Dario Earns A BIG Check

2010 Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti and team owner Chip Ganassi have earned a big check for their huge win yesterday.  The prize breakdown:

1. Dario Franchitti $2,752,055
2. Dan Wheldon $1,007,305
3. Marco Andretti $630,505
4. Alex Lloyd $425,305
5. Scott Dixon $377,305
6. Danica Patrick $307,305
7. Justin Wilson $312,255
8. Will Power $385,805
9. Helio Castroneves $545,655
10. Alex Tagliani $302,805
11. Tony Kanaan $308,555
12. Graham Rahal $251,805
13. Mario Romancini $305,555
14. Simona De Silvestro (ROY) $327,055
15. Tomas Scheckter $262,555
16. Townsend Bell $251,805
17. Ed Carpenter $250,305
18. Ryan Hunter-Reay $
19. Mike Conway $307,055
20. Takuma Sato $302,055
21. Ana Beatriz $250,305
22. Bertrand Baguette $300,555
23. Sebastian Saavedra $255,555
24. Ryan Briscoe $307,305
25. E.J. Viso $301,805
26. Sarah Fisher $250,305
27. Vitor Meira $300,305
28. Hideki Mutoh $315,305
29. Raphael Matos $300,305
30. John Andretti $251,805
31. Mario Moraes $301,805
32. Bruno Junqueira $261,805
33. Davey Hamilton $255,305

Simona De Silvestro raked in a cool $25,000 as she was awarded this years Chase Rookie Of The Year by the media.

In total $13,592,815 was awarded.

Hamilton A No Go

After a rough Indianapolis 500 for de Ferran Dragon Racing, the team has now confirmed that Davey Hamilton will not run at Texas as originally scheduled.  The IZOD IndyCar Series vet put his Dallara into the inside of the turn 2 wall on the first lap of yesterday's race after a near collision with DRR's Tomas Scheckter.  Due to the damage obtained to the #21 car and to teammate Raphael Matos' #2, the team doesn't have the equipment required to run the pair in this weekends Texas 550k.

Conway & RHR Medical Update

Injured in a last lap incident in yesterday's Indianapolis 500, Mike Conway and Ryan Hunter-Reay will

both require surgery.

Conway, who's car got airborne in a last lap incident, had surgery last night to repair fractures in his lower left leg.  In addition to the fractures, the British pilot has a soft tissue injury also in his lower left leg that will require another surgery set for later this week.  He has also been fitted with a back brace which will keep him out for at least 3 months due to a compression fracture to one of his thoracic vertebrae.

Ryan Hunter-Reay, who's car acted as a ramp in the Conway incident, was scheduled to have surgery earlier today due to an injury obtained in a pit road incident with Scott Dixon.  But, as reported by Hunter-Reay's fiance on twitter, they "Came 4 Ry's surgery @ 5:45 am but somebody had to have Apple Jacks this morning... Can't eat within 6 hours!" So, the surgery was rescheduled for later today.  RHR will be fitted with a carbon fiber splint, allowing him to run at Texas this weekend.

The Race: Indepth

Official Standings:

1. Dario Franchitti
2. Dan Wheldon
3. Marco Andretti
4. Alex Lloyd
5. Scott Dixon
6. Danica Patrick
7. Justin Wilson
8. Will Power
9. Helio Castroneves
10. Alex Tagliani
11. Tony Kanaan
12. Graham Rahal
13. Mario Romancini
14. Simona De Silvestro
15. Tomas Scheckter
16. Townsend Bell
17. Ed Carpenter
18. Ryan Hunter-Reay
19. Mike Conway
20. Takuma Sato
21. Ana Beatriz
22. Bertrand Baguette
23. Sebastian Saavedra
24. Ryan Briscoe
25. E.J. Viso
26. Sarah Fisher
27. Vitor Meira
28. Hideki Mutoh
29. Raphael Matos
30. John Andretti
31. Mario Moraes
32. Bruno Junqueira
33. Davey Hamilton

-More than 1,500 fans were treated at the infield Medical Center, most suffering from heat-related illnesses

-35 of those fans were transported to hospitals for evaluation

-Highest air temp registered was 96 degrees at 3 & 3:30pm

-2 Male spectators, sitting in the North Vista, East Section 47, Rows A & G were treated for minor injuries from the Mike Conway crash.  One received stitches for a cut to the cheek, while the other required no stitches for a laceration to the head.

-1 fan was transported by ground to Methodist Hospital for injuries suffered in a golf cart accident.

-Winners average speed:  161.623mph

-Time of Race: 03:05:37.0131

-Margin of victory: Under caution

-9 cautions for 44 laps

-13 lead changes among 8 drivers (Franchitti, Conway, Wilson, Scheckter, Briscoe, Power, Castroneves, M. Andretti)

-14 cars finished on the lead lap

-3rd consecutive year the Panther Racing #4 entry finished 2nd

Rookie Stats: ROY (Romancini and/or De Silvestro)

Romancini: Start: 27th  Finish: 13th
De Silvestro: Start: 22nd Finish: 14th
Sato: Start: 31st Finish: 20th
Beatriz: Start: 21st Finish: 21st
Baguette: Start: 24th Finish: 22nd
Saavedra: Start: 32nd Finish: 23rd

Movers: (starting position to finishing position):

+22 Alex Lloyd
+22 Tony Kanaan
+17 Danica Patrick
+16 Dan Wheldon
+14 Mario Romancini
+13 Marco Andretti
+11 Takuma Sato
+9 Sebastian Saavedra
+8 Simona De Silvestro
+5 Tomas Scheckter
+4 Justin Wilson
+3 Sarah Fisher
+3 Vitor Meira
+2 Dario Franchitti
+2 Bertrand Baguette
+1 Scott Dixon
+/-0 Ana Beatriz
-1 Ryan Hunter-Reay
-2 John Andretti
-4 Mike Conway
-5 Alex Tagliani
-5 Graham Rahal
-6 Will Power
-6 Townsend Bell
-6 E.J. Viso
-7 Bruno Junqueira
-8 Helio Castroneves
-9 Ed Carpenter
-17 Raphael Matos
-18 Mario Moraes
-19 Hideki Mutoh
-19 Davey Hamilton
-20 Ryan Briscoe

Top 10 points earners from Indy:

Franchitti - 64pts
Wheldon - 44pts
M. Andretti - 39pts
Dixon - 39pts
Castroneves - 37pts
Power - 37pts
Lloyd - 35pts
Patrick - 32pts
Wilson - 30pts
Tagliani - 30pts

Franchitti Wins

Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Dario Franchitti has won his 2nd Indianapolis 500.  Franchitti, who won with Andretti Green Racing in 2007 becomes the first person to ever pilot the #10 car to victory lane at Indianapolis.

The final standings were:

1. Dario Franchitti
2. Dan Wheldon
3. Marco Andretti
4. Alex Lloyd
5. Scott Dixon
6. Danica Patrick
7. Justin Wilson
8. Will Power
9. Helio Castroneves
10. Alex Tagliani
11. Tony Kanaan
12. Graham Rahal
13. Mario Romancini
14. Simona De Silvestro
15. Tomas Scheckter
16. Townsend Bell
17. Ed Carpenter
18. Ryan Hunter-Reay
19. Mike Conway
20. Takuma Sato
21. Ana Beatriz
22. Bertrand Baguette
23. Sebastian Saavedra
24. Ryan Briscoe
25. E.J. Viso
26. Sarah Fisher
27. Vitor Meira
28. Hideki Mutoh
29. Raphael Matos
30. John Andretti
31. Mario Moraes
32. Bruno Junqueira
33. Davey Hamilton

ABC, Bringing Back A Classic

I'm not sure about you, but I love unique camera shots.  Everything from the tip of the nose cone, to the drivers feet on a road or street course.  Camera shots are a make or break for the broadcast of any sports event, and for the Indianapolis 500, ABC is bringing back a classic.  In addition to the 11 air-intake mounted On-Board Cameras, listed below:

• #3 Helio Castroneves
• #4 Dan Wheldon
• #7 Danica Patrick
• #9 Scott Dixon
• #10 Dan Wheldon
• #11 Tony Kanaan
• #26 Marco Andretti
• #30 Graham Rahal
• #33 Bruno Junqueira
• #37 Ryan Hunter-Reay
• #43 John Andretti

In 2010 they'll be bringing back the Face Cam.  You know, the fantastic shot where the camera is mounted in the cockpit, facing rearward toward the drivers helmet.  Those cams will include:

• #7 Danica Patrick
• #11 Tony Kanaan
• #30 Graham Rahal

In addition to the on-boards and face cams, ABC has also equipped a few pit members with a Crew Cam.  Mounted on the team member's helmet, the lipstick camera captures all the action from the best seat in the house.  Those cams include:

• #7 Danica Patrick - Crew Chief - Dave Shipley
• #9 Scott Dixon - Crew Chief - Ricky Davis
• #20 Ed Carpenter - Sign Board - Rob Sabatini

Crowds Are Up

The crowd has been up all month the last 2 weeks, and we've got another good one today at IMS.

Carroll To Debut At The Glen

Andretti Autosport's newest member to the family, Adam Carroll, will make his debut at Watkins Glen.  It was Announced in a Thursday press conference at IMS that the 27-year-old Carroll will carry primary sponsorship from Boost Mobile.  Earlier this week Virgin Mobile found a prominent spot on the engine cowling of Ryan Hunter-Reay's #37 entry, while Boost Mobile got a spot on the #7 of Danica Patrick's cowling.

Nicholson To Drop The Green

Jack Nicholson, a 3-time Academy award winning actor, will drop the green flag for the 94th Indianapolis 500 this Sunday. 73-year-old Nicholson, a New Jersey native, is best known for his roles in The Shining, Batman, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Bucket List, Easy Rider and countless other classics.

“Few actors draw the level of respect and admiration that Jack Nicholson so deserves. He has a sense of style, humor and attitude that is a perfect fit for the Indianapolis 500 and IZOD IndyCar Series. We look forward to welcoming him to Indianapolis and watching him wave the green flag to start the greatest race in the world.” - President & CEO of IMS Corp., Jeff Belskus

Andretti, Wahlberg To Lead Field

Mark Wahlberg, Grand Marshal of the Long Beach GP earlier this year, will join the field at the start of the 2010 Indianapolis 500. Piloted by IZOD IndyCar Series veteran and Andretti Autosport owner Michal Andretti, Wahlberg will take three parade laps behind four parade vehicles, but in front of the pace car and 33-car field in a purpose built 2-seater. Once the the 4 parade cars pit, Andretti and Wahlberg will reach speeds of nearly 200mph catching the 11th row before the drop of the green flag. Mario Andretti, who was originally rumored to be driving the car, will be coaching the two over a radio from the IZOD Pit Performance Center.

Following the race on ABC, fans can log on to RaceToTheParty.com to check out audio and video footage from in-car equipment on the 2-seater. Coined "Fastest Seat in Sports", announcements will be made during the LIVE broadcast on promotions that will offer fans the opportunity to experience the thrill.

“This sport is incredible. I was blown away at the Long Beach Grand Prix by the speed and skill of these drivers -- I've had the racing bug ever since. My career has taken me down many amazing roads, but nothing compares to this. This should be the ride of my life." - Mark Wahlberg

"We've got three heavyweights making history – Mark Wahlberg, a Hollywood leading man who, for this ride, is professionally trained for an upcoming movie and in the best shape of his life, alongside Mario Andretti, one of the best to ever drive a race car and Michael Andretti, former driver and owner of Andretti Autosport. We're really proud to have these guys on our team and on the track for the first ‘IZOD Fastest Seat in Sports’ event. What a great place to be during an event like this. I would think it's like suiting up with a Super Bowl team and chasing the kicker." - Executive VP of Marketing for Phillips-Van Heusen, Mike Kelly

The Grid: Indepth

Countries represented: (13)

(9) United States
(8) Brazil
(4) Britain
(2) Australia
(2) Japan
(1) Belgium
(1) Canada
(1) Columbia
(1) New Zealand
(1) Scotland
(1) South Africa
(1) Switzerland
(1) Venezuela

Teams: (18)

(5) Andretti
(4) DRR
(3) KVRT
(3) Penske
(2) Conquest
(2) dFDR
(2) FAAZT
(2) Ganassi
(1) BHA
(1) Coyne
(1) Fisher
(1) Foyt
(1) NHR
(1) Panther
(1) RLR
(1) SSM/Ganassi
(1) TSGW/HVM
(1) Vision/Panther

-A record breaking 4 Woman in the Indianapolis 500: Danica Patrick, Sarah Fisher, Simona De Silvestro (R), Ana Beatriz (R)

-3 family combinations qualified: Ma. Andretti/Mi. Andretti, E. Carpenter/T. George, G. Rahal/B. Rahal

-The only driver of the 4 KV Racing Technology entries not to put their car into the wall during the Month, Paul Tracy, was the only KVRT car not to qualify

-10 teams had a driver with a higher qualifying position then Andretti Autosport's highest driver, Marco Andretti 16th (Penske, Ganassi, FAZZT, RLR, Panther/Vision, NHR, SSM, DRR, dFDR, KVRT)

-The 10th row (J. Andretti, S. Fisher, V. Meira) has the most '500' starts (28).

-6 rookies: Beatriz, De Silvestro, Romancini, Baguette, Saavedra, Sato

-4 previous winners: Dixon, Castroneves, Franchitti, Wheldon

-Oldest driver: Davey Hamilton, 47

-Youngest driver: Sebastia Saavedra, 19

-9 former Firestone Indy Lights drivers: M. Andretti, Carpenter, Beatriz, Mutoh, Lloyd, Romancini, Saavedra, Matos, Rahal

-3 'T' cars qualified (Franchitti, Viso, Kanaan)

-4 Non qualifiers: #15 Tracy, #66 Howard, #41 Foyt/Lazier, #18 Duno

-10 qualifying bumps

-8 failed qualifying attempts

-11 qualifying withdraws

-17 qualifying wave offs

-Average speed 224.974 (5th fastest in history)

The Grid

Row 1: Castroneves - Power - Franchitti
Row 2: Briscoe - Tagliani - Dixon
Row 3: Rahal - Carpenter - Mutoh
Row 4: Bell - Wilson - Matos
Row 5: Moraes - Hamilton - Conway
Row 6: M. Andretti - Hunter-Reay - Wheldon
Row 7: Viso - Tomas Scheckter - Beatriz
Row 8: De Silvestro - Patrick - Baguette
Row 9: Junqueira - Lloyd - Romancini
Row 10: J. Andretti - Fisher - Meira
Row 11: Sato - Kanaan - Saavedra

DNQ: #18 Milka Duno, #15 Paul Tracy, #41 Jaques Lazier, #66 Jay Howard

Bump Day: Saavedra Crash

Rookie Sebastian Saavedra became the second driver to put his car into the wall on bump day, while on the bubble. Saavedra, pilot of the #29 Bryan Herta Autosport Dallara has been checked, cleared, and released from the infield care center.

Lazier In, Quatro Out

Jaques Lazier who was rumored to pilot a 3rd Foyt entry in the 2010 Indianapolis 500 appears to be replacing A.J. Foyt IV in the #41 entry, atleast for qualifying. Stay tuned....

Bump Day: Kanaan Crash

UPDATE: Components from both the #37 and #11 cars will be used on the repair to Tony Kanaan's entry

After a hard crash in yesterday's qualifications, Tony Kanaan has once again made contact in today's morning warm up session on the South end of the track. TK who has been checked and released from the infield care center, sat out the remainder of Pole Day post crash and was scheduled to hit the track around noon to qualify for the 94th Indianapolis 500 in the #11T.

The Andretti Autosport crew seemed to be getting a tub with a Ryan Hunter-Reay livery ready for the veteran.

Bruno Confirmed

As first reported by the Indianapolis CBS affiliate WISH-TV, Bruno Junqueira has been confirmed to run tomorrow. Junqueira, 33, will pilot the #33 entry in an hour of practice on bump day morning before attempting to qualify for his 6th Indianapolis 500.

Expect to see Bruno qualify well, my guess is between 25 & 27.

Kanaan Crash In T2

IZOD IndyCar Series veteran Tony Kanaan spun exiting turn 1, hitting the turn 2 wall hard. The crash marked the 3rd of the day, as both Mario Moraes and Takuma Satoa made contact earlier in the day. TK is ok, and has been cleared to drive.

Moraes Crash In T2

Mario Moraes became the 3rd KV Racing Technology car to crash on the south end of the track this month. Earlier in the week E.J. Viso backed his the #5 into the wall, followed by a Turn 2 crash today by Takuma Sato. Moraes is ok, and has been cleared to drive.

Sato Crash In T2

Former F1 pilot and current KV Racing Technology driver Takuma Sato is awake and alert after a hard crash in Turn 2 during the morning warm up session. Sato who was scheduled to roll out 63rd in qualifications has been transported by ground to Methodist Hospital with a sore back. Earlier this week KVRT teammate E.J. Viso was also involved in a crash, but has since been cleared to drive.

Q&A With Alex Lloyd

16th And Georgetown: You ran pretty well today topping out in 11th with a 225.103. How's the car?

Alex Lloyd: "We've known that we've been capable of it, we've just had high downforce the first few days. We've been taking a little different approach, to where the other people have been doing qualifying and race trim in the same day, we've really just worked on race. Today we finally got a chance to take the downforce off and go for some speed. I think that the reassuring thing is, we've got the kind of speed that we were hoping we were going to get. The last couple of changes there, we found some things that I think are going to make it even a little quicker still. A lot of peoples times were in a draft, so I think were capable of a top 15 qualifying spot if we get everything together. We'll work hard over night and try to put it all together, but today was a pretty good day."

16th And Georgetown: With the rain and short month, how hard is it to figure when to practice for qualifications and when to prep for the race?

Alex Lloyd: "Difficult. I was a little nervous I've got to say a couple days ago, because we've been running race setups for the whole first week. We looked to the weather and said 'Wednesday and Thursday are going to be nice days, Friday maybe not but we've got two full days there to take the downforce off". Wednesday it rained pretty quickly, and we didn't get much running in. Yesterday there was a little bit of dry running, but we had a clutch problem so that cost us some doing. I think that today was really the first time that we were able to get into qualifying trim. Yesterday was a little nerve racking, you want to get into qualifying trim before Saturday, I was thinking with today probably being a washout that we'd be doing it all on qualifying day, which isn't ideal. But, we've got everything that we wanted to do in today, so we feel good. We've worked hard on the the race set up which come race day is going to be important. It looks like we have a pretty good set up for qualifying too. We'll see, tomorrow is going to be warmer so the conditions are going to change, it might help some people and it might hurt others so we'll see how our car does"

16th And Georgetown: What are your thoughts on the new qualification format?

Alex Lloyd: "It doesn't leave any room for error. In previous years if something goes wrong on Fast Friday, or qualifying day you've got the following weekend. Here, if somebody has something go wrong between now and Sunday you could be in a bit of trouble. Especially if you don't have a really top of the line backup car. So, you've got to be precise. You've got to make sure to make smart choices and get the car comfortable, where you need to be and get it in the show. Like I've said, we've been taking a conservative approach, and I think that's a good thing. I think were going to have the speed at the end of the day and the car at the end of the day to put on a good qualifying performance and hopefully have a good race."

Mezzo Microchannel Radiator Wins Schwitzer Award

Previously won by the likes of Andy Granatelli, Dan gurney, Colin Chapman, Bruce McLaren, Smokey Yunick, A.J. Foyt, and Parnelli Jones for things like the turbine engine, and the Eagle, Coyote, and Parnelli chassis', Charles Becnel, Patrick Luke and Christophe Marques and Tino Belli have won the 2010 Louis Schwitzer award. Presented each year since 1967 for innovation and engineering excellence in cars that meet championship specifications entered in that years Indianapolis 500-Mile race, the 44th addition is for the mezzo Microchannel Radiator.

VERSUS Qual Coverage

For the 2nd consecutive year, VERSUS will be super serving the fan on Indianapolis 500 qualification weekend. The coverage will kick off Friday at 3:30 for an hour-and-a-half of Fast Friday practice, assuming the weather holds off. The gang will return at 7pm for a half-hour program devoted to the qualification draw. The next morning at 11am est. the VERSUS talent will take to the air waves for 7.5 hours of non stop excellence. They'll return once again on Sunday at Noon for another 6 hours of bump day coverage.

Thursday Review

Top 10:

1. Tony Kanaan 226.775
2. Paul Tracy 226.322
3. Hideki Mutoh 226.230
4. Marco Andretti 226.108
5. Dan Wheldon 226.106
6. Helio Castroneves 226.080
7. Will power 225.836
8. Alex Tagliani 225.609
9. Graham Rahal 225.559
10. Davey Hamilton 225.431

Sebastian Saavedra, who's been near the bottom of the time charts all week was temporarily replaced in the #29 entry by Bruno Junqeira. After turning about a dozen shakedown laps, with a few bettering Sebastian's times, the car was turned back over to the young columbian.

Tomorrow the gates open at 8am with the cars taking to the track at Noon.

Bruno Shakes Down The #29

UPDATE 1:50: Bruno ran a 222.278 on his 12th lap, qucker then Sebastian's best today of 221.849

With Bryan Herta Autosport Rookie Sebastian Saavedra struggling to get up to speed in the teams inaugural IZOD IndyCar Series event, they've called on a veteran to get it up to speed. Bruno Junqueira, who was originally due to pilot the #33 FAZZT entry has jumped in the BHA #29 to perform a shakedown run, and after just 7 laps he's pulled within .318mph of Saavedra's quickest speed today.

As of now it's still Saavedra's ride, but stay tuned for updates....

Viso Cleared

E.J. Viso, who crashed yesterday with just a few minutes left in practice has been cleared to drive. After backing into the turn 1 wall and sliding down the short chute, Viso was transported by ground to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis complaining of back pain. The 25-year-old veteran was released late Tuesday night after the X-Ray and MRI tests were negative and being examined by Dr. Terry Trammell.

In a press conference today, E.J. confirmed that he's been cleared to drive by the IMS medical staff and expects to make a return to the track later today in his backup car.

When asked what happend Viso responded with "I was just driving into corner one, I just lost the rear, and that all I remember. Thats what happned.

I need to thank everybody at the IMS medical center, KV Racing and everybody for giving me big suport and they were very afficient through the situation."

When asked if he was sore E.J. said "As soon as I hit the wall I had a huge back pain, they took me to the Hospital, they did a full set of scans and E-Rays and luckly everything was in place and here I am, ready to go.

I'm a little bit sore, ya know, but it's part of the job.'

When asked if he'll think about it when he gets back on track E.J. said "Yea, for sure you think about it. One of the things you want to think about is what happend and as soon as you know the reason, you lear from that. Just try to take it out of your mind as soon as possible"

Meira To Compete In IronMan

A.J. Foyt Racing pilot, and 2 time Indianapolis 500 runner-up, Vitor Meira will compete alongside 1,800 other athletes in the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in November. Excepting a special invitation which in the past have been extended to both MLB and NFL players, Meira said, "This was actually on my bucket list". In it's 5th year, the competition consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run. With a cap of 7.5 hours, Meira's goal is to complete the grueling event in 4.5 hours, about an hour after the champion is expected to cross the line.

Meira, who previously participated in in the Ironman 70.3 Pucon event earlier this year pointed out that he wasn't just competing for the fun of it saying, "I wouldn't do it if it didn't improve my performance". According to Vitor, team owner A.J. Foyt approved his participation saying, "He [Foyt] doesn't care if I jump off a tree if it helps my on track performance".

May Indy Tweetup

Race week is quickly approaching and that can only mean one thing, the May Indy Tweetup is nearly here. Brought to you by the same great folks that led up the Winter Indy Tweetup in December (@happyfish103 & @the_race_gIRL), the schedule will consist of everything from a welcome party at Union Jacks, to the '500' parade and even the Fanimation Karting Grand Prix. If you'd like to attend the RSVP page can be found HERE along with a complete list of events HERE, and if you just don't want to be there, your just not cool!

Viso Crash Ends Day

UPDATE: E.J. Viso posted on his Facebook page "Safe. Thanks to all of you for the speed recovery messages. Just a couple of bruises and a little bit of pain. But my spirit still @ the Track. Will be back on track very soon."

UPDATE: Viso has been released from Methodist Hospital, but still needs to be cleared by IMS doctors to drive.

UPDATE: KVRT co-owner, Jimmy Vasser posted on his twitter page "E.J. Viso looks good to go!!:)."

E.J. Viso, who crashed hard in Turn 1 with just a few minutes lefter in Tuesday's practice is awake and alert. Viso was transported by ground to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis complaining of back pain. Stay tuned for updates.....

Make Your Pick

The Indianapolis 500 is less than 2 weeks away, and qualifications are quickly approaching. Picks for the 16th And Georgetown Fantasy League presented by the Indy Racing Experience are open and are due by this Saturday (22nd) at 10am, just before the green flag drops on the 94th Indianapolis 500 pole day.

Ray B. is currently P1 in the league with just 12 points through the first 5 races. Luke B. is just 2 points back with 14, and there is a 3 way tie for 3rd between Joshua J, Andrew W., and Tonay F, each with 16.

Day 2 ROP 2:15-6pm

Wheldon Crash In Turn 4

Dan Wheldon has been checked and released from the infield care center after a crash in turn 4. He'll be re-evaluated for bruising on his right foot.

ROP Day 2 11am-2:15pm

11am-2:15 ROP/Refresher Course Speeds

1. Jay Howard 222.789
2. A.J. Foyt IV 221.544
3. Simona de Silvestro 221.370
4. Davey Hamilton 220.321
5. Takuma Sato 220.235
6. Ana Beatriz 219.816
7. Bertrand Baguette 218.789
8. Mario Romancini 217.865
9. Sebastian Saavedra 213.480

Opening Day 2-6pm

Opening Day Noon-2pm

Quick Trim To Sponsor Rahal

Weight loss supplement Quick Trim has signed on to sponsor Graham Rahal and the #30 Rahal Letterman Racing entry in the 94th Indianapolis 500 at the end of the month. Product marketer and reality TV star Kim Kardashian and her family including former Olympian Bruce Jenner, along with the E! network will also be in attendance of the race.

dFLDR Changes Name

Founded by Steve Luczo and Jay Penske in 2006, Luczo Dragon Racing made their debut in the 2007 Indianapolis 500 with Ryan Briscoe, finishing 5th. The following year the team signed on IndyCar vet Tomas Scheckter for 6 races. Last season the squad upped their program again, competing full-time with rookie Raphael Matos.

Over the long off season, Gil de Ferran, winner of the 2003 Indianapolis 500 attempted to expand his sports car program into an IZOD IndyCar series effort in 2010. Due to sponsorship issues Gil's plans fell through and in February the two teams merged, creating de Ferran Luczo Dragon Racing.

The name change to de Ferran Dragon Racing does not reflect a change in the team's infrastructure. de Ferran will still run the teams day-to-day operations with assistance from Jay Penske and Steve Luczo.

"We changed the name because Luczo Dragon Racing/de Ferran Motorsports was too long. The placement of Gil’s name first represents his vast accomplishments in the sport and his full time involvement as President of our race team. The Dragon represents Jay and me. Just ask Baron Davis who only refers to me as ‘Dragooon.’” - Co-owner, Steve Luczo

“All three of us play an important role in the overall business strategy of the team. We are in the beginning of our partnership, we are developing as a team and I would like to believe we have yet to achieve the full potential of our partnership.” - Co-owner, Gil de Ferran

Panther Unveils Indy Livery

Dan Whelon's Panther Racing, National Guard entry:

(Photos courtesy of Panther Racing)

ESPN Classic Adds '500' Programming

In addition to the 12 Indianapolis 500's that ESPN Classic is scheduled to air this month, they've added a few more programs to the list:

SportsCentury Al Unser will air on ESPN Classic on Tuesday, May 18th at 7am & Noon, Thursday May 27th at Noon, & Sunday May 30th at 10am.

SportsCentury A.J. Foyt will air on ESPN Classic on Wednesday, May 26th at Noon and Sunday May 30th at 9am.

SportsCentury Mario Andretti will air on ESPN Classic on Friday, May 28 at Noon and Sunday, May 30th at 11am.

ESPN Classic Adds '550

Fuzzy To Sponsor Carpenter

(Photo courtesy of Vision Racing Facebook)

Today it was announced that Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka will be the primary sponsor on Ed Carpenter's #20 Vision/Panther Racing Dallara in the 94th Indianapolis 500. Owned by Indiana native and professional golfer Fuzzy Zoeller, Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka was launched in July of 2009.

“I've won some majors in my golf career, and there is no doubt the Indianapolis 500 is the major championship in the world of motor racing. I am very excited about our partnership with Tony, Ed and Panther Racing, and their deep ties to Indiana. I would love to add another major to my resume. Ed's resume on ovals is impressive, so we think we have a shot.” - Fuzzy Zoeller

“This is an exciting development for us. The opportunity to have Fuzzy Zoeller be part of this collaboration between Panther Racing and Vision Racing, with sponsorship from Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka really gives us the confidence we can go out and win. Fuzzy is a true champion and knows what it takes to win. I am very grateful Fuzzy and to all the many people who have come together to support this effort.” - Tony George

“It’s an honor for both myself and Panther Racing to be able to partner with a Hoosier legend like Fuzzy Zoeller and have Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka as the primary sponsor on the No.20 car. Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka has emerged as one of the fastest growing spirits on the market and now with the help of Vision Racing and a driver of Ed Carpenter’s caliber they’re going to have one of the fastest racecars in the Indianapolis 500. The opportunity we have to work with Vision and Tony George, who has been a good friend of mine for years, is extremely exciting for us – and now maybe Fuzzy can help us with our short game.” - Panther Racing CEO, John Barnes

“I’m very grateful and thankful to Fuzzy Zoeller and Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka for coming on board to make this year’s Indianapolis 500 a reality for me. It has been a very long and difficult off-season sitting on the sidelines after such a productive 2009 season and being back to the Indy 500 really means the world to me. I’m looking forward to performing competitively and representing these Indiana traditions to the best of my ability. Fuzzy has a great product and we hope to do a good job for them and make everyone proud.” - Ed Carpenter

Beatriz To Run Indy

(Photo courtesy of biafigueiredo.com)

After a record breaking 3 woman in the 2007 Indianapolis 500, just 3 years later, the record could be shattered come May 30th. Ana Beatriz has signed on to pilot a 4th Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dallara alongside Mike Conway, Justin Wilson, and Tomas Scheckter. Beatriz will run the #25 Honda-Powered Dallara with sponsorship from Ipiranga, making her the 5th woman entered in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing alongside Danica Patrick, Sarah Fisher, Milka Duno and Simona De Silvestro.

“We are excited about having Ana back with the team. She did a great job for us in Brazil, and it’s good to have her in our fourth entry. Ana really showed us her talent when we ran her back in March. We look forward to running her as she attempts to make her Indianapolis 500 debut.” - DRR Co-Owner, Dennis Reinbold

“I’m very excited to be back in an IZOD IndyCar with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing and to be competing in the biggest open-wheel event in the world, the Indianapolis 500. It will be a dream come true to have my debut in the Indy 500 in the Centennial Era, and I hope to have a smooth and very competitive month of May. Hopefully my experience in Indy Lights can help me at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.” - Ana Beatriz