Helio feeling Polish

Posted by Iannucci | 5/12/2007 | 8 comments »
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It looked like Dario Franchitti's average of 225.191 MPH was going to hold up, but then a couple of Brazilians decided to take the last two runs. They had it made in the shade, and the Brickyard drama of the new qualification format finally unfolded.

The good news for AGR is that all five of their drivers got the top 11, as Scott Sharp and Darren Manning were unable to best Michael Andretti's 226.789. The bad news is that Helio Castroneves snagged the pole from Franchitti and Tony Kanaan's subsequent run faltered on the final lap in what looked to be the best run of the day.

Observers will note that Hornish probably could have had the pole were it not for bobbles inb both of his attempts. He can take solace in knowing it's just qualification.

The best part of the broadcast was watching Ashley Judd (and her big hat) explain that it's not her job to calm her husband down, as the camera panned over to Dario in some sort of zen-style sitting position. This my friends is a fun couple - we need a reality series here, ABC.

The surprise of course was that after dominating for much of the week, the Target Twins both qualified only in row two. Chip will be on suicide watch (kidding!) while Danny White Shades will probably be wound tighter than usual the next few weeks (not kidding!).

Ryan Briscoe qualified in 7th, which is spectacular news for his team since he has to be racing elsewhere next week. That was the lowest qualification of the three Penske cars "Penske" cars - try to act shocked. Also, Tomas Scheckter again quietly got the job done by taking the 10th starting position. Solid.

1-11 are in the books. Tomorrow the next 11 are in. Dig it.

1. Helio Castroneves 225.817
2. Tony Kanaan 225.757
3. Dario Franchitti 225.191
4. Scott Dixon 225.122
5. Sam Hornish Jr 225.109
6. Dan Wheldon 224.641
7. Ryan Briscoe 224.410
8. Danica Patrick 224.076
9. Marco Andretti 223.299
10. Tomas Scheckter 222.877
11. Michael Andretti 222.789


Oh, by the way - the cars looked smashing in HD!

8 comments

  1. Anonymous // May 12, 2007 3:58 PM  

    I was thrilled to see the Old Super Deuce, Rusty Wallace, bring his Crazy Cat Hot Rod show to the Speedway.

  2. Jennifer Coomer // May 12, 2007 5:14 PM  

    I, personally, was glad to see Helio get the pole. There were a few moments when I was hoping Dario could hold onto it. But Helio's my man.

    You can SO tell that Ashley went to rehab for her co-dependency. I'm serious, she really did.

    I love watching Goodyear look like he wants to slap Rusty Wallace upside the face.

  3. Anonymous // May 12, 2007 6:23 PM  

    Glad for Helio...but hear me now: he will not win the race. I havent figured out who will yet (sigh--Indy is SO difficult--and I may end up just throwing my prediction to Mikey if only cause I'd love to see it happen)...

    And ya know, as hard as it is to admit...I'm pretty damn impressed by Danica so far this month...can I get a witness on that?

  4. Anonymous // May 13, 2007 3:51 AM  

    Super fun to watch good job to everyone !


    (also good job to mynameisirl for a fun blog entry !)

  5. Anonymous // May 13, 2007 5:21 AM  

    the highlight of the tv broadcast was Tom Carnegie calling A.J. Foyt IV

    here it is

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=_R-l4_LTnKI

  6. Anonymous // May 13, 2007 1:27 PM  

    I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed having Rusty back - he brings that extra enthusiasm that Scott and Marty just don't have.

    Bummer that Dario got knocked off the pole. As much as I appreciate the personality that Helio brings to the series, I'm getting bored watching red car drivers celebrate.

  7. Anonymous // May 14, 2007 5:20 AM  

    Danica. Sure. I'll give you a witness on that, Money. I also heard that Roger Penske is going to put MoneyCJ into the Indy 500 on a dare, using some spare parts they threw together over night to create a car that will still go 223.5 in the morning. The IRL is going to rename Saturday Bitchslap Saturday. Since it's basically the top three teams of the league just raising their hind legs on the rest of the field.

  8. Lisa // May 14, 2007 12:19 PM  

    i thought ashley judd's comments were a bit odd. she gave her husband from "affirmations", but everything else was up to him (or something to that affect). it all sounded a little strange