Dateline: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Winners:
Here, we continue our look into the starting field of the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500. In this edition we look at the four previous winners who will be fighting for another shot at immortality on the Borg Warner Trophy (pictured above) and a nice cool drink of milk in victory lane. The Indianapolis 500 is at 1pm this Sunday, May 24th. It’s on ABC and the pre-race starts at Noon Eastern, with the scheduled start of 1pm.
Pos. 18
Dan Wheldon
Car # 4
D/H/F
Speed/Time: 222.777/2:41.5969
D/H/F
Speed/Time: 222.777/2:41.5969
Dan Wheldon, the 2005 winner, comes to this years race with a change in scenery. The former winner got his start in the IndyCar series with Panther Racing in 2002 and has rejoined that team for 2009. Andretti Green racing carried his Jim Beam Racing entry to the checkered flag in 2005 as he spent 3 years with AGR after his brief initial stint at Panther. In 2006, the British driver went to Target Chip Ganassi Racing and had where he stayed through 2008. At the end of 2008, Chip Ganassi decided to bring back Dario Franchitti from the one year stop in NASCAR and put him in the vacated seat left by Wheldon. Dan signed with Panther racing and has had one top 5 in the first three races of the year. He will roll off from the 18th spot on the grid on Sunday and though he may hang around the top ten and probably finish there, I do not see him repeating as Indy 500 champion.
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Pos. 5
Scott Dixon
Car # 9
D/H/F
Speed/Time: 223.867/2:40.8098
D/H/F
Speed/Time: 223.867/2:40.8098
The 2008 Indy 500 winner and IndyCar series champion will find himself in a familiar place come race day. Rolling off from the 5th spot in the grid, this New Zealander will be a contender on race day and should definitely be one to watch. Scott Dixon has NEVER raced in a series where hasn’t wont the championship. When the pressure is on, this guy is the one you want behind the wheel. Starting from the middle of Row 2 he should have a clear view of Turn 1 on Lap 1. Barring any first turn disasters, keep your eye on the #9 Target entry piloted by Scott Dixon. He will more than likely be among the leaders all day.
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Pos. 3
Dario Franchitti
Car # 10
D/H/F
Speed/Time: 224.010/2:40.7068
D/H/F
Speed/Time: 224.010/2:40.7068
Dario Franchitti comes to his 6th Indy 500, back from his single season running in NASCAR. His previous 500 starts have been with the Andretti Green organization, but it didn’t take the former Champion long to get comfortable to his new seat. He rolls off the grid on Sunday from the front row on the outside in P3. When he won the race in 2007, it was called by rain and was less than the 500 miles. Would he have been there at the end of those 500 miles? We will never know. Will he be there at the end of this years 500 miles? I don’t think so. Look for a strong start from the former champion but a pit issue or contact to keep him from taking his second 500 crown. Why? Because, Ashley Judd annoys me to death and I don’t want to see her talking on the monitors anymore than we have to.
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Pos. 1
Helio Castroneves
Car # 3
D/H/F
Speed/Time: 224.864/2:40.0967
D/H/F
Speed/Time: 224.864/2:40.0967
The past six months have been absolute hell for the two-time Indy 500 winner. He spent months agonizing over a squabble with the IRS regarding a tax issue. It was resolved with a not guilty verdict, and he now finds himself back where he belongs. Helio won the 500 in 2001 and 2002 and has been in the top 5 for 5 of his 8 previous starts. He has been among the quickest all month long and was certainly the fastest on Pole Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With the drama behind him of the courtroom, and no one in front of him as he starts this years 500, look for a strong showing from the two time winner. How strong? Look for a three time champion come Sunday afternoon. Helio Castroneves is my pick for the 2009 race. Helio, go get ‘em!
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Stay tuned to MidwestSportsFans.com as we continue our in depth look into the starting field for the 93rd Indianapolis 500. Next we will take a look at the women in the 500. Danica Patrick, Sarah Fisher, and Milka Duno will be carrying the banner for female motor sports fans everywhere come race day. Check back soon for what to watch for from the three women who are the female faces of the 500.
