30 Days in May

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 25, Danny Ongais, 1978 Interscope Racing Parnelli/Cosworth. Some cars and drivers just sum up an era at Indianapolis and are indelibly linked. While not a legend of the Brickyard like, say, A.J. Foyt or Rick Mears, if you went to the track in the late 1970s to mid-1980s, you remember Ongais and the black Interscope No. 25. Danny On the Gas was fast, fearless and spectacular (in both good and bad ways). When Tom Carnegie or John Totten piped up on the PA system that Ongais was on the track, you paused from munching your Sno-Cone and gave the 2 ½-mile oval your undivided attention. In 1978, the Flying Hawaiian started second and led 71 laps before the engine blew. Ongais wound up 18^th with 145 laps to his credit.  #ThisIsMay #Indy500 

This Year's "Fuson Form Chart"

The 1974 Souvenir Edition of the Indianapolis News, previewing the 1974 Indianapolis 500.

INDIANAPOLIS – Something I always looked forward to each May was the Fuson Form Chart. This page of analysis was penned by Wayne Fuson, sports editor of the Indianapolis News, which was the afternoon paper in Indianapolis.

Wayne Fuson, Indianapolis News Sports Editor, went with

A.J. Foyt in 1974. Foyt led much of the race, but dropped out.

It came in the souvenir preview section and was a staple of pre-race coverage. Fuson had an engaging, unique style patterned off horse racing forms that was eminently readable and entertaining. It rated the jockey (driver), horse (car), stable (team) and sometimes even the groom (chief mechanic or crew chief then; now it would be lead engineer or strategist, I suppose), advising readers how much to bet in a good-natured, humorous manner.

Mr. Fuson died in 1996. So consider the following a bit of a tribute to him leading into this year’s race:

Car 22 Simon Pagenaud 2-1

Jockey has had a magnificent May, winning the IndyCar Grand Prix two weeks ago and now the pole for Sunday’s Indianapolis 500. Proven mount from the Team Penske stable, which already has 17 Indy wins. Bet a bundle and you may be sitting pretty.

Car 20 Ed Carpenter 3-1

Just edged out of fourth Indy pole and second straight, jockey itching for that first 500 win. After leading 65 laps last year and finishing second to Will Power, Carpenter showed he has the mettle to get it done. Dig deep for a big bet.

Car 12 Will Power 3-1

Another top-notch entry out of the Team Penske stable, last year’s winning jockey is primed to win two straight. That doesn’t happen often in the 500, but if you have some extra cash, use it here.

Car 9 Scott Dixon 4-1

It’s been a low-key week for this proven jockey, who won it all in 2008. Goes to the post just 18^th, but Chip Ganassi stable always provides a first-class mount and groom Mike Hull is one of the smartest around. Visit your friendly PNC Bank for a sizable withdrawal.

Car 27 Alexander Rossi 5-1

Miserly fuel consumption and deliberate pace lifted jockey to Indy glory as a rookie in 2016. He’s continued to impress since, and mount looked very racy in Monday’s practice session. Dig up that coffee can in the backyard.

Car 88 Colton Herta 7-1

Rookie jockey has been smooth, fast and impressive. He’s already cracked the win column this year, the youngest ever in IndyCar competition (at 18; he’s now 19). If you feel youth will be served, dip into your rainy-day fund.

Car 2 Josef Newgarden 7-1

Jockey leads the IndyCar points chase and is another of the younger set seeking first Indy win. He fell just short in 2016, taking third, and now he’s in his third season with Team Penske. Isn’t it time that so-called friend finally paid you back? Use that cash and a little more at the betting window.

Car 98 Marco Andretti 9-1

Day-glo red mount is a tribute to grandfather Mario’s lone Indy victory 50 years ago. Third-generation jockey has had some strong runs at the Brickyard, including getting nipped at the wire by Sam Hornish Jr. in rookie year back in 2006. He’s worth at least a little something for old time’s sake, if nothing else.

Car 3 Helio Castroneves 9-1

He and his team know the way to Victory Lane as jockey has contributed three of Team Penske’s 17 victories in the Indianapolis 500. Now a full-time driver on the twisties, Castroneves remains a bona fide threat on the Indy oval. Dance on up to the betting window.

Car 30 Takuma Sato 9-1

Jockey is one of the bravest and he’s an Indy winner, too – just two years ago. Mount from Rahal Letterman Lanigan stable should run all day. Use the money you would’ve used for a couple of trips to the concession stand and you might be eating well the rest of the week.

Car 15 Graham Rahal 9-1

Second-generation jockey would love to join dad Bobby on the Borg-Warner. Indy has been rather unkind to him, with an average finish of about 18^th and two last-place finishes in 11 previous starts. Worth a bet, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Car 18 Sebastien Bourdais 10-1

Jockey came back last year after a vicious crash in qualifying for the 2017 race. Smooth, smart and savvy, he’s more than capable of winning. Groom Dale Coyne often a clever strategist. If you’re looking for an underdog to bet big, you could do worse.

Car 63 Ed Jones 10-1

After an outstanding debut two years ago with a marvelous third-place finish, jockey now trying to restart his Indy career after disappointing season in 2018. Mount out of the Ed Carpenter Racing stable has been fast all month. Dip into the butter-and-egg money.

Car 21 Spencer Pigot 10-1

Young jockey surprised everyone with front-row qualifying effort for the Ed Carpenter Racing stable. Boss has an eye for talent, though, as Newgarden came through Carpenter’s team. Throw a few old presidents the young American’s way.

Car 14 Tony Kanaan 15-1

He’s a former winner (2013) and back driving for the legend himself, A.J. Foyt. The combination showed excellent pace last year, leading 19 laps. No harm putting a little on TK’s, uh, nose.

Car 28 Ryan Hunter-Reay 15-1

2014 winner has been a step behind his Andretti Autosport teammates this month, but definitely has the ability to bring his mount forward. Use that leftover birthday money your aunt gave you.

Car 5 James Hinchliffe 15-1

Popular jockey knows well the exhilarating highs and the cruel punishment the Speedway can dish out – horribly injured in a crash in 2015, pole-winner in 2016, failed to qualify in 2018. Had to sweat it out this year but came through with stout qualifying run on last day in backup car after trashing primary mount. Talk to your rich uncle and get a race-day loan.

Car 25 Conor Daly 18-1

Jockey has been waiting for a mount like this his whole career, and he’s done well this month with the Andretti Autosport entry. He’s sponsored by the U.S. Air Force and it’s Memorial Day Weekend, so drop a little green for the red, white and blue.

Car 77 Oriol Servia 18-1

Quietly does a professional job each May, and this year is no exception. Some rumors said his mount would be given to fellow Spaniard Fernando Alonso, but that was just talk. If you can get a bet for the Top 10, take it.

Car 23 Charlie Kimball 18-1

Only Carlin-affiliated mount to make the race as Fernando Alonso, Max Chilton and Patricio O’Ward are the three left in the barn this year. An Indy win would lessen that sting considerably. If you believe the team is due for redemption right away, here’s your chance.

Car 48 JR Hildebrand 18-1

Speaking of redemption, jockey came within one turn of winning Indy as a rookie in 2011. He’s back for a second go-round with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, sporting the No. 48 made famous by Dan Gurney. That alone is worth a few dollars, right?

Car 26 Zach Veach 20-1

Goes to the post much deeper than expected (28^th) for an Andretti Autosport mount. The great Louis Meyer won from there once, but that was a long, long time ago (1936). Jockey is capable and his time is coming, but probably not this year.

Car 10 Felix Rosenqvist 20-1

Rookie jockey has a class mount from the Chip Ganassi stable. He’s been a winner in other series, but this is his first time on a high-speed oval. Maybe next year.

Car 7 Marcus Ericcson 30-1

Another rookie, he showed well in qualifying with a fine run (13^th), second only to Colton Herta among the first-year jockeys. Like Rosenqvist, he’s from Sweden. And like Rosenqvist, let’s wait a year or two.

Car 19 Santino Ferucci 30-1

Teammate to Sebastien Bourdais, the 20-year-old American has quietly done a solid job this month. Best bet would be if he can upset Colton Herta for Rookie of the Year.

Car 4 Matheus Leist 30-1

Second-year jockey again teamed with Tony Kanaan out of A.J. Foyt’s stable. Has shown promise from time to time. Advance cautiously to the betting window, though.

Car 60 Jack Harvey 30-1

Third-year jockey rides perhaps the most colorful mount in the field. Tried a fuel-economy run last year, and it nearly paid off. Seems to have a bright future, but that future probably isn’t now.

Car 24 Sage Karam 30-1

Jockey delivered a thrilling last-day qualifying performance to secure his spot in the field. The outpouring of emotion afterward was touching and underscored how badly these drivers want to compete in the Indianapolis 500. Best hope and bet would be a Top 10 finish.

Car 81 Ben Hanley 33-1

Rookie jockey drives for DragonSpeed, and believe it or not, it has nothing to do with “Game of Thrones.” Expected to be among those battling for a spot in the last row, he instead safely secured a spot on the first day of qualifying and goes to the post 27^th. If he can move into the top 20 by race’s end, that would be a good day.

Car 39 Pippa Mann 33-1

Before the month, she was on everyone’s “going to be bumped” list, but, man, did Mann do a great job in qualifying. Ousted last year in gut-wrenching fashion, she vowed to come back stronger and did just that. Jockey has snuck her way up front on occasion in previous races. This would be the ultimate Cinderella story, so to speak, so if you’re so inclined …

Car 33 James Davison 33-1

Another fine under-the-radar performance, jockey goes to the post 15^th. From there, he’ll look back on three former winners (Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon and Ryan Hunter-Reay). If he can maintain that spot at the end of the race, that would be a nice accomplishment for this little team.

Car 42 Jordan King 33-1

Young Englishman drove the twisties for Ed Carpenter Racing last year before joining Rahal Letterman Lanigan stable this season. A rookie starting deep in the pack (26^th) isn’t a great combination.

Car 32 Kyle Kaiser 33-1

Second-year jockey thrilling run sent two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso to the barn in one of the biggest qualifying shockers in 500 history. Don’t expect this feel-great story to continue, though. Give Kaiser a salute on race day, but skip the betting window.

30 Days in May

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 24, Robbie Buhl, 2001 Purex G Force/Infiniti. Buhl was one of the drivers who benefited from the infamous split in open-wheel racing. The former Indy Lights champion (1992) had trouble finding a good ride in CART, but the arrival of the Indy Racing League in 1996 provided an opportunity.  He had success with both John Menard and Dreyer & Reinbold, winning a race for each. Buhl’s Purex machine was one of the more striking liveries of that era. In 2001, he started ninth and finished 15^th in the 500. #ThisIsMay #Indy500 

30 Days in May Bonus

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 48, Mike Mosley, 1981 Pepsi Challenger Eagle/Chevrolet. Stunning, fast and loud, 1981 was the only appearance of the Pepsi Challenger at Indianapolis. Always an innovator, Dan Gurney was trying to bring stock-block engines to Indy racing as a lower-cost alternative to the Cosworth engines, which were used by the overwhelming majority of teams. In terms of speed, this car proved his point as Mosley put it in the middle of the front row. The sound of this screaming Eagle is almost impossible to describe. It had a distinctive roar – in some ways, perhaps, it was the Novi of its generation. In other words, if you heard it, you never forgot it. The distinctive shape and color of the Eagle made it look like a dart hurtling down the straightaway. Consistent with the lousy luck Mosley endured at Indianapolis, some mechanical issues cropped up before race day and the car placed 33^rd, going out after 16 laps with radiator problems. At Milwaukee a couple of weeks later, using the engine intended for the 500, Mosley won, going from last to first in an incredible driving display. It was the last of his five wins in Indy cars and the last for Gurney in Indy-car competition as well. #ThisIsMay #Indy500

30 Days In May

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway 

No. 23, Floyd Roberts, 1938 Burd Piston Ring Special Wetteroth/Miller. The first Indianapolis 500 program I got was from the 1973 race. I would spend time poring over its contents, absorbing various facts and figures about the race – sort of a 5-year-old Donald Davidson. Of particular interest to me was Wilbur Shaw’s success from 1937-40. (The summary for each of these races was listed on one page.) I noticed that had it not been for Floyd Roberts winning in 1938 that Shaw would’ve won the 500 four times in a row. At this time, A.J. Foyt was trying to become the first four-time winner, a feat he finally achieved in 1977. Anyway, Roberts beat Shaw by a wide margin (more than four minutes), but Shaw, so vital in helping the Speedway survive after World War II, won in 1939 and 1940 to become the first back-to-back winner. #ThisIsMay #Indy500 

30 Days in May Bonus

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 86, Al Loquasto, 1976 Frostie Root Beer McLaren/Offy. After several years of trying, Al Loquasto finally qualified for the Indianapolis 500, earning the 24^th starting spot for the 1976 event. He was still running when the race was red-flagged because of rain and considered complete after 102 laps. The year before, I got a sticker of his car from his team as I roamed the fence by the pits, seeking autographs. Unfortunately, Loquasto suffered a sort of dubious distinction that year. He was the first qualifier for 1975, then began to be pushed down the order as faster cars qualified. Eventually, Loquasto was bumped all the way out, so it was nice that he finally got in the field the next year. He also drove in the 1977 race and finished 28^th. Helping Loquasto’s effort was legendary mechanic Clint Brawner, the wrench on Mario Andretti’s 1969 winner. #ThisIsMay #Indy500

30 Days in May

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 22, Tony Stewart, 1999 The Home Depot Dallara/Oldsmobile. Stewart was the first homegrown star of the Indy Racing League. His pedigree was perfect: An Indiana native who won national titles in Midgets, Sprints and Silver Crown cars (all in the same season!) who proved immediately adept at driving Indy cars, too, winning races and a title in those as well. Alas, Stewart instead decided instead to pursue a full-time career in NASCAR. He was fast right off the bat in stock cars, too, and finished his NASCAR career with three Cup titles and two wins in the Brickyard 400. In the 1999 Indianapolis 500, Stewart finished 9^th, four laps down to winner Kenny Brack. But Stewart’s workday was just beginning, because he flew from Indianapolis to Charlotte, N.C., to compete in the 600-mile NASCAR race that night and finished an impressive fourth. #ThisIsMay #Indy500 

30 Days in May

No. 21, Cale Yarborough, 1971 Gene White Firestone Mongoose/Ford. A three-time consecutive Cup champion and four-time Daytona 500 winner, Yarborough was a legendary driver in NASCAR. For the 1971 season, however, he found himself “between manufacturers” on the stock-car circuit, so Yarborough basically ended up being a full-time Championship (IndyCar) division shoe in USAC. He finished 16^th in the point standings in 1971, with a pair of fifth-place finishes (at the first Trenton race and at Michigan) his best results. At Indianapolis, Yarborough started 14^th and finished 16^th, retiring with a cam failure after 140 laps. He made the last of his four Indianapolis starts in 1972, when he finished 10^th. #ThisIsMay #Indy500

30 Days in May

No. 20, Gordon Johncock, 1975 Sinmast Wildcat/DGS. Starting in 1973 and over the next 10-plus years, Johncock was synonymous with the number 20 and Patrick Racing. For 1975, he had a new sponsor, a new chassis and a new engine. It all added up to a fast combination, as Johncock was among the leaders every day in practice and held the pole for a while before A.J. Foyt nudged him aside with a run late in the day. Johncock jumped to the lead at the start of the race, but fell out after just 11 laps and finished 31^st. DGS stood for Drake, Goosen and Sparks, as in engine pioneers Dale Drake, Leo Goosen and Art Sparks. The name was something of a tribute by George Bignotti, who helped modify an Offy engine to create the DGS. #ThisIsMay #Indy500

30 Days in May Bonus

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

From the 1973

Indianapolis 500

program

No. 44, Dick Simon, 1973 TraveLodge Eagle/Foyt. I miss guys like Dick Simon around the Speedway. Energetic and enthusiastic, Simon was an outstanding ski jumper and parachutist before he pursued a career in Indy cars. Had the X Games been around in, say, the 1960s, he probably would’ve been a star. As for Indianapolis, Simon usually was saddled with marginal equipment that he had to hustle into the show. His 1973 mount was pretty decent, though, and Simon ran up front before piston failure sent him to the sidelines for a 14^th-place finish.

Toward the end of his career, Simon obtained better cars and that led to better results – he was sixth and ninth in his last two races in 1987 and 1988, respectively. Simon is bald, but during the 1970s he picked up sponsorship from LAN, maker of hairpieces, so he donned a toupee. #ThisIsMay #Indy500

30 Days in May Bonus

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No 89, John Martin, 1973 Unsponsored McLaren/Offy. John Martin was one of the few drivers capable of working on his car – fairly rare in 1973 and unheard of today. A fixture in the Indy lineup from 1972-76, the hard-working Martin made the most of his equipment. Like many others, Martin was involved in the first-lap Salt Walther accident, but was able to make repairs and wound up eighth, his best result at Indianapolis. The next year, Martin actually landed a sponsor, resulting in the tongue-twisting Sea Snack Shrimp Cocktail Special. #ThisIsMay #Indy500

30 Days in May

No. 19, Mel Kenyon, 1973 Atlanta Falcons Eagle/Foyt. Considered one of the true gentlemen in the sport, Kenyon had several top finishes at Indianapolis and is considered the best USAC Midget driver in history. His longevity is particularly amazing. Some 30 years after his last start in the 500, Kenyon was still racing at age 70! Even more incredible, Kenyon was severely burned in a crash in 1965 and raced with a special glove with a device that fit in the steering wheel – amazing determination and will.

For the 1973 season, Kenyon teamed up again with longtime owner Lindsey Hopkins. I’m not sure if Hopkins owned a part of the Atlanta Falcons or why exactly the NFL team sponsored the car, but pro teams backing cars were not unknown at Indianapolis during this era. In 1971, for example, Lloyd Ruby drove the Utah Stars special. While Ruby was certainly popular with the Indianapolis fans, his sponsor likely wasn’t because the Stars were a rival of the hometown Indiana Pacers and had quite a few tussles during the ABA playoffs. Anyway, back to Kenyon. He finished fourth in the 1973 500 in what ended up being his final race at the Speedway.  #ThisIsMay #Indy500

Pigot on top, Alonso out for now

Photo credit: Dana Garrett/Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso is almost out of chances

to make this year's field for the Indianapolis 500.

INDIANAPOLIS – A young American driver known only to hardcore fans of the NTT IndyCar Series and one of the most famous drivers in the world highlighted a wild first day of qualifying for the 103^rd Indianapolis 500 on Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Pigot, in the No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Dallara/Chevrolet, has the provisional pole after notching a four-lap average of 230.083 mph. While Pigot’s place in the field of 33 is secure, two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso is in serious jeopardy of not making the race.

Despite five attempts, Alonso failed to post a speed fast enough to make the top 30 in the McLaren Racing Dallara/Chevrolet.

“It was a difficult day and a difficult week in general,” said Alonso, who crashed on Wednesday.

All hope is not lost for the Spaniard, though. Alonso and five other drivers, including James Hinchcliffe, will fight it out for the final three spots in the field.

Weather permitting, the pole, the first three rows (positions 1-9) and the last row (positions 31-33) will be decided in qualifying on Sunday. Thunderstorms are forecast, however.

If Sunday is a total washout, positions 1-30 are considered set. The last row will be contested on the next available day, with each car getting one attempt.

In addition to Alonso, the other participants in the Last Row Shootout are:

·         James Hinchcliffe, No. 5 Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Dallara/Honda

·         Sage Karam, No. 24 Dreyer and Reinbold WIX Filters Dallara/Chevrolet

·         Patricio O’Ward, No. 31 Carlin Dallara/Chevrolet

·         Kyle Kaiser, No. 32 Juncos Racing Dallara/Chevrolet

·         Max Chilton, No. 59 Gallagher Carlin Dallara/Chevrolet

In addition to Pigot, the rest of the Fast Nine Shootout is:

·         Will Power, No. 12 Verizon 5G Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet

·         Simon Pagenaud, No. 22 Menards Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet

·         Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Shell Team Penske Dallara/Chevrolet

·         Colton Herta, No. 88 Harding Steinbrenner Racing Dallara/Honda

·         Ed Jones, No. 63 Ed Carpenter Racing Scuderia Corsa Dallara/Chevrolet

·         Ed Carpenter, No. 20 Preferred Freezer Services Dallara/Chevrolet

·         Alexander Rossi, No. 27 Napa Auto Parts Dallara/Honda

·         Sebastien Bourdais, No. 18 SealMaster Dallara/Honda

“It feels great to be on top of the speed charts and to have all three Ed Carpenter Racing cars in the Fast Nine Shootout again for the second year in a row,” Pigot said.

Pippa Mann, who like Hinchcliffe missed last year’s race in gut-wrenching fashion, held on to the 30th and final starting position available Saturday with a 227.244 mph average.

“All that was going through my head was, ‘Not again. Not again,” Mann said.

30 Days in May Bonus

No. 71, Rick Mears, 1978 CAM2 Penske PC6/Cosworth. After trying unsuccessfully to qualify for the 500 as a rookie in 1977, Mears caught the eye of Roger Penske and was offered a ride in races that Mario Andretti could not compete in due to Formula One commitments. Mears eagerly accepted the offer, which also included the Indianapolis 500. The Bakersfield, Calif., native justified Penske’s confidence by grabbing the outside spot on the front row, setting a rookie qualifying record in the process. Race day wasn’t great, as Mears forgot to buckle his helmet at the start and then had his engine let go just after halfway and finished 23^rd. Still, the outstanding performance in time trials helped Mears earn Co-Rookie of the Year with Larry Rice. Mears’ number, 71, is rarely used at the Speedway, but I think the reason why Penske used that number is because his other entries were 7 (Andretti) and 1 (Tom Sneva), so he just combined the two. (Dick Simon had 17 that year, in case you were wondering.)

Alonso Leads Morning Practice

Photo credit: Matt Fraver/Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS – Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, still trying to get up to speed after a crash earlier this week, was the fastest during an almost-unused practice session on Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Alonso had a lap of 228.065 mph in the No. 66 McLaren Racing Honda/Chevrolet. He was one of just six drivers who took advantage of 90 minutes of available practice time before qualifications for the 103^rd Indianapolis 500, which begin at 11 a.m.

The drivers to practice were:

·         Jordan King

·         Max Chilton

·         Ben Hanley

·         Kyle Kaiser

·         Patricio O’Ward

Kaiser and O’Ward, like Alonso, had significant wall contact in their primary machines this week. O’Ward appeared to slightly touch the wall on the exit of Turn 3 but did not appear to suffer any damage and practiced after the incident.

30 Days in May

No. 18, Mike Mosley, 1983 Kraco March/Cosworth. Along with Bobby Unser and Johnny Rutherford, Mike Mosely was one of my favorite drivers as a young boy. Unlike Unser and Rutherford, Mosley never found the right combination to vault him to Indy glory. It wasn’t due to lack of determination (twice he was badly injured at Indianapolis from crashes caused by mechanical failure) or certainly driving talent. Twice, Mosley started last in Indycar races and won, both at Phoenix and Milwaukee, considered “driver’s tracks.” In 1983, Mosley was consistently among the fastest in practice and appeared to have the pole locked up until an unknown rookie named Teo Fabi stunningly broke the track record. In what was his last 500, Mosley wound up an appropriate 13^th after a spin and contact in Turn 1. #ThisIsMay #Indy500

Daly Tops Fast Friday

Photo credit: John Cote/Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS – Conor Daly, an Indianapolis 500-only participant, had the fastest lap during Fast Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 231.704 mph. The second-generation driver’s No. 25 U.S. Air Force Dallara/Honda benefited greatly from a tow from Andretti Autosport teammate Zach Veach on his lap, which came just before 6 p.m.

Daly’s hot lap nudged Marco Andretti off the top spot. The third-generation driver had a lap of 230.851 mph in his No. 98 U.S. Concrete/Curb Dallara/Honda, as 12 drivers cleared 230 mph.

As expected because of additional turbocharger “boost” allocated to the V6 Honda and Chevrolet engines ahead of qualifying, speeds Friday were the best of the week.

2017 Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato was third-fastest at 230.755 mph in the No. 30 Mi-Jack/Panasonic Dallara/Honda. Next up were Ed Carpenter Racing’s Spencer Pigot at 230.415 mph in the No. 21 machine and another Andretti Autosport driver, 2014 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay who worked up to 230.466 mph by day’s end.

The rest of the drivers with laps over 230 mph were:

·         Carpenter, 230.358 mph

·         Simon Pagenaud, Menard Team Penske Chevrolet, 230.326 mph

·         Charlie Kimball, Fiasp Carlin Chevrolet, 230.290 mph

·         Josef Newgarden, Shell Team Penske Chevrolet, 230.281 mph

·         Ed Jones, Ed Carpenter Racing Scuderia Corsa Chevrolet, 230.106 mph

·         Will Power, Verizon 5G Team Penske Chevrolet, 230.061 mph

·         Tony Kanaan, ABC Supply A.J. Foyt Racing Chevrolet, 230.011

Carpenter’s pole speed last year was 229.618 mph for the four-lap average. Jones had the fastest no-tow speed at 230.106 mph.

Two-time World Champion Fernando Alonso, unhurt in a damaging crash on Wednesday, returned to the 2 ½-mile oval and had a lap at 229.328 mph in the McLaren Racing Chevrolet.

Second-year driver Kyle Kaiser was not injured in the week’s fourth crash.

Qualifying begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, with spots 1-30 and the Fast Nine to be contested.

Sunday’s qualifying will see shootouts to determine the front and back of the field. In each shootout, each car will receive one attempt. Spots 10-30 will not requalify on Sunday.

One of the hotly debated topics this month has been the idea of guaranteed spots in the field for full-season teams. This idea, of course, flies in the face of the traditional 33 fastest starting the race. On the other hand, the new qualifying procedure could result in the fastest 33 NOT starting.

Team owner Roger Penske, winner of a record 17 Indianapolis 500s, is in favor of a guaranteed spot, something he could have used in 1995 when both Al Unser Jr. and Emerson Fittipaldi – the last two Indianapolis 500 winners – failed to qualify. He believes tradition shouldn’t trump what he believes are today’s business realities.

“Well, there’s a lot of traditions that change here, right?,” Penske said Friday. “They have a road race here, a Formula 1 race, a NASCAR race here. To me, it’s a sign of the times.”

Fellow owner Chip Ganassi, also a multi-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, prefers the fastest 33 start with no guarantees.

“My position is it should be the fastest 33,” he said Friday. “There is a scenario where it won’t be the fastest 33. I just thing that’s not right.”

Ganassi elaborated further.

“I think it’s one or the other. If you don’t have the fastest 33, then I think you should have guaranteed spots. If you do the fastest 33, you don’t need that.

“If it’s not the fastest 33, then the full-season participants should have some guarantee. If it’s the fastest 33, then I’m fine with that.”

Lightning in the area created a delay of 1 hour and 19 minutes during the afternoon.

30 Days in May

Photo credit: 1991 Indianapolis 500 Yearbook published by Carl Hungness

No. 17, Willy T. Ribbs, 1991 Cosby/McDonald’s Lola/Buick. Ribbs had a devil of a time qualifying for his first Indianapolis 500 because the ever-temperamental Buick engine would fail after only a handful of laps. In the last hour of qualifying, Ribbs shoved aside the frustration, shelved any jinxes and put it in the show, bumping Ton Sneva in the process. The mechanical gremlins returned on race day, however, and Ribbs lasted only five laps and finished 32^nd.  #ThisIsMay #Indy500

30 Days in May Bonus

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

 No. 73, David Hobbs, 1973 Carling Black Label Eagle/Offy. In 1973, in addition to trying to memorize the car numbers, drivers, chassis and engine, I tried to memorize the hometowns of all the drivers. Some were more easily remembered than others. Take David Hobbs, for instance. He was from Upper Boddington, England. Tough to forget that one. Hobbs was one of the few international competitors during this era, with four starts spanning 1971-76. In 1973, he was still running when the race was red-flagged and finished 11^th. A versatile and successful driver, Hobbs competed in several disciplines, including Formula One, Indycar, Can-Am, Trans-Am and even NASCAR Winston Cup. He also was an insightful and witty commentator on broadcasts, and he still pops up occasionally on TV. #ThisIsMay #Indy500

30 Days in May

No. 16, Lee Kunzman, 1973 Ayr-Way/Lloyd’s Eagle/Offy. Kunzman was considered a rising star in the USAC ranks before his career was derailed by some serious crashes. In 1973, he joined the Lindsey Hopkins team and moved up from 25^th to finish seventh in the rain-shortened race. After his driving career, Kunzman was part of Ron Hemelgarn’s operation for many years.  #ThisIsMay #Indy500

30 Days in May

No. 15, Peter Revson, 1973 Gulf McLaren/Offy. A front-row starter the previous two 500s, Revson was the first qualifier for the 1973 race. He wound up starting 10^th and finished 31^st after crashing coming out of Turn 4 after only three laps. That year, I remember my mom taking me to a drug store in the Speedway Shopping Center to meet Revson, who was promoting Rev-Up vitamins, and get an autographed picture, which I still have.  #ThisIsMay #Indy500

Foyt's 1974 Pole Run a Rare Achievement

Photo credit: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

A.J. Foyt after his qualifying run in 1974 with sponsors Jim and Diane

Gilmore. A.J.'s father, Tony, is at right.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the Indianapolis 500 records that A.J. Foyt set and still holds. The first four-time winner, Foyt’s string of 35 consecutive starts from 1958-92 is one that’s unlikely to be broken. Here are few more of his key numbers:

·         4,845 total laps

·         555 laps led

·         17 top 10s

·         13 races led

·         10 top 5s

·         4 poles

Here’s another record I think Foyt owns: Longest time on the pole, achieved in 1974.

Let me explain. On the first day of qualifications, if the first driver in line finishes the four laps to complete the attempt, he or she has the pole for at least for a few minutes or even longer, depending on how long it takes for another driver to post a faster speed. In recent years, gimmicks like the Fast 9 Shootout have been added, which, while perhaps good for TV, have soiled the traditional Indianapolis 500 qualifying procedure.

Anyway, back to Foyt in 1974. That year, he drew the No. 1 pellet and averaged 191.632 mph. No one topped it. In fact, no one came within 1 mph of his speed.

So Foyt clinched the pole about as early as possible on the first qualifying day.

The time trials for the 1974 race were a bit convoluted and a departure from the four days over two weekends. Instead, the four days were split into four “periods” over two Saturdays. Because of several rain delays on both days, it ended up that the pole, first row and last row all were decided on the same day – the first time that had happened.

As was often the case, if there was a new achievement at Indianapolis, Foyt was in the middle of it.

I wonder if anyone else has done this – won the pole right off the bat AND remained the fastest qualifier. (Remaining the fastest qualifier is the key distinction. First qualifier Jerry Hoyt, for example, won the pole under rather unusual circumstances in 1955, but was not the fastest qualifier by a wide margin.)

How about it, Donald Davidson @IMSMuseum?

30 Days in May

No. 14, A.J. Foyt, 1973 Gilmore Racing Coyote/Foyt. Amazingly, Foyt was close to the bubble for the 1973 500, as his speed average of 188.927 mph was 32^nd-fastest (or second-slowest). Not surprisingly, the 1973 race was one to forget for Foyt. His Coyote dropped out after 37 laps, then Foyt took over teammate George Snider’s car, which wound up 11^th.

Why Foyt had so much trouble in time trials in 1973 is hard to fathom because Super Tex usually was an excellent qualifier. Consider this: In 1991, 33 years after his 500 debut plus coming off devastating lower-leg injuries suffered in a gruesome crash at Road America and at age 56 (!) no less, the amazing Foyt earned a front-row stating position – between Rick Mears and Mario Andretti. Many consider this the greatest front row in Indianapolis 500 history.   #ThisIsMay #Indy500