Review: "500" Day 4

AP Photo

The most notable occurrence of the day ultimately closed the day out ten minutes before the scheduled end of the day. As you can see, the #32 PDVSA KV Racing entry of E.J. Viso met a tough end in that same Turn 1 wall that has claimed so many cars over the years. Luckily, in spite of the fact that his car backed into the wall gearbox-first -- the least amount of collapsible material on the car exists directly behind the driver -- Viso apparently made it out with just a bit of a sore back.

On the speed charts, there was little surprise at the top: Scott Dixon led the charge with a top speed of 226.549 miles-per-hour. What is a little surprising are the other names that round out the top five: Moraes (225.913), M. Andretti (225.751), Tagliani (225.394), Wheldon (225.378). Looking down the list a little bit, I'm also a bit surprised to see Simona de Silvestro leading Tuesday's rookie charge with the tenth-fastest top speed (224.176), A.J. Foyt IV -- part of the greatest union of legendary Indianapolis families that no one knows about; his father-in-law owns the Colts! -- put granddad's second car twelfth (223.874), and John Andretti was right behind in cousin Michael's car (223.775).

Now, I'm starting to learn not to be surprised with Mario Moraes -- as I said yesterday, he was fast last year right up until he nailed the wall with 499.5 miles left in the race. Andretti and Wheldon shouldn't be surprising either, given their pace in the past.

Two things really do surprise me. First, Alex Tagliani, a road course specialist, in a car that once belonged to Marty Roth, sitting fourth on a speed chart ahead of four Andretti drivers, three Penske drivers, and a Ganassi driver -- it boggles the mind how good FAZZT has been in their initial season. Second, those aforementioned Penske drivers, who came eighth (Castroneves), ninth (Power), and nineteenth (Briscoe). Helio and Power shouldn't be an issue come Saturday, but I think Team Penske needs to start being a bit concerned about the #6 car.

The rest of the week is looking good for the most part on the weather front. So, pray to Ra, Sol, Helios, or whatever you believe controls appearances of the local star to keep it nice and bright out through Sunday!

FASTEST UNOFFICIAL SPEED OF THE MONTH
#3 Helio Castroneves: 39.6395 seconds, 227.046 miles-per-hour