The 2008 Indianapolis 500 is shaping up to be one of the most keenly contested for a number of years. As a result of the merger between the Indy Racing League (IRL) and Champcar there is a wealth of talent entered for the 92nd running of the event. Sunday, May 25th is the day when they will compete over 200 laps of the famous old speedway for the Borg-Warner trophy.
Danica Patrick’s recent IndyCar Series victory in Japan has generated extra interest in the race as she could become the first ever female to win at The Brickyard. As a rookie in 2005 she came tantalisingly close but eventually had to settle for fourth. Patrick will doubtless be the main focus of media attention in the build up to the race.
British driver Dan Wheldon, the 2005 winner, will also start as one of the favourites, having won last time out in Kansas. Scott Dixon, Graham Rahal and Australian Will Power have also been to Victory Lane this season and will be full of confidence.
Penske, the most successful team in Indy 500 history, can never be discounted. Helio Castroneves is a two-time winner of the race, his last victory coming in 2002. The Brazilian is also currently leading the IndyCar Series points standings. He will be partnered by Ryan Briscoe and a third driver yet to be announced. The only other confirmed entrant who has previously won the race is Buddy Rice.
Qualifying is sure to be hectic with 39 entrants fighting for the 33 starting places. There are plenty of uncertainties in the field with many of the former Champcar drivers having little oval racing experience. At the recent Kansas round E.J. Viso demonstrated that, despite being an oval racing novice, they hold no fear for him and he may be one to watch.
As ever the build up to the big race lasts throughout the month of May with practice, qualification and Miller Lite Carb Day. The Unsers are to be honoured on the first day the track opens in recognition of their place as the most successful family in Indy history. On race day itself Nicky Hayden, the 2006 MotoGP champion, will ride around the track while the green flag will be waved by boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. Tickets for the event are available from the official website.
Schedule
- Practice: 4-9th, 14-16th and 21st-22nd May
- Qaulifying: 10-11th and 17-18th May
- Miller Lite Carb Day: 23rd May
- Race: Sunday, 25th May (1pm EDT)
