Oak Park Newspaper

May 12, 2007

Michael Andretti Pondering the Engine in his car.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

The weather was beautiful at Indy today, warm (in the low 80s) and clear skies, not even a chance of rain. This is the best weather for the start of qualifying in eight years.

Marco Andretti still does not like egg plant, but he does like his driving more. His car is currently running better than his fathers car. His Dad, Michael is perplexed why his car is performing worse than his sons. Some have asked if he would take and
use his sons car, and he answered in the strong negative.

Marco Andretti Declares He is not Superman, and problems
are problems that have to be dealt with.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Michael and Marco, father and son, a great team from a Great
Family--and good drivers too.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Both of the Andretti drivers voiced admission that they would have to continue their efforts at doing better or they could both loose their current positions, in the top 11.

Milka Duno had hit the wall the other day and creamed her ride
and the wall, both needed lots of repair - the car and the wall. She is expected back on the track on Wednesday. She was seen
walking around and in good spirits much of the day, posing
with kids and people for photos, and gaining fans for her efforts. When we went to her garage and viewed the crashed
car, it was stripped down to the engine and main body frame and an additional car was brought in as back up. The plan is
for her to drive her newly repaired car on Wednesday. Milka
Duno appears to be a talented and diverse woman with a
Masters degree in Naval architecture and a host of other
areas of academic success. We wish her the best in her racing
efforts.

Brian Barnhart and Marlboro Team owner Mr. Penske discuss
Sam Hornish Jr. taking another attempt at the pole.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Sam Hornish Jr. had a good time in his first try at the Pole,
but some thought that he could do better-based on his slower
last lap. After some discussion Penske decided to throw out
the first attempt and give it another try.

Brian Barnhart applauds the Hornish Jr. attempt or might be
thinking...I told you so.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Brian Barnhart told us that at 5:30 p.m. he expected the
120 degree (fahrenheit) track temperature to drop significantly
when the total shadow from the setting sun covered much of
the track. When the temperature of the track drops the
grip on the wheels should improve and give the track some
better times for the day.

Helio Castroneves hears that he has won the Pole with only a few minutes left to run on the track. The cameras surround him and wait for his coming out of the car for the Pole award.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Helio Castroneves now hears that Tony Kanaan is winning the Pole with his better lap times, and everything is up in the air.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Castroneves now hears that Tony Kanaan has lost his challenge to the Pole, and he has won the day and the Pole position. He smile and steps
out of the car.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo

Ms. King started the Pole day events, and we should all thank
her for the grand weather. She is still a devotee of tennis and
is now with a global effort for players. Have a look below.

http://www.wtt.com

INDIANAPOLIS - Qualifying Saturday for the 91st Indianapolis 500 IndyCar Series event on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with starting position, car number in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine and speed:

1. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 225.817

2. (11) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 225.757

3. (27) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 225.191

4. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 225.122

5. (6) Sam Hornish Jr., Dallara-Honda, 225.109

6. (10) Dan Wheldon, Dallara-Honda, 224.641

7. (12) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 224.410

8. (7) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 224.076

9. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 223.299

10. (2) Tomas Scheckter, Dallara-Honda, 222.877

11. (39) Michael Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 222.789

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