Expect a Wild Indy 500

Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Friday, May 22, 2009

From the crowds of screaming fans to Jim Nabor's traditional singing of "Back Home in Indiana", the 500 is a spectacular event. This year's 500 is no different. There are 33 drivers that are jumping at the chance to win the biggest race in the world.

Penske took the first two spots on the starting grid. Helio Castroneves had a blistering qualifying session, taking the pole with a 224.864 MPH lap average. Teammate Ryan Briscoe took the second spot, running a fast average of 224.083 MPH. Target Chip Ganassi racer and 2007 Indy 500 winner Dario Franchiti starts third, with an qualifying average of 224.010 MPH.

Going through the field, last year's Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon is starting 5th. "TK" Tony Kanaan took the 6th starting spot. Marco Andretti starts 8th, while Danica Patrick rolls out the top ten starters.

Indianapolis native Ed Carpenter will start 17th. 2005 Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon qualified his Panther Racing entry in the 18th place. I feel the 7th row will be the row to watch. It features AJ Foyt IV (19th), Indy 500 veteran Scott Sharp (20th), and Indiana racer Sarah Fisher (21st).

Tomas Scheckter put his #19 entry in the 26th starting spot, while another Indy veteran John Andretti will start 28th. Ryan Hunter-Reay was a last minute qualifier. He will occupy the 32th starting spot. There is a run down of highlighted IRL racers to watch for during the 2009 Indy 500.

Things to watch for are how the new drivers do in traffic. There are many newcomers to the Indy 500 this year, and it will be interesting to see how the newcomers do when they are flying down the front stretch at 220-225 MPH. It will be an exciting experience, that's for sure. Another thing to worry about is tire wear. This is always a big issue in racing, and it should be. Tire wear was great for the most of the teams during qualifying runs this month. I am excited to see how the wear holds up to race conditions. Another thing to look for in the late stages of the race is pit strategy. Every team wants to give their driver a chance at the checkers. This is a big race, so the front runners might try to employ some pit strategies.

It has been a great month of May. Now it's time to get the command and hit the big pedal on the left, otherwise known as the GAS!!! Bucket up and get ready to see one heck of an Indy 500!!!!