The Indianapolis 500 can go by in a blur, literally, unless you know exactly what to look for. Here’s a handy guide for the 92nd annual running of the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
THE CONTENDERS
Scott Dixon, No. 9 Target car
The New Zealander has never won the Indy 500, but he won the IndyCar season title in 2003, a year after he became the then-youngest driver ever to win an open-wheel race at 20 years, 9 months, 14 days old. He starts the race from the pole position.
Tony Kanaan, No. 11 7-Eleven car
The Brazilian won the IndyCar title in 2004, when he also set the record for completing every lap possible during a season. He appeared in Sylvester Stallone’s movie about racing, “Driven,” in 2001.
Helio Castroneves, No. 3 Team Penske car
He’s probably just as well known for winning “Dancing With the Stars” last year as he is for winning two Indy 500s. The Brazilian also is known as “Spider-Man” for his trademark climbing of the track fence after a win.
Marco Andretti, No. 26 “Indiana Jones” car
Part of the legendary Andretti racing family, Marco (above) is the son of Michael and grandson of Mario. He’ll be easy to spot on race day: He’s driving a car promoting “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
Danica Patrick, No. 7 Motorola car
If you don’t know who she is, you’ve been living under a rock for a few years. The Roscoe, Ill., native is the cover girl for Indy racing and became the first woman ever to win a major auto race last month at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. She also became the first woman ever to lead the Indy 500 in 2005 (this sentence as published has been corrected in this text).
TOP ROOKIES
Graham Rahal, No. 6 Hole in the Wall Camps car
Another driver with a famous racing heritage, Graham is the son of former Indy 500 winner Bobby. And he’s lived up to the family reputation, winning last month’s race in St. Petersburg, Fla. His bio says he loves “white chocolate mocha drinks.” TMI.
Hideki Mutoh, No. 27 Panasonic/Formula Dream car
The Japanese driver made his IndyCar debut last year at Chicagoland Speedway, where he finished eighth. He has won at Indianapolis before, but on the track’s infield road course in the IndyCar developmental series.
Ryan Hunter-Reay, No. 17 Ethanol car
He must have a good time behind the scenes — he drives for co-owner David Letterman. In 2003, he became the first rookie American driver in 20 years to win a race.
Oriol Servia, No. 5 KV Racing car
He’s technically a rookie in the Indy 500, but the Spaniard has many years of racing under his belt. He won his first race in 2005 at Montreal.
Will Power, No. 8 Aussie Vineyards car
His name alone should make him a winner. The driver from Down Under counts Australian cricketer Steve Waugh as one of his heroes. That is so hard-core.
THE SPECTACLE
– Stone Temple Pilots (above) performs Friday on the track grounds.
– “Extra!” hosts a Red Carpet Walk about three hours before the race.
– Kristi Yamaguchi, who was crowned “Dancing With the Stars” champ this week, will wave the green flag to start the Indianapolis 500. She is the first female honorary starter in race history.
– Julianne Hough, Helio Castroneves’ “Dancing With the Stars” partner when he won in 2007, will sing the national anthem.
– Florence Henderson, Carol Brady from “The Brady Bunch,” will sing “God Bless America.”
Racy woman
Who was the first female driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500? Text “race” and the number of your response to 47383. You’ll get a message in return telling you if you got the answer right or wrong.
1) Desiree Wilson
2) Sarah Fisher
3) Shauna Robinson
4) Janet Guthrie
ON TV
Final practice: 10 a.m. Friday, ESPN2
Pre-race coverage: 11 a.m. Sunday, ABC
Race: Noon Sunday, ABC
