Review: Carb Day 2010

(photo courtesy indycar.com)

Well, it can't be said any longer that the crowds are not finding their way to the Speedway for events prior to the race. After large numbers of people graced the grounds for Pole Day and Bump Day, a giant throng found their way in for the various Carb Day activities.

As such, I actually missed out on Carb Day practice for the first time since 2005 and barely made it in time for the Freedom 100. While it is pretty annoying to have to sit on 16th Street while the Indianapolis Police stumble over how to direct traffic, it's always good to see zillions of people putting money into the Speedway's bank account and enjoying their time on the property.

For once, Helio Castroneves did not find himself atop the leaderboard, as the top of the practice leaderboard was held down by Ganassi Racing, whose drivers were the only two to break 225 m.p.h. on the day.

The big shocker of the practice session was Bruno Junquiera placing himself fourth on the speed chart at 224.898 m.p.h. I guess, since he's teammates with Alex Tagliani with a car prepared by the same team, I shouldn't be too surprised. Still, for only his third day turning laps -- and nearly tripling his total lap count -- Bruno and the FAZZT team are extremely impressive.

In item number 2 of the schedule, the Firestone Indy Lights cars took to the Speedway for the undercard race, the Freedom 100. That race was highlighted by the fact that the pole position, for the first time in 101 years of operation of the Speedway, was held by a woman: England's Pippa Mann.

Unfortunately, Pippa was piloting that white car at the very back of the above picture and there was no way for her to avoid the spinning car of Jeff Simmons. Luckily, this was the only incident of the afternoon, and a great race broke out that was won by Wade Cunningham. This was Wade's third victory in the Freedom 100, and I really think it's about damn time someone gets him a ride in one of the big cars.

So here we are; two days from now, one driver will have drank the milk and earned their place on the Borg-Warner Trophy. I will formulate a preview and have it out tomorrow at some point. Until then, party hard, but party safe!