2003 Indianapolis 500
 | |||||
| Indianapolis Motor Speedway | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis 500 | |||||
| Sanctioning body | Indy Racing League | ||||
| Season | 2003 IndyCar season | ||||
| Date | May 25, 2003 | ||||
| Winner |  Gil de Ferran | ||||
| Winning team | Penske Racing | ||||
| Average speed | 156.291 mph | ||||
| Pole position | Hélio Castroneves | ||||
| Pole speed | 231.725 mph | ||||
| Fastest qualifier | Hélio Castroneves | ||||
| Rookie of the Year |  Tora Takagi | ||||
| Most laps led |  Tomas Scheckter(63) | ||||
| Pre-race ceremonies | |||||
| National anthem | Daniel Rodriguez | ||||
| "Back Home Again in Indiana" | Jim Nabors | ||||
| Starting command | Mari Hulman George | ||||
| Pace car | Chevrolet SSR | ||||
| Pace car driver | Herb Fishel | ||||
| Starter | Bryan Howard | ||||
| Estimated attendance | 300,000 (estimated) | ||||
| TV in the United States | |||||
| Network | ABC | ||||
| Announcers | Paul Page,Scott Goodyear | ||||
| Nielsen ratings | 4.6 / 14 | ||||
| Chronology | |||||
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The87th Indianapolis 500was held at theIndianapolis Motor SpeedwayinSpeedway, Indianaon Sunday, May 25, 2003. Two-time defending championHélio Castroneveswon thepole positionand was trying to become the first driver in Indy history to winthree in a row.With 31 laps to go, however, Castroneves was passed by hisPensketeammateGil de Ferran,and the duo finished 1st–2nd, with de Ferran winning his first Indy 500. The race was sanctioned by theIndy Racing Leagueand was part of the2003 IndyCar Series season.
For the 2003 season, the series adopted a new chassis package and saw the introduction ofToyotaandHondato the field. It was Honda's third period of involvement at Indy. They partnered with theJuddprogram in the1987 race,and was an engine provider inCARTin 1990s, entering at Indy in 1994–1995. Toyota, previously an engine provider in CART, however, was making their first-ever trip to Indy.
Due to cost issues, and a shortage of engines and drivers, there was considerable concern going into the event that the field might fall short of thetraditional 33 starters.[1]On the final day of qualifying, the field was filled, avoiding aPR"black eye".[2][3]
FormerpresidentsGeorge H. W. BushandBill Clintonwere in attendance, the first time in Indy history that two former presidents were at the race.[4]It was the elder Bush's second visit to the Speedway; he previously presided over the opening ceremonies of the1987 Pan American Games,which was held at the track. RookieA. J. Foyt IV,racing on his 19th birthday, became the youngest driver ever to compete in the race.[4]
For the first time since the 1970s,[5]the race was not announced as a sell-out.[6]Since 1985, the race was usually sold out by July of the previous year.[5]
As of 2020, the 2003 race was the first and only Indy 500 victory forToyota.It also marked the first Indy 500 win for aJapaneseand/or Asian engine manufacturer.
Background
[edit]
The biggest interest story going into the race was the impending retirement of popular veteranMichael Andretti.Andretti announced that the 2003 Indy 500 would be his final race, and that he would retire from driving immediately after, to focus on team ownership.[7](Note thatAndretticame out of retirement and returned to drive at Indy in2006–2007.)
Despite the open wheel "split" continuing into what was now its eighth season, nearly all of the topCART-based teams entered at Indy for 2003. It was the fourth consecutive year that CART-based teams entered the Indy 500, and each successive year saw an increased number of participants "crossing over". The 2003 season was a turning point in the "split", as several teams, includingPenske,Andretti-Green,Ganassi,andRahalpulled out of CART and defected permanently to theIndy Racing Leagueon a full-time bases. One of the few holdouts for 2003 wasNewman/Haas Racing.Paul Tracy,a key fixture in the controversial2002 race,also did not enter.
During the springDario FranchittiofAndretti-Green Racingwas injured in amotorcycleaccident, which sidelined him for most of the season.[8][9]Robby Gordonreplaced him in the car at Indy, and Gordon planned to attempt the Indy-Charlotte "Double Duty".
After changes in the rules,Greg Rayentered and qualified a car carrying thenumber 13.It was the first time #13 appeared on a car at the Indy 500 sinceGeorge Masonin1914.From 1926 to 2002, usage of #13 was not permitted, and throughout the entire history of the race, was generallyavoidedby competitors due tosuperstitions.[10]
For the first time ever, asupport racewas scheduled for the month of May at Indy. TheMenards Infiniti Pro Seriesarrived at the Speedway for the inauguralFreedom 100.The race was scheduled for the Saturday of Bump Day weekend.
Mario Andretti crash
[edit]Andretti-Green Racingdriver,Tony Kanaan,suffered a radial fracture of his arm on April 15 in a crash atMotegi.On April 23, the1969 Indianapolis 500winnerMario Andrettitook over Kanaan's car for a test session.[11]Andretti retired in1994,and this was the first time in nine years he had driven a majoropen-wheel car.If Kanaan was not cleared to drive in enough time, tentative plans were being prepared for Andretti to qualify the car for him.[11]He would then turn the car over to Kanaan on race day. No firm plans had yet been made though for Andretti to actually drive in the race.[12]
During Andretti's test session, it was noted by many observers that despite his lack of experience in modern Indy cars (which had changed substantially since his retirement in1994) and his advanced age (63), he quickly reached competitive speed. During the morning session, he turned a lap of 212.509 mph,[11]and looked "as if he had never been away." Later in the day, he upped his speed to over 223 mph.[11]The success of the test created a stir, and speculation grew during the afternoon that Andretti may even attempt to qualify for the race.
With only two minutes left in the session,Kenny Bräckcrashed in turn one, and the yellow light came on. Andretti entered turn one at full speed, and struck debris on the track from Bräck's crash. The object, identified by some as the rear wing, or possibly a piece of foam from the impactedSAFER barrier,pitched the nose of Andretti's car upward, and the car became airborne. The car then went into a rapid double-reverse somersault flip at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour.[13]Television footage from theWTHRhelicopter-cam showed that the car clipped the top of the debris fence, and was nearly high enough to go over it. The car fell back to the racing surface, slowed by its mid-air tumble, and slid to a stop upright. Andretti walked away from the crash with very minor injuries.[14]
Andretti initially shrugged off the accident, and still contemplated returning to qualify the car in May. A day later, however, he reconsidered.[15]
Race schedule
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Practice and time trials
[edit]Practice – week 1
[edit]Practice opened on Sunday May 4, with roughly 29 car/driver combinations named to the field. That was short of the traditional 33 starters for the race, and there was ongoing speculation around the garage area on who would potentially fill the four open spots. At the onset, drivers were flirting with the 230 mph barrier.
On Tuesday May 6, rookieDan Wheldon(231.108 mph) became the first driver to break the 230 mph barrier. A day later,Kenny Bräck(231.039 mph) also broke 231 mph. Wheldon set the fastest lap of the month on Thursday May 8 at 232.202 mph, the fastest lap run at the Speedway since1996.
On "Fast Friday" May 9,Arie Luyendykspun exiting turn one, and hit the outside wall with the back end of the car. The car slid down the track, and hit the outside wall in turn 2 also. Luyendyk suffered a back injury, and soreness in his neck and shoulders. Ultimately, Luyendyk decided to sit out the race, and retired from driving permanently.
Time trials – Pole Day
[edit]Pole Day was scheduled for Saturday May 10. During the morning practice sessionBilly Boatspun out of turn four, and made heavy contact with the safety attenuator at the north end of the pit wall. The car hit with the back end, flew up into the air momentarily, and came to rest against the outside wall on the mainstretch. The energy-absorbing barrier was demolished, but officials stated that the barrier withstood the impact, and worked effectively.[4]Boat was transferred toMethodist Hospitalfor observation, but was eventually released and cleared to drive.[4]By the time that track crews could replace the barrier, rain began to fall. A violent thunderstorm swept through the area, and washed out qualifying for the afternoon.[4]
Pole qualifying was moved to Sunday May 11. The weather was cool and windy.Robbie Buhlwas the first car to make an attempt, and he put his car the field with a safe run of 224.369 mph. At 12:30 p.m., rookieScott Dixon(230.099 mph) was the first car over 230 mph. At 12:45 p.m.,Robby Gordon(230.205 mph) took over the provisional pole position.
At 12:55 p.m., rookieA. J. Foyt IVwas attempting to become the youngest driver ever to qualify for the Indy 500. On his first lap, he spun exiting turn 2, did not hit the wall, and slid backwards down nearly the entire length of the backstretch. He was uninjured.
The first trip through the qualifying line was completed at about 1:45 p.m. Several drivers had pulled out of line, waiting for better conditions. At 2:41 p.m.,Tony Kanaantook over the top spot with a run of 231.006 mph.
At 4:36 p.m., two-time defending race winnerHélio Castroneves(231.725 mph) secured the pole position. Tony Kanaan was bumped to the middle of the front row, and Robby Gordon held on to the outside of the front row. The day ended with A. J. Foyt IV completing a run, andGil de Ferran,the last car with a realistic shot of the front row, turning in a somewhat-disappointing 228.633 mph, good enough only for 10th starting position.
Practice – week 2
[edit]Practice resumed on Wednesday May 14. With nine spots open in the field, unqualified teams began to prepare for the final day of qualifying.Alex Barronwas named to replaceArie Luyendykin theMo Nunnentry. By Thursday, 32 car/driver combinations had materialized.
Among the fastest drivers who had yet to qualify wereJimmy Vasser(228.275 mph) and Alex Barron (227.714 mph). Vasser missed the first weekend of time trials due to his participation in theChamp CarGerman 500.
Time trials – Bump Day
[edit]The final day of time trials, Sunday, May 18, opened with nine spots open in the field. During the week, there was considerable concern about the prospects of filling the field to thetraditional 33 starters.Airton DaréandVítor Meirawere named to rides in the morning, meaning there were then nine cars preparing to qualify.
Time trials opened at 12:30 p.m., withJimmy Kitethe first car out. After two fast laps, however, the car stalled with an electrical problem. In the first half-hour, three cars qualified, led byJimmy Vasser,and the field was up to 27 cars.
Jimmy Kite returned to the track, this time qualifying without incident.Airton Daréstalled several times trying to leave the pits, but after repairs, he qualified to fill the field to 29 cars. Just before 2 p.m.,Alex BarronandRichie Hearncompleted runs, and the field was up to 31 cars. Hearn's team acquired a Penske back-up car, and he was safely in the field.
At 3 p.m., there were two spots left in the field. Only two cars remained on the sidelines,Robby McGeheeandVítor Meira.No other teams were planning on qualifying, although a rumor circulated around the garage area thatGanassiwas considering on wheeling out a backup car forJeff Ward.McGehee (224.493 mph) completed his qualifying attempt at 3:30 p.m., leaving only one spot open in the grid. At 4:05 p.m., Meira (227.158 mph) filled the field to 33 cars. At that point, the track was opened for practice, and the track officially closed at 6 o'clock without any other qualifiers.
The series avoided the embarrassment[clarification needed]of not filling the field to the traditional 33 cars. The race had not failed to do so since1947,when several drivers that were members of ASPAR (the American Society of Professional Auto Racing) threatened to boycott the race over the purse size.[16]Nonetheless, some members of the media chastised the effort, later nicknaming the afternoon "Fill Day" rather than the traditionalBump Day.During the television coverage,Bob JenkinsandJack Arutepassionately defended the event from its detractors.[17]Despite pointing out the lack of drama on the final day of time trials,Robin Millerwas among those who suggested that the 2003 field was the deepest talent-wise since theopen-wheel"split".
Starting grid
[edit]| Row | Inside | Middle | Outside | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | Hélio Castroneves(W)
|
11 | Tony Kanaan
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27 |  Robby Gordon
|
| 2 | 9 |  Scott Dixon(R)
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26 |  Dan Wheldon(R)
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15 |  Kenny Bräck(W)
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| 3 | 12 | Tora Takagi(R)
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32 | Tony Renna(R)
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8 | Scott Sharp
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| 4 | 6 | Gil de Ferran
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55 | Roger Yasukawa(R)
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10 | Tomas Scheckter
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| 5 | 7 | Michael Andretti
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13 | Greg Ray
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54 | Shinji Nakano(R)
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| 6 | 21 | Felipe Giaffone
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31 | Al Unser Jr.(W)
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4 | Sam Hornish Jr.
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| 7 | 52 | Buddy Rice(R)
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2 | Jaques Lazier
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91 | Buddy Lazier(W)
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| 8 | 24 | Robbie Buhl
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14 | A. J. Foyt IV(R)
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23 | Sarah Fisher
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| 9 | 20 | Alex Barron
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22 | Vítor Meira(R)
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19 | Jimmy Vasser
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| 10 | 99 | Richie Hearn
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98 | Billy Boat
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5 | Shigeaki Hattori
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| 11 | 44 | Robby McGehee
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18 | Jimmy Kite
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41 | Airton Daré
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Failed to qualify
[edit]- Scott Mayer(R)(#18) – Failed rookie orientation (replaced by Jimmy Kite)
Arie Luyendyk(W)(#20) – Injured in practice crash (replaced by Alex Barron)
Race summary
[edit]Start
[edit]The controversy of filling the field the previous weekend fizzled as race day arrived.Mari Hulman Georgegave the command to start engines at 10:47 a.m. EST, and all 33 cars pulled away from the starting grid. It would be the final time that the race would begin at the traditional 11 a.m. EST start time.
PolesitterHélio Castronevestook the lead at the start, and led for the first 16 laps. The first yellow came out on lap 9 whenBilly Boatstalled in turn two. After the restart on lap 15,Sarah Fisherspun in turn three, hitting the outside wall. After pit stops,Scott Dixontook the lead on lap 17.
First half
[edit]Michael Andrettiled 28 laps in the first half, but during a pit stop on lap 98, the car quit with the broken throttle linkage.
On lap 61,Richie Hearngot up in the "marbles" in turn two, hitting the outside wall.Jaques Lazierspun to avoid the crash and came to rest on the inside of the track. Both drivers were uninjured.
The lead changed several times in the first half, withTomas Scheckter,Tony Kanaan,andJimmy Vassereach taking turns in the lead.Hélio CastronevesandGil de Ferranwere running in the top 5 most of the way.
Second half
[edit]Tomas Scheckterled from laps 101-128, withHélio Castronevesclose behind in second. On lap 127,Airton Darecrashed in turn 2, bringing out the caution, and the leaders all made pit stops. Castroneves beat Scheckter out of the pits and took the lead.Gil de Ferranwas in third. On lap 135 restart, de Ferran passed Scheckter for second place.
At lap 150, Penske teammates Castroneves and de Ferran were still running 1st–2nd. Castroneves was looking to put himself in position to win his third "500" in a row. The leaders made their final pit stops on laps 165–168. After the sequence of green flag stops, Castroneves and de Ferran were again running 1st–2nd.
On lap 169, leader Castroneves was hung up behind the lapped car ofA. J. Foyt IVdown the backstretch. While it was not captured by TV cameras, earlier in the race Foyt had come down and made contact with Castroneves while being lapped in turn 2. This perhaps led to Castroneves following Foyt through the 2nd turn allowing de Ferran to make the pass for the lead going into turn 3.
On lap 172,Robby Gordonstopped on the track with a broken gearbox. The yellow came out, but none of the leaders pitted. Gordon immediately departed the grounds, and flew to Charlotte for theCoca-Cola 600.
With 25 laps to go, the green came back out with de Ferran leading, and Castroneves in second.
Finish
[edit]On lap 182,Scott Sharpbrushed the wall in turn 4, then crashed in turn 1. After the cleanup, the green came back out on lap 186. One lap later, however,Dan Wheldonspun in turn three, hit the outside wall, then the car flipped over and landed upside-down. Wheldon was not injured.
During the caution for the Wheldon crash,Scott Dixon,who was running in the top ten, was weaving back and forth on the mainstretch to warm up his tires. He began to do it too vigorously, and brushed the inside wall. The car was too damaged to continue.
The green came out with six laps to go.Gil de Ferranheld offHélio Castronevesby 0.2290 seconds to win his first Indianapolis 500. After the race, Castroneves coaxed de Ferran to climb the catch fence on the mainstretch, mimicking his own traditional post-race victory celebration. de Ferran ended up retiring at season's end, becoming the fourth Indy 500 winner to retire as a reigning "500" champion.
The "curse of the Indy three-peat" prevailed again as Castroneves failed to achieve victory. His three-race career record of 1st–1st–2nd, however, established an Indy record for a driver's first three starts. Castroneves' second place tiedAl Unser's 1970–1971–1972 effort of 1st–1st–2nd.
Box score
[edit]WFormer Indianapolis 500 winner
RIndianapolis 500 Rookie
All entrants utilizedFirestonetires.
Race statistics
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Broadcasting
[edit]Radio
[edit]The race was carried live on theIndy Racing Radio Network.Mike Kingserved as chief announcer. The booth crew had a new look for 2003. Longtime driver expertJohnny Rutherfordleft the crew to take over the position of pace car driver during caution periods. Joining King in the booth were two newcomers,Dave Wilsonwho served as color commentator, and new "driver expert"Davey Hamilton.Hamilton was on a hiatus from driving after his serious crash at Texas in 2001. The broadcast was heard on 555 affiliates.
The 2003 race saw all four turn reporters return to their assigned posts from the previous year. The three pit reporters remained the same, although they swapped their locations along pit road. The 2003 race would be the final 500 on the radio for longtime members Howdy Bell and Chuck Marlowe. Bell once again had the limited role of reporting from the track hospital, while Marlowe covered the garage area as he had since 1989.
Sponsor guests interviewed in the booth included Tim Manganello (BorgWarner), Keith Sirios (Checkers and Rally's), and Chevrolet pace car driver Herb Fishel. Other guests interviewed in the pits included Jim Campbell (Chevrolet) andWynonna Judd.
| Indy Racing Radio Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| Booth Announcers | Turn Reporters | Pit/garage reporters |
|
Chief Announcer:Mike King |
Turn 1:Jerry Baker |
Jim Murphy (north pits) Kim Morris (center pits) Adam Alexander(south pits) |
| Chuck Marlowe (garages) Howdy Bell (hospital) | ||
Television
[edit]The race was carried live flag-to-flag coverage in the United States onABC Sports.The on-air crew remained the same from the previous year, withBob Jenkinsreturning as host, andPaul Pagehandling the play-by-play duties. It would ultimately be the final 500 on television forBob Jenkins.
For the first time, the race broadcast featured a presenting sponsor. The race was billed as the "Indianapolis 500 Presented by 7-Eleven". The crew called the race for the final time from the booth on top of the Paddock grandstand, for starting in 2004, they would move to the newer television studio inside the Pagoda.
| ABCTelevision | |
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| Booth Announcers | Pit/garage reporters |
| Jack Arute Vince Welch Dr.Jerry Punch Gary Gerould | |
Controversy
[edit]On Sunday May 18, the final day of time trials, when there was some question of whether the field would be filled to the traditional 33 cars, television reportersBob JenkinsandJack Arutepassionately defended the event from its detractors on air.[17]Afterwards, Jenkins received criticism, mostly for a lack ofjournalistic professionalismandobjectivity.His statements were considered biased in favor of theIRL/IMS,and that he allowed his personal opinions enter his reporting.
DuringABCcoverage of time trials,Vítor Meirafilled the field to 33 cars. Arute opened his interview with Meira at 5:17 p.m. EDT by stating:[18]
And to all the naysayers who predicted that there wouldNOTbe 33 cars in the field of this year's Indy 500, allow me to introduce you toVítor Meira.
A minute later, Jenkins replied with:[18]
The naysayers have been proven wrong, there is a 33-car field set for the 500.
As the day was coming to a close, the television coverage switched toESPNfor the final hour. Jenkins closed the broadcast with the following commentary at 6:56 p.m. EDT:[19]
I want to again say how disappointed I am in some of the journalists inthiscity and in other cities who have questioned the 33-car starting lineup this year. I think they forgot one thing. And this is really what they've been trying to put down all this time. Thisisthe Indianapolis 500. It was 50 years ago, it is today, and it will be next year and in years to come.
A minute later, Arute followed:[19]
I want to echo what Bob Jenkins said. From the beginning of the month of May here at Indianapolis, misguided people have said that this race wasn't going to have a field of 33.Hello!Not only are the field of 33 full but it's also going to be the most competitive Indy 500 in most recent memory. I want to go back to the thoughts of oneJim Mora(localNFLcoach) who once said to misguided media,ya think ya know, but ya just don't know.
Jenkins was released from ABC/ESPN at the end of the 2003 season. After a very brief stint coveringCARTonSpike TVin 2004, and after a single race at ESPN in 2008, he joined Versus (now known as theNBC Sports Network) in 2009. It was never announced if the on-air comments were a factor in his release, and Jenkins contends he was never informed if that was the case. Following the 2012 season, Jenkins reduced his schedule to a reserve role that includes Carb Day coverage.
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Caldwell, Dave (2003-05-14)."Rising Costs Threaten Field at Indy".The New York Times.Retrieved2012-02-01.
- ^"Lineup complete – No bumping needed as field of 33 set for Indy 500".Sports Illustrated.2003-05-18.Retrieved2012-02-01.
- ^Gelston, Dan (2003-05-19)."No bumping needed as field of 33 set for Indy 500".AP.Daily News.Retrieved2012-02-01.
- ^abcde2003 Indianapolis 500 – Daily Trackside Report
- ^abFox, Jack C. (1994).The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500(Fourth ed.). Carl Hungness Publishing. p. 445.ISBN0-915088-05-3.
- ^"Indy 500 not yet a sellout, doesn't have a full field".Sports Illustrated.2003-05-09.Retrieved2012-02-08.[dead link]
- ^"Michael Andretti To Retire in May".The New York Times.2003-02-02.Retrieved2012-02-02.
- ^"Scot Dario becomes an American idol".BBC Sport.29 May 2007.Retrieved2009-07-15.
- ^"Franchitti injured in bike crash".Scotsman.Retrieved2009-07-15.
- ^"13 And Indy 500 Are Like Oil And Water",Best By Number,Sporting News,2006, p.61,ISBN0-89204-848-4
- ^abcd"At 63, Mario not slowing down".WRTV.2003-04-26. Archived fromthe originalon 2015-06-20.Retrieved2012-04-26.
- ^Cavin, Curt (2003-04-23)."Mario Andretti back behind wheel for Indy test".USA Today.Retrieved2012-04-26.
- ^"Mario Andretti Crashes at Indy".The New York Times.2003-04-24.Retrieved2012-04-26.
- ^Kallmann, Dave (2003-04-25)."Mario Andretti would do it again".Motorsports.Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.Retrieved2012-04-26.[permanent dead link]
- ^"Andretti changes mind, won't drive at Indy".The Post and Courier. 2003-04-25.Retrieved2012-04-26.[permanent dead link]
- ^"Indianapolis 500 Centenary Countdown: Not 33 (times 3)".Racer magazine. 2010-10-14.Retrieved2012-02-01.
- ^ab "Snore of the Engines".MRN.2003-05-20. Archived fromthe originalon 2013-01-30.Retrieved2012-02-01.
- ^ab2003 Indianapolis 500 Bump Day telecast.ABC.2003-05-18.
- ^ab2003 Indianapolis 500 Bump Day telecast.ESPN.2003-05-18.
Works cited
[edit]- 2003 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report for the Media
- Indianapolis 500 History: Race & All-Time Stats– Official Site