There is no way you can count out any of the Penske cars . Just too much experience and track knowledge . In the case of RLL , I wonder if their IMSA effort with BMW has stretched the organization too thin . Assuming all engines are built as close to the same as possible that leaves aero/chassis setup and gearing .

I love to see perceived " lesser teams " rise to the top . Hard work and dedication along with $$$ can get you to the top . But 500 miles at 225 - 230 mph is a great equalizer . One pit stop error or one ill-timed yellow can ruin a great finish . Like most fans I hope for a competitive race , an exciting finish and everyone goes home safely at the end of the day .

Always interesting to watch the traffic and pit stop strategy play into who is moving up in the field. It doesn't take much for someone to be "off the pace".

Having driven that track in my street 911 with my wife in the passenger seat, I really can't imagine 220MPH speeds with just inches between my tires and the competitors tires.

We got to do a dozen or so laps in single file, and I did hit 90 on the straights. I always thought the track was flat, but they have some pretty steep banking on the turns.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1684772410.JPG
No worries about what turn is coming up next! ;)

Bingo...also, Never bet against Penske. I'd love to see Tony Kanaan win, but know his odds are slim. This his final 500.

I think I heard RLL did get new staff this year. I’m not a big fan of Graham but he did handle it with much more class than he has shown in the past when things weren’t going his way.

Sting Ray Robb named after his gramps Vette.

Maybe Graham gets in after all as a sub. What a story that’d be if he ran well.

Graham is back in. Replacement for Stefan Wilson after his accident yesterday.


"Fostered by the gratitude for all that Justin Wilson gave while mentoring the 19-year-old IndyCar sophomore, the enduring bond between Rahal and the Wilsons runs deep. With Wilson’s loss at the Pocono IndyCar race in 2015, Rahal swept into action to care for Wilson’s wife Julia and young daughters Jane and Jess by rallying the IndyCar paddock and some of the sport’s biggest names spanning NASCAR and Formula 1 to donate helmets and other memorabilia for a charity auction.

Driven by Rahal’s tireless efforts, which also included help from Stefan Wilson, $637,067.94 was raised for Justin Wilson’s wife and daughters. In their proverbial hour of need, Rahal was there, and with an opportunity to return the kindness, Rahal was chosen over a number of drivers to ensure he didn’t miss out on competing in the race that means the most to every IndyCar driver."

I had not heard about Rahal taking care of Wilson's wife and daughters via the auction items . But doesn't surprise me Bobby is a class act . Thanks for sharing that story .

It was Graham who did that, not Bobby. But, yeah, class act all the way around. It's ironic that Graham said yesterday when asked that he would not consider 'buying into somebody else's ride' like has been done many times over the years. He said you need to earn it and "things happen for a reason". So then the one guy who crashes out and gets injured is the one who is probably closest to Graham and is offered the seat. Probably the only way he would get back into the race. Quite the story.

And, the Unsers getting out of NM. The family has been leaving for decades. Used to live down the road, big acre compound along Rio Grande. 'dobe wall around the property with old racing wheels set in the walls. Been selling off.

https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/unser-racing-museum-leaving-albuquerque-moving-memorabilia-to-nebraska/

Graham might be a longshot for the win .... :cool:


"Dennis Reinbold confirmed his team will use its backup car that hadn't been on-track for the 500 yet, is two years old and, as of 4 p.m. Monday, had a go-kart motor in it."

Wonder how the sponsors of each car work this out? I'm guessing Wilson's car stays with their sponsor's livery and GR wears his sponsors driver's suit.

From what I read all the sponsors worked things out and it sounds like both will be on the car. The big problem was Honda and Chevy. Rahal has always been with Honda. But that was worked out too.

Nice birthday present today :eek:


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Yeah, that video was very cool...watching Brian tear up when he saw the car.

Cap'n Crunch!

OK it's time to make your predictions for who's going to win this year.
Let's pick our top three in no particular order:

Marco
Ferrucci
Connor Daly

Sato
Ferrucci
Rossi

Grosjean
Newgarden
Rossi

Dixon
Palou
Ferrucci

Sato
Dixon
Kannan (who doesn't love a fairy tale?)

Power
Pato O
Herta