Ryan Hunter-Reay wasn't fast enough to earn a spot in next Sunday's Indianapolis 500 as he exited Turn 4 on his final lap of qualifying Sunday at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.But somehow, someway, the 28-year-old Floridian conjured up just enough speed in the final few seconds -- the final hundred yards -- to make the field by three hundredths of a second (.03) bumping out Canadian Alex Tagliani, who was sitting in his car, next in line to qualify, as the traditional gun shot sounded ending qualifications.
Only moments before Hunter-Reay's suspenseful run, John Andretti earned a spot in the 33-car field for team owner, NASCAR legend Richard Petty, invoking the loudest cheers from the crowd since Helio Castroneves won the Indy 500 pole position a week ago. It came on the third and final attempt Andretti was allowed to make.
"I can't imagine how embarrassed I would have been to call Richard Petty and have him say, 'I'm coming down for the race, where do you start?' and I have had to say, 'I don't,' " Andretti said.
The four-day, two-weekend format to set the 33-car Indianapolis 500 field may feel tedious and drawn out. Some say, unnecessary. But all it takes is watching the last five minutes of Sunday's final round of qualifications -- called "Bump Day" -- to be reminded what this great tradition can deliver.
"That was a timing issue because Alex Tagliani was pretty quick, we were lucky to go last,'' said Hunter-Reay, who drives for the team owned by Tony George, whose family owns the Speedway.
"I've never been so happy to be in last place. We're lucky right now.''
Only three drivers, including Tagliani, NASCAR driver/movie stuntman Stanton Barrett and 1996 Indy 500 winner Buddy Lazier weren't fortunate enough to race into the starting lineup.
But regardless, the field - which is led by front row starters, Helio Castroneves, who is weeks removed from being acquitted of federal tax evasion charges, his Team Penske teammate Ryan Briscoe and 2007 Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti - looks strong and competitive.
The speed gap between Castroneves and 33rd place starter Hunter-Reay is the sixth closest in the race's 98-year history. For the third consecutive year, the lineup will include three women; Danica Patrick, who starts 10th; Sarah Fisher, who starts 21st and Venezuelan Milka Duno, who will roll off 31st.
Defending Indy winner Scott Dixon joins Andretti Green lead driver Tony Kanaan as favorites as are veteran Paul Tracy, who will start 13th, two-time runner-up Vitor Meira and 2005 Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon.
"I feel so bad for Tags (Alex Tagliani) and the Conquest Racing team,'' Indy Racing League President of Competition Brian Barnhardt said.
"They work their tails off all year, and I'll tell you, leaning in the cockpit and telling them they weren't going to get to go because we're out of time and they're a lame duck and he's either in or out and it's not under his control was one of the hardest things I've ever done.
"It was just a devastating look in his eyes. I know how hard he and the team had worked.
"From a field standpoint, it's what makes Indianapolis special. It's the 33 best drivers and teams under the conditions of what we had. Tightest field speaks volumes about how tight the competition is."
Much of the starting field heads to New York Monday for national media appearances. Final practice, called "Carburetion Day" is scheduled for Friday. The race begins at 1 pm/ET on Sunday.
"It's been a very, very tough day,'' Andretti said. "I'm going to say that one is for my dad (Aldo Andretti). I know this was a challenge that he would appreciate.''
"I'm glad the race isn't tomorrow. I am physically, mentally, just totally exhausted."
