Indy 500 Update

There was plenty of excitement and some controversy among fans and Indy 500 drivers during Saturday's Pole Day, including the last minute shootout to determine the top nine spots for pole position. In short, it was business as usual - if you didn't count the significant changes to this year's Indianapolis 500.

Track time is less than in previous years, down by a third. This means that there are fewer practice days and two days of qualifications missing from the usual schedule.

These changes are a break with tradition that causes many fans of the race to shudder, especially those who have lived in Indianapolis for years. They have memories of the Indy 500. Many could hear the sound of the cars from their backyards, even if they lived many miles from the Speedway.

For years, Indianapolis elementary students had annual field days when they attended Indianapolis 500 time trials. So while the newest changes may cause ambivalent feelings for those who remember the "good old days", the tighter schedule does make Indianapolis 500 Pole Day and the shootout more suspenseful. As for that Indy 500 shootout...

Helio Castroneves Rules During Indianapolis 500 Pole Day Shootout

Shortly before 3 pm, Helio Castroneves had the number one pole position at a speed of 226.774 mph. He never lost that number one position and later hit 227.970, clinching the top spot in the Indy 500 shootout. The other prime positions for the race car drivers shifted as the day went on.

Australia's Will Power did hit a 227.578 mph pace, but every hundredth of a second makes a crucial difference and he never could top Castroneves. He had to settle for second place. Dario Franchitti reached third place, with a speed of 226.990. Interestingly before the Indy 500 shootout began, a significant percentage of racing fans polled by ESPN felt that Alex Talgliani could challenge Castroneves (22%). That never happened.

Danica Patrick Disses her Car, Causing Controversy

Before the shootout, Danica Patrick let loose with a volley of complaints against her car. Her displeasure was aired over the Indianapolis 500 public address system. Fans booed, expressing their displeasure with her willingness to cast blame. During an ESPN real time conversation, Indy 500 race fans had dissenting views about Danica Patrick, but many felt she expressed poor form.

By dissing her car, some racing fans felt she was also criticizing her team, Andretti Autosport (not great for team morale). She noted that it was the "worst car I ever had" and went on to add that she was going to get lapped. This was perhaps not the wisest move for the GoDaddy girl but Danica Patrick has a huge fan base and even a public temper tantrum isn't likely to change that.

Was Indianapolis 500 Shootout on Pole Day Affected by Indianapolis Weather?

The day was mostly sunny, with temperatures between 77 and 82 degrees. Of course, the track temperature was higher, somewhere between 92 and 117 degrees. With the preliminary laps and then the shootout, the race car drivers battled heat and fatigue. These temperatures aren't unusual for Indianapolis, though, and seasoned racers are used to handling the heat.

Indy 500 Bump Day Should Add Extra Excitement to Racing Season

Sunday's Bump Day promises to bring even higher temperatures, perhaps even reaching 90 degrees, making the track sweltering hot. This is when 33 starting positions for the Indy 500 will be finally determined. Attendance was good for Pole Day and could be even better for Bump Day.

Sources:
Personal experience
Real time participation in live ESPN chat at Go.com here