2010 Indianapolis 500 Tweet By Tweet By Half

Alex Tagliani as he is lined up in front of the famous infield Pagoda structure at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2010)

2010 Indianapolis 500 Tweet By Tweet By Half

We join Twitter and the postings at 140 or less characters to tell the story of the 2010 Indianapolis 500 at the halfway point. The race action at the beginning was just too fast and furious to drop in and set a spell with Twitter until LAP 112 where we pick up the action. There was an accident on the first lap involving Davey Hamilton, the oldest driver to make the show at 47 years old. Davey felt that Tomas Scheckter caused the spin by being where he shouldn't have been at the start of the race ... coming out of the fourth corner.

IndyCarPR Lap 112: GREEN. Scheckter leads the field into Turn 1. Sato is issued a 15 second stop and hold penalty for entering the closed pit.

toomuchracing Restart, and Dario retakes the lead. Kanaan up to 3rd over Helio

CrashGladys And 3rd again... Lovin' me some TK! Now freakin' P2!!!! #indy500

IndyTalk #11 Kanaan passes Franchitti for second #indy500

IndyCarNation Lead change Lap 114: #10 Franchitti makes pass of Scheckter entering Turn 1. Kanaan makes pass for seconds. Crowd goes crazy.

500coverage 3:03 - Tony Kanaan is now in 2nd place after starting 33rd.

indy44 These restarts are excellent! #Indy500

kvracing Back to Green Flag racing, Viso moves up another spot to 16th. Lap 114

IndyCarNation Will Power reports he has lost the Honda Overtake Assist on the #12

500coverage 3:04 - Don't look now, but Danica Patrick is up to 12th. #indy500

toomuchracing RT @99forever: Sato gets a 15-sec penalty for striking pit personnel. #Indy500

IndyRacingNut Scheckter hasn't used a single Push to Pass yet...this is good for Tomas. :)

Marco26Web Marco has used more Push-to-pass than anyone else but the #26 is dialled! Now P4 and still pushing.

IndyTalk Fisher's car now being pushed toward Gasoline Alley #indy500

Newman_Haas We are done for the day. Hope you enjoy the rest of the race. May the best man or woman win!

VisionRacing Fuzzy's crew disappointed w/ situation, but not giving up. Lots of racing left! http://flic.kr/p/86bNFV

indy44 I get real nervous when Tomas and Marco run near each other. #Indy500

CRASH - Ryan Briscoe slams wall in turn #4 - speculation is cold tires after pit stop!

IndyRacingNut @Pinkgineer If you try showing people calculator tricks and no one is impressed....you might be a math geek. LOL

Pinkgineer Totally! I got my Dad interested haha RT @99forever: @Pinkgineer That means new people are paying attention. Great news. :)

Marco26Web Green flag pit stops shaking out, and Marco would have re-started P2. But we're back to yellow as Briscoe wrecks out.

indy44 This next restart is going to be insane. Hold on to your hats! #Indy500

VisionRacing Callusing the thumbs for your tweeting pleasure; it's Pat! http://flic.kr/p/86fdr9

penskeracing With 50 laps remaining, Will Power runs ninth and Helio Castroneves 15th

VisionRacing Indy 500 Firehawks! RT @FirestoneRacing: RT @VisionRacing: Tires. Full Fuel. Front wing. GO get em Ed. #Indy500 // what kind of tires?? ;)

IndyCarPR 50 laps to go: Leaders under yellow are: 10, 26, 11, 23, 99, 37, 4, 9, 12, 24

This race now becomes a sprint to the finish with only one Green Flag stop left!

Restart - GREEN, GREEN, GREEN - 45 LAPS to go - Everyone hits Push-To-Pass!

Kanaan passes to take P2

F1B_Indi Officially the hottest race in the history of ever. Miami would be a cooldown.

Ryan Hunter-Reay passes to take over P6 - Townsend Bell gets a Black Flag for Blocking ... gets a drive through penalty.

IndyCarPR The Block party continues.... Next invitee, @townsendbell for a block on @ryanhunterreay Drivetrhough

16AndGeorgetown Saavedra into wall - Lap 161

99forever Saavedra tags the wall. #Indy500

Yellow Flag - 11th car out of race - 22 cars are still running. Andretti Autosport has all cars in the top 10.

SpeedJournal (ThatsRacin) Aussie aces aim to end Helio's reign in the 500 http://bit.ly/b6BqLv #autoracing

indy44 I don't think I've seen a race with so many black flags. Nicholson must have got Barnhart all pumped up. #FlagAction

37 LAPS remaining/165 run and two cars stay out to gain position - Mike Conway and Justin Wilson of DRR.

IndyCarPR Lap 163: Leaders to pit road. 4 cars stayed out, including 24 Conway, who is the new leader of the Indianapolis 500. It is his first lap led

Restart - GREEN, GREEN, GREEN - 34 LAPS to go! Conway gets swept up.

IndyCarPR @justinwilson22 @h3lio and @grahamrahal also stayed out. #indy500

99forever Mike Conway leads a lap at the #Indy500 for the first time. He seems so meek.. wonder how his continence is holding up. :)

RacingNation @DreyerReinbold running one-wo with 30 laps to go. Mike Conway leads Justin Wilson. However a lot can happen.

Conway, Wilson Castroneves, Rahal, and Frachitti round out the top five - this could become an unpredictable win for three of the top five drivers!

RacingNation Methinks Helio trying to save fuel by running behind Conway & Wilson-just biding his time. Needs yellow perhaps two to make it per Cindric

toomuchracing Conway pits from the lead. Leader is now Wilson. 22 to go

RacingNation 19 cars on the lead lap with Justin Wilson now leading, 22 laps to go #Helio #Indy500 #needyellowstomakeit.

500coverage 4:03 - Justin Wilson has gone 28 laps since pitting. Castroneves in 2nd has been out for 24. Rahal in 3rd out for 25. They need a yellow.

500coverage 4:04 - 180 laps, 450 miles. Top 10 Wilson, Castroneves, Rahal, Franchitti, Kanaan, M Andretti, Wheldon, Scheckter, Dixon, Hunter-Reay.

ConquestRacing 20 laps to go. Romancini highest ranked rookie at the moment in 17th position and Baguette has moved up to 22nd! http://bit.ly/c6nSrG

indy44 Race is in Dario's hands. Don't think TK can catch him. All bets are off on a yellow. #Indy500

BeccyGordon Dixon slowed drastically.... Saving fuel????

IndyRacingNut It looks like Helio has this race. He's set himself up perfectly.

99forever This is shaping up to be a very interesting finish indeed. #Indy500

99forever I don't want it to be over... :( #Indy500

IndyTalk #3 Castroneves is new leader and has yet to pit. Franchitti P2 #indy500

Castroneves IN THE PITS for fuel.

500coverage 4:12 - The best car all day, Dario Franchitti is now back in the lead with 8 laps to go in the #indy500. Tony Kanaan in 2nd.

indy44 Does Dario have enough fuel, this is going down to the wire. GO TK!!!!!!!!!! #Indy500

Kanaan IN THE PITS for fuel from 33rd to 22nd ... and now fuel.

FIVE miles to go!!!!

Whie Flag - Last Lap and there is a crash - Yellow Flag -Ryan Hunter-Reay and Mike Conway UPSIDEDOWN and without anything left but the driver safetypod.

maxpapis Dario Dario Dario soooo happy for u justice is made again

autoracingnews Wheldon 2nd, Lloyd 3rd, Dixon 4th, Patrick 5th. #indycar

500coverage 4:20 - Congratulations to Dario Franchitti. But the focus now is for Mike Conway, who had by far the day's most serious crash.

IndyCarNation MIke Conway is awake, alert and is being taken to Methodist Hospital with an orthopedic leg injury.

toomuchracing RT @johndagys: Danica: "At the end of the day, it's the race that matters. And we got a top-5." #Indy500

toomuchracing RT @shagers: Marco is on IMS Radio saying that he finished THIRD, and got passed under yellow at the end.... Stay tuned.

RacingNation Chip wins Daytona with McMurray, Indy with #DarioFranchitti, can he win tonight with Montoya or McMurray?

Left to Right - Patron/Highcroft Racing drivers Marino Franchitti, Simon Pagenaud, and David Brabham. Marino drove the last stint of the race and won at seven laps over the next closest competitor. Photo taken at the driver meet-up with AARWBA members in the Mazda suite at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca May 21, 2010. Image credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

After seeing Marino Franchitti, Dario's younger brother, win his ALMS race with co-drivers Simon Pagenaud and David Brabham ... it was great to see Dario Franchitti win this very next week at INDY. Everyone thought a father/son pairing might be the family story of the week ... and it would come from either the Rahal, or Andretti family, but it is the Franchitti family who are the Kings of Motorsport for the month of May 2010.

14 lead changes and a bunch of negative action that cost many a shot at the race in the pits - Target Chip Ganassi and Dario Franchitti never "got a wheel wrong" and comes up with his second Indy 500 win while saving fuel under a final lap Yellow Flag full-course caution!

UPDATE: Marco Andretti restored to P3!

This excerpted and edited from AutoSport.Com -

Marco Andretti has been restored to third place in the Indianapolis 500 after the race organisers reviewed footage of the moments after the final full course caution was called.

The Andretti Autosport driver was originally credited with sixth on the timing screens, but was adamant that Alex Lloyd, Scott Dixon and Danica Patrick had all passed him after the yellow flags came out for Mike Conway and Ryan Hunter-Reay's violent tangle.

The officials reassessed the finishing order, and just over two hours after the race, a final result was issued with Andretti back up to third place, and Dale Coyne Racing's Lloyd fourth ahead of Dixon (Ganassi) and Patrick (Andretti).
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The results were also altered further down the field, with top rookies Simona de Silvestro and Mario Romancini swapping positions in 13th and 14th - making Conquest's Brazilian driver rather than HVM's de Silvestro the highest placed rookie in the results.

How The 2010 Field Of 33 Fared
(** indicates ChampCar transition association - Driver/Team)

1
Dario Franchitti
Target Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 10 C/E/T D/H/F Start 3 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:37.0131 Laps Led 155 Status Running Points 64

2
Dan Wheldon
Panther Racing
No. 4 C/E/T D/H/F Start 18 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:37.1667 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 44

3
Marco Andretti
Andretti Autosport
No. 26 C/E/T D/H/F Start 16 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:58.0006 Laps Led 1 Status Running Points 39

4
Alex Lloyd
Dale Coyne Racing **
No. 19 C/E/T D/H/F Start 26 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:58.0007 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 35

5
Scott Dixon
Target Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 9 C/E/T D/H/F Start 6 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:58.5053 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 39

6
Danica Patrick
Andretti Autosport
No. 7 C/E/T D/H/F Start 23 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:58.7691 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 32

7
Justin Wilson **
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 22 C/E/T D/H/F Start 11 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:02.9892 Laps Led 11 Status Running Points 30

8
Will Power **
Team Penske
No. 12 C/E/T D/H/F Start 2 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:07.2605 Laps Led 5 Status Running Points 37

9
Helio Castroneves
Team Penske
No. 3 C/E/T D/H/F Start 1 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:10.0268 Laps Led 3 Status Running Points 37

10
Alex Tagliani **
FAZZT Race Team
No. 77 C/E/T D/H/F Start 5 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:11.2613 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 30

11
Tony Kanaan
Andretti Autosport
No. 11 C/E/T D/H/F Start 33 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:36.6088 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 22

12
Graham Rahal **
Rahal Letterman Racing
No. 30 C/E/T D/H/F Start 7 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:36.9870 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 26

13
Mario Romancini
Conquest Racing **
No. 34 C/E/T D/H/F Start 27 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:38.6875 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 20

14
Simona De Silvestro **
Team Stargate Worlds/HVM **
No. 78 C/E/T D/H/F Start 22 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:38.6876 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 20

15
Tomas Scheckter
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 23 C/E/T D/H/F Start 20 Laps 199 Total Time 03:05:38.7686 Laps Led 5 Status Running Points 19

16
Townsend Bell **
Sam Schmidt/Ganassi Racing
No. 99 C/E/T D/H/F Start 10 Laps 199 Total Time 03:06:11.8268 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 18

17
Ed Carpenter
Panther Racing
No. 20 C/E/T D/H/F Start 8 Laps 199 Total Time 03:06:38.5137 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 20

18
Ryan Hunter-Reay **
Andretti Autosport
No. 37 C/E/T D/H/F Start 17 Laps 198 Total Time 03:03:59.4537 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 16

19
Mike Conway
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 24 C/E/T D/H/F Start 15 Laps 198 Total Time 03:03:59.7754 Laps Led 15 Status Contact Points 16

20
Takuma Sato
KV Racing Technology **
No. 5 C/E/T D/H/F Start 31 Laps 198 Total Time 03:06:14.4668 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 15

21
Ana Beatriz
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 25 C/E/T D/H/F Start 21 Laps 196 Total Time 03:03:59.7737 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 16

22
Bertrand Baguette
Conquest Racing **
No. 36 C/E/T D/H/F Start 24 Laps 183 Total Time 03:05:50.9723 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 16

23
Sebastian Saavedra
Bryan Herta Autosport
No. 29 C/E/T D/H/F Start 32 Laps 159 Total Time 02:32:32.5892 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 15

24
Ryan Briscoe
Team Penske
No. 6 C/E/T D/H/F Start 4 Laps 147 Total Time 02:13:47.7317 Laps Led 5 Status Contact Points 23

25
E.J. Viso **
KV Racing Technology **
No. 8 C/E/T D/H/F Start 19 Laps 139 Total Time 02:13:28.9454 Laps Led 0 Status Handling Points 14

26
Sarah Fisher
Sarah Fisher Racing
No. 67 C/E/T D/H/F Start 29 Laps 125 Total Time 02:03:57.1651 Laps Led 0 Status Handling Points 13

27
Vitor Meira
A.J. Foyt Enterprises
No. 14 C/E/T D/H/F Start 30 Laps 105 Total Time 01:46:16.3889 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 13

28
Hideki Mutoh
Newman/Haas Racing **
No. 06 C/E/T D/H/F Start 9 Laps 76 Total Time 01:30:16.6932 Laps Led 0 Status Handling Points 16

29
Raphael Matos **
de Ferran Dragon Racing
No. 2 C/E/T D/H/F Start 12 Laps 72 Total Time 01:08:35.6525 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 14

30
John Andretti
Richard Petty/Andretti Autosport
No. 43 C/E/T D/H/F Start 28 Laps 62 Total Time 00:55:05.9418 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 13

31
Mario Moraes **
KV Racing Technology **
No. 32 C/E/T D/H/F Start 13 Laps 17 Total Time 00:20:36.2718 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 14

32
Bruno Junqueira **
FAZZT Race Team
No. 33 C/E/T D/H/F Start 25 Laps 7 Total Time 00:09:22.6660 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 13

33
Davey Hamilton
de Ferran Dragon Racing
No. 21 C/E/T D/H/F Start 14 Laps 0 Total Time 00:00:02.2573 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 14

... 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

Saint Petersburg INDY - Play By Play Via Tweet By Tweet

Saint Petersburg INDY - Play By Play Via Tweet By Tweet

On a beautiful West coast of Florida day, the 2009 IndyCar Series got under way. Watching the race on VERSUS and seeing commentary on Twitter provided a unique way to experience the beginning of one of the most longed for seasons in North American Motorsports in recent years.

Today held out a great hope for a grand showing for all of the teams to race with an amount of parity. Ever since the rushed merger last year, many fans that followed the ChampCar World Series and the IndyCar Series wondered if this would all turn out to be good for the sport of open wheel automobile racing?

With the race in the can, it can be said ... Yes!

Ok! So Penske Racing won another race, but the 100 laps that made up the race, and the practice and "Knock-Out" qualifying sessions that took place before today, paid many dividends to the fans from both cultures that have now become one.

The following "Tweets" were excerpted and edited from Twitter via TheEDJE account during the season-opening Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:

Tweet: TheEDJE - Let's light this rocket - GO Justin! Go Graham! Leave a CCWS sophomore mark on this ICS season before going into our house at Long Beach GP!

Tweet: VisionRacing - Vision cars are on the grid. Crews are in their firesuits. Nice little breeze to stop them from melting on the spot.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Danica on a pre-race fluff piece on VERSUS - Good short interview! Followed by DP GoDaddy.com advert!

Tweet: VisionRacing - For the record, black firesuits are NEVER a good idea but it was short notice + all. Poor Vision 21 crew. They look good but are withering.

Tweet: FilipCleeren@VisionRacing I hope you supplied 'em with loads of black towels as well.

Tweet: VisionRacing - Vision drivers have um... Taken care of business (aka gone potty) and are now at their cars. TMI?

Yes! Definitely.

Tweet: MyNameIsIRL[blog update] LiveBlog: St Petersburg 2009

Tweet: TheEDJE - The Super Team - Target Chip Ganassi with two past ICS Championship and INDY 500 winners - Dixon and Franchitti

Tweet: TheEDJE - Transition Players - CCWS Sophomores - Rahal, Wilson, Power, Tagliani, Doornbos, Viso, and Moraes - Go out and change the paradigm!

Tweet: TheEDJE - GREEN! GREEN! GREEN! - The 2009 IndyCar Series season is underway! Cameras are great! Black and Red tires!!!

Tweet: TheEDJE - Five wide - Franchitti swoops to the lead! Gets passed by Justin Wilson. TK punts Rahal off of the track! Sonny's BBQ in the lead.

Tweet: NowPublic@TheEDJE we dig your motorsports coverage.

Tweet: MyNameIsIRL - Good grief. These are professionals, right?

Tweet: TheEDJE - Restart - Wilson looks strong - TK trying to make up ground after pitting to get a new nose. Rahal doing the same.

Tweet: IndyCarPR - Report from pit lane: #24 Conway has gone behind the wall to repair damaged suspension.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Dale Coyne's Dallara driven by Justin Wilson is doing very well against Franchitti's Target car.

Tweet: IndyCarPR - Lap 15 update: #19 Wilson has led every lap so far. He led 18 laps here a year ago.

Tweet: TheEDJE - First 12 to 13 cars are running close - Top Five - Wilson, Franchitti, Briscoe, Power, and Manning on LAP 20

Tweet: TheEDJE - AGR's Hideki Mutoh is first in on pits to change from Reds to Blacks on tires - Viso in because the Reds were a problem.

Tweet: VisionRacing - Ed told by engineer Jeff Britton that they will opt for primary black Firestone on next stint instead of Reds as originally planned.

Tweet: IndyCarNation - At lap 25, Justin Wilson leads Darion Franchitti. Pole sitter Graham Rahal has fallen back to 15th due to an early incident.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Justin Wilson on Reds for first stint hoping to get 30 laps. Dario Franchitti on Blacks with Wilson leading by 1.2 seconds. LAP 26

Tweet: FastMachines - It is so nice to have good pit reporters this year for Indy Car. #indycar on VERSUS

Tweet: VisionRacing - 10 laps to pit for #20 menards car. Mutoh behind but Ed is running same lap times as him.

Tweet: UpdateF1 - 25/100 laps completed: Wilson leads Franchitti. Pole man Graham Rahal in 15th after first turn incident with Kanaan. Conway out.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Rahal is waiting to punt TK ... or at least pass the AGR driver. LAP 29

Tweet: VisionRacing - RHR complaining he doesn't have any straight line speed.

Tweet: IndyCarPR - update: Full Course yellow for contact in Turn 12 between #7 Patrick and #2 Matos. #5 Moraes had the incident in Turn 4.

Tweet: VisionRacing - Before pits open Ed will be in 14th place in 20 Menards car after all the incidents. Will take on black tires.

Tweet: FastMachines - Tagliani tangled with Meira & has a flat. Matos just took out Danica in a big crash. Moraes out too. #indycar craziness on VERSUS

Tweet: TheEDJE - Patrick pinches down on Raphael Matos. Tagliani gets tagged - flat tire. Briscoe in and out of the pits. YELLOW Flag - Briscoe takes lead.

Tweet: VisionRacing - RHR took on Red Firestone tires on his stop just as the caution flew.

Tweet: IndyCarPR - Leaders pit under caution. #9 Dixon has terrible stop after crew can't get fuel hose to the car.

Tweet: VisionRacing - RHR being told to save as much fuel as possible so Vision can shoot for a Top-5.

Tweet: IndyCarPR - Update on pit road: #6 Power overshot his pit stall, forcing the issue with #9 Dixon.

Tweet: VisionRacing - RHR up to P4 as he was pitted legally just as yellow waved. Great timing for 21 Vision team.

Tweet: VisionRacing - Ed finds himself in lucky P13. Has understear through turns 1, 2+5.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Restart on Lap 39 - Briscoe leads the field, Doornbos and Franchitti are getting into it!

Tweet: VisionRacing - Wilson got past RHR. RHR now in 5th

Tweet: FastMachines - Indy Car: Briscoe Wheldon Viso RHR Wilson on lap 42. Wilson is looking FAST! #indycar on VERSUS

Tweet: MyNameIsIRL - Wheldon in 2nd. On a street course. Who saw this coming?

Tweet: TheEDJE - Top five on LAP43 - Briscoe, Weldon, Viso, Wilson and Ryan Hunter-Reay!

Tweet: TheEDJE - LAP 50 - Near halfway, top cars are running smoothly and in order nose to tail. Franchitti in 6th, Rahal in 7th.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Wilson pounces on Viso after Viso locks up brakes.

Tweet: IndyCarPR - Lap 52: #19 Wilson passes #13 Viso for third place in Turns 2 and 3.

Tweet: FilipCleeren - Stanton "moving chicane" Barrett finally out. Just like his illustrious predecessor Roth, he's doing a great job influencing race results.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Full Course Caution: Stanton Barrett off. This'll tighten things up a bit. Pits are open. Viso takes to the pits.

Tweet: VisionRacing - Vision team is staying out during this caution. 1 to go at the line.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Restart - LAP 57 - Wilson looks racy against Weldon who is in second, led by Briscoe.

Tweet: MyNameIsIRL - Congrats to Stanton Barrett for not taking anyone out today. He was the lone GT 2 entry.

Tweet: TheEDJE@MyNameIsIRL - NICE!

Tweet: FuriousWedge - I'm really wondering what Wilson would have for Briscoe if he could get around Wheldon who seems to be just quick and wide enough to stay P2

Tweet: TheEDJE@FuriousWedge I think that the Dale Coyne Dallara and Wilson have the Hot Sauce!

Tweet: FilipCleeren@MyNameIsIRL Same goes for Manning. Wheldon's doing great as well considering his record on road courses.

Tweet: VisionRacing - Teams coming in for their finals stops.

Tweet: VisionRacing - 4 laps until No.20 Menards car pits. Heavy traffic in pits.

Tweet: TheEDJE - LAP 67 - Viso, Power, in pits and taking on Reds - Briscoe and Weldon in - Scuff Blacks.

Tweet: VisionRacing - No.21 Engineer Neil Fife to RHR : " It's all yours from here Buddy"

Tweet: FastMachines - Last round of Indy Car pit stops already? Time flies when you are having fun. #indycar on VERSUS

Tweet: TheEDJE - Justin Wilson stays out in order to build up a gap from the pitted leades. Franchitti, Rahal in - Dario takes Reds.

Tweet: VisionRacing - Ed running 3rd heading into pits. Will cycle back... but still. Nice to say that.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Wilson goes into pits and comes out AHEAD of Briscoe ... and on cold tires! A run to the end.

Tweet: FuriousWedge - What a great stop for Dale Coyne Racing! and Carpenter is in the tires we go yellow with parts scattered on track

Tweet: VisionRacing - Ed is in the tires. He's fine. Apologies to team. Engineer Jeff Britton assures him he did a good job. Made a lot of progress this weekend.

Tweet: VisionRacing - RHR asked team if he should be saving fuel under yellow. Team says no. We are good to go.

Tweet: FastMachines - What a thrill it would be if Justin Wilson could give Coyne his first win in the big cars!! #indycar on VERSUS

Tweet: TheEDJE - Franchitti loses a couple of spots! Justin Wilson shows why he was the class of the CCWS Transition Players.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Weldon gets booted to sixth - Reds vs. Blacks - Dixon into the tires - YELLOW Flag.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Mutoh pinches Dixon and breaks the left side A-Arm struts.

Tweet: FastMachines - Dixon hit the wall pretty hard and is out of the Indy Car race. A tangle with Mutoh didn't end well. A tough weekend for Scott. #indycar

Tweet: IndyCarPR - Lap 81: Full Course Caution for #9 Dixon who hit the tire barrier in Turn 3 after making contact with Mutoh in Turn 1.

Tweet: VisionRacing - RHR is in third spot and does not need to pit again. Lots of happy people in 21 Vision pits no matter how he finishes.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Sixteen laps to go and Dale Coyne (and all the former CCIC fans) are feeling the pressure - can Justin Wilson do it?

Tweet: TheEDJE - Penske and Briscoe pass Wilson in turn one on restart - many other drivers pile up after the corner - 6th caution.

Tweet: IndyCarPR - Full Course YELLOW. Turn 3 for multicar incident. Cars invilved are No. 4 Wheldon, #27 Mutoh, #06 Doornbos and #26 Andretti.

Tweet: VisionRacing - Before it went full course RHR took 2nd place! Seriously.

Tweet: MyNameIsIRL - The storyline may have just shifted from Dale Coyne to Tony George winning his first IRL race. Wow.

Tweet: FastMachines - Doornbos made a bonehead move on Wheldon, took him out. 12 to go, under FC yellow. #indycar on VERSUS

Tweet: TheEDJE@VisionRacing - RHR - Great grab of a driver for Vision!!!

Tweet: FuriousWedge - The best part about VERSUS; 10 minutes to 5pm yet not a single bit of talk about a timed race : )

Tweet: IndyCarNation - If you are watching Race Control...SORRY!!! Good news is that it got better, bad news is that there are a TON of things to do.

Tweet: MyNameIsIRL@TheEDJE Agreed, a great race so far. I just hope we have a little passing here at the end.

Tweet: TheEDJE@MyNameIsIRL Boy, who would have thought of the changes in this first race. Great first race so far - its not over!

Tweet: VisionRacing - RHR challenging Ryan Briscoe for the lead!! How many friggin' laps to go???

Tweet: TheEDJE - RHR pushing, pushing, pushing and making the Penske Dallara of Briscoe a nosecone logo!

Tweet: VisionRacing - 5 laps to go. Vision to RHR: "Nice job. No pressure. No pressure."

Tweet: TheEDJE - RHR pushing, pushing, pushing and making the Penske Dallara of Briscoe a nosecone logo!

Tweet: VisionRacing - Local yellow turn 10. Trying to not go full yellow.

Tweet: VisionRacing - Going green... And 2 laps to go.

Tweet: TheEDJE - One lap to go and it is nose to tail for the first 7 cars!

Tweet: TheEDJE - Briscoe WINS, RHR with his new Vision ride second, and a Transition Player on the podium with Justin Wilson for Dale Coyne! WOW!

Tweet: FuriousWedge - That would be 9 different teams in the top 10; Congrats to Briscoe and also Hunter-Reay, Wilson.. and Stanton Barrett finishes 12th!

Tweet: MyNameIsIRL - Congrats to Briscoe, even though he totally spolied two fantastic storylines. No hard feelings though.

Tweet: VisionRacing - RHR out of car congratulated by TG and ED. About to do VERSUS interview. Stay tuned!!

Tweet: VisionRacing - Ryan: "That was a really physical race. Can I have some more water. I almost had Ryan Briscoe. I wanted to try. Unreal day."

Tweet: FilipCleeren - congrats to Briscoe, RHR and Wilson, three excellent performances.

Tweet: TheEDJE - Dale Coyne stated that this race shows that Sonny's BBQ has a faster drive-thru than McDonald's

HOW THEY FARED (** denotes Transition Player merged from CCWS):

Pos  Driver            Team                 Gap
 1.  Ryan Briscoe      Penske
 2.  Ryan Hunter-Reay  Vision               + 0.4619s
 3.  Justin Wilson**   Dale Coyne           + 0.9490s 
 4.  Dario Franchitti  Ganassi              + 1.5230s
 5.  Tony Kanaan       Andretti Green       + 2.3214s
 6.  Will Power**      Penske               + 3.4622s 
 7.  Graham Rahal**    Newman/Haas/Lanigan  + 4.0672s 
 8.  Dan Wheldon       Panther              + 4.7283s
 9.  Vitor Meira       Foyt                 + 5.9559s
10.  Alex Tagliani**   Conquest             + 1 lap   
11.  Robert Doornbos** Newman/Haas/Lanigan  + 4 laps  
12.  Stanton Barrett   3G                   + 4 laps

Retirements:

     Driver            Team                 Laps
     Marco Andretti    Andretti Green       94
     Dan Wheldon       Panther              86
     Hideki Mutoh      Andretti Green       86
     Scott Dixon       Ganassi              80
     EJ Viso**         HVM                  75 
     Ed Carpenter      Vision               71
     Danica Patrick    Andretti Green       31
     Raphael Matos     Luczo Dragon         31
     Mario Moraes**    KV                   31 
     Mike Conway       Dreyer & Reinbold    1
(ht: autosport.com)

Tweet: TheEDJE - IndyCarPR, MyNameIsIRL, VisionRacing, FilipCleeren, FastMachines, and FuriousWedge - Thanks for sharing! I'll be at the track in Long Beach.

... notes from The EDJE