Indy 500 Notes
By Dave Lewandowski
indy500.com
Monday, May 5, 2008
Dario Franchitti is $300 richer thanks to Danica Patrick's historic victory at Twin Ring Motegi.
2007 Indianapolis 500 winner Franchitti visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway -- he couldn't take his eyes off his image on the Borg-Warner Trophy -- on his way to visit orthopedist Dr. Terry Trammell for evaluation of his broken ankle on Monday, the second day of the Rookie Orientation Program.
Franchitti, a teammate of Patrick's at Andretti Green Racing last season, had confidence she would record a victory in 2008. So much so that he placed a wager with Chip Ganassi Racing principals Chip Ganassi and Steve Lauletta at the team Christmas party. Prior to a Grand Am race in Mexico City, team co-owner Felix Sabates called to say he wanted in.
"I said (to Ganassi) that she impressed me so much in the second half of the year with her progress. Everything clicked for her," said Franchitti, who is a rookie in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with the Ganassi team. "I tell you she's going to win a race, at least one race. He said, 'I'm not so sure.' ''
Patrick, of course, became the first female to win a major closed-course auto race.
"That worked out well in my favor," said Franchitti, who relayed his congratulations soon after the race in Japan.
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Patrick's car at Indy museum: The No. 16 Argent Mortgage car for Rahal Letterman Racing that Danica Patrick drove in the 2005 Indianapolis 500 has been donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum by its owner, Stanley Ross.
Patrick became the first female to lead a race lap, and led 18 of the final 28 laps. She finished fourth in her rookie season.
"I first heard about Danica through some of my vintage racing friends, and was particularly impressed by her showing at the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch," Ross said. "So I worked with Rahal Letterman to provide some Atlantic cars from the team that my son, Malcolm, ran. This got her started here, and when Bobby wanted to run her at Indy I jumped aboard to help with this car for her. My aim was to put open-wheeled racing back into the public's eye, and in this we succeeded. It was great fun being a part of this."
Patrick made nine starts in the car in '05, earning pole positions at Kansas, Kentucky and Chicago. The car scored six top-10 finishes in its IndyCar history, including a seventh-place run in its final outing with Jeff Simmons at the wheel last season at Infineon Raceway.
"It's flattering to think that a car I drove is going to be on display at Indianapolis Motor Speedway," Patrick said. "The 2005 Indianapolis 500 was an amazing race for me and was a milestone day in the history of the biggest race in the world. I'm glad fans will have a chance to relive that day and get a closer look at a car that played a significant role in my career and in the legend of the Indianapolis 500."
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Camara's car hits SAFER Barrier: The No. 34 Conquest Racing car driven by Jaime Camara made contact with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1 about an hour into the session (on his fourth lap). Camara was among the 10 to pass all four phases of the Rookie Orientation Program on May 4.
Camara climbed from the car unassisted and was transported to Methodist Hospital for precautionary X-rays. He will be evaluated Tuesday, May 6 to determine his fitness to drive.
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Notable: IUPUI men's basketball coach Ron Hunter waved the honorary green flag to start the session.
"I was at The Masters a few weeks ago, and this gives me more goose bumps than being at The Masters," he said. "I had no idea how fast these cars go. I don't know a lot about race car driving, but I'll tell you what, I became a huge fan today."
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