2006 Indianapolis 500
Encyclopedia
The 90th Indianapolis 500 was held on Sunday, May 28, 2006. Sam Hornish, Jr.
won the race by passing rookie Marco Andretti
on the final straightaway, about 450 feet from the finish line. It was the first time a driver made a pass for the lead on the final lap for victory in the history of the event.
The margin of victory was 0.0635 seconds, the second-closest finish in the history of the Indy 500. Hornish had earned the pole in qualifying with a four-lap average of 228.985 mi/h. Although defending champion Dan Wheldon
dominated much of the race, leading 148 of the race's 200 laps, a punctured tire forced him to make a final pit stop earlier than planned, dropping him too far in the standings to recapture the lead by race's end.
Thirty-two drivers qualified on May 20. Sam Hornish, Jr., won the pole with the fastest four-lap qualifying speed of 228.985 mi/h; it was the tenth pole of his career. Only one driver, Dario Franchitti
, did not qualify on his first attempt; he waved off a sub par performance in which he experienced engine trouble after three laps, but then qualified later in the day after changing the engine. Although the new qualifying rules allowed qualified cars to be withdrawn and re-qualified in hope of gaining a better starting position, with a maximum of three attempts per day, only one driver did so. Townsend Bell
's qualification at 223.659 mi/h was withdrawn, and he achieved an average of 224.374 mi/h on his second attempt, but this improved his starting position by only one spot.
The final spot in the starting field was filled by Thiago Medeiros on May 21, the last day of qualifying. Marty Roth
would attempt to find the necessary speed to bump Medeiros during "Happy Hour," but a turn one crash during a practice run prevented him from making a qualifying attempt.
(W)-Former Indianapolis 500 Winner, (R)-Indianapolis 500 Rookie
Due to the state of Indiana observing Daylight Saving Time
, the start of the race was scheduled for 1:11 p.m. EDT. Mari Hulman George
gave the command to start engines at 1:04 p.m. EDT, and all 33 cars pulled away for the pace laps, with Lance Armstrong
driving the pace car.
Sugar Ray Leonard
waved the green flag to start the race, and polesitter Sam Hornish, Jr.
took the lead into turn one. Down the back stretch, Helio Castroneves
passed Hornish for the lead, and Dan Wheldon
moved into second. On the front stretch, defending race winner Wheldon slipped by Castroneves and led the opening lap.
On the second lap in turn two, Jeff Bucknum
spun out and collected his teammate P. J. Chesson
, taking both of the entries from Hemelgarn Racing
out of the race.
dominated the race, briefly losing then regaining the lead during a round of green-flag pit stops around laps 36-39. By lap 64, Wheldon had built up a 19-second lead—nearly half a lap—over the next nearest competitor, and after 65 laps had lapped twenty-five of the other cars in the race, including all five of the other former 500 winners, leaving only eight cars on the lead lap.
The field tightened during a yellow flag on lap 67 due to a crash by Tomas Scheckter
. The crash sent debris into the inside grandstand, injuring five spectators, none seriously. Wheldon maintained the lead through a series of pit stops, and led at the halfway point.
to lead.
On lap 110, Hélio Castroneves
struck Buddy Rice
from behind, taking out both cars. It was the first time two former winners had been involved in the same crash in the Indy 500 since 1992
. It was also the first time in his career that Castroneves failed to finish the race.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
, took the lead from Wheldon on lap 130. Wheldon, however, would regain the lead on lap 145 and hold it through lap 182.
On lap 149, Al Unser, Jr.
precipitated a caution period after spinning down the back-stretch and crashing in turn 3. During the caution, Jeff Simmons
left the pit area with the fuel hose nozzle still attached. The hose tore, and Simmons's car dropped the nozzle out on the track in turn 3. On lap 150, the leaders pitted. Sam Hornish, Jr.
started to pull out of his pits with the hose still attached. The hose ripped, but Hornish stopped in the pits allowing the crew to disengage the nozzle. Team owner Roger Penske
accepted responsibility for the error, having told Hornish to go before the fueling was complete. Fuel spilled in the pit stall, but Hornish was able to return to the track and stay on the lead lap.
Still under caution on lap 155, the field was preparing to go back to green when Jeff Simmons
wrecked in the north chute. The caution was prolonged. On lap 160, Michael Andretti
and Sam Hornish, Jr.
ducked into the pits to top off their fuel. Both would be able to make it to the finish without another pit stop.
On lap 163, the green came back out with Dan Wheldon leading. Sam Hornish, Jr. was assessed a "drive-through" penalty (being required to drive once through pit road, without stopping, obeying the pit road speed limit). Hornish returned to the track over 30 seconds behind the leader.
Tony Kanaan
took the lead on lap 183. By lap 187, members of Andretti Green Racing
held the top four spots (Kanaan, Marco Andretti
, Dario Franchitti
, and Michael Andretti
). Sam Hornish, Jr. in sixth barely clung to the tail end of the lead lap.
(lap 184) and Marco Andretti
(lap 190) went to the pits for their final fuel stops. As Marco Andretti was pitting Felipe Giaffone
crashed in turn two, bringing out the yellow. Marco Andretti (legally) slipped by the pace car exiting the pits, and avoided losing a lap in the shuffle. Leader Tony Kanaan
, who still needed to pit, was stuck out on the track as the pits were closed at the onset of the yellow. The pits re-opened as the field came by for lap 193. Kanaan
and Dario Franchitti
ducked into the pits for fuel. Fan-favorite Michael Andretti
stayed out on the track, and assumed the lead. Michael had come out of retirement to race with his 19-year old son Marco
, who shuffled up to second place. In his 15th Indy 500, Michael
was still looking for his first Indy victory. Scott Dixon
was lined up third, and Sam Hornish, Jr.
was now up to fourth.
The green came out with 4 laps to go. Michael Andretti
led the field, with his son Marco
close behind in second. Hornish
made a desperate pass deeper in the field, and emerged in third place as the field exited turn 2.
With three laps to go, Marco Andretti
pulled outside of his father down the front-stretch, and passed his father for the lead in turn 1. Marco
began to pull away as Michael
now assumed a blocking role to protect his son's lead. Down the back stretch, Michael
tried but failed to hold off the charging Hornish
, and Hornish took over second place.
With two laps to go, Marco
led Hornish
by a half second, with Michael
still in third. Down the back stretch, Hornish
tried to squeeze past Marco
as they approached turn three. He was pinched down, and ran out of race track, and had to back off. Hornish lost his momentum, and Marco
pulled out to a 1-second lead at the start/finish line with one lap to go.
On the final lap, Marco
held his lead down the back stretch. In turn three, however, Hornish
began to reel him in. As the two cars exited turn four, Hornish performed a slingshot pass in the final 400 feet, and beat Marco Andretti to the line by 0.0635 seconds (15 feet (4.6 m)), the second-closest finish in Indy 500 history. It was also the first time in Indy history that a driver made a pass for the lead to win the race on the final lap.
Afterwards, Hornish commented on his last-second pass, "I figured I came all this way, I ought to give myself one more shot at it. I kind of looked at it as, I was going to drive over him if I had to."
Third-place finisher Michael Andretti had high praise for his son: "I felt so bad for Marco, but I'm so proud. He drove a hell of a race. I drove with him a hell of a lot in that race. He drove like a champion. He drove like he's been out there 10 years." But Marco wanted more: "Second's nothing," he said.
*C Chassis
: D=Dallara
; P=Panoz
.
All cars in the 2006 Indianapolis 500 used Honda
engines and Firestone
tires.
(W) = Former Indianapolis 500 winner; (R) = Indianapolis 500 rookie
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
won the race by passing rookie Marco Andretti
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
on the final straightaway, about 450 feet from the finish line. It was the first time a driver made a pass for the lead on the final lap for victory in the history of the event.
The margin of victory was 0.0635 seconds, the second-closest finish in the history of the Indy 500. Hornish had earned the pole in qualifying with a four-lap average of 228.985 mi/h. Although defending champion Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
dominated much of the race, leading 148 of the race's 200 laps, a punctured tire forced him to make a final pit stop earlier than planned, dropping him too far in the standings to recapture the lead by race's end.
Qualifications
This was the second year in which a new qualifying procedure was in place for the Indianapolis 500: only eleven spots were to be open on each of the first three days of qualifying, thus allowing bumping (removal of entries which had qualified from the field due to faster qualifying runs by other drivers) on each day, and with all thirty-three cars potentially eligible to be bumped on the fourth and final day of qualifying. However, the first two days of qualifying (May 13 and May 14) were rained out, so all thirty-three spots were open on the first day qualification could be attempted (May 20).Thirty-two drivers qualified on May 20. Sam Hornish, Jr., won the pole with the fastest four-lap qualifying speed of 228.985 mi/h; it was the tenth pole of his career. Only one driver, Dario Franchitti
Dario Franchitti
George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing...
, did not qualify on his first attempt; he waved off a sub par performance in which he experienced engine trouble after three laps, but then qualified later in the day after changing the engine. Although the new qualifying rules allowed qualified cars to be withdrawn and re-qualified in hope of gaining a better starting position, with a maximum of three attempts per day, only one driver did so. Townsend Bell
Townsend Bell
Townsend Bell is a motor racing driver. He is married to actress Heather Campbell.He won the last Indy Lights championship in 2001 and was given two starts in a Champ Car in a joint effort between Patrick Racing and Dale Coyne Racing as a test for a full-time seat in 2002. He earned Roberto...
's qualification at 223.659 mi/h was withdrawn, and he achieved an average of 224.374 mi/h on his second attempt, but this improved his starting position by only one spot.
The final spot in the starting field was filled by Thiago Medeiros on May 21, the last day of qualifying. Marty Roth
Marty Roth
Marty Roth is a former Canadian race car driver who most recently competed in the IndyCar Series where he owned his own team, Roth Racing....
would attempt to find the necessary speed to bump Medeiros during "Happy Hour," but a turn one crash during a practice run prevented him from making a qualifying attempt.
Qualifying Chronology
| Saturday, May 13, 2006 no qualifications due to rain |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, May 14, 2006 no qualifications due to rain |
||||||||||
| Saturday, May 20, 2006 | ||||||||||
| Attempt | Time | Day | Car No. | Driver | Laps | Total Time | Speed (mph) | Result | Position | Rank |
| 1 | 12:03 | 1 | 92 | Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum is an American race car driver. Jeff is the son of Formula One and Championship Car racer Ronnie Bucknum.... |
4 | 2:42.5566 | 221.461 | Qualified | 22 | 22 |
| 2 | 12:07 | 1 | 90 | Townsend Bell Townsend Bell Townsend Bell is a motor racing driver. He is married to actress Heather Campbell.He won the last Indy Lights championship in 2001 and was given two starts in a Champ Car in a joint effort between Patrick Racing and Dale Coyne Racing as a test for a full-time seat in 2002. He earned Roberto... |
4 | 2:40.9590 | 223.659 | Qualified; withdrawn | -- | -- |
| 3 | 12:12 | 1 | 4T | Vitor Meira Vitor Meira Vitor Meira is an auto racing driver currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He has twice finished second in the Indianapolis 500.... |
4 | 2:39.1823 | 226.156 | Qualified | 6 | 6 |
| 4 | 12:16 | 1 | 31 | Al Unser, Jr. Al Unser, Jr. Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:... |
4 | 2:44.0925 | 219.388 | Qualified | 27 | 27 |
| 5 | 12:21 | 1 | 7 | Bryan Herta Bryan Herta Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series... |
4 | 2:40.5859 | 224.179 | Qualified | 16 | 16 |
| 6 | 12:25 | 1 | 41 | Larry Foyt Larry Foyt Larry Joseph Roberds Foyt is a semi-retired NASCAR and IndyCar driver. He is the biological grandson and adopted son of A. J. Foyt, and a biological cousin of A. J. Foyt IV. His biological mother is Terry Lynn Foyt, daughter of A. J. Foyt, who divorced his biological father Larry Gene Roberds... |
4 | 2:42.6519 | 221.331 | Qualified | 23 | 23 |
| 7 | 12:30 | 1 | 88 | Airton Dare Airton Daré Airton Daré is a race car driver who has competed in the Indy Racing League. He made his first IRL start in 2000 and was a long-time driver for A.J. Foyt Enterprises. Airton has a single IRL race win which he captured for Foyt in 2002 at Kansas Speedway. He was also the 2000 IRL Rookie of the Year... |
4 | 2:45.0091 | 218.170 | Qualified | 29 | 29 |
| 8 | 12:34 | 1 | 55 | Kosuke Matsuura Kosuke Matsuura is a race car driver currently competing in the Formula Nippon series. He previously competed in the IRL IndyCar Series.-Early career:After winning the Japanese Formula Dream Championship in 2001, Kosuke attracted the attention of former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki as a teenager and was placed... |
4 | 2:39.6431 | 225.503 | Qualified | 7 | 7 |
| 9 | 12:39 | 1 | 2 | Tomas Scheckter Tomas Scheckter Tomas Scheckter is a South African racing driver, born in Monte Carlo. He is the son of 1979 Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter.-Early years:... |
4 | 2:40.2431 | 224.659 | Qualified | 11 | 11 |
| 10 | 12:43 | 1 | 51 | Eddie Cheever, Jr. | 4 | 2:42.1420 | 222.028 | Qualified | 19 | 19 |
| 11 | 12:48 | 1 | 52 | Max Papis Max Papis Massimiliano "Max" Papis is a racing driver who has competed in several top-level motorsports events such as Le Mans 24 Hours, Formula One and Champ Car. He has three Champ Car victories. He is the son-in-law of Emerson Fittipaldi. His son's godfather is fellow Italian Alex Zanardi... |
4 | 2:42.1198 | 222.058 | Qualified | 18 | 18 |
| 12 | 12:52 | 1 | 1 | Michael Andretti Michael Andretti Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:... |
4 | 2:40.3505 | 224.508 | Qualified | 13 | 13 |
| 13 | 12:57 | 1 | 9 | Scott Dixon Scott Dixon Scott Ronald Dixon, MNZM is a New Zealand motor racer who became the most successful all-time driver in the Indy Racing League championship in the United States when he won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in August 2009. This took his total to 21 wins... |
4 | 2:38.6457 | 226.921 | Qualified | 4 | 4 |
| 14 | 1:01 | 1 | 21 | Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier is an American racing driver born January 25, 1971 in Denver, Colorado and is the younger brother of 1996 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Lazier and son of former Indy racer Bob Lazier.... |
4 | 2:42.7847 | 221.151 | Qualified | 24 | 24 |
| 15 | 1:06 | 1 | 11 | Tony Kanaan Tony Kanaan Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara... |
4 | 2:38.7471 | 226.776 | Qualified | 5 | 5 |
| 16 | 1:11 | 1 | 20 | Ed Carpenter | 4 | 2:40.3224 | 224.548 | Qualified | 12 | 12 |
| 17 | 1:15 | 1 | 8 | Scott Sharp Scott Sharp Scott Sharp is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. He is the son of six-time SCCA champion Bob Sharp. Scott Sharp is best known for his years as a competitor in the Indy Racing League.... |
4 | 2:39.7720 | 225.321 | Qualified | 8 | 8 |
| 18 | 1:20 | 1 | 15T | Buddy Rice Buddy Rice Buddy Rice is an American racecar driver. He is best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, and the 2009 24 Hours of Daytona for Brumos Racing.-Early career:... |
4 | 2:40.4326 | 224.393 | Qualified | 14 | 14 |
| 19 | 1:24 | 1 | 26 | Marco Andretti Marco Andretti Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti... |
4 | 2:40.0586 | 224.917 | Qualified | 9 | 9 |
| 20 | 1:29 | 1 | 91 | P. J. Chesson P. J. Chesson Peter Lawrence Chesson, Jr is an American race car driver who most recently competed in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Career:... |
4 | 2:42.4724 | 221.576 | Qualified | 20 | 20 |
| 21 | 1:33 | 1 | 6 | Sam Hornish, Jr. Sam Hornish, Jr. Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car.... |
4 | 2:37.2155 | 228.985 | Qualified | 1 | 1 |
| 22 | 1:38 | 1 | 12 | Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa is a Japanese-American auto racing driver.Yasukawa started karting in Southern California, winning the California State Championship in 1991 in Junior Sportsman. He then moved to Italy to compete in JICA... |
4 | 2:44.5393 | 218.793 | Qualified | 28 | 28 |
| 23 | 1:42 | 1 | 10 | Dan Wheldon Dan Wheldon Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011... |
4 | 2:38.3543 | 227.338 | Qualified | 3 | 3 |
| 24 | 1:47 | 1 | 16T | Danica Patrick Danica Patrick Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd... |
4 | 2:40.2319 | 224.674 | Qualified | 10 | 10 |
| 25 | 1:51 | 1 | 5 | Buddy Lazier Buddy Lazier Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times... |
4 | 2:42.9534 | 220.922 | Qualified | 25 | 25 |
| 26 | 1:56 | 1 | 17T | Jeff Simmons Jeff Simmons (driver) Jeff Simmons is an American race car driver, most recently driving open wheel cars in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Early career:... |
4 | 2:43.3785 | 220.347 | Qualified | 26 | 26 |
| 27 | 2:00 | 1 | 97 | Stephan Gregoire Stephan Gregoire Stéphan Grégoire is a French race car driver. Currently living in Carmel, Ind.Gregoire is a veteran of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex Sports Car Series, the Indianapolis 500, and the Indy Racing League. He made 44 IRL starts between 1996 and 2001 with a best finish of 2nd at Pikes Peak... |
4 | 2:45.5723 | 217.428 | Qualified | 30 | 30 |
| 28 | 2:05 | 1 | 3T | Hélio Castroneves Hélio Castroneves Hélio Castroneves is a Brazilian auto racing driver currently competing in the North American IndyCar Series. In IndyCar competition, Castroneves has 14 wins and 28 poles, and has never placed lower than sixth in the standings in a complete season of racing... |
4 | 2:37.8893 | 228.008 | Qualified | 2 | 2 |
| 29 | 2:10 | 1 | 14 | Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone is a race car driver from Brazil. He competed in the Indy Racing League between 2001 and 2006. His father, "Zeca" Giaffone is the 1987 Stock Car Brasil champion and Mil Milhas Brasil five times winner in the 1980s.-Racing career:... |
4 | 2:42.4973 | 221.542 | Qualified | 21 | 21 |
| 30 | 2:14 | 1 | 27 | Dario Franchitti Dario Franchitti George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing... |
3 | 2:02.1355 | 221.066 | Waved off | -- | -- |
| 31 | 5:27 | 1 | 27 | Dario Franchitti Dario Franchitti George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing... |
4 | 2:41.1857 | 223.345 | Qualified | 17 | 17 |
| 32 | 5:33 | 1 | 90 | Townsend Bell Townsend Bell Townsend Bell is a motor racing driver. He is married to actress Heather Campbell.He won the last Indy Lights championship in 2001 and was given two starts in a Champ Car in a joint effort between Patrick Racing and Dale Coyne Racing as a test for a full-time seat in 2002. He earned Roberto... |
4 | 2:40.4466 | 224.374 | Qualified | 15 | 15 |
| 33 | 5:38 | 1 | 98 | P. J. Jones | 4 | 2:46.8091 | 215.816 | Qualified | 32 | 32 |
| 34 | 5:51 | 1 | 61 | Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Arie Luyendyk, Jr. is an auto racing driver and son of Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Despite his European birth, all of his adult racing has taken place in North America where his father lives and made his career. He placed second in points in the 2002 inaugural season of the Infiniti Pro... |
4 | 2:46.3952 | 216.352 | Qualified | 31 | 31 |
| Sunday, May 21, 2006 | ||||||||||
| Attempt | Time | Day | Car No. | Driver | Laps | Total Time | Speed (mph) | Result | Position | Rank |
| 35 | 5:08 | 2 | 18 | Thiago Medeiros | 4 | 2:46.8763 | 215.729 | Qualified | 33 | 33 |
| REPORT | ||||||||||
Starting Grid
| Row | Inside | Middle | Outside |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Sam Hornish, Jr.Sam Hornish, Jr. Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car.... |
 Hélio CastronevesHélio Castroneves Hélio Castroneves is a Brazilian auto racing driver currently competing in the North American IndyCar Series. In IndyCar competition, Castroneves has 14 wins and 28 poles, and has never placed lower than sixth in the standings in a complete season of racing... (W) |
 Dan WheldonDan Wheldon Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011... (W) |
| 2 |  Scott DixonScott Dixon Scott Ronald Dixon, MNZM is a New Zealand motor racer who became the most successful all-time driver in the Indy Racing League championship in the United States when he won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in August 2009. This took his total to 21 wins... |
Tony Kanaan Tony Kanaan Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara... |
Vitor Meira Vitor Meira Vitor Meira is an auto racing driver currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He has twice finished second in the Indianapolis 500.... |
| 3 |  Kosuke MatsuuraKosuke Matsuura is a race car driver currently competing in the Formula Nippon series. He previously competed in the IRL IndyCar Series.-Early career:After winning the Japanese Formula Dream Championship in 2001, Kosuke attracted the attention of former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki as a teenager and was placed... |
Scott Sharp Scott Sharp Scott Sharp is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. He is the son of six-time SCCA champion Bob Sharp. Scott Sharp is best known for his years as a competitor in the Indy Racing League.... |
Marco Andretti Marco Andretti Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti... (R) |
| 4 | Danica Patrick Danica Patrick Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd... |
 Tomas ScheckterTomas Scheckter Tomas Scheckter is a South African racing driver, born in Monte Carlo. He is the son of 1979 Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter.-Early years:... |
Ed Carpenter |
| 5 | Michael Andretti Michael Andretti Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:... |
Buddy Rice Buddy Rice Buddy Rice is an American racecar driver. He is best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, and the 2009 24 Hours of Daytona for Brumos Racing.-Early career:... (W) |
Townsend Bell Townsend Bell Townsend Bell is a motor racing driver. He is married to actress Heather Campbell.He won the last Indy Lights championship in 2001 and was given two starts in a Champ Car in a joint effort between Patrick Racing and Dale Coyne Racing as a test for a full-time seat in 2002. He earned Roberto... (R) |
| 6 | Bryan Herta Bryan Herta Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series... |
Dario Franchitti Dario Franchitti George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing... |
 Max PapisMax Papis Massimiliano "Max" Papis is a racing driver who has competed in several top-level motorsports events such as Le Mans 24 Hours, Formula One and Champ Car. He has three Champ Car victories. He is the son-in-law of Emerson Fittipaldi. His son's godfather is fellow Italian Alex Zanardi... |
| 7 | Eddie Cheever Eddie Cheever Edward "Eddie" McKay Cheever, Jr. is an American racing driver who raced for almost thirty years in Formula One, Sports cars, CART and the Indy Racing League. Cheever participated in 143 World Championship Formula One races and started 132, more than any other American, driving for nine different... (W) |
P. J. Chesson P. J. Chesson Peter Lawrence Chesson, Jr is an American race car driver who most recently competed in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Career:... (R) |
Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone is a race car driver from Brazil. He competed in the Indy Racing League between 2001 and 2006. His father, "Zeca" Giaffone is the 1987 Stock Car Brasil champion and Mil Milhas Brasil five times winner in the 1980s.-Racing career:... |
| 8 | Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum is an American race car driver. Jeff is the son of Formula One and Championship Car racer Ronnie Bucknum.... |
Larry Foyt Larry Foyt Larry Joseph Roberds Foyt is a semi-retired NASCAR and IndyCar driver. He is the biological grandson and adopted son of A. J. Foyt, and a biological cousin of A. J. Foyt IV. His biological mother is Terry Lynn Foyt, daughter of A. J. Foyt, who divorced his biological father Larry Gene Roberds... |
Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier is an American racing driver born January 25, 1971 in Denver, Colorado and is the younger brother of 1996 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Lazier and son of former Indy racer Bob Lazier.... |
| 9 | Buddy Lazier Buddy Lazier Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times... (W) |
Jeff Simmons Jeff Simmons (driver) Jeff Simmons is an American race car driver, most recently driving open wheel cars in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Early career:... |
Al Unser, Jr. Al Unser, Jr. Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:... (W) |
| 10 | Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa is a Japanese-American auto racing driver.Yasukawa started karting in Southern California, winning the California State Championship in 1991 in Junior Sportsman. He then moved to Italy to compete in JICA... |
Airton Daré Airton Daré Airton Daré is a race car driver who has competed in the Indy Racing League. He made his first IRL start in 2000 and was a long-time driver for A.J. Foyt Enterprises. Airton has a single IRL race win which he captured for Foyt in 2002 at Kansas Speedway. He was also the 2000 IRL Rookie of the Year... |
 Stephan GregoireStephan Gregoire Stéphan Grégoire is a French race car driver. Currently living in Carmel, Ind.Gregoire is a veteran of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex Sports Car Series, the Indianapolis 500, and the Indy Racing League. He made 44 IRL starts between 1996 and 2001 with a best finish of 2nd at Pikes Peak... |
| 11 |  Arie Luyendyk, Jr.Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Arie Luyendyk, Jr. is an auto racing driver and son of Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Despite his European birth, all of his adult racing has taken place in North America where his father lives and made his career. He placed second in points in the 2002 inaugural season of the Infiniti Pro... (R) |
P. J. Jones |
Thiago Medeiros (R) |
(W)-Former Indianapolis 500 Winner, (R)-Indianapolis 500 Rookie
Start
After considerable rain during the month, race day was sunny and hot. Temperatures topped out at 89 °F (31.7 °C), one of the hottest days for the Indy 500 on record.Due to the state of Indiana observing Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time
Daylight saving time —also summer time in several countries including in British English and European official terminology —is the practice of temporarily advancing clocks during the summertime so that afternoons have more daylight and mornings have less...
, the start of the race was scheduled for 1:11 p.m. EDT. Mari Hulman George
Mari Hulman George
Mari Hulman George, born Mary Antonia Hulman on December 26, 1934, in Terre Haute, Indiana, is the daughter of the late Anton "Tony" Hulman and Mary Fendrich Hulman, prominent Indiana philanthropists and business owners...
gave the command to start engines at 1:04 p.m. EDT, and all 33 cars pulled away for the pace laps, with Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong
Lance Edward Armstrong is an American former professional road racing cyclist who won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, after having survived testicular cancer. He is also the founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation for cancer research and support...
driving the pace car.
Sugar Ray Leonard
Sugar Ray Leonard
Sugar Ray Leonard is an American retired professional boxer and occasional actor. He was named Ray Charles Leonard, after his mother's favorite singer, Ray Charles...
waved the green flag to start the race, and polesitter Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
took the lead into turn one. Down the back stretch, Helio Castroneves
Hélio Castroneves
Hélio Castroneves is a Brazilian auto racing driver currently competing in the North American IndyCar Series. In IndyCar competition, Castroneves has 14 wins and 28 poles, and has never placed lower than sixth in the standings in a complete season of racing...
passed Hornish for the lead, and Dan Wheldon
Dan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
moved into second. On the front stretch, defending race winner Wheldon slipped by Castroneves and led the opening lap.
On the second lap in turn two, Jeff Bucknum
Jeff Bucknum
Jeff Bucknum is an American race car driver. Jeff is the son of Formula One and Championship Car racer Ronnie Bucknum....
spun out and collected his teammate P. J. Chesson
P. J. Chesson
Peter Lawrence Chesson, Jr is an American race car driver who most recently competed in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Career:...
, taking both of the entries from Hemelgarn Racing
Hemelgarn Racing
Hemelgarn Racing was a racing team in the Indy Racing League owned by Ron Hemelgarn. The team won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and 2000 Series Championship with driver Buddy Lazier. Along with A.J...
out of the race.
First half
After the Hemelgarn incident, an long period of green-flag racing ensued, lasting 60 laps. During this period, Dan WheldonDan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
dominated the race, briefly losing then regaining the lead during a round of green-flag pit stops around laps 36-39. By lap 64, Wheldon had built up a 19-second lead—nearly half a lap—over the next nearest competitor, and after 65 laps had lapped twenty-five of the other cars in the race, including all five of the other former 500 winners, leaving only eight cars on the lead lap.
The field tightened during a yellow flag on lap 67 due to a crash by Tomas Scheckter
Tomas Scheckter
Tomas Scheckter is a South African racing driver, born in Monte Carlo. He is the son of 1979 Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter.-Early years:...
. The crash sent debris into the inside grandstand, injuring five spectators, none seriously. Wheldon maintained the lead through a series of pit stops, and led at the halfway point.
Second half
Wheldon gave up the lead briefly during pit stop on lap 108, which allowed Scott DixonScott Dixon
Scott Ronald Dixon, MNZM is a New Zealand motor racer who became the most successful all-time driver in the Indy Racing League championship in the United States when he won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in August 2009. This took his total to 21 wins...
to lead.
On lap 110, Hélio Castroneves
Hélio Castroneves
Hélio Castroneves is a Brazilian auto racing driver currently competing in the North American IndyCar Series. In IndyCar competition, Castroneves has 14 wins and 28 poles, and has never placed lower than sixth in the standings in a complete season of racing...
struck Buddy Rice
Buddy Rice
Buddy Rice is an American racecar driver. He is best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, and the 2009 24 Hours of Daytona for Brumos Racing.-Early career:...
from behind, taking out both cars. It was the first time two former winners had been involved in the same crash in the Indy 500 since 1992
1992 Indianapolis 500
The 76th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 24, 1992. The race is famous for the fierce battle in the closing laps, as race winner Al Unser, Jr...
. It was also the first time in his career that Castroneves failed to finish the race.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
, took the lead from Wheldon on lap 130. Wheldon, however, would regain the lead on lap 145 and hold it through lap 182.
On lap 149, Al Unser, Jr.
Al Unser, Jr.
Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:...
precipitated a caution period after spinning down the back-stretch and crashing in turn 3. During the caution, Jeff Simmons
Jeff Simmons (driver)
Jeff Simmons is an American race car driver, most recently driving open wheel cars in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Early career:...
left the pit area with the fuel hose nozzle still attached. The hose tore, and Simmons's car dropped the nozzle out on the track in turn 3. On lap 150, the leaders pitted. Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
started to pull out of his pits with the hose still attached. The hose ripped, but Hornish stopped in the pits allowing the crew to disengage the nozzle. Team owner Roger Penske
Roger Penske
Roger S. Penske is the owner of the automobile racing team Penske Racing, the Penske Corporation, and other automotive related businesses. A winning racer in the late 1950s, Penske was named 1961's Sports Car Club of America Driver of the Year by Sports Illustrated...
accepted responsibility for the error, having told Hornish to go before the fueling was complete. Fuel spilled in the pit stall, but Hornish was able to return to the track and stay on the lead lap.
Still under caution on lap 155, the field was preparing to go back to green when Jeff Simmons
Jeff Simmons (driver)
Jeff Simmons is an American race car driver, most recently driving open wheel cars in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Early career:...
wrecked in the north chute. The caution was prolonged. On lap 160, Michael Andretti
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
and Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
ducked into the pits to top off their fuel. Both would be able to make it to the finish without another pit stop.
On lap 163, the green came back out with Dan Wheldon leading. Sam Hornish, Jr. was assessed a "drive-through" penalty (being required to drive once through pit road, without stopping, obeying the pit road speed limit). Hornish returned to the track over 30 seconds behind the leader.
Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
took the lead on lap 183. By lap 187, members of Andretti Green Racing
Andretti Green Racing
Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti...
held the top four spots (Kanaan, Marco Andretti
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
, Dario Franchitti
Dario Franchitti
George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing...
, and Michael Andretti
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
). Sam Hornish, Jr. in sixth barely clung to the tail end of the lead lap.
Finish
Dan WheldonDan Wheldon
Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011...
(lap 184) and Marco Andretti
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
(lap 190) went to the pits for their final fuel stops. As Marco Andretti was pitting Felipe Giaffone
Felipe Giaffone
Felipe Giaffone is a race car driver from Brazil. He competed in the Indy Racing League between 2001 and 2006. His father, "Zeca" Giaffone is the 1987 Stock Car Brasil champion and Mil Milhas Brasil five times winner in the 1980s.-Racing career:...
crashed in turn two, bringing out the yellow. Marco Andretti (legally) slipped by the pace car exiting the pits, and avoided losing a lap in the shuffle. Leader Tony Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
, who still needed to pit, was stuck out on the track as the pits were closed at the onset of the yellow. The pits re-opened as the field came by for lap 193. Kanaan
Tony Kanaan
Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara...
and Dario Franchitti
Dario Franchitti
George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing...
ducked into the pits for fuel. Fan-favorite Michael Andretti
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
stayed out on the track, and assumed the lead. Michael had come out of retirement to race with his 19-year old son Marco
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
, who shuffled up to second place. In his 15th Indy 500, Michael
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
was still looking for his first Indy victory. Scott Dixon
Scott Dixon
Scott Ronald Dixon, MNZM is a New Zealand motor racer who became the most successful all-time driver in the Indy Racing League championship in the United States when he won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in August 2009. This took his total to 21 wins...
was lined up third, and Sam Hornish, Jr.
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
was now up to fourth.
The green came out with 4 laps to go. Michael Andretti
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
led the field, with his son Marco
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
close behind in second. Hornish
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
made a desperate pass deeper in the field, and emerged in third place as the field exited turn 2.
With three laps to go, Marco Andretti
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
pulled outside of his father down the front-stretch, and passed his father for the lead in turn 1. Marco
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
began to pull away as Michael
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
now assumed a blocking role to protect his son's lead. Down the back stretch, Michael
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
tried but failed to hold off the charging Hornish
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
, and Hornish took over second place.
With two laps to go, Marco
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
led Hornish
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
by a half second, with Michael
Michael Andretti
Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:...
still in third. Down the back stretch, Hornish
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
tried to squeeze past Marco
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
as they approached turn three. He was pinched down, and ran out of race track, and had to back off. Hornish lost his momentum, and Marco
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
pulled out to a 1-second lead at the start/finish line with one lap to go.
On the final lap, Marco
Marco Andretti
Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti...
held his lead down the back stretch. In turn three, however, Hornish
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car....
began to reel him in. As the two cars exited turn four, Hornish performed a slingshot pass in the final 400 feet, and beat Marco Andretti to the line by 0.0635 seconds (15 feet (4.6 m)), the second-closest finish in Indy 500 history. It was also the first time in Indy history that a driver made a pass for the lead to win the race on the final lap.
Afterwards, Hornish commented on his last-second pass, "I figured I came all this way, I ought to give myself one more shot at it. I kind of looked at it as, I was going to drive over him if I had to."
Third-place finisher Michael Andretti had high praise for his son: "I felt so bad for Marco, but I'm so proud. He drove a hell of a race. I drove with him a hell of a lot in that race. He drove like a champion. He drove like he's been out there 10 years." But Marco wanted more: "Second's nothing," he said.
Full Race Results
| Finish | Start | Car No. | Driver | C* | Laps | Time/Retired | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 6 | Sam Hornish, Jr. Sam Hornish, Jr. Racing League]] championships. He currently drives the #12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge Challenger for Penske Racing part-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He also drives the #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford when Travis Kvapil is unable to drive the car.... |
D | 200 | 3:10:58.7590 | Team Penske | 50 |
| 2 | 9 | 26 | Marco Andretti Marco Andretti Marco Michael Andretti is an Italian American auto racing driver who drives the #26 car for Andretti Autosport in the IndyCar Series. He is the son of 1991 IndyCar World Series champion Michael Andretti and the grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti... (R) |
D | 200 | Andretti Green Racing Andretti Green Racing Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti... |
40 | |
| 3 | 13 | 1 | Michael Andretti Michael Andretti Michael Mario Andretti is a retired American CART and Formula One driver and owner of the Andretti Autosport team in the IndyCar Series. Andretti is the son of Mario Andretti. His son is Marco Andretti.-Early career:... |
D | 200 | Andretti Green Racing Andretti Green Racing Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti... |
35 | |
| 4 | 3 | 10 | Dan Wheldon Dan Wheldon Daniel Clive "Dan" Wheldon was a British racing driver from England. He was the 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series champion, and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in both 2005 and 2011... (W) |
D | 200 | Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is an automotive racing organization with teams competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series. It is owned by businessmen Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates. They have won 4 Champ Car, 3 Indy Racing League and 1 Grand-Am championships... |
32+3 | |
| 5 | 5 | 11 | Tony Kanaan Tony Kanaan Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan is a Brazilian race car driver of Lebanese heritage. Kanaan won the 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series championship driving Andretti Green Racing's 7-Eleven sponsored car, winning three times in his Honda-powered Dallara... |
D | 200 | Andretti Green Racing Andretti Green Racing Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti... |
30 | |
| 6 | 4 | 9 | Scott Dixon Scott Dixon Scott Ronald Dixon, MNZM is a New Zealand motor racer who became the most successful all-time driver in the Indy Racing League championship in the United States when he won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in August 2009. This took his total to 21 wins... |
D | 200 | Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is an automotive racing organization with teams competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series. It is owned by businessmen Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates. They have won 4 Champ Car, 3 Indy Racing League and 1 Grand-Am championships... |
28 | |
| 7 | 17 | 27 | Dario Franchitti Dario Franchitti George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing... |
D | 200 | Andretti Green Racing Andretti Green Racing Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti... |
26 | |
| 8 | 10 | 16 | Danica Patrick Danica Patrick Danica Sue Patrick is an American auto racing driver, model and advertising spokeswoman. She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing, being the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series as well as holding the highest finish by a woman at the Indianapolis 500 of 3rd... |
P | 200 | Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is an auto racing team that currently races in the American Le Mans Series and part–time in the IndyCar Series. Based in Hilliard, Ohio, it is co–owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, television talk show host David Letterman, and businessman Mike... |
24 | |
| 9 | 8 | 8 | Scott Sharp Scott Sharp Scott Sharp is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. He is the son of six-time SCCA champion Bob Sharp. Scott Sharp is best known for his years as a competitor in the Indy Racing League.... |
D | 200 | Fernandez Racing Fernández Racing Fernández Racing is a Mexican motor racing team that competes in the American Le Mans Series and previously Champ Car, the IRL IndyCar Series, and the Rolex Sports Car Series. The team was co-founded by Adrian Fernández and Tom Anderson in 2001.-Open wheel:... |
22 | |
| 10 | 6 | 4 | Vitor Meira Vitor Meira Vitor Meira is an auto racing driver currently competing in the IndyCar Series. He has twice finished second in the Indianapolis 500.... |
D | 200 | Panther Racing Panther Racing Panther Racing is an American open wheel auto racing team. It is one of the oldest continually operating teams in Indy Racing League LLC's IZOD IndyCar Series.... |
20 | |
| 11 | 12 | 20 | Ed Carpenter |
D | 199 | Vision Racing Vision Racing Vision Racing was a racing team in the Indy Racing League founded in 2005 when Tony George purchased the assets of the defunct Kelley Racing and hired his stepson Ed Carpenter to be the driver. The team has previously raced in the Izod IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Grand-Am Sports... |
19 | |
| 12 | 25 | 5 | Buddy Lazier Buddy Lazier Robert Buddy Lazier is an American Indycar driver. He won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and has finished in the Top Ten in that race six times... (W) |
D | 199 | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is an American motor racing team in the open wheel Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, with one series win by co-owner Robbie Buhl, who owns the team with Indianapolis BMW, Infiniti, Volkswagen and Maserati dealer Dennis Reinbold.... |
18 | |
| 13 | 19 | 51 | Eddie Cheever Eddie Cheever Edward "Eddie" McKay Cheever, Jr. is an American racing driver who raced for almost thirty years in Formula One, Sports cars, CART and the Indy Racing League. Cheever participated in 143 World Championship Formula One races and started 132, more than any other American, driving for nine different... (W) |
D | 198 | Team Cheever | 17 | |
| 14 | 18 | 52 | Max Papis Max Papis Massimiliano "Max" Papis is a racing driver who has competed in several top-level motorsports events such as Le Mans 24 Hours, Formula One and Champ Car. He has three Champ Car victories. He is the son-in-law of Emerson Fittipaldi. His son's godfather is fellow Italian Alex Zanardi... |
D | 197 | Team Cheever | 16 | |
| 15 | 7 | 55 | Kosuke Matsuura Kosuke Matsuura is a race car driver currently competing in the Formula Nippon series. He previously competed in the IRL IndyCar Series.-Early career:After winning the Japanese Formula Dream Championship in 2001, Kosuke attracted the attention of former Formula One driver Aguri Suzuki as a teenager and was placed... |
D | 196 | Super Aguri Fernandez Racing Fernández Racing Fernández Racing is a Mexican motor racing team that competes in the American Le Mans Series and previously Champ Car, the IRL IndyCar Series, and the Rolex Sports Car Series. The team was co-founded by Adrian Fernández and Tom Anderson in 2001.-Open wheel:... |
15 | |
| 16 | 28 | 12 | Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa Roger Yasukawa is a Japanese-American auto racing driver.Yasukawa started karting in Southern California, winning the California State Championship in 1991 in Junior Sportsman. He then moved to Italy to compete in JICA... |
P | 194 | Playa Del Racing Playa Del Racing American Dream Motorsports was a racing team that competed in the Indy Racing League's Indy Lights series and the IndyCar Series' Indianapolis 500 owned by Eric Zimmerman and William T. Kelsey... |
14 | |
| 17 | 24 | 21 | Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier Jaques Lazier is an American racing driver born January 25, 1971 in Denver, Colorado and is the younger brother of 1996 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Lazier and son of former Indy racer Bob Lazier.... |
P | 193 | Playa Del Racing Playa Del Racing American Dream Motorsports was a racing team that competed in the Indy Racing League's Indy Lights series and the IndyCar Series' Indianapolis 500 owned by Eric Zimmerman and William T. Kelsey... |
13 | |
| 18 | 29 | 88 | Airton Daré Airton Daré Airton Daré is a race car driver who has competed in the Indy Racing League. He made his first IRL start in 2000 and was a long-time driver for A.J. Foyt Enterprises. Airton has a single IRL race win which he captured for Foyt in 2002 at Kansas Speedway. He was also the 2000 IRL Rookie of the Year... |
P | 193 | Sam Schmidt Motorsports Sam Schmidt Motorsports Sam Schmidt Motorsports is an auto racing team in the IndyCar IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights Series owned by quadriplegic former driver Sam Schmidt.... |
12 | |
| 19 | 32 | 98 | P. J. Jones |
P | 189 | Team Leader Motorsports Team Leader Motorsports Beck Motorsports was a team in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series owned by Greg Beck. At times in its history the team was partnered with Curb Agajanian Performance Group and 3G Racing owners Stanton Barrett and Steve Sudler.-1995-2000:... |
12 | |
| 20 | 16 | 7 | Bryan Herta Bryan Herta Bryan John Herta is an American race car driver. He currently runs his own team, Bryan Herta Autosport in the Firestone Indy Lights Series... |
D | 188 | Andretti Green Racing Andretti Green Racing Andretti Autosport is an auto racing team that competes in the IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights, Star Mazda Championship, and U.S. F2000 National Championship.-Current IndyCar Drivers and Cars:*7 Danica Patrick, GoDaddy.com*26 Marco Andretti... |
12 | |
| 21 | 21 | 14 | Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone Felipe Giaffone is a race car driver from Brazil. He competed in the Indy Racing League between 2001 and 2006. His father, "Zeca" Giaffone is the 1987 Stock Car Brasil champion and Mil Milhas Brasil five times winner in the 1980s.-Racing career:... |
D | 177 | Accident | A.J. Foyt Enterprises | 12 |
| 22 | 15 | 90 | Townsend Bell Townsend Bell Townsend Bell is a motor racing driver. He is married to actress Heather Campbell.He won the last Indy Lights championship in 2001 and was given two starts in a Champ Car in a joint effort between Patrick Racing and Dale Coyne Racing as a test for a full-time seat in 2002. He earned Roberto... (R) |
D | 161 | Suspension | Vision Racing Vision Racing Vision Racing was a racing team in the Indy Racing League founded in 2005 when Tony George purchased the assets of the defunct Kelley Racing and hired his stepson Ed Carpenter to be the driver. The team has previously raced in the Izod IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Grand-Am Sports... |
12 |
| 23 | 26 | 17 | Jeff Simmons Jeff Simmons (driver) Jeff Simmons is an American race car driver, most recently driving open wheel cars in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Early career:... |
P | 152 | Accident | Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is an auto racing team that currently races in the American Le Mans Series and part–time in the IndyCar Series. Based in Hilliard, Ohio, it is co–owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, television talk show host David Letterman, and businessman Mike... |
12 |
| 24 | 27 | 31 | Al Unser, Jr. Al Unser, Jr. Alfred Unser, Jr. , nicknamed "Little Al", "Al Junior" or simply "Junior" is a retired American race car driver and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner.-History:... (W) |
D | 145 | Accident | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Dreyer & Reinbold Racing is an American motor racing team in the open wheel Indy Racing League IndyCar Series, with one series win by co-owner Robbie Buhl, who owns the team with Indianapolis BMW, Infiniti, Volkswagen and Maserati dealer Dennis Reinbold.... |
12 |
| 25 | 2 | 3 | Hélio Castroneves Hélio Castroneves Hélio Castroneves is a Brazilian auto racing driver currently competing in the North American IndyCar Series. In IndyCar competition, Castroneves has 14 wins and 28 poles, and has never placed lower than sixth in the standings in a complete season of racing... (W) |
D | 109 | Accident | Team Penske | 10 |
| 26 | 14 | 15 | Buddy Rice Buddy Rice Buddy Rice is an American racecar driver. He is best known for winning the 2004 Indianapolis 500 while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, and the 2009 24 Hours of Daytona for Brumos Racing.-Early career:... (W) |
P | 108 | Accident | Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Racing Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing is an auto racing team that currently races in the American Le Mans Series and part–time in the IndyCar Series. Based in Hilliard, Ohio, it is co–owned by 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal, television talk show host David Letterman, and businessman Mike... |
10 |
| 27 | 11 | 2 | Tomas Scheckter Tomas Scheckter Tomas Scheckter is a South African racing driver, born in Monte Carlo. He is the son of 1979 Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter.-Early years:... |
D | 65 | Accident | Vision Racing Vision Racing Vision Racing was a racing team in the Indy Racing League founded in 2005 when Tony George purchased the assets of the defunct Kelley Racing and hired his stepson Ed Carpenter to be the driver. The team has previously raced in the Izod IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and the Grand-Am Sports... |
10 |
| 28 | 31 | 61 | Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Arie Luyendyk, Jr. is an auto racing driver and son of Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. Despite his European birth, all of his adult racing has taken place in North America where his father lives and made his career. He placed second in points in the 2002 inaugural season of the Infiniti Pro... (R) |
P | 54 | Handling | Luyendyk Racing Luyendyk Racing Luyendyk Racing is an Indy Racing League team owned by two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk that fielded a Panoz-Honda for his son, Arie Luyendyk, Jr. in the 2006 Indianapolis 500. The team received technical assistance from Chip Ganassi Racing and Arie Jr. started 31st and finished 28th... |
10 |
| 29 | 30 | 97 | Stephan Gregoire Stephan Gregoire Stéphan Grégoire is a French race car driver. Currently living in Carmel, Ind.Gregoire is a veteran of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolex Sports Car Series, the Indianapolis 500, and the Indy Racing League. He made 44 IRL starts between 1996 and 2001 with a best finish of 2nd at Pikes Peak... |
P | 49 | Handling | Team Leader Motorsports Team Leader Motorsports Beck Motorsports was a team in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series owned by Greg Beck. At times in its history the team was partnered with Curb Agajanian Performance Group and 3G Racing owners Stanton Barrett and Steve Sudler.-1995-2000:... |
10 |
| 30 | 23 | 41 | Larry Foyt Larry Foyt Larry Joseph Roberds Foyt is a semi-retired NASCAR and IndyCar driver. He is the biological grandson and adopted son of A. J. Foyt, and a biological cousin of A. J. Foyt IV. His biological mother is Terry Lynn Foyt, daughter of A. J. Foyt, who divorced his biological father Larry Gene Roberds... |
D | 43 | Handling | A.J. Foyt Enterprises | 10 |
| 31 | 33 | 18 | Thiago Medeiros (R) |
P | 24 | Electrical | PDM Racing PDM Racing PDM Racing is a racing team in the Indy Racing League and USAC Silver Crown series owned by Paul Diatlovich. Almost always a low budget team and affectionately dubbed "Poor Dumb Mechanics" by one of its former owners, it is known to make the most out of mediocre equipment... |
10 |
| 32 | 22 | 92 | Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum Jeff Bucknum is an American race car driver. Jeff is the son of Formula One and Championship Car racer Ronnie Bucknum.... |
D | 1 | Accident | Hemelgarn Racing Hemelgarn Racing Hemelgarn Racing was a racing team in the Indy Racing League owned by Ron Hemelgarn. The team won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and 2000 Series Championship with driver Buddy Lazier. Along with A.J... |
10 |
| 33 | 20 | 91 | P. J. Chesson P. J. Chesson Peter Lawrence Chesson, Jr is an American race car driver who most recently competed in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series.-Career:... (R) |
D | 1 | Accident | Hemelgarn Racing Hemelgarn Racing Hemelgarn Racing was a racing team in the Indy Racing League owned by Ron Hemelgarn. The team won the 1996 Indianapolis 500 and 2000 Series Championship with driver Buddy Lazier. Along with A.J... |
10 |
*C Chassis
Chassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
: D=Dallara
Dallara
Dallara Automobili is an Italian chassis manufacturer for various motor racing series, being most notable for its near-monopoly in Formula 3 since 1993...
; P=Panoz
Panoz
Panoz Auto Development is an American manufacturer of high-performance automobiles founded in 1989 by Dan Panoz, son of pharmaceutical and motorsport mogul Don Panoz. The company is located in Braselton, GA. Panoz products have included the Panoz Roadster and AIV Roadster, and the Panoz Esperante...
.
All cars in the 2006 Indianapolis 500 used Honda
Honda
is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than...
engines and Firestone
Firestone Tire and Rubber Company
The Firestone Tire and Rubber Company is an American tire company founded by Harvey Firestone in 1900 to supply pneumatic tires for wagons, buggies, and other forms of wheeled transportation common in the era. Firestone soon saw the huge potential for marketing tires for automobiles. The company...
tires.
(W) = Former Indianapolis 500 winner; (R) = Indianapolis 500 rookie
Race Leaders
Seven drivers led the race, with a total of fourteen lead changes.
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Caution Periods
There were five caution periods during the race, with a total of forty-four laps run under yellow.| Laps | Cause |
|---|---|
| 2-6 | Jeff Bucknum/P. J. Chesson crash |
| 67-75 | Tomas Scheckter crash |
| 111-122 | Hélio Castroneves/Buddy Rice crash |
| 149-161 | Al Unser, Jr. crash; extended by Jeff Simmons crash on lap 155 |
| 191-195 | Felipe Giaffone crash |