Has Beens and Never Wases

While Michael Andretti and Al Unser Jr are foisting their crusty old backsides into Indycars this month, race fans should be ready for even more blasts from the past who are attempting to qualify.

The most notable is Brazilian Ayrton Dare, who was that last driver to win a race for AJ Foyt's racing team back in 2002. It’s the only IRL race he has won, although Dare does have 14 top 10s in 38 starts. That’s not greatness, but it is respectable considering Dare has never run for a top-tier team. Dare has not race in the IRL since a one-race ride at Indianapolis in 2003.

Also returning to the IRL is Frenchman Stephan Gregoire. Gregoire has 45 career IRL starts and 0 wins, but that hasn't stopped people from believing his first name is Frenchman. Frenchman has not raced since 2001, where he failed to finish a race in his four starts.

Lastly, Thiago Medeiros will attempt to qualify as the umteenth Brazilian in this year's race. Medeiros won the 2004 IndyPro series championship, but has failed to translate that into an IRL career. He has competed in just one IRL race (sort of), qualifying but not starting - and consequently finishing last – at California Speedway in 2005.