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Eleven Vacancies; At Least Thirteen Applicants At The Indy 500

SPEEDWAY, IN: The 100 year old Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened for business once again at noon Thursday, as preparations for the final weekend of time trials commenced. There appear to be at least thirteen car/driver combinations in play for the eleven remaining starting positions available for the annual 500 mile grind on Sunday, May 24th.

Last weekend saw the weather cooperate, allowing the first 22 starting positions to be filled. Headed into the third day of qualifications this Saturday, the following teams are expected to do battle for the remaining starting positions in the 33 car field:

1st Week Participants still not qualified:

1. Robert Doornbos (223.955 in the 06, and 222.858 in the 06T) – crashed twice!
2. Nelson Philippe (219.847) – crashed once
3. EJ Viso (221.844)
4. Ryan Hunter-Reay (221.683) – crashed once
5. John Andretti (222.736) – crashed once
6. Mike Conway (220.646) – crashed once (still needs medical clearance)
7. Milka Duno (220.423)
8. Alex Tagliani (221.538) – crashed once
9. Stanton Barrett (218.709)

Add to the above list the following teams that will be beginning their quest for speed today:

10. Townsend Bell: KV Racing #8
11. Oriol Servia: Rahal-Letterman # 17
12. Tomas Scheckter: Conquest Racing # 36
13. Buddy Lazier: Hemelgarn Johnson Racing

With several other currently unemployed drivers available, including 2004 Indy winner Buddy Rice, the weekend action should come thick and fast.

Stay tuned?

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