Catchfence

Rice, Hildebrand Remain Quick at the Speedway, Run Limited Laps During Monday’s Open Practice

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - (May 16, 2011) – The laps were limited for Panther Racing teammates Buddy Rice and JR Hildebrand Tuesday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the speed was not. After a mere shake-down run on Saturday, Rice came out as practice opened on Tuesday andimmediately set the fastest lap on the grid. Hildebrand, who was third-quick during opening day, following his teammate to the 2.5-mile oval and did just six laps but was fourth overall at the time.

After his short run, Hildebrand and his National Guard team elected not to take any more laps on the day and Rice’s No. 44 came out late in the day for another quick stint on the 2.5-mile oval. Alex Tagliani posted the fastest lap of the day at 225.878 mph and was followed on the speed chart by Ganassi Racing driver Scott Dixon at 225.124 mph.

Practice resumes tomorrow from 12 pm until 6 pm at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in preparation for Saturday’s Pole Day qualifications.

Quotes from drivers JR Hildebrand and Buddy Rice are posted below.

The 95th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race will be broadcast live on ABC on Sunday, May 29th at 12:00 p.m. with additional coverage provided by the IMS Radio Network, www.indycar.com, XM channel 145 and Sirius channel 211.

JR Hildebrand

No. 4 National Guard Dallara Honda

Top Speed: 223.201 mph

Top Time: 40.3224 seconds

Number of Laps: 6

Overall Rank: 20th on speed chart

JR Hildebrand, No. 4 National Guard Dallara Honda:

“We feel good. The wind’s picked up and the temperature is much cooler than when we ran on Saturday, but the National Guard car is feeling great so we’re just taking it one step at a time. Buddy and I have been able to work together really well, we’re both looking for the same things in the car and with the success that Panther’s had here in the past, it’s really looking like a strong combination. I moved out from California several years ago because I wanted to drive in the Indy 500 and it’s awesome to be here.”

Buddy Rice

No. 44 Panther Racing Dallara Honda

Top Speed: 223.710 mph

Top Time: 40.2307 seconds

Number of Laps: 15

Overall Rank: 13th

Buddy Rice, No. 44 Panther Racing DallaraHonda:

“Everything’s going good right now, we’ve done 25 maybe 30 laps so far and we’ll just keep easing into it. But the car, and what Panther’s been able to accomplish the last few years here is impressive. I just need to continue to get back into the swing of things and keep it rolling because it seems like we’re coming together right now. The team has great cars, and the team’s performance here the last few years speaks for itself. They have a really strong oval program and that’s what made my decision so easy to join the team when they called. I’m excited to be here, I’m happy to be here and it gives me an opportunity to come back for a second win. It’s also the Centennial; this only comes around once and it’s an exciting time to be here right now.”

- Panther Racing, Press Release