie is a retired professional race car driver and the first woman to qualify and compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500....
's Indy 500 record (9th place in 1978
1978 Indianapolis 500
The 1978 Indianapolis 500 was held at Indianapolis on Sunday, May 28, 1978. For the first time, Mary Fendrich Hulman, widow of Tony Hulman, delivered the command for drivers to start engines....
) for best finish by a female driver. Buddy Lazier
Buddy Lazier
Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times...
finished a strong 5th, despite nursing a broken front wing after contact by Scott Sharp
Scott Sharp
Scott Sharp is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. He is the son of six-time SCCA champion Bob Sharp. Scott Sharp is best known for his years as a competitor in the Indy Racing League....
.
Box score
| Finish | Start | Car No. |
Driver | C* | E* | Qual | Rank | Laps | Status | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16 | 26 | Dan Wheldon Dan Wheldon Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011... |
D | H | 224.308 | 17 | 200 | Running | Andretti Green Racing Andretti Green Racing Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti... |
| 2 | 7 | 17 | Vitor Meira Vitor Meira Vitor Meira is an auto racing driver currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He has twice finished second in the Indianapolis 500.... |
P | H | 226.848 | 8 | 200 | Running | Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is an auto racing team that currently races in the American Le Mans Series and part–time in the IndyCar Series. Based in Hilliard, Ohio, it is co–owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, television talk show host David Letterman, and businessman Mike... |
| 3 | 18 | 7 | Bryan Herta Bryan Herta Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series... |
D | H | 223.972 | 20 | 200 | Running | Andretti Green Racing Andretti Green Racing Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti... |
| 4 | 4 | 16 | Danica Patrick Danica Patrick Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd... (R) |
P | H | 227.004 | 5 | 200 | Running | Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is an auto racing team that currently races in the American Le Mans Series and part–time in the IndyCar Series. Based in Hilliard, Ohio, it is co–owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, television talk show host David Letterman, and businessman Mike... |
| 5 | 9 | 95 | Buddy Lazier Buddy Lazier Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times... (W) |
D | C | 226.353 | 10 | 200 | Running | Panther Racing Panther Racing Panther Racing is an American open wheel auto racing team. It is one of the oldest continually operating teams in Indy Racing League LLC's IZOD IndyCar Series.... |
| 6 | 6 | 27 | Dario Franchitti Dario Franchitti George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing... |
D | H | 226.873 | 7 | 200 | Running | Andretti Green Racing Andretti Green Racing Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti... |
| 7 | 3 | 8 | Scott Sharp Scott Sharp Scott Sharp is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. He is the son of six-time SCCA champion Bob Sharp. Scott Sharp is best known for his years as a competitor in the Indy Racing League.... |
P | H | 227.126 | 4 | 200 | Running | Fernandez Racing Fernández Racing Fernández Racing is a Mexican motor racing team that competes in the American Le Mans Series and previously Champ Car, the IRL IndyCar Series, and the Rolex Sports Car Series. The team was co-founded by Adrian Fernández and Tom Anderson in 2001.-Open wheel:... |
| 8 | 1 | 11 | Tony Kanaan Tony Kanaan Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara... |
D | H | 227.566 | 2 | 200 | Running | Andretti Green Racing Andretti Green Racing Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti... |
| 9 | 5 | 3 | Hélio Castroneves Hélio Castroneves Hélio Castroneves is a Brazilian auto racing driver currently competing in the North American IndyCar Series. In IndyCar competition, Castroneves has 14 wins and 28 poles, and has never placed lower than sixth in the standings in a complete season of racing... (W) |
D | T | 226.927 | 6 | 200 | Running | Team Penske |
| 10 | 24 | 33 | Ryan Briscoe Ryan Briscoe Ryan Briscoe is an Australian auto racing driver who has raced open wheel and sports cars in Europe and America.In addition to his native English, Briscoe speaks Italian and French... (R) |
P | T | 224.080 | 19 | 199 | Running | Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is an automotive racing organization with teams competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series. It is owned by businessmen Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates. They have won 4 Champ Car, 3 Indy Racing League and 1 Grand-Am championships... |
| 11 | 26 | 20 | Ed Carpenter |
D | T | 221.439 | 25 | 199 | Running | Vision Racing Vision Racing Vision Racing was a racing team in the Indy Racing League founded in 2005 when Tony George purchased the assets of the defunct Kelley Racing and hired his stepson Ed Carpenter to be the driver. The team has previously raced in the Izod IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Grand-Am Sports... |
| 12 | 15 | 37 | Sébastien Bourdais Sébastien Bourdais Sébastien Olivier Bourdais is a French race car driver. He is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the Champ Car World Series, having won four successive championships from 2004 to 2007.... (R) |
P | H | 224.955 | 16 | 198 | Crash T3 | Newman/Haas Racing |
| 13 | 22 | 51 | Alex Barron Alex Barron (driver) Alex Barron in San Diego, California) is an American race car driver. He began racing CART FedEx World Series Championship cars in 1998 and made his first Indy Racing League Northern Lights Series start in 2001.... |
D | T | 221.053 | 27 | 197 | Running | Team Cheever |
| 14 | 14 | 5 | Adrian Fernández Adrian Fernández José Adrián Fernández Mier is a Mexican racing driver and co-owner of the Fernandez Racing team.-Early career:... |
P | H | 225.120 | 15 | 197 | Running | Fernandez Racing Fernández Racing Fernández Racing is a Mexican motor racing team that competes in the American Le Mans Series and previously Champ Car, the IRL IndyCar Series, and the Rolex Sports Car Series. The team was co-founded by Adrian Fernández and Tom Anderson in 2001.-Open wheel:... |
| 15 | 33 | 48 | Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone is a race car driver from Brazil. He competed in the Indy Racing League between 2001 and 2006. His father, "Zeca" Giaffone is the 1987 Stock Car Brasil champion and Mil Milhas Brasil five times winner in the 1980s.-Racing career:... |
P | T | 217.645 | 36 | 194 | Running | A.J. Foyt Enterprises |
| 16 | 27 | 21 | Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier is an American racing driver born January 25, 1971 in Denver, Colorado and is the younger brother of 1996 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Lazier and son of former Indy racer Bob Lazier.... |
P | T | 221.228 | 26 | 189 | Running | Playa Del Racing Playa Del Racing American Dream Motorsports was a racing team that competed in the Indy Racing League's Indy Lights series and the IndyCar Series' Indianapolis 500 owned by Eric Zimmerman and William T. Kelsey... |
| 17 | 8 | 55 | Kosuke Matsuura Kosuke Matsuura is a race car driver currently competing in the Formula Nippon series. He previously competed in the IRL IndyCar Series.-Early career:After winning the Japanese Formula Dream Championship in 2001, Kosuke attracted the attention of former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki as a teenager and was placed... |
P | H | 226.397 | 9 | 186 | Crash T4 | Super Aguri Fernandez Racing |
| 18 | 17 | 24 | Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa is a Japanese-American auto racing driver.Yasukawa started karting in Southern California, winning the California State Championship in 1991 in Junior Sportsman. He then moved to Italy to compete in JICA... |
D | H | 224.131 | 18 | 167 | Mechanical | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is an American motor racing team in the open wheel Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, with one series win by co-owner Robbie Buhl, who owns the team with Indianapolis BMW, Infiniti, Volkswagen and Maserati dealer Dennis Reinbold.... |
| 19 | 10 | 2 | Tomáš Enge Tomáš Enge Tomáš Enge is a motor racing driver from the Czech Republic, who has competed in many classes of motorsport, including three races in Formula One.-Career:... (R) |
D | C | 226.107 | 11 | 155 | Crash T4 | Panther Racing Panther Racing Panther Racing is an American open wheel auto racing team. It is one of the oldest continually operating teams in Indy Racing League LLC's IZOD IndyCar Series.... |
| 20 | 11 | 4 | Tomas Scheckter Tomas Scheckter Tomas Scheckter is a South African racing driver, born in Monte Carlo. He is the son of 1979 Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter.-Early years:... |
D | C | 226.031 | 12 | 154 | Crash T4 | Panther Racing Panther Racing Panther Racing is an American open wheel auto racing team. It is one of the oldest continually operating teams in Indy Racing League LLC's IZOD IndyCar Series.... |
| 21 | 25 | 83 | Patrick Carpentier Patrick Carpentier Patrick Carpentier is a retired Canadian race car driver. He is best known for his career in the Champ Car World Series and the IndyCar Series. In 2009, Patrick shared the #36 of Tommy Baldwin Racing with Mike Skinner and ran Michael Waltrip's #55 Toyota Camry in the road course races in the... (R) |
D | T | 222.803 | 22 | 153 | Mechanical | Team Cheever |
| 22 | 21 | 44 | Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum is an American race car driver. Jeff is the son of Formula One and Championship Car racer Ronnie Bucknum.... (R) |
D | H | 221.521 | 24 | 150 | Crash T4 | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is an American motor racing team in the open wheel Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, with one series win by co-owner Robbie Buhl, who owns the team with Indianapolis BMW, Infiniti, Volkswagen and Maserati dealer Dennis Reinbold.... |
| 23 | 2 | 6 | Sam Hornish, Jr. Sam Hornish, Jr. Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car.... |
D | T | 227.273 | 3 | 146 | Crash T1 | Team Penske |
| 24 | 13 | 9 | Scott Dixon Scott Dixon Scott Ronald Dixon, MNZM is a New Zealand motor racer who became the most successful all-time driver in the Indy Racing League championship in the United States when he won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in August 2009. This took his total to 21 wins... |
P | T | 225.215 | 14 | 113 | Crash T1 | Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is an automotive racing organization with teams competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series. It is owned by businessmen Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates. They have won 4 Champ Car, 3 Indy Racing League and 1 Grand-Am championships... |
| 25 | 20 | 70 | Richie Hearn Richie Hearn Richie Hearn , is an American IndyCar racing driver.Hearn was born in Glendale, California. He ran in the Toyota Atlantic championship for two seasons, winning the title in 1995. In 1996, he began driving for John Della Penna in both the IRL and Champ Car ranks... |
P | C | 222.707 | 23 | 112 | Crash T1 | Sam Schmidt Motorsports Sam Schmidt Motorsports Sam Schmidt Motorsports is an auto racing team in the IndyCar IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights Series owned by quadriplegic former driver Sam Schmidt.... |
| 26 | 23 | 15 | Kenny Bräck Kenny Bräck Kenny Bräck is a race car driver from Sweden. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He is the winner of the 1999 Indianapolis 500 and the 1998 driving champion of the Indy Racing League. He survived one of the racing sport's biggest... (W) |
P | H | 227.598 | 1 | 92 | Mechanical | Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is an auto racing team that currently races in the American Le Mans Series and part–time in the IndyCar Series. Based in Hilliard, Ohio, it is co–owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, television talk show host David Letterman, and businessman Mike... |
| 27 | 31 | 22 | Jeff Ward Jeff Ward (motocross) Jeff Ward is the first motocross rider in history to win every major AMA motocross national championship... |
D | T | 218.714 | 34 | 92 | Handling | Vision Racing Vision Racing Vision Racing was a racing team in the Indy Racing League founded in 2005 when Tony George purchased the assets of the defunct Kelley Racing and hired his stepson Ed Carpenter to be the driver. The team has previously raced in the Izod IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Grand-Am Sports... |
| 28 | 28 | 14 | A.J. Foyt IV |
D | T | 220.442 | 28 | 84 | Handling | A.J. Foyt Enterprises |
| 29 | 19 | 10 | Darren Manning Darren Manning Darren Manning is a motor racing driver, most recently racing in the IRL IndyCar Series for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.-Early career:... |
P | T | 223.943 | 21 | 82 | Mechanical | Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is an automotive racing organization with teams competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series. It is owned by businessmen Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates. They have won 4 Champ Car, 3 Indy Racing League and 1 Grand-Am championships... |
| 30 | 12 | 36 | Bruno Junqueira Bruno Junqueira Bruno Junqueira is a Brazilian race car driver that most recently competed in the IRL IndyCar Series. He is a former Formula 3000 champion and three-time runner-up in the Champ Car World Series.-Early career:... |
P | H | 225.704 | 13 | 76 | Crash T2 | Newman/Haas Racing |
| 31 | 29 | 25 | Marty Roth Marty Roth Marty Roth is a former Canadian race car driver who most recently competed in the IndyCar Series where he owned his own team, Roth Racing.... |
D | C | 219.497 | 32 | 47 | Handling | Roth Racing Roth Racing Roth Racing was a race team owned by Canadian real estate magnate and racecar driver Marty Roth. It competed in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.- 2004-2005 :... |
| 32 | 32 | 91 | Jimmy Kite Jimmy Kite Jimmy Kite is an American race car driver. He debuted in the Indy Racing League in 1997 and has competed in over 30 IRL races, including five Indianapolis 500s... |
D | T | 218.565 | 35 | 47 | Handling | Hemelgarn Racing Hemelgarn Racing Hemelgarn Racing was a racing team in the Indy Racing League owned by Ron Hemelgarn. The team won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and 2000 Series Championship with driver Buddy Lazier. Along with A.J... |
| 33 | 30 | 41 | Larry Foyt Larry Foyt Larry Joseph Roberds Foyt is a semi-retired NASCAR and IndyCar driver. He is the biological grandson and adopted son of A. J. Foyt, and a biological cousin of A. J. Foyt IV. His biological mother is Terry Lynn Foyt, daughter of A. J. Foyt, who divorced his biological father Larry Gene Roberds... |
D | T | 219.396 | 33 | 14 | Crash T2 | A.J. Foyt Enterprises |
(W) = former Indianapolis 500 winner; (R) = Indianapolis 500 rookie
*C Chassis
Chassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
: D=Dallara
Dallara
Dallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
; P=Panoz
Panoz
Panoz Auto Development is an American manufacturer of high-performance automobiles founded in 1989 by Dan Panoz, son of pharmaceutical and motorsport mogul Don Panoz. The company is located in Braselton, GA. Panoz products have included the Panoz Roadster and AIV Roadster, and the Panoz Esperante...
.
*E Engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
: C=Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
; H=Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
; T=Toyota.
All cars in the 2005 Indianapolis 500 used Firestone
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is an American tire company founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons, buggies, and other forms of wheeled transportation common in the era. Firestone soon saw the huge potential for marketing tires for automobiles. The company...
tires.
Race leaders
Seven drivers led the race, with a total of twenty-seven lead changes.
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Aftermath
The massive media attention going into the race delivered a high television rating, and brought the IndyCar SeriesIndyCar Series
The IZOD IndyCar Series is the premier level of American open wheel racing. The current championship, founded by Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, began in 1996 as a competitor to CART known as the Indy Racing League . Citing CART's increasing reliance on expensive machinery and...
back into the limelight after several slumping years. Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
rode the wave of success to six total victories in 2005, and clinched the 2005 IndyCar Series championship.
Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
, however, emerged from the race as the biggest star. She was interviewed on Good Morning America
Good Morning America
Good Morning America is an American morning news and talk show that is broadcast on the ABC television network; it debuted on November 3, 1975. The weekday program airs for two hours; a third hour aired between 2007 and 2008 exclusively on ABC News Now...
the morning after the race, and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated is an American sports media company owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. Its self titled magazine has over 3.5 million subscribers and is read by 23 million adults each week, including over 18 million men. It was the first magazine with circulation over one million to win the...
. Patrick became a household name nearly overnight, and became a "watercooler" topic.
Two weeks after the race, other drivers in the series started to embrace and make light of the attention. Race winner Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
wore a t shirt stating "Actually won the Indy 500." Buddy Rice
Buddy Rice
Buddy Rice is an American racecar driver. He is best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, and the 2009 24 Hours of Daytona for Brumos Racing.-Early career:...
, the 2004 Indy 500
2004 Indianapolis 500
The 2004 Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis on Sunday, May 30, 2004. It was part of the 2004 IndyCar Series season and the ninth Indy 500 sanctioned by the Indy Racing League. Pole winner Buddy Rice led the most laps and won the race for team owners Bobby Rahal and David Letterman.After...
winner sported a shirt saying "Danica's teammate," while Vitor Meira
Vitor Meira
Vitor Meira is an auto racing driver currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He has twice finished second in the Indianapolis 500....
, who finished second wore a shirt with "Danica's other teammate."
ABC's television coverage controversy
For 2005, ABC SportsESPN on ABC
ESPN on ABC is the brand used for sports programming on the ABC television network. Officially the broadcast network retains its own sports division; however, for all practical purposes, ABC's sports division has been merged with ESPN, a sports cable network majority-owned by ABC's parent, The...
replaced veteran announcer Paul Page
Paul Page
Paul Page is an American motorsports broadcaster who was the lead announcer for ABC Sports' coverage of CART and the IRL from 1988 to 2004. He currently is the lead announcer for NHRA.-Early life and career:...
with Todd Harris
Todd Harris
Todd Harris is a play-by-play announcer for ESPNU college football coverage and Ultimate Fighting Championship airing on Versus.Prior to those duties, he was the lead play-by-play announcer for ABC and ESPN's coverage of the Indy Racing League's IndyCar Series...
. Harris had previously covered the World's Strongest Man
World's Strongest Man
The World's Strongest Man is a well recognised event in strength athletics and has been described by a number of highly respected authorities in the sport as the premier event in strongman. Organized by TWI, an IMG Media company, it is broadcast around the end of December each year...
competitions, and worked as a sideline–pit reporter. However, he was inexperienced in anchoring live sports, and did not personally pursue the role. Harris was joined by analyst Scott Goodyear
Scott Goodyear
Scott Goodyear is a former race car driver from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Goodyear ran the IRL and Champ Car series during his career from 1987, winning the Michigan 500 in 1992 and 1994...
in the booth.
Going into the race broadcast, one of the most significant stories of the month was Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick
Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd...
qualifying 4th, and having a legitimate chance to win the race. ABC Sports planned to focus considerably on Patrick during the pre-race and race running. Many felt that ABC was ignoring the other drivers, including polesitter Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
and eventual winner Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
. In the days after the race, ABC
ESPN on ABC
ESPN on ABC is the brand used for sports programming on the ABC television network. Officially the broadcast network retains its own sports division; however, for all practical purposes, ABC's sports division has been merged with ESPN, a sports cable network majority-owned by ABC's parent, The...
, and Harris in particular, were largely criticised by columnists and bloggers for poor coverage, and for biased and subjective coverage of Patrick.
It was pointed out that despite the close attention, neither Harris nor Goodyear
Scott Goodyear
Scott Goodyear is a former race car driver from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Goodyear ran the IRL and Champ Car series during his career from 1987, winning the Michigan 500 in 1992 and 1994...
noticed that Patrick had taken the lead during a sequence of pit stops on lap 56. Nine laps later, as ABC returned from commercial, Harris mentioned Patrick having taken the lead for the first time. His comments were criticised as he said she "...turned the trick..." (usually a sexual reference), and that "Fifty years from now you will remember where you were when Danica Patrick made not only motorsports history, but she joined the likes of Amelia Earhardt and Sally Ride
Sally Ride
Sally Kristen Ride is an American physicist and a former NASA astronaut. Ride joined NASA in 1978, and in 1983 became the first American woman—and then-youngest American, at 32—to enter space...
in a barrier-breaking performance..." Of which Jerry Greene of the Orlando Sentinel
Orlando Sentinel
The Orlando Sentinel is the primary newspaper of the Orlando, Florida region. It was founded in 1876. The Sentinel is owned by Tribune Company and is overseen by the Chicago Tribune. As of 2005, the Sentinel’s president and publisher was Kathleen Waltz; she announced her resignation in February 2008...
wrote "I seriously doubt it, Todd." Greene also wrote that Harris "said many stupid things Sunday because of Ms. Patrick's efforts."
Richard Sandomir wrote that Harris and Goodyear faltered in three distinct instances late in the race. With 13 laps to go, they closely examined Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
taking the lead by the nose of the car at the line repeatedly when a caution came out. It was portrayed as if they were racing back to the caution
Racing back to the caution
In automobile racing, specifically NASCAR stock car racing, "racing back to the caution" is a term used to describe a procedure about what drivers did after a caution flag was displayed.-NASCAR usage:...
. However, such was not allowed under Indy Racing League rules. It was later observed that the caution light did not turn on until the cars were in turn 1 (well after Wheldon had completed the pass), and the attention focused at the start–finish line was misguided, misleading, and irrelevant.
Three laps later, Harris awkwardly waited ten seconds before noting that Patrick had re-taken the lead on the restart. When Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
took the lead for good on lap 193, Harris again hesitated, and waited 20 seconds to report the move, and another 30 seconds to report that Patrick had dropped to 4th place. Sandomir also criticized a perceived "softball" post-race interview of Patrick by Jerry Punch
Jerry Punch
Dr. Jerry Punch is an American auto racing and college football commentator on ESPN. Punch also does local radio spots in Knoxville.-Early life and career:...
.
Houston Chronicle
Houston Chronicle
The Houston Chronicle is the largest daily newspaper in Texas, USA, headquartered in the Houston Chronicle Building in Downtown Houston. , it is the ninth-largest newspaper by circulation in the United States...
writer David Barron said during the pre-race show and the race's first 90 minutes, he "counted an average of one Patrick reference every five minutes, and each reference went on for some time." Others blogged that ABC
ESPN on ABC
ESPN on ABC is the brand used for sports programming on the ABC television network. Officially the broadcast network retains its own sports division; however, for all practical purposes, ABC's sports division has been merged with ESPN, a sports cable network majority-owned by ABC's parent, The...
was intentionally bringing attention to Patrick's looks, at the same time trying to downplay them.
With all the hoopla regarding Danica Patrick it was also seen as interesting by some that the song that was played during the closing credits of the broadcast was a song by the title "Luckiest Man Alive" by the Finn Brothers. Some felt that while jumping on the Danica hype for all it was worth this pointed to abc never really taking the idea seriously that she might actually win. Of course there could've been another version of the closing credits with another song available if she had won but no one at abc has ever commented on it.
At the end of the 2005 season, Todd Harris was removed from the booth, and replaced with veteran Marty Reid
Marty Reid
Marty Reid is an American television sportscaster who has worked for ESPN since 1982.Reid is currently the lead television announcer for ESPN on ABC's coverage of the IndyCar Series, including the Indianapolis 500, and was the lead announcer for ESPN and ABC's NASCAR Sprint Cup coverage for the...
.