'Danica Rule' Is Confusing, Controversial

IndyCar had purposely been upping danger to add excitement

(NEWSER) - In a June interview that seems eerily prescient in light of Dan Wheldon’s death , IndyCar Chief Executive Randy Bernard promised more “carnage and wrecks” in the upcoming races. IndyCar, struggling to compete with the more popular NASCAR, was attempting to make its races more exciting by increasing the risks: more drivers, pushed closer together via side-by-side racing, meaning a heightened possibility of collisions. The Las Vegas race, in particular, was promised to be “wild” due to a fast and smooth track, the Wall Street Journal reports. Also increasing the buzz was a dangerous publicity stunt Wheldon was taking part in, in which he would win $5 million if he could win after starting in last place. More»

Racer 'really' likes her odds (and car) in next week's big race

(NEWSER) - No longer just a pretty face, Danica Patrick finally has a win, a winning team, and the fastest car she's ever raced. “I really, really like my chances" in next weekend's Indy 500, she tells Sports Illustrated. "And man, how huge would it be if I could win the thing?" More»

Mechanic has concussion after accident in pit row

(NEWSER) - Danica Patrick, racing's rising star, clipped a crew member yesterday during practice for the Indianapolis 500. Patrick—who became the first woman to win an Indy Car race last month—struck the 63-year-old mechanic in pit row with both left tires and sent him flying through air, the Indianapolis Star reports. He suffered a concussion and bruises but is otherwise OK. Meanwhile, drivers compete for the pole position today for the May 25 race. More»

Mr Ashley Judd denies Helio Castroneves his 4th

(AP) - Dario Franchitti has won the Indianapolis 500, beating Dan Wheldon to help Chip Ganassi become the first car owner to win at Indy and the Daytona 500 in the same year. Franchitti's victory today was his second at the Indy 500 in four years and denied Helio Castroneves a chance to become the fourth driver to win a record four times at the Brickyard. More»

(AP) - Helio Castroneves won his third Indianapolis 500 today, beating 2005 winner Dan Wheldon by 1.981 seconds and leaving Danica Patrick in third, the best finish by a woman at Indianapolis. With 10 laps to go, Castroneves' lead was 1.38 seconds, and he continued widening the gap the rest of the way. Townsend Bell was fourth and Will Power fifth. Last year's winner, Scott Dixon, finished sixth. More»