Race #5 In The ICS - The Milwaukee Mile With Tweets

Dixon wins in Milwaukee! Image Credit: ISNHagan

Race #5 In The ICS - The Milwaukee Mile With Tweets

While INDY just celebrated it's 100 year anniversary, the venerable "bullring" known as The Milwaukee Mile is celebrating it's 103rd year. The track is way different than the big four-cornered IMS in that it is only one mile around, there is very little banking to speak of and the track is wide enough to pass almost anywhere. It was a very exciting race to watch.

Normally, we, at The EDJE would have tried to chronicle the race using Tweets from Twitter, but this race on this track is way to fast to keep up with this type of activity and do it justice. They will be added from time to time.

AJ Foyt gave the order to have the drivers start their engines and the race went along really smooth until about lap 50 when Mike Conway moved a little to far up out of the racing line and caught the marbles which took his car to the wall bringing out a YELLOW Flag.

For the first 50 laps Tony Kanaan led for about the first 20 laps then Ryan Briscoe took command. Paul Tracy, driving for the race sponsor, AJ Foyt and ABC Supply, started well getting up to P16 then his car went completely away from him slipping back to 20th and last place (Stanton Barrett did not answer the flag) at the time of the caution.

GREEN Flag after pitstops on LAP 67 - 16 cars are on the lead lap.

Ryan Briscoe resting while waiting to qualify on Saturday for the Milwaukee Mile. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2009)

TWEETS:

IndyCarNationLap 67: GREEN. Briscoe leads the field into Turn 1.

kvracingBack to green flag racing here at Milwaukee. Currently P8 after 67 laps and one pit stop

MyNameIsIRLkvracingRace order - Briscoe, dixon, franchitti, rahal, muthoh, patrick, matos, moraes, kanaan, wheldon

PlanetIrl@MyNameIsIRL Jeff, I think Mynameisirl should start drug testing. That was hilarious, but way out of left field.

TheEDJEPlanetIrl@MyNameIsIRL So, we should pass out P-Kits huh?

Paul Tracy feeling comfortable with the AJ Foyt squad. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2009)

IndyCarPRMike Conway has been checked and released from the Infield Care Center. He is cleared to drive.

kvracingMoraes is still P8 ( fastest time 158.663mph) after 85 laps out of 225. He is doing a great job, driving smart and patiently

DRRIndyCarScheckter is in 12th place at the halfway point through this run.

14 cars on the lead lap with Ryan Hunter-Reay in P14 at lap 91.

MyNameIsIRL[blog update] LiveBlog: Milwaukee 2009 http://tinyurl.com/m6obh4

IndyCarNationLap 100: #6 Briscoe leads #9 Dixon by .6125 of a second.

kvracingMoraes is closing in on P7 and Danica Patrick. Tenth faster each lap

Briscoe tries to protect Castroneves when comes up on him at P13. This may hurt Briscoe ultimately what with Dixon coming up fast to take advantage.

PlanetIrlanyone else starting to get bored with this race?

VisionRacing21 car pitting. Taking out front wing.

IndyCarPRLap 110: #6 Briscoe leads #9 Dixon by .5786 of a second. #3 Castroneves has been lapped.

Helio goes a lap down to Briscoe who tried to save him ... Marco in the sights of Briscoe now at P11 - moving through traffic.

Green Flag pitstops coming up.

AGRfan26COME ON MARCO !

VisionRacingOther cars will now start coming in for pitstops. Vision guys will get some clean air and will need to get some good laps in.

IndyCarNationLap 130: Pit window is opening for the leaders. #6 Briscoe leads #9 Dixon by .3867 of a second.

Franchitti in and out with a good stop - Boy is that car Green in the TomTom sponsored car.

All of the leaders come in. and it is a tight dice.

IndyCarPRLap 133: Leader #6 Briscoe to pit lane. New leader is #9 Dixon.

Kanaan's car comes in smoking - he hops out and is out of the race - in the pits. Engine Nuke!

VisionRacingNew leader after green flag stops is #10 Franchitti. RHR is P12 running good lap times but has a vibration. Carpenter P15.

chunter16I'm fine, says @tonykanaan as he limps to his trailer. Get better soon, glad it wasn't a crash.

IndyCarPRLap 150: #10 Franchitti leads #6 Briscoe by 1.1894 seconds. #6 Briscoe has secured the bonus points for leading the most laps.

Only 9 Dallaras on the lead lap on LAP 152 - Now Briscoe and Dixon jumpn Franchitti in traffic - drops to third.

pjchessonwatching Indycar Race!! about to fire up the grill for a dry rubbed beef tenderloin..charcoal is the only way to go for flavor....

PlanetIrlWell, thats one way to do it.

IndyCarPRLap 160: YELLOW for Debris in Turn 2.

This will set up a sprint to the end - as if they haven't been sprinting all along - YELLOW Flag stops for the leaders - "The Money Stop"!

VisionRacingBoth 20 and 21 cars will make pit stops on this caution. Ed on radio: "I'm white knuckling it out here." Expletives deleted from his com ...

indy44OMG I got company right when the green flag was thrown,major meltdown mode!

TheEDJE@indy44 - I'm hip - don't people know when a race is on - it's open-wheel crack!

Paul Tracy shares a happy moment at the Milwaukee Mile track with Rick Mears. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2009)

PlanetIrl@indy44 Don't you love when that happens. Green, Green, green. Then here come the in-laws.

kvracingPit stop did not go our way, hit viso tire on way out and then unfortunately had a mis communication in pits and car stalled, he is now P9

Lap 170: No restart. If this order stays put, Ryan Briscoe will take the ICS points lead by 10 points over Franchitti.

Lap 171: Back to green flag racing!

kvracingBack to Green Flag racing, 54 laps to go, P9

the500FROM THE STAR: A.J. Foyt 225 updates from Curt Cavin on Twitter http://tinyurl.com/nea36s

IndyCarPRLap 173: GREEN. #6 Briscoe leads the field into Turn 1.

AGRfan26Marco up to 6th !

FuriousWedgeI'm sorry but Marty Reid makes Darrel Waltrip look smart - 48 LAPS to go!

MyNameIsIRLMarco closing in on Graham and Marty says "Let's go back and check in with the race leaders because nothing has changed up front..."

Lap 185: Ryan Briscoe is coming up to lap the back of the field. Castroneves will move from second to fourth in the poins if this remains - Briscoe passes teammate!

EJ Viso slows and comes into pits - GREEN Flag stays out. This make it ZERO for FIVE races that HVM Racing finished a complete race.

PlanetIrlJust found something I like about ABC instead of Versus. No Smilin' Bob.!

AGRfan26Lap 193: #6 Briscoe leads #9 Dixon by .2729 of a second.

Lap 198: Danica Patrick looks to reel in Graham Rahal after taking Marco

Dixon gets around Briscoe in Scheckter traffic for the lead!

Lap 202: Scott Dixon is in clean air and looking to pull away.

MyNameIsIRLDixon has now taken the lead. Meanwhile Danica is in 5th and Marco has fallent to 7th. There's passing today - we're just not seeing it.

AGRfan26@MyNameIsIRL ABC was too busy SHOWING COMMERCIALS. Where was the side-by-side when it counted !

8 Dallaras in the lead lap - Lap 207: Dixon has opened up a large 2 second lead.

IndyCarNationLap 210: #9 Dixon leads #6 Briscoe by 2.8 seconds.

MyNameIsIRLNow it's Marco who is being told to "use your tools". I'm starting to think these pit reporters may have teleprompters.

Nine LAPS to go - Seven Cars on the lead lap!

IndyCarNation10 to go, Dixon leads by 3.08 seconds.

16AndGeorgetownAs of now Danica is 4th in the points...she's having a very solid year

kvracingTires beginning to wear out, @mariomoraesindy has a lot of vibration. Good thing we have just 6 laps to go and no

Lap 220: Scott Dixon leads Ryan Briscoe by 3.1208 seconds.

VisionRacing5 to go and fans are swarming around the podium at Milwaukee waiting to see who the wiener will be. Oops I mean winner. Brats. I'm mean ...

Lap 224: White flag. Scott Dixon leads Ryan Briscoe by 2.1617 seconds

16:27:50 GMT-0500 Scott Dixon wins the ABC Supply Co/AJ Foyt 225!

IndyCarPRLap 225: CHECKERED. #9 Dixon wins the ABC Supply/A.J. Foyt 225 by 2.1257 seconds over #6 Briscoe.

DRRIndyCarTomas brings it home P13. Congrats to Dixon. On to Texas!

indy44YAY! ABC won't be in Texas 3 cheers!!!!!!!!

AGRfan26AND ABC GOES TO A COMMERCIAL !!!!

PlanetIrlAnd with Scott Dixon winning we prepare for the most boring celebration ever. He really has the personality of a doorknob

TheEDJE@PlanetIrl Doorknob??? - You are being kind, you MUST be a fan! :-)

PlanetIrl@TheEDJE Lol, he's like the Kimi Raikonnen of Indycar.

kvracingKV Racing Technology's Mario Moraes finished an IndyCar oval career high 9th today at Milwaukee

indy44Going to commercial when pass for lead is coming up is truly pathetic,not even side by side,TOTAL B.S.

SpeedJournal(Indy)5/31 :: Dixon prevails- http://tinyurl.com/m7xanm #autoracing

... notes from The EDJE

Tony George Ousted, Has One Less Job In Motorsports - UPDATED

Tony George, Vision Racing Team Owner/President of the IRL along pitlane during qualifications for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach last month. Tony George has one less major task in the world of Motorsports to worry about after being ousted from the management of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I wonder if he will retain his golf membership? Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2009)

Tony George Ousted, Has One Less Job In Motorsports - UPDATED (at bottom)

Probably one of the most compelling figures in all of Motorsports ... certainly, in the annuals of North America open-wheel racing, Tony George has been ousted from the management of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Robin Miller writing for SPEED TV cites that a source close to the situation confirmed that the 49-year-old grandson of Tony Hulman would no longer be CEO of the Speedway after a vote of the IMS board of directors which includes mother Mari, sisters Josie, Nancy and Kathy, attorney Jack Snyder and George.

This excerpted and edited from SPEED.tv -

INDYCAR: Tony George Ousted From IMS
Written by: Robin Miller - 05/27/2009

The controversial, ground-breaking, tumultuous 20-year reign of Tony George at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is over. SPEEDtv.com has learned George was voted out of power in a Tuesday night board meeting in Indianapolis.
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Calls to Snyder and Fred Nation, IMS vice president of communications, were not returned and George did not respond to an email.

George, who started the Indy Racing League in 1996, will continue as CEO of the IndyCar series and is expected to take more of a hands-on role after Tuesday's developments at the Speedway.

It had been rumored for several years that his sisters were concerned with the amount of money George had spent on keeping the IRL afloat and changing the look of the Speedway.

It's estimated that between paying purses, supplying cars, engines and parts for other teams, hiring high powered public relations firms and starting his own IRL team, plus remaking Indy to accomodate Formula One, the IRL founder has spent more than $600 million during the past 13 years.

And his siblings were reportedly concerned about running out of money.
Reference Here>>

Many who lived through the split ... then the merger of open-wheel racing in North America were willing to bury the hatchet, but we had no idea this was where we would find the hatchet buried ... in the end.

UPDATE:

Both Tony George & Mari Hulman-George Deny Reports ... after earlier reports that Tony George had been ousted by the board of directors of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway -

Tony George denies the reports saying:

"I am still CEO and still president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, Hulman and Company and CEO of the Indy Racing League" -Tony George

Mari Hulman-George denies the reports saying:

"There haven't been any changes. We just discussed things like we usually do and how to make things better." -Mari Hulman-George

Quotes courtesy of WTHR
(ht: 16thAndGeorgetown)

I guess the buried hatchet has been pulled out, wound patched, and the hatchet will be placed in an undisclosed and secure location. As for Tony and his T-Times at the golf course, he will be able to get on anytime he wants! ... stay tuned.

Final UPDATE on the Tony George "Ouster" story first broke by famed and revered Motor Press reporter Robin Miller.

Tony George is still the CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway! Further, he still retains ownership of the IRL team, Vision Racing, and he is still the President and CEO of the Indy Racing League (the last two positions were never in doubt).

Most everyone in this community respect Robin Miller but it appears that he was sucked into a family feud over the management of the famed racing venue, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

I guess we have to say that Tony George's one less job in motorsports is that he never has to take Robin Miller seriously (or grant him special access to any of the properties he controls) ... anymore.

IMS Statement Here>>

... notes from The EDJE

Paul TracyJoins Forces With AJ Foyt For The Milwaukee Mile

Look who we ran into in the tire store in Spendora, TX ! They were useless helping get the tire fixed though! Image Credit: Tommy Kendall

Paul Tracy Joins Forces With AJ Foyt For The Milwaukee Mile

Two four time winners join forces to conquer the Milwaukee Mile together ... AJ Foyt as a car owner without a driver, and Paul Tracy as one of the most proven winning drivers without a full-time ride.

Motorsports commentator and sport car driver Tommy Kendall and Paul Tracy had decided to drive a motorhome back to Tracy's home in Las Vegas from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, taking the long way home through Texas. The fun thing about this trip is that Tommy decided to give updates about the trip through his Facebook account. The two of them experienced a flat tire near San Antonio, so they took the time to take a look at a 1964 primer black customized Lincoln Continental.

BLOWOUT in Splendora, TX! Bummer!! First time the wheels have stopped in 15 hours. Image Credit: Tommy Kendall

After leaving, Tommy wrote to tell everyone to join them on Sirius Radio - "Welcome to all the new friends from the Godfather's Sirius show who have joined the ABC Supply/Geico Thrilla Express." The word had begun to spread.

Gonna be 3 hours to get a tire here, so we've gone to plan B: unloaded the runabout and are going to go look at the Lincoln in the meantime. Image Credit: Tommy Kendall

Followers began to comment the following:

** AJ and PT is a match made in heaven. All we need now is Penske resources and the wins shall flow forth!

** PT is going to have to train on the heavy bag as well as the weights now. It is after all, AJ we are talking about.

** Sounds like a really fun road trip. I'm a big fan of "the thrill from West Hill". Way cool Lincoln!!

** Re: MM. Sad it came about this way but its probably more fate than anything. AJ and PT, we need to get PT's dad in there to stir up 'ol AJ. Epic. TO and beyond, this is history in the making. As happy as this makes a lot of people there are certainly some drivers/teams/owners this will just plain scare. Nice.

** AMEN and could not be happier. TK, PT and AJ is the real reality show. Some cool title that combines TEX and that HORN ...Chrome that is. Tell PT that we are stoked.

** This will be the first IRL race I watch start to finish.

The sad part to all of this was the tragic crash on LAP 174 of the INDY 500 that injured AJ Foyt's driver, Vitor Miera, that opened the door for two tough, rough around the edges open-wheel champions to join forces for at least one race at a track they both have had great success. Also, AJ had to hit a home run with star power after loosing his regular driver ... the race is named in honor of his team's steady and reliable sponsor ABC Supply and AJ Foyt himself - The ABC Supply Co. Inc. / AJ Foyt 225 at the Milwaukee Mile! AJ Foyt remarked, "It's a very important race for us because it's sponsored by our team sponsor ABC Supply, which is based in Wisconsin and Milwaukee is their home track."

While INDY just celebrated it's 100 year anniversary, the venerable "bullring" known as The Milwaukee Mile is celebrating it's 103rd year. The track is way different than the big four-cornered IMS in that it is only one mile around, there is very little banking to speak of and the track is wide enough to pass almost anywhere. It will be a very exciting race to watch, especially now with PT behind the wheel of an AJ Foyt prepared Dallara. The race will be televised Sun, May 31 - 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

We made good use of our downtime and PT bought this 64 Lincoln. Image Credit: Tommy Kendall

Thrilla' is pretty proud of his new murdered (flat black) Conti w/suicide doors. Image Credit: Tommy Kendall

This excerpted and edited from indycar.com -

Proven Winner
By Dave Lewandowski - Indycar.com - Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Two outspoken open-wheel racing stars have joined forces for the ABC Supply/A.J. Foyt 225 at The Milwaukee Mile this weekend.

Paul Tracy will replace the injured Vitor Meira behind the wheel of the No. 14 ABC Supply Co. car for A.J. Foyt Racing for the May 31 race. Tracy, who has won at The Mile four times, will be driving for the four-time Indianapolis 500 champion's team for the first time.

"I'm excited to get an opportunity to drive albeit as a fill-in for Vitor as I know it's a short-term thing," said Tracy, who is coming off a ninth-place finish in the Indianapolis 500 in a KV Racing Technology car. "When I started my career (1991), I competed against A.J. He was one of my idols growing up. I haven't told too many people this but he was one of the guys I modeled myself after. I'm a little rough around the edges like him and I say what I feel, and that's one of the things I've always admired about him."

Tracy, 40, has 31 Indy car victories in his CART/Champ Car World Series career; Foyt is the all-time leader with 67 (all under USAC sanctioning).

"Paul Tracy is a hard charger and our type of driver, much like Vitor," said Foyt, who has four victories at The Mile - including an Indy 500-Milwaukee double a week apart. "I believe we can put the right equipment under Paul, and we've both had success there, so I think we can put our heads together and have a good race.
----
Tracy has made himself at home at the track. In 14 starts (1993-2006), he has led nine races for 723 laps and earned four wins (Newman-Haas, 1995; Team Green, 1999, 2002; Forsythe, 2005), two poles (Penske Racing, 1996, 1997); two other top-five finishes plus two top-10 finishes.

"I think the team is competing at a much higher level these days," said Tracy, who will be competing in his fourth IndyCar Series event. "I had a long conversation with (team director) Larry (Foyt) and they're working hard. That's all I expect from people is to do their best. I think I'm the kind of driver who could make the difference at Milwaukee, being a four-time winner there, and teaming up with A.J., a guy who's won as many times as he has at the historic Mile is not only a great story but a winning recipe."
----
"There's no challenge for me, I'm a grizzly old veteran like A.J., I'll be up to speed real quick," he said. "I jumped in the car at Indianapolis and I hadn't driven at Indy in seven years and never drove a Dallara on the speedway and did 220 mph on my third lap. I don't anticipate any trouble getting up to speed because I spent the last month in the car. If the team can deliver me a good car, I think I can win the race for them."
Reference Here>>

Tommy Kendall has the weather update for the next leg of the ABC Supply/ Geico Express Road trip: Dark. continuing dark throughout the night, giving way to widely scattered sunlight in the morning.

This race will definitely be a "Thrill ... by the guy from West Hill"!

... notes from The EDJE

Vitor Miera Out For The Rest Of The Season

Vitor Miera and AJ Foyt discuss set-up strategy in the pitbox at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2009)

Vitor Miera Out For The Rest Of The Season

My Name Is IRL reports that the medical diagnosis is in and Vitor Miera has fractured lumbar vertebrae (refer to yellow section in graphic) in his lower back and that it will take several months to heal.

The Vertebral Column - Image Credit: Gray' Anatomy

This excerpted and edited from My Name Is IRL -

Vitor has been defined, his entire career, by his valiant inability to win races. Now, after being lit on fire and crashing hard into the wall in Turn One (in separate incidents, no less) it appears for the remainder of 2009 he won't even be able to enter races, much less [NOT] win them.

The intrepid Curt Cavin has now busted out his twitter and told us "Vitor out 4-6 months, but he and Matos have reconciled things. Anthony is 50-50 as choice at Milwaukee." Fractures in the L-1 and L-2 vertebrae are the culprits for the demise of his season.

I know that Anthony, a.k.a. AJ Foyt IV, is family, but considering how badly the pairing of Foyt and Foyt went a few years ago this might not be good idea. Regardless of who fills the seat, our thoughts and prayers for as speedy a recovery as possible go out to the Vitor during his convalescence.
Reference Here>>

Vitor debates set-up strategy with AJ Foyt, Team owner of the ABC Supply Dallara. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2009)

I really thought that with Vitor Miera, ABC Supply, and AJ Foyt (the elder) had a winning combination. I watched the two of them sharing set-up information in the pits at Long Beach and they seemed to have a special rapport.

Odd that AJ would take to the Brazilian after having a history of issues with drivers in the past. It says a lot about Vitor.

Hope Vitor heals and is able to do what any good cowboy does when he gets kicked off of a horse ... he gets right back on!

Additional Background On Vitor Miera's Compelling Race Day At The 93rd INDY 500 Plus Photos Of AJ & Vitor From Racing Nation>>

... notes from The EDJE

93rd INDY500 - A Centennial Ride - Tweet By Tweet

Crazy Fans On CARB Day - No, these are not "Tweets". Tweets are 140 character messages used to communicate information in what are called micro bursts. Gathering tweets to tell a story is the purpose of this posting. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2009)

93rd INDY500 - A Centennial Ride - Tweet By Tweet

So here we are again, itching to watch a competition performed by 33 cars and drivers on what the announcers at the on-air (an on internet) voice of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - IMS call "The World's Greatest Race Course". For those of us who are addicted to watching cars, without fenders, compete at the limits of speed ... we'd have to agree.

This year, we have a field that is stronger and even more unified now its second year ... all teams are on an even knowledge basis with the Dallara and how these cars behave on the four-turn, low banked, 100 year old 2 1/2 mile "oval". In the final practice session, two of the top three fastest times ... five of the top ten, and six of the top fifteen ... were posted by Transition Players (drivers from ChampCar, or driving for former CCWS Teams), or drivers without a full season ride.

These are the drivers that have the best chance at making a name for themselves for being able to win the INDY 500 after being merged from the ChampCar World Series, driving for a merged team, or not having a full-time ride listed in order of their fastest final practice rank: 2) Will Power/Penske Racing, 3) Mario Moraes/KV Racing Technology, 8) Graham Rahal/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, 9) Townsend Bell/KV Racing Technology, 10) Davey Hamilton/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, and 12) Paul Tracy/KV Racing Technology.

... And so, let the day begin and we all pray for a competitive and safe 500 miles on "The World's Greatest Race Course" for the 93rd INDY 500 at the 100 year old Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

500coverage10:44 - Cars are starting to arrive on pit lane - a sign that preparations are complete. It's all about pageantry and tradition until 1:12!

Other Transition Players to watch include: Alex Tagliani/Conquest Racing, Oriol Servia/Rahal Letterman Racing, Justin Wilson/Dale Coyne Racing, Bobby D - Robert Doornbos/Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing, EJ Viso/HVM Racing, and honorable mention ... Alex Lloyd/Gannasi Sam Schmidt Racing.

500coverage10:46 - Stuck in traffic? Just be patient and keep your radios on 93.1 WIBC, 97.1 HANK FM or 1070 The Fan for all you need on your way in!

autoracingdailyVision Racing Finishes Final Preparations For #Indy 500
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VisionRacingRyan just made a mad dash for the washroom. Will he be back in time for driver intros for the #Indy500 ? Stay tuned

TheEDJE93rd INDY500 - A Centennial Ride - Tweet By Tweet - http://tinyurl.com/oqlpnd #indy500

NascarTweeter2009 INDIANAPOLIS 500 BRONZE BADGE/PIN INDY Indianapolis 500 Centennial Era http://bit.ly/lkbbc

SpeedJournal(Indy)5/24 :: To infinity and beyond- http://tinyurl.com/r2xfss #autoracing

indy44Omg that new danica boost mobile commercial is hilarious pit crew is in drag

500coverage12:32 - Right on schedule, driver introductions are now underway with PA announcer Dave Calabro. Are you getting excited yet? #indy500
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patronhighcroftHanging out with Sebring teammate Dario Franchitti in the green room before #Indy500 driver intros. http://yfrog.com/173b5hj

CrashGladysHoly cow - Danica got some boos at intros... Indy 500

TwitPic - Posted on May 24, 2009 -by pjchesson

pjchessonhttp://twitpic.com/5usiu - My view from Indy 500
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VisionRacingCrews lineup behind car. Anthem coming up. Can we go now? How about now? Okay now? Maybe now? Please? Build up has us all wound up!

500coverage12:47 - Florence Henderson sings "God Bless America." Welcome to the Indy 500!

One final shot with Patrón Highcroft boss Duncan Dayton as Florence Henderson sings at the #Indy500 - Image Credit: Patrón Highcroft

500coverage12:56 - The B-25 bombers fly over to a huge cheer from the crowd. A great way to honor our Military heroes and get ready for a great race!

VisionRacingDrivers to their cars!
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the500Last minute predix, 500 followers? Mine: 1) TK, 2) Helio, 3) Dixon ... darkhorse Rahal. --pd

TheEDJELast minute predix, 500 followers? Transition Players Will Power, Mario Moraes, Graham Rahal, Paul Tracy, and Bobby D - #indy500

pressdogAnthem, fly-over, taps, back home again in indiana, let's light this American candle.

500coverage1:03 Now you KNOW it's Indy! Jim Nabors sings Back Home Again in Indiana.
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500coverage1:05 - "Ladies and Gentleman...Start Your Engines! Mari Hulman George says the most famous words, and 33 engines are fired!

pressdogRow 1, hot. Row 2, hot. Row 3, hot ...

openpaddockEngines are started and it is time for the greatest spectacle in racing!!!!

They are rolling off and on their first pace lap - Turn one on the fist lap at race speed is probably the most dangerous time in the whole of the race at the INDY 500!
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FuriousWedgeAlex Lloyd's wife is feeling contractions, imagine that possible end of race for Lloyd, congrats on the race, here's your son/daughter

VisionRacingIt's overcast + hot. Hardly a breeze felt in the pits. Packy, spotter for Ryan and Dude, spotter for Ed will call the green for the guys.

The Green Flag was waved off because the field of cars lined up three wide were not formed up evenly.

GREEN, GREEN, GREEN - Crash in the short chute between turns one and two. Mario Moraes/KV Racing Technology OUT, just like that ... Marco Andretti out as well.

IndyTalkYellow. Contact between Turns 1 and 2 between Moraes, Andretti. #indy500
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Marco26WebMarco out of the car on lap one after a brush with MM.

MyNameIsIRLThe ghost of Troy Ruttman just smacked down two of his three challengers today.

CrashGladysPaul Tracy singing "We will rock you!" - listening in pit now ;) - Indy 500

500coverage1:21 - Cars at the back make early pit stops. EJ Viso, Milka Duno Alex Tagliani run 29th-30th-31st. #indy500
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toomuchracing#Indy500 restart

500coverage1:25 - Franchitti beats Castroneves to turn one on the restart. #indy500

Dario Franchitti turns a 218 mph lap at full race trim ... that is pretty quick!

500coverage1:27 - After 10 laps it's Franchitti, Castroneves and Briscoe. Speeds right around 220mph, with 230's on the straightaways.

racingvideosLive Timing and Scoring... FREE! http://www.indy500.com/
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SSM99Early pit to remove broken rain light. Long race to go still...

the500Hearing Andretti's car is getting work ... his day might not be done, even if his chances at winning are. --pd

TheEDJERyan Hunter-Reay crashes LAP 20 or 21 #indy500

IndyCarNationYELLOW: #21 Hunter-Reay has made contact with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 4. Car comes to rest in pit lane.

IndyTalkAll cars to pits. #indy500 LAP23
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RacingNationTop 5: Franchitti, Briscoe, Castroneves, Dixon, Rahal after pits

the500Big jumpers early: Matos 12 to 7, Carpenter 17-12, Wheldon 18-13, Servia 25-16. --pd

GREEN, GREEN, GREEN - Restart!

IndyCarPRLap 28: GREEN. #10 Franchitti leads the field down the frontstretch. #9 Dixon passes #3 Castroneves for third.

500coverage1:49 - Scott Dixon has gotten around Helio to move into 4th. First time someone else has cracked the top 3.

500coverage1:51 - Townsend Bell moved 24th to 12th on first green-flag run. Dropped to 22nd on pitstop, now back up to 19th. Passing a lot of cars!
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the500Pink Lloyd really could use the lucky dog right about now. Oops, wrong series. --pd

autoracingdaily#Indy500: 1. Franchitti, 2. Briscoe, 3. Dixon, 4. Castroneves, 5. rahal, 6. Matos after lap 36

500coverage1:54 - EJ Viso makes a stop and falls a lap down. He's shown in 30th place. #indy500

Marco26WebAutosport - MA: ""He had nobody inside of him and he is just clueless out there... It's so disappointing."

the500Servia into top 15 after starting 25th. --pd
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autoracingdaily#Indy500: 1. Franchitti, 2. Briscoe, 3. Dixon, 4. Castroneves, 5. rahal, 6.Kanaan 7. Matos, 8. Power, 9. Danica Patrick, 10, Tracy lap 44

Marco26WebJalopnik: "Moraes was apparently on his cell phone and not paying attention, pushing Andretti into the wall".

IndyCarNationLap 50: #10 Franchitti leads #6 Briscoe by .8261 of a second. Lots of red cars at the front of the field.

patronhighcroftLap 50: Scott in P20 at the 1/4 way mark. Car a little loose. Adjustments coming at next stop at #Indy500

Bobby D, Robert Doornbos scrapes the wall comes into the pits ... shuts off the engine - Day Over!

500coverage2:04 - Despite Doornbos' contact we stay green. Briscoe now takes the lead from Franchitti!

IndyCarNationNew leader is #6 Briscoe

Graham Rahal Slams the wall - both Newman/Haas/Lanigan teammates out within just a couple of laps!!! YELLOW Flag!

500coverage2:07 - Chris Denari on IMS Network: Rahal got behind slower cars heading into pits and elected to go high. Obviously not the right choice.
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VisionRacingRT @IndyCarPR: Lap 56: YELLOW. #02 Graham Rahal makes contact with the Safer Barrier in Turn 4.

Pit Open - LAP60

TheEDJEJustin Wilson slides in pitlane while entering the pits #indy500

Here's the view from the pits when Justin Wilson got spun around. Image Credit: Ernie Mills

VisionRacingGood job by No.20 Menards Crew! Ed just cracked the Top-10 at the #Indy500.

kvracingYellow flag,bell coming into pit, front wing adjustment, fuel and tires and fluid, his drink system is not working. That was a fab change!!

kvracingTownsend just gained 5 spots from his pit crew. He is now 13th!

FastMachines@VisionRacing sorry about Ryan :( #indy500

SarahFisher67Moving up. Now 16th- Klint
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GREEN, GREEN, GREEN - LAP63

TheEDJEFour wide with Dan Weldon ... Briscoe sliding back and causing problems - Penske orders him into the pits! #indy500

VisionRacingEd: "Those are some of the most scr*wed up laps I think I have ever run!" Jeff Britton: "It's okay. We'll get 'em back"

Marco Andretti back into the race - 59 laps down!

FastMachineswhat is point of putting Marco back out there? To help tow Danica or TK??? Me no understand #indy500
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autoracingdaily#Indy500: 1.Dixon, 2.Franchitti, 3.Kanaan, 4.Matos, 5.Danica Patrick, 6,Castroneves,7. Power, 8. Wheldon, 9. Townsend Bell after lap 70

FuriousWedge@FastMachines 4-5 cars already out of the race that he can pass to up his points if enough of them go out

RyanRacingI was sending an update when Rys incident happened. He was up 9 spots! I ran to him & got there @ the same time as safety crew!

autoracingdailyIndy 500: Matos watched YouTube videos of Helio's in-car cam to prepare for first #Indy500

Marco26WebSo who is the youngest driver left in contention?

500coverage2:25 - 75 laps: Dixon, Franchitti, Kanaan, Matos, Patrick, Castroneves, Power, Wheldon, Bell, Tracy. #indy500

VisionRacingBaby update: Heather is in pits with two security personnel keeping an eye on her. So far so good for mom, baby and well dad on track too.

toomuchracingMatos is impressing isn't he!

TheEDJE@toomuchracing - WAY! ... saw him at LBGP in press room - Savvy beyond years! He's on a Penske Team, sort of #indy500

YELLOW, YELLOW, YELLOW - Davey Hamilton (oldest driver in the field at 47) way loose into the wall LAP82

500coverage2:32 - Hamilton simply got loose at the exit of Turn 4 and went right into the wall. Tough break for a fan favorite.
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Pitstops - LAP84

500coverage2:35 - Everyone in for another pit stop. Ganassi cars quick out, with Dario re-taking the lead from Dixon.

IndyCarPRLap 90: We're back to green flag racing. #9 Dixon makes the move for the lead around his teammate, #10 Franchitti.

IndyTalkBriscoe back on lead lap by staying out during that round of pit stops. #indy500

500coverage2:44 - Dixon gets by Franchitti on the restart to re-claim the lead. TK, Helio and Matos top 5.

kvracingGreen Flag again, Bell still 9th and Tracy 11th after 93 laps

TheEDJEWheel-Base discussion on ABC - One of the problems the Transition Teams encountered last year - NOW set at 22" - was variable #indy500

The discussion was having to do with a set wheel-base and the compound used on the tires - teasing was done at 20" - wheel-base set at 22"

FuriousWedgeNow that we're halfway I can tell you one clear difference from ABC/ESPN and VERSUS, I have not seen a car beyond Top 10 on screen yet

TheEDJETK BIG CRASH!!! Something Broke #indy500

IndyCarNationLap 98: YELLOW. #11 Kanaan, who was running third, made contact with wall on the backstretch. Car appeared to suffer a mechanical failure.

Sorry TK fans, but this is how the 11 car looks now. Image Credit: Ernie Mills
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Leaders in the pits Lap 100: Scott Dixon wins the race off of pit lane.

kvracingGEICO - KV Racing Technology crew just did another great stop for Paul Tracy

500coverage2:56 - Reshuffled top 10 after stops: Will Power is now up to 3rd in the Penske 12. Wheldon 6th, Bell 7th, Tracy 8th, Carpenter 9th.

500coverage2:58 - More notables at 102 laps: Tagliani 11th, Mike Conway 13th, John Andretti 14th, Sarah Fisher 15th. All their highest positions today.

Danica Patrick drops four positions - slides past pitlane, has to be pushed back and waste time.

the500Power showing third, Matos fourth as the race becomes official. --pd

MyNameIsIRLServia is off the board. Anyone know what happened? I'm in a roomful of media and I still don't know.

chunter16@MyNameIsIRL They're following the money as usual.

TheEDJE@MyNameIsIRL T&S shows him 7 laps down and in the pits?! #indy500

TheEDJE@MyNameIsIRL Servia out with fuel pressure loss - interview on ABC #indy500

TheEDJEDoornbos back in race 41 laps down - GREEN, GREEN, GREEN - Lap 109: Helio Castroneves takes Raphael Matos into Turn 1 for P4. #indy500

RacingNationTop 5: Dixon Franchitti Power Castroneves Matos
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pressdogIt's a Festival of Fuel Saving now, kids.

IndyTalkTop three separated by just 1.53 seconds after 119 laps. #indy500

500coverage3:16 - 120 laps, 300 miles. Dixon, Dario, Power, Helio, Matos, Wheldon, Bell, Carpenter, Tracy, Danica, Tagliani, Meira, John Andretti.

MyNameIsIRLHi, I'm Will Power, and I'm auditioning for a job. Will you please hire me? I'm pretty darn good.

TheEDJE@MyNameIsIRL Hi, I'm The EDJE, and I'm auditioning for a job. Will you please hire me? I'm pretty darn good - OK, OK, OK! #indy500

IndyTalkTop 10 on Lap 126: Dixon, Dario, Power, Helio, Matos, Wheldon, Bell, Carpenter, Tracy, Patrick. #indy500
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IndyTalkDixon, Dario lapping at 219.7, 219.8. #indy500

70 Laps to go and Team Target Chip Ganassi drivers have the measure of the field.

YELLOW Flag - Caution as Nelson Philippe brushes the wall at exit of Turn 4. 132 laps down, 68 to go

VisionRacingRT @MyNameIsIRL: Laughter in media center @ Samantha Lloyd, who says she's having contractions but will wait "til after race to have baby.

FastMachinesYou can tell that Cheever and Goodyear hate each other...you can feel the tension #indy500 #indycar

SarahFisher67Everyone is coming in as well as Sarah. Full stop.

Dario Franchitti has major problems with the fuel hose ... Vitor Meira on fire in the ABC Supply Co. pits - Broken fuel probe

the500That was no small fire on the 14. But it was out as quickly as it started. Meira back on track. Wow. --pd

FastMachinesVitor gets burns on his face and goes back out on track...badass #indy500 #indycar
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IndyCarNationPit report: #9 Dixon won race off of pit lane. #3 Castroneves is second followed by #12 Power, #15 Tracy. #10 Franchitti lost six spots

Six YELLOW Caution Flag periods so far in the race - Four different leaders with five lead changes - average speed just a tick over 148 MPH!

500coverage3:35 - Reset the lineup after the stops: Dixon, Helio, Power, Tracy, Wheldon, Bell, Carpenter, Franchitti, Danica, and Briscoe back to 10th.

the500Per ABC: Big miscommunication led to Dario's pit stall drop. --pd

FastMachinesPT in 4th...this could get really, really good #indy500 #indycar

VisionRacingGreen green green LAP140. Restart Castroneves takes the lead in turn 1. Carpenter P7

500coverage3:39 - Great battles as first Wheldon, then Bell both get around Paul Tracy.

FastMachinesPTs equipment feels done #indy500 #indycar

RacingNationLap 145: [TOP 10] Helio Dixon Power Wheldon Bell Tracy Carpenter Briscoe Patrick Conway

500coverage3:42 - Ryan Briscoe ordered to fall behind Danica Patrick after something happened between them on the restart. #indy500
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pressdogListening to Danica on the scanner. She told her spotter that Briscoe jumped the start. Race control apparently agreed.

FuriousWedgeDanica warned for blocking, how funny would it be if she was forced to give the spot back up to Briscoe he just got forced to give up to her

SpeedJournal50 to go - Castroneves, Dixon, Power top 3 #indy500 #autoracing

500coverage3:45 - 150 laps, three-quarters of the way. Helio, Dixon, Power, Wheldon, Bell, Carpenter, Danica, Tracy, Briscoe, Conway top 10. #indy500

TheEDJE150 LAPS to go and 10 cars are OUT of the race #indy500

FuriousWedgeAnd there we have it folks with Wilson on the wall we will have to wait until 2010 for our first green flag pit-stops at Indy since mid-2007

LAP 161: Yellow for contact in Turn 1 by Justin Wilson

toomuchracing#YELLOW for Wilson in the wall. Marty Reid says we saw it side by side, I didn't because I'm not watching the domestic coverage now..

IndyTalkEverybody is coming in for what should be last stops of race. #indy500

FastMachinesugh...power just got slaughtered on pit road #indy500 #indycar

the500Last pit stop (possibly) going on ... the results: 3, 6, 4, 7, 8, 12, 9, 20, 10, 24. --pd

IndyTalkRace out of the pits: Helio, Briscoe, Wheldon, Patrick. Briscoe gained SIX spots in pits. #indy500

FastMachinesI hate it when my nut comes out of my gun #indy500 #indycar

TheEDJE@FastMachines - So do I - NICE! #indy500

MyNameIsIRLWhat's wrong with this? @DanicaPatrick just tweeted "my crew is awsome!!!!!!! P4 with 37 laps to go."
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TheEDJELap 167: Back to green flag racing! #indy500

33 LAPS to go!

SarahFisher67Battling alex tag for 13th place- Klint

IndyCarPR30 to go: #3 Castroneves leads #6 Briscoe by .3059 of a second

VisionRacingSounds like fuel conservation is going to become an issue for many. Including Ed. We'll need another caution probably.

IndyTalkCindric telling Helio on radio he has enough fuel to make the finish. #indy500

Lap 171: Ryan Briscoe is looking good as he catches Helio.

Lap 173: Yellow for heavy impact between Vitor Meira and Raphael Matos in Turn 1.

500coverage4:06 - Contact! Vitor Meira and Rafa Matos, running 19th and 20th at the end of the lead lap, hit hard, especially Meira.
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Caution is the eighth of the race - fuel will not make a difference and it looks as though a predictable established team and driver combination will win this race - so much for unification.

CrashGladysCar parts in Turn One stands - my friends just texted that!! Apparently no one hurt tho - Indy 500

FastMachinesvery crunched front end of Vitor's car, betting he's got lower extremety issues #indy500 #indycar

500coverage4:14 - 87 degrees at the Speedway, warmer than anyone predicted. Track temp 105. Only rain in area is now southeast of Indianapolis.

indy44WOW that's the first time I've seen someone drive the wall in reverse at about 150 MPH

Lap 179: Pits are open

IndyCarPRPits are open: =Only #6 Briscoe coming to pit road. Leaders are now: #3 Castroneves, #4 Wheldon, #7 Patrick, #12 Power and #5 Bell.

toomuchracingSince I started using #F1 and #Indy500 hashtags I've gained a small no of racing followers and a ton of spammers

TheEDJE@toomuchracing - Welcome to HashTag City! #indy500

GREEN, GREEN, GREEN - 17 LAPS to go

500coverage4:21 - Hideki Mutoh running 10th into the grass but saves it and gets back on the track!

IndyTalkTownsend Bell up to 4th. #indy500

the500Helio up by more than one second as Wheldon battles Danica for 2nd. --pd

Helio Castroneves runs a lap at 220.08 - 1 MPH faster than #2 Dan Weldon!

the500Barring caution, this looks over. Wow. Helio is dominating right now. --pd
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RacingNationMeira transferred to Methodist Hosp with lower back pain

P3 Danica Patrick/AGR is now the fastest car on the track

9 LAPS to go - TB is 4th and PT is 9th

VisionRacingFans are on their feet for final 9 laps. Ed is P8.

RacingNationWill Helio win his third? Will Dan win his second? Will Danica win her first? Who? Who will win??

IndyTalkLap 193: Helio up by 1.64 over Wheldon. #indy500

MyNameIsIRLAfter the Conquest switcheroo, it looks like Alex Tagliani could win Rookie of the Year. He's 11th.

500coverage4:28 - 6 laps to go. Helio still a comfortable lead -nearly 2 seconds - over Wheldon. Then Danica, Bell, Power. #indy500

IndyTalkHelio is five laps away from becoming only the ninth driver to win the Indy 500 three times or more. #indy500

500coverage4:32 - 2 to go, and Helio's lead is now over 2.3 seconds on the field. #indy500

IndyTalkCastroneves wins by 1.98 seconds over Dan Wheldon. Danica Patrick third. #indy500

TheEDJEHelio Castroneves - "Thank You, GOD!" #indy500

IndyTalkHelio stops on yard of bricks, climbs fence in joy. #indy500

FastMachinesmmm....nothing like the sound of Helio crying #indy500 #indycar

CrashGladysHelio Castroneves to the IRS - TAKE THAT BITCHES! Indy 500 #indy500

ISNHaganNumber 3 at Indy for #3. Congrats Helio!!!

500coverage4:39 - Helio drinks the ice cold milk in Victory Circle, and is in tears as the post-race interviews begin.

CrashGladysHelio... again to the IRS... I got ur 1099 right here! Indy baby... Indy 500 #indy500

SpeedJournal(ThatsRacin)Castroneves dances to 3rd Indy 500 win- http://tinyurl.com/paltwf #autoracing

16:32:45 GMT-0400 Helio Castroneves wins the 2009 Indianapolis 500! This is his third victory.

... notes from The EDJE