Strong entry list released for 92nd Indianapolis 500
Things are looking solid for this year's Indianapolis 500 after race officials released the entry list for the first running of this iconic open-wheel race since this country's two warring open-wheel racing series merged back together in February. 39 entries have been placed, putting the complete roster within spitting distance of the record 42-car grid set in 1933. Of those 39, a solid 32 have confirmed the drivers who will race the cars, putting the list just one short of a full grid over a month ahead of the race, which will take place on May 25.
Along with such stoic racing names as Foyt, Scheckter, Andretti and Rahal, former Indy 500 winners Helio Castroneves (2001 & 2002), Buddy Rice (2004) and Dan Wheldon (2005) will return in pursuit of a repeat performance. Jason Priestly's Rubicon team is not on the list, however all three female drivers who competed last year will be back again. Twelve rookies will race for the checkered flag at the reunited event this year – including former Indy Lights champions Jay Howard and Alex Lloyd – marking an eleven-year record since 1997, the year after open-wheel racing split.
[Source: Autosport, Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Travis Rassat 9:21AM (4/14/2008)
This is gonna be awesome! I'm glad to see that bump day will actually mean something.
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Fleming in Tennessee 9:27AM (4/14/2008)
Indy would regain its past luster if it wasn't dominated by foreign engines and drivers. Used to be THE great American event! Nascar is heading down the same road.
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Travis Rassat 9:52AM (4/14/2008)
There have been foreign manufacturers and drivers in the Indy 500 since it started.
The 1911 running included 3 Fiats, a Mercedes, and a couple of Benz. While all of the drivers except for Gil Andersen were American citizens, 4 were born in other countries.
In 1912, a Mercedes led 196 of the 200 laps before it broke a rod.
French drivers won the race in 1913 and 1914.
Fleming in Tennessee 10:16AM (4/14/2008)
No complaints about some foreign drivers, but ALL the engines are foreign! I'm interested in American brand competition rather than drivers, thus I have no interest in Indy!
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