The Indy 500 bump day was full of excitement and last minute drama. Smoking hot 6’0, tall, tan, and taut, A.J. Foyt IV, was on fire, literally, he was on fire today. After failing to qualify on the next day of qualifying because of a broken gearbox, Anthony’s team was unsuccessful to get his car ready, and driver Marty Roth took the final and last position, the 33rd position on the grid. Anthony has had a hard month this May, with near misses into the wall, coming close to crashing, several times, he should have had a car ready and up to standards by today, but that was not the case. His car has been less than satisfactory, whether this is a technical problem, team problem, or just bad luck, he has had a rough time getting into this race. And the road ahead, seems like a long week in the making.

Bump day was no different for Anthony, as he was the first racer to try a qualifying run, and did an excellent job, considering the wind factor and the so-so car he had to drive. The speed was not great, but he did manage to get himself on the grid, bumping Roth. His time would be good enough to keep him on the grid by the end of bump day, and Anthony will be starting in the 31st position. This will be his fifth start in the Indy 500. The last row must be heartbreaking for this young, talented racecar driver. At only twenty-three, Anthony deserves much better. He should have been able to qualify the first day of qualifying during pole day, or at least the next day getting into the top twelfth or fifteenth position, but no matter how good a racer is, he is only as good as the car he drives.

I do not understand why a team like Vision Racing cannot provide Anthony with a better car? I do not understand why every team cannot provide their drivers with the best car possible? It seems only the top three teams, Penske, Ganassi, and Andretti, not only secure the best drivers, but always have the best cars on the track. Is it because they have more money than the rest of the teams? Perhaps they have better technical staff? Whatever the reason, I think every good racecar driver like Anthony deserves the best car possible. How do they ever expect him to win a race, take pole when they do not provide him with a good car, a fast, drivable car? If he had a car like Wheldon or Dixon, not only would his time increase, but he would be able to capture a win. A long, much sought after victory. His talent is being wasted!

Today A.J. Foyt IV had a horrific crash. Soon after qualifying, he went out on the track again for practice. As he was going around the track, there was a big explosion, a huge fire, like his engine exploded, and then he crashed into the wall, hard. The hit took everyone by surprise, as Anthony was a bit shaken up, and was immediately taken to the infield car center. Something broke lose, causing the fire, causing him to crash. Anthony could have been seriously hurt, thankfully the injury was not that severe, but his car was wrecked, and now the team has a big job ahead of them to get his car ready for next week’s race.

Anthony mentioned that his hair got singed, and there was a huge, noticeable, red burn on the back of his neck. He was very, very lucky that the crash was not worse, able to walk away with minor burns. Hopefully they will get his car running for the race. The anguish of having to wait until bump day to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 is nerve racking for any racer, especially for Anthony. The pressure, oppressing, knowing he had to qualify, knowing that if he got bumped off the grid, he would have to find a backup car or miss the opportunity of being in this race. While most of the regular IRL drivers were either relaxing, taking practice runs, or just enjoying their qualifying position, it was a handful of racers like Anthony that did not have that luxury.

Next Sunday every racing fan will be watching the spectacular Indy 500, whether at home or at the track. Although I have never had the privilege of attending this incredible race, it is like no other racing event in the world. Thirty-three racecar drivers will each have the chance of becoming the winner of the most sought after title in IRL. Although a racer wants to win the championship, it is this one race that defines a racers career. To have your name, your face engraved on the trophy with all the other racecar drivers who have won this race in the past, is the best achievement a racer can ascertain. Their car, their name, will go down in history, forever immortalized in racing history. Drinking the famous milk, taking the checkered flag, winning 2.5 million dollars, what racer would not want that honor.

Although past winners and favorites like Wheldon, Dixon are favored to win, there is one racecar driver in particular that has the best chance, beating even the veterans. Nineteen-year-old, 6’2, Graham Rahal, the son of famed racecar driver and now owner Bobby Rahal, could be the rookie that makes history. Sure Penske, Andretti, and especially the Target boys have the combined victories and experience, but it is the raw, innate talent of this young racecar driver that moves him into contention. Graham Rahal could definitely take the checkered flag. With already one win this season at St. Petersburg, this rookie has nerves of steel, showing no signs of weakness, and only determined strength and conviction. He just might swoop past the favorites, and win the race. I would love to see that happen. Just like Marco Andretti had his shot a few years back, Graham, could actually pull out a victory. He seems so secure in his position, so dominate in competition, so passionate about the expectations. Newman/Haas has an excellent chance this year with him in the driver’s seat.     

Although the probability of A.J. Foyt IV winning the Indianapolis 500 this year is not as good as Graham Rahal’s chance, there is always next year. Maybe with the right encouragement, having fans that believe in him and stand behind him can propel this talented racer to a great finish. This race always has a surprise ending. Each year it never ends the way you think. Rain, crashes, heart-pumping drama, it surely will entertain, a race, you will not want to miss.

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