Saturday
Vision Racing Makes Final Preparations for 2009 Indianapolis 500
Press Release
Not only was Friday morning’s one hour practice a final opportunity for race preparations, but conversely it was an initial opportunity for the team to display their race day liveries. Specifically, Hunter-Reay’s No. 21T Dallara/Honda/Firestone machine featured a new look as IZOD will serve as the primary sponsor for the race.
Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation [NYSE: PVH] announced earlier in the week that its IZOD brand will be the primary sponsor of Vision Racing’s No. 21 car for the Indianapolis 500 and the Milwaukee Mile during the 2009 IndyCar Series season.
In addition, Hunter-Reay’s front wing will carry the TDS company logo which was transferred over from Conquest Racing’s No. 34 entry which was bumped out of the field on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Carpenter’s No. 20 Menards Special will also carry the William Rast moniker for race day and feature Forte Healthy Energy Shot which was also formerly featured on the No. 34 Conquest Racing machine.
With the sponsor decals affixed and the race looming ahead, Carpenter and Hunter-Reay made the most of their final opportunity to shake down their cars. Carpenter was 21st fastest amongst the field of 33 with a best lap of 219.602 mph, while Hunter-Reay was 27th fastest with best lap at 218.593 mph.
Carpenter’s four lap qualifying average of 222.780 mph will put him in the 17th position, the middle of row six, for the start his sixth Indianapolis 500. Just last season he started a career-best 10th at Indy, drove his first career IndyCar Series leader laps (3) and finished a team and career-best fifth place at the Brickyard.
Hunter-Reay entered the field of 33 for Sunday’s race in much more dramatic fashion as he bumped his way back into the field; qualifying the car as the final gun sounded representing the end of qualifications this past Sunday.
Even more, his four lap average of 220.597 mph was literally just enough to get back in as it bumped out driver Alex Tagliani by only 0.085 seconds. He will start from the 32nd spot in his second attempt at Indianapolis on Sunday.
Just last season Hunter-Reay started 20th at Indy and ran an impressive race finishing behind current teammate, Ed Carpenter, in the sixth spot and earning Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honors.
This year Hunter-Reay will be looking to earn a spot in history by winning the race from the highest starting position. The farthest back anyone has started the Indianapolis 500 and won is the 28th spot, which has been done twice.
The Indianapolis 500 will air live on Sunday, May 24 at noon ET on ABC, as well as IMS Radio Network, XM IndyCar Series Racing Channel 145, XM Sports Nation Channel 144 and on the web at www.IndyCar.com.
Practice Results: (May 22, 2009)
Ed Carpenter – No. 20 Menards/Vision Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone
Top Speed in Practice Friday: 219.602 mph
Overall Rank in Practice Friday: 21st
Four Lap Qualifying Average: 222.780 mph
Qualifying Position: 17th (middle of row 6)
Top Speed for Month: 223.512 mph (May 10)
Ryan Hunter-Reay – No. 21T Vision Racing Dallara/Honda/Firestone
Top Speed in Practice Friday: 220.948 mph
Overall Rank in Practice Friday: 27th
Four Lap Qualifying Average: 220.597 mph
Qualifying Position: 32nd (middle of row 11)
Top Speed for Month: 221.683 mph (May 10 in No. 21)
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About the Indianapolis 500: The 200 lap/500 mile Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will air live on Sunday, May 24 at noon ET on ABC, as well as IMS Radio Network, XM IndyCar Series Racing Channel 145, XM Sports Nation Channel 144 and on the web at www.IndyCar.com.
About Vision Racing: Vision Racing is owned and operated by Tony and Laura George as well as actor Patrick Dempsey of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana in a 32,000 square foot facility. The team competes full-time in the IndyCar Series and is entering its fifth season of IndyCar Series competition. The team features returning IndyCar Series driver Ed Carpenter and welcomed veteran Ryan Hunter-Reay for 2009. In the past calendar year, the team has scored nine top-ten finishes and five additional top-five finishes including a fifth place finish in the Indianapolis 500 by Ed Carpenter and a second place run by Ryan Hunter-Reay on the streets of St. Petersburg in the 2009 season opener. Also new for 2009 is a return to the Firestone Indy Lights Series with driver James Davison, as well as a technical partnership with new FIL team Bryan Herta Autosport and driver Daniel Herrington. Vision Racing continues to proudly perpetuate the legacy of the Hulman-George family through motorsports excellence, by demonstrating the traditions and heritage of the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Racing.
- Vision Racing, Press Release
Article Tags: Dallara/Honda/Firestone, Ed Carpenter, Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy 500, Indy Racing Series, Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Vision Racing, William Rast
