In the 2010 Indianapolis 500, expectations run high for not only the driver, crews, and teams, but also the fans. With many new procedures and thirty-six cars on the entry list, the general public will be in for a pleasant surprise for this “Month of May.”
Due to budget constraints, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Izod IndyCar Series reduced the time spent at the track to just over two weeks. While many traditionalist fans are upset by these new developments, the on-track action, specifically the qualifying days, will be an interesting sight to see. On Pole Day, twenty-four cars will be locked into the field. In the last two hours of that session, the top nine cars will battle for the Bombardier Pole Award, using an arrangement similar to the series’ road course qualifying. The only two differences on Bump Day are that it will decide the last nine qualifying positions and it will be held the day after Pole Day.
The entry list for this year’s “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is arguably more intriguing than any other for the last few years. Thirty-six cars will tentatively attempt to qualify for this year’s race. One of the big storylines heading into opening day is the five female drivers who will try out for the race. Danica Patrick (Andretti Autosport), Simona de Silvestro (Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing), Sarah Fisher (Sarah Fisher Racing), Ana Beatriz (Dreyer & Reinbold Racing), and Milka Duno (Dale Coyne Racing) will try to set the record of most women in the Indy 500. There are also some notable rookies, including Mario Romancini, Takuma Sato, and several more. In addition to the women and the rookies, the regular group of veteran drivers will also attempt to quality.
This Indy 500 preview wouldn’t be complete without predictions for the outcome of the race. With Helio Castroneves’ experience and skill at the Brickyard, I expect him to win the pole and the race, just as he did last year. The golden combination of Castroneves and Roger Penske is always strong at the track, so don’t be surprised if they dominate the month, like they did last year. As far as rookie drivers go, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mario Romancini, formerly of the Firestone Indy Lights Series, takes the rookie of the year award with his Conquest Racing team. Romancini was strong last year on the ovals in developmental series, winning at Milwaukee and Homestead.
Despite all of the change this “Month of May,” expect this years Indianapolis 500 to be exciting and intense as ever. The Yard of Bricks will keep you posted on Twitter (@TheYardofBricks) and Facebook throughout the month. Opening and Bump Day pictures will be posted once the day comes.
Due to budget constraints, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Izod IndyCar Series reduced the time spent at the track to just over two weeks. While many traditionalist fans are upset by these new developments, the on-track action, specifically the qualifying days, will be an interesting sight to see. On Pole Day, twenty-four cars will be locked into the field. In the last two hours of that session, the top nine cars will battle for the Bombardier Pole Award, using an arrangement similar to the series’ road course qualifying. The only two differences on Bump Day are that it will decide the last nine qualifying positions and it will be held the day after Pole Day.
The entry list for this year’s “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is arguably more intriguing than any other for the last few years. Thirty-six cars will tentatively attempt to qualify for this year’s race. One of the big storylines heading into opening day is the five female drivers who will try out for the race. Danica Patrick (Andretti Autosport), Simona de Silvestro (Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing), Sarah Fisher (Sarah Fisher Racing), Ana Beatriz (Dreyer & Reinbold Racing), and Milka Duno (Dale Coyne Racing) will try to set the record of most women in the Indy 500. There are also some notable rookies, including Mario Romancini, Takuma Sato, and several more. In addition to the women and the rookies, the regular group of veteran drivers will also attempt to quality.
This Indy 500 preview wouldn’t be complete without predictions for the outcome of the race. With Helio Castroneves’ experience and skill at the Brickyard, I expect him to win the pole and the race, just as he did last year. The golden combination of Castroneves and Roger Penske is always strong at the track, so don’t be surprised if they dominate the month, like they did last year. As far as rookie drivers go, I wouldn’t be surprised if Mario Romancini, formerly of the Firestone Indy Lights Series, takes the rookie of the year award with his Conquest Racing team. Romancini was strong last year on the ovals in developmental series, winning at Milwaukee and Homestead.
Despite all of the change this “Month of May,” expect this years Indianapolis 500 to be exciting and intense as ever. The Yard of Bricks will keep you posted on Twitter (@TheYardofBricks) and Facebook throughout the month. Opening and Bump Day pictures will be posted once the day comes.
Photo Credit: IMS Productions
