2006 Indianapolis 500

90th running of the Indianapolis 500 February 2025 90th Indianapolis 500 2006 Indianapolis 500.svg Indy Racing League 2006 IRL IndyCar Series Team Penske May 28, 2006 USA Sam Hornish Jr. Matt Jonsson2011 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 Official Media Guide Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation/IMS Public Relations 2011 Statistics 176 English https://doctorindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2011-Indy-500-Media-Guide.pdf 3:10:58.7590 157.085 mph km/h on USA Sam Hornish Jr. 228.985 mph km/h on USA Sam Hornish Jr. USA Marco Andretti GBR Dan Wheldon (148) Members of United States Armed Forces Jim Nabors Mari Hulman George Chevrolet Corvette Lance Armstrong Bryan Howard Sugar Ray Leonard 250,000 ABC Marty Reid, Scott Goodyear, Rusty Wallace 5.0 14 2005 2007 The 2006 Indianapolis 500 (formally the 90th Indianapolis 500-Mile Race) was an IRL IndyCar Series open-wheel race held on Sunday, May 28, 2006, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana, before approximately 250,000 spectators. It was the fourth race of the 2006 IRL IndyCar Series season, the 90th running of the event, and the ninth under Indy Racing League (IRL) sanctioning. The month of May began with Rookie Orientations on May 7, and the track was opened to all competitors for practice two days later. Time trials were scheduled to be held on May 13–14 and May 20–21; however, the first two days were rained out, forcing IRL officials to push pole qualifying back to May 20. Sam Hornish Jr. of Team Penske quickly emerged as a pre-race favorite, setting quickest times in all but one practice session and earning the pole position. The last day of qualifying, Bump Day, saw a battle for the final starting position between Thiago Medeiros and Marty Roth. Medeiros took the position after Roth crashed with less than an hour left. The 30th annual Pit Stop Challenge was won by Hélio Castroneves' pit crew. In the race, Wheldon first took the lead on the tenth lap and went on to lead a race-high 148 laps, relinquishing the lead during pit stop cycles. Hornish Jr. overtook Wheldon soon after a restart on lap 130, but Wheldon got by him 15 laps later. Hornish Jr. was then dropped to the rear of the field due to a pit stop blunder under a caution flag period. As part of a strategy to assume the lead late in the race, he and Michael Andretti made their final stops on the 160th lap. Meanwhile, during a battle for the lead with Tony Kanaan, Wheldon drifted up the track and his tire punctured. An unexpected pit stop cost him a shot at the victory. A luckily-timed caution with under ten laps remaining helped Michael Andretti and Hornish Jr. move up to the front of the field along with 19-year-old rookie Marco Andretti, who pitted seconds before the caution. One lap after the restart, Marco Andretti passed his father, Michael, in the first corner. Hornish Jr. soon moved up to second place and made several attempts to pass Andretti. On the final lap, Hornish Jr. executed a slingshot pass to the left side of Andretti with about 450 ft m out from the finish line to take his sole Indianapolis 500 win and Roger Penske's record-extending 14th win as a car owner in the event. It was the first time in Indianapolis 500 history that a driver completed a pass on the last lap for the win, and the margin of victory — 0.0635 seconds — was the second-closest in the race's history at the time, and the fourth-closest finish as of 2026. Despite Andretti's loss, he was unanimously named Rookie of the Year. Hornish Jr. went on to win his third (and final) Drivers' Championship in the IndyCar Series later that season, becoming the second consecutive driver to accomplish the feat. Tom Carnegie, who had commentated the Indianapolis 500 every year since 1946, announced his retirement from being Indianapolis Motor Speedway's public address announcer weeks after this race. Race background Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis Motor Speedway The Indianapolis 500, commonly shortened to the Indy 500, is an annual race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a four-turn, 2.5 mi km on asphalt oval circuit, in Speedway, Indiana, United States.May 8, 2001 Facts, Figures and Records https://www.espn.com/rpm/irl/2001/0508/1193184.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20250218172359/https://www.espn.com/rpm/irl/2001/0508/1193184.html February 18, 2025 August 7, 2025 RPM.ESPN.com The event is contested by "Indy cars", a formula of professional-level, single-seat, open cockpit, open-wheel, purpose-built race cars. Since its inaugural running in 1911, the Indianapolis 500 has become a staple of Memorial Day weekend and one of, if not the, most prestigious races in motorsports.August 3, 2018 USA TODAY Readers Name Indianapolis 500 as World's Best Motorsports Race in Poll https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2018/08/03/usa-today-readers-name-indy-500-worlds-best-motorsports-race-2018 live https://web.archive.org/web/20210512120042/https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2018/08/03/usa-today-readers-name-indy-500-worlds-best-motorsports-race-2018 May 12, 2021 August 7, 2025 IndianapolisMotorSpeedway.com Dan Wheldon was the defending race winner.May 2, 2006 90th Indianapolis 500 and Freedom 100 Fast Facts http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6440 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017161559/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6440 October 17, 2006 August 7, 2025 IndyCar.com Chevrolet and Toyota both announced their withdrawals from the IndyCar Series after the 2005 season, leaving Honda as the sole engine provider for all teams for 2006 and beyond.November 4, 2004 Chevy to quit after 2005 https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/chevy-to-quit-after-2005-5001227/5001227/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20210617201832/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/chevy-to-quit-after-2005-5001227/5001227/ June 17, 2021 August 7, 2025 Autosport.comJune 28, 2005 Toyota leaving IRL after 2006 season https://books.google.com/books?id=A9dJAAAAIBAJ&dq=chevrolet+indycar+2006&pg=PA4&article_id=6672,7599430 August 7, 2025 The Madison Courier 4 IndyCar's single-engine program allowed costs to be reduced for teams who were looking to buy or lease an engine.Lewandowski Dave December 15, 2005 The power of one http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5784 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20051231064306/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5784 December 31, 2005 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com It marked the first time since 1960 that every entry in the Indianapolis 500 would be fielded with the same engine.June 26, 2006 Honda Powers Entire Indianapolis 500 Field Without Single Engine Failure https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/release-679c8a8b4800740879aaf7004c34bfe9-honda-powers-entire-indianapolis-500-field-without-single-engine-failure live https://web.archive.org/web/20250808012621/https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/release-679c8a8b4800740879aaf7004c34bfe9-honda-powers-entire-indianapolis-500-field-without-single-engine-failure August 8, 2025 August 7, 2025 Honda.com A new series initiative introduced the use of ethanol fuel. As part of a two-year roll-out, all entries for 2006 were required to utilize a 10% ethanol and 90% methanol fuel blend (E10).March 2, 2005 IndyCar Series switching to ethanol in '06 https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?id=2003457 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240718180709/https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?id=2003457 July 18, 2024 August 7, 2025 ESPN.comMarch 9, 2005 Beginning in 2006, Indy 500, IndyCar Series Will Use Ethanol https://www.aftermarketnews.com/beginning-in-2006-indy-500-indycar-series-will-use-ethanol/ August 8, 2025 AfterMarketNews.com While this was the first time all entries in the Indianapolis 500 utilized ethanol fuel, it was not the first time that ethanol was used during the race.March 3, 2005 Ethanol To Fuel Cars In Indianapolis 500 Starting In 2006 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=4105 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050531081745/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=4105 May 31, 2005 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com Leon Duray's Miller car was fueled by ethyl alcohols in 1927, and Art Sparks claimed to have used ethanol in his cars in 1937–1939. The final hour of each practice and qualifying session for the Indianapolis 500 was known as "Happy Hour" because the cooler track temperatures, caused by the sun setting behind the front-stretch grandstands, produced significantly faster speeds. As a result, many teams would scramble to put down the fastest lap of the session before time expired.Herman Steve May 8, 2006 Happy Hour no more https://books.google.com/books?id=-P4gAAAAIBAJ&dq=happy+hour+indianapolis+500&pg=PA48&article_id=1352,1995004 August 8, 2025 The Day 48 However, a month prior to the 2006 Indianapolis 500, Indiana began using daylight saving time for the first time in over 30 years, inadvertently ending the "Happy Hour" tradition.Lewandowski Dave May 8, 2006 Time management http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6498 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154200/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6498 October 17, 2006 August 9, 2025 IndyCar.com 2006 IndyCar Series 2006 IndyCar Series The Indianapolis 500 was the fourth round of the 2006 IndyCar Series season.Lewandowski Dave September 13, 2005 Momentum, consistency http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5437 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20051214160605/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5437 December 14, 2005 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com Marlboro Team Penske driver Hélio Castroneves entered the event with the Drivers' Championship lead, having earned 146 points and two wins in the first three races of the season.Lewandowski Dave May 1, 2006 Wired for May http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6426 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017160223/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6426 October 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com Wheldon trailed Castroneves by 42 points.Lewandowski Dave April 22, 2006 Climbing higher http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6387 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017160725/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6387 October 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com Sam Hornish Jr. earned 94 points and placed third in the standings.April 22, 2006 HORNISH, JR. FINISHES 4th AT MOTEGI http://www.samhornish.com/HTML/News/Detail.php?ID=216 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060515191711/http://www.samhornish.com/HTML/News/Detail.php?ID=216 May 15, 2006 August 8, 2025 SamHornish.com Scott Dixon, with 92 points, and Tony Kanaan, with 89 points, took the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Race schedule Race schedule — May 2006SunMonTueWedThuFriSat   1  2  3  4  5  6Mini-Marathon 7ROP Rookie Orientation Program 8ROP Rookie Orientation Program 9Practice10Practice11Practice12PracticeFast Friday13Time Trials14Time Trials15 16 17Practice18Practice19Practice20Pole Day21Bump Day22 23 24Community Day25Indy Pro Series Time Trials26Carb DayFreedom 10027Parade28Indianapolis 50029Memorial Day30 31    Source:2006 Indianapolis 500 Schedule (all times local) http://www.indy500.com/schedule/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060615043842/http://www.indy500.com/schedule/ June 15, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com Color Notes Green Practice Dark blue Time trials Silver Race day Red Rained out* Blank No track activity * Includes days where track activitywas significantly limited due to rain Entry list 2006 IndyCar Series#Teams and driversthumb|276x276px|Dan Wheldon (pictured in 2010) was the defending race winner. The official entry list for the 2006 Indianapolis 500 was released on April 13, 2006.April 13, 2006 90th Indianapolis 500 Entry List http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6347 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810065241/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6347 August 10, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com Entry invitations were mailed to eligible race teams on February 22, and the deadline was set on April 5.Kelly Paul February 21, 2006 Entry Invitations For 90th Indianapolis 500 To Be Mailed Feb. 22 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5995 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060318003504/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5995 March 18, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com Sixty-six cars for 38 entries were featured on the entry list, with 26 drivers being named to the entries.April 13, 2006 Thirty-eight entries posted for Indianapolis 500 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6343 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017153058/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6343 October 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com By May 7, the entry list had been updated, with 31 car-driver combinations being announced.Kelly Paul May 7, 2006 Four Drivers Named To Cars On Indy 500 Opening Day http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6480 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810174320/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6480 August 10, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com Among the drivers entered were six former winners of the race and three race rookies.April 18, 2006 Indy 500 entry list revealed https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/indy-500-entry-list-revealed-4401007/4401007/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250808042429/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/indy-500-entry-list-revealed-4401007/4401007/ August 8, 2025 August 8, 2025 Autosport.com Each car used Honda Indy V8 engines and Firestone tires. Dallara and Panoz were the chassis providers. Team and driver changes The biggest storyline heading into the Indianapolis 500 revolved around Dan Wheldon, who opted to drive for Target Chip Ganassi Racing in 2006, despite winning the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series championship with Andretti Green Racing the previous season.November 28, 2005 Ganassi Confirms Wheldon, Honda, Dallara http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/indycar/20956/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20051201035300/http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/indycar/20956/ December 1, 2005 August 8, 2025 SPEEDTV.com Replacing him in the No. Car Number 26 entry would be third-generation driver Marco Andretti, who was one of the three race rookies.December 20, 2005 Marco Andretti to Begin IndyCar Series Career with ArcaEx Team http://andrettigreenracing.com/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20051225032302/http://andrettigreenracing.com/ December 25, 2005 August 8, 2025 AndrettiGreenRacing.com Andretti's father, Michael Andretti, announced his comeback from retirement to compete in the Indianapolis 500 alongside his son, driving the one-off No. Car Number 1 entry for Andretti Green Racing.Lewandowski Dave December 20, 2005 Andretti family ties http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5797 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060517063126/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5797 May 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.comKelly Paul December 20, 2005 Michael, Marco Andretti To Race As Teammates In 2006 Indianapolis 500 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5799 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060508020124/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5799 May 8, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com Similarly, 1998 Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever made his return to the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500 for the first time since 2002.Kelly Paul February 21, 2006 1998 Winner Cheever To Drive In 90th Indianapolis 500 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5994 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810153653/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5994 August 10, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com During his hiatus, Cheever exclusively focused his efforts on his ownership role at Cheever Racing.Lewandowski Dave February 21, 2006 Back in the saddle http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5993 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017150859/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5993 October 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr. also came out of retirement and returned to the Indianapolis 500.May 4, 2006 Al Unser Jr. hopes for the best in Indy 500 return https://lasvegassun.com/news/2006/may/04/al-unser-jr-hopes-for-the-best-in-indy-500-return/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250808172902/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2006/may/04/al-unser-jr-hopes-for-the-best-in-indy-500-return/ August 8, 2025 August 8, 2025 LasVegasSun.com He was teamed with 1996 winner Buddy Lazier in the Dreyer & Reinbold Racing-prepared No. Car Number 31 car.Lewandowski Dave March 21, 2006 Two-Time Winner Unser To Return To '500' With Dreyer & Reinbold http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6144 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060516041446/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6144 May 16, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com On March 23, Rahal Letterman Racing filed three entries for the Indianapolis 500, which were to be driven by 2004 race winner Buddy Rice, 2005 Rookie of the Year driver Danica Patrick, and series rookie Paul Dana.Kelly Paul March 23, 2006 Rice, Patrick, Dana Named To Drive Rahal Letterman Entries At Indy http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6157 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060516041512/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6157 May 16, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com However, after Dana was killed in a practice crash at Homestead–Miami Speedway on March 26, team co-owner Bobby Rahal selected seven-time Indy Pro Series winner Jeff Simmons to drive Dana's No. Car Number 17 entry for the remainder of the season, including the Indianapolis 500.Lewandowski Dave April 4, 2006 Simmons answers the call http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6284 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154348/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6284 October 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com Testing and Rookie Orientation The Rookie Orientation and Refresher Programs, the latter of which were for drivers who did not race in the previous Indianapolis 500, took place at Indianapolis on May 7 and May 8, with ten drivers partaking in the test sessions.May 7, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 7 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6481 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017160452/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6481 October 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com Rookie Orientation consists of four phases; the first phase features speeds between 195 and 200 mph km/h, the second phase features speeds between 200 and 205 mph km/h, the third phase features speeds between 205 and 210 mph km/h, and the fourth phase features speeds above 215 mph km/h on. The rookie drivers had to pass all four phases in order to be eligible to race in the Indianapolis 500.2006 Indianapolis 500 - Daily Trackside Report https://doctorindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2006.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20231031103443/https://doctorindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2006.pdf October 31, 2023 August 8, 2025 DoctorIndy.com Testing – October 2005 On October 6 and October 7, 2005, a test was conducted at Indianapolis to evaluate Firestone tires. Castroneves, Wheldon, and Rice, all of whom were past Indianapolis 500 winners, were the lone participants.Boomer Kate October 6, 2005 Wheldon, Castroneves, Rice Already Thinking May 2006 At Indy Test http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5559 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060508015248/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5559 May 8, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com No incidents were reported, and all three drivers were happy with the test.2006 Indianapolis 500 90th Running http://geocities.com/johnsonindy500/indy500/500boxscores/500box2006.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091026221542/http://geocities.com/johnsonindy500/indy500/500boxscores/500box2006.html October 26, 2009 August 8, 2025 GeoCities.comOctober 6, 2005 Firestone Tire Test Quotes -- Thursday, Oct. 6 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5560 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060318004031/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=5560 March 18, 2006 August 9, 2025 Indy500.com Open test – Wednesday April 5 thumb|218x218px|Scott Dixon (pictured in 2018) led the speed charts in the open test. An open testing session was held on April 5, 2006, in order to assess the efficiency of the Honda engines.January 12, 2006 One-day tests added to schedule http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5860 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155554/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=5860 October 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com Seventeen drivers participated in this open test session, which started 42 minutes late due to cool track temperatures.Shaffer Jan April 5, 2006 Indianapolis Open Test Notebook http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6307 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810065225/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6307 August 10, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com As a result of the late start, the session was extended by an hour and finished at 5:00 PM (UTC−04:00). Dixon was fastest in the session with a speed of 226.012 mph km/h on.April 5, 2006 Scott Dixon Tops Speed Charts in Test https://www.wthr.com/article/sports/scott-dixon-tops-speed-charts-in-test/531-d31bf219-a8be-46e6-b36a-abb685df6e5f August 9, 2025 WTHR.com A total of 1,404 laps were completed by the seventeen drivers without incident.Lewandowski Dave April 5, 2006 Pole battle preview http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6302 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152010/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6302 October 17, 2006 August 9, 2025 IndyCar.com Lazier and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing were scheduled to take part in this testing session, but withdrew after one of their cars suffered an electrical fire at Homestead. + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 19NZL Scott DixonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara226.012 mph tablecen 26USA Sam Hornish Jr.Marlboro Team PenskeDallara225.355 mph tablecen 310GBR Dan WheldonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara224.450 mph tablecen Source:2006 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Open Test :: Practice 1 http://www.indycar.com/timing_scoring/index.php?action=view&session_id=1&event_id=44&year=2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017164046/http://www.indycar.com/timing_scoring/index.php?action=view&session_id=1&event_id=44&year=2006 October 17, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com Opening Day and Rookie Orientation – Sunday May 7 thumb|244x244px|Michael Andretti (pictured in 2007) passed his Refresher Test on Sunday. May 7, the opening day for the Indianapolis 500, began with a celebration of the Andretti family. Mario, Michael, and Marco Andretti completed a three-wide ceremonial lap around Indianapolis, with Mario driving the same car with which he won the pole position for the 1967 Indianapolis 500.Lewandowski Dave May 7, 2006 May parade http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6487 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060816000954/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6487 August 16, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com At 12:10 PM local time, Marco Andretti became the first driver to complete a lap on opening day, and passed the Rookie Orientation along with P. J. Chesson.Lewandowski Dave May 7, 2006 Rookies pleased with first-day progress http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6486 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152733/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6486 October 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com Michael Andretti, Unser Jr., Arie Luyendyk Jr., and Townsend Bell participated on the first day of refresher testing, with Andretti setting the fastest lap of the day at a speed of 220.999 mph km/h on and easily passing his test.Olson Jeff May 7, 2006 The Andrettis dominate ROP https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/the-andrettis-dominate-rop-4402512/4402512/ August 8, 2025 Autosport.com Four caution flags were thrown during the session, three of which were for debris and one for a mechanical issue involving Bell, who stopped his car at the entrance of pit lane. + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 11USA Michael AndrettiAndretti Green RacingDallara220.999 mph tablecen 226USA Marco Andretti orange R silverAndretti Green RacingDallara220.572 mph tablecen 391USA P. J. Chesson orange R silverHemelgarn RacingDallara214.302 mph tablecen Source:2006 Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program :: Practice 1 http://www.indycar.com/timing_scoring/index.php?action=view&session_id=1&event_id=46&year=2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017164237/http://www.indycar.com/timing_scoring/index.php?action=view&session_id=1&event_id=46&year=2006 October 17, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com Rookie Orientation – Monday May 8 thumb|200x200px|Townsend Bell passed his Rookie Orientation test on Monday. On May 8, the second day of Rookie Orientation, eight drivers took to the track under sunny conditions.May 8, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 8 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6499 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017153950/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6499 October 17, 2006 August 8, 2025 IndyCar.com Bell set the fastest lap of the five-hour, incident-free session with a lap of 221.381 mph km/h on. He and Thiago Medeiros passed the rookie test, while Luyendyk Jr., Larry Foyt, and Unser Jr. all passed the refresher test.Lewandowski Dave May 8, 2006 Bell Climbs To Top Of Rookie Speed Chart At Indianapolis http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6491 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810152946/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6491 August 10, 2006 August 8, 2025 Indy500.com With an hour remaining in the session, Michael Andretti lent his son his No. Car Number 1 Honda for a handful of laps around the circuit because of complaints that Marco had about his own No. Car Number 26 Honda regarding grip. + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 190USA Townsend Bell orange R silverVision RacingDallara221.381 mph tablecen 21USA Michael AndrettiAndretti Green RacingDallara221.324 mph tablecen 31USA Marco Andretti orange R silverAndretti Green RacingDallara221.267 mph tablecen Source: Practice – Week 1 Tuesday May 9 thumb|232x232px|Sam Hornish Jr. (pictured in 2015) set the fastest lap of the practice sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The day began with a parade lap featuring all six previous winners of the Indianapolis 500 (Wheldon, Rice, Castroneves, Cheever, Lazier, and Unser Jr.) who were competing in the event. Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears waved the green flag to begin the lap.Lewandowski Dave May 9, 2006 Parade of champions kicks off practice http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6507 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154845/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6507 October 17, 2006 August 9, 2025 IndyCar.com The track was later opened to all entries at 12:14 PM local time, with Wheldon and Kosuke Matsuura being the first drivers to go on track.May 9, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 9, 2006 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6510 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810201636/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6510 August 10, 2006 August 9, 2025 IndyCar.com Eleven minutes into the session, Dario Franchitti brushed the wall in the chute between the third and fourth turns, bringing out the first caution. After three cautions for debris and track inspection, Cheever's car lost power in turn three and was towed to pit road, causing the fifth caution of the day.May 9, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 9, 2006 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6510 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017153322/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6510 October 17, 2006 August 9, 2025 IndyCar.com Weather conditions throughout the day were slightly warm but cloudy, and rain fell on the track with fifty minutes remaining, thus prematurely ending the session.Lewandowski Dave May 9, 2006 Suits them to a T http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6513 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017160929/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6513 October 17, 2006 August 9, 2025 IndyCar.com Hornish Jr. set the fastest lap of the day within the first hour of the session, at a speed of 224.811 mph km/h on. He and his teammate Castroneves, who was second-quickest with a speed of 224.106 mph km/h on, were driving their back-up cars when they put down their quickest laps.Lewandowski Dave May 9, 2006 Penske Duo Tops Speed Charts Before Rain Ends Practice Early http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6504 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810155011/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6504 August 10, 2006 August 9, 2025 Indy500.com They later drove with their primary cars and set the fifth and sixth-fastest laps of the day. + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 16USA Sam Hornish Jr.Marlboro Team PenskeDallara224.811 mph tablecen 23BRA Hélio CastronevesMarlboro Team PenskeDallara224.106 mph tablecen 310GBR Dan WheldonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara223.916 mph tablecen Source:May 9, 2006 Indy Racing League Timing and Scoring Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p1.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204317/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p1.pdf October 19, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com Wednesday May 10 thumb|267x267px|Kosuke Matsuura was third-fastest in practice on Wednesday. Professional pool player Jeanette Lee was given the honors to wave the green flag to signal the start of the session at noon.Lewandowski Dave May 10, 2006 Castroneves has a ball on birthday http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6523 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017161814/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6523 October 17, 2006 August 9, 2025 IndyCar.com Only three minutes into the session, Simmons lost control of his car exiting the first corner and spun to the inside of the track, making slight contact with the retaining wall. Simmons' car was repaired and he rejoined the track less than an hour later.Lewandowski Dave May 10, 2006 Hornish Pushes Speed Limit Past 226 Before Rain Ends Day Early At Indy http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6517 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810201648/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6517 August 10, 2006 August 9, 2025 Indy500.com Overcast conditions persisted at Indianapolis, and the session was stopped twice due to rainfall. Ultimately, rain forced the track to close at 3:57 PM local time. Hornish Jr. was again the fastest driver of the day, with a top speed of 226.056 mph km/h on.Lewandowski Dave May 10, 2006 Speed challenge http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6526 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155013/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6526 October 17, 2006 August 9, 2025 IndyCar.com + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 16USA Sam Hornish Jr.Marlboro Team PenskeDallara226.056 mph tablecen 210GBR Dan WheldonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara225.636 mph tablecen 355JAP Kosuke MatsuuraSuper Aguri Fernández RacingDallara225.140 mph tablecen Source:May 10, 2006 Indy Racing League Timing and Scoring Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p2.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204448/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p2.pdf October 19, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com Thursday May 11 thumb|278x278px|Buddy Rice (pictured in 2007) was fifteenth-quickest on Thursday, but crashed in the second turn. For the third consecutive day, rain limited track activity. The session was scheduled to begin at noon, but rain forced the session to be postponed and instead start at 1:54 PM local time.May 11, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 11, 2006 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6534 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151606/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6534 October 17, 2006 August 10, 2025 IndyCar.com Rice experienced a violent crash when his car oversteered as he entered the second turn and slammed into the outside SAFER barrier. The crash was eerily similar to a crash that Rice suffered at the same spot in 2005, which kept him out of that year's Indianapolis 500. Rice suffered contusions to both knees and was initially uncleared to race,Olson Jeff May 11, 2006 Rice hurt in practice crash https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/rice-hurt-in-practice-crash-4402429/4402429/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250815195237/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/rice-hurt-in-practice-crash-4402429/4402429/ August 15, 2025 August 15, 2025 Autosport.com but was medically revised and permitted to race the next day.Lewandowski Dave May 11, 2006 Rice OK after car makes contact in Turn 2 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6535 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152407/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6535 October 17, 2006 August 9, 2025 IndyCar.com He and Marty Roth, who spun on the front straightaway almost an hour later and suffered no damage, caused the only incidents of the day.Lewandowski Dave May 11, 2006 Day III: Hornish tops speed chart again http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6536 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154651/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6536 October 17, 2006 August 10, 2025 IndyCar.com The session was cut short by moist track conditions with 22 minutes remaining. Once again, Hornish Jr. topped the speed charts at 226.789 mph km/h on.Lewandowski Dave May 11, 2006 Hornish Fastest For Third Consecutive Day At Indy http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6530 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810153910/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6530 August 10, 2006 August 10, 2025 Indy500.com + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 16USA Sam Hornish Jr.Marlboro Team PenskeDallara226.789 mph tablecen 210GBR Dan WheldonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara226.088 mph tablecen 33BRA Hélio CastronevesMarlboro Team PenskeDallara225.547 mph tablecen Source:May 11, 2006 Indy Racing League Timing and Scoring Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p3.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204306/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p3.pdf October 19, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com Fast Friday – Friday May 12 Indiana Fever players Tamika Catchings and Tamika Whitmore were set to wave the green flag at noon to begin "Fast Friday".May 12, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 12, 2006 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6549 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017153943/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6549 October 17, 2006 August 10, 2025 IndyCar.com However, intermittent rainfall dampened the speedway, forcing IndyCar to cancel all track activity for the day.Lewandowski Dave May 12, 2006 Rain Washes Out Indy Practice Friday; Pressure-Packed Pole Day Next http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6545 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810155046/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6545 August 10, 2006 August 10, 2025 Indy500.com A random draw was held that same day to determine the order of time trials the next day, and Jeff Bucknum drew first in line.May 13, 2006 Qualification Scorecard https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-2006-indy-500-qual/152185915/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250812233227/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-2006-indy-500-qual/152185915/ August 12, 2025 August 12, 2025 The Indianapolis Star D6 Time trials – Weekend 1 Pole Day – Saturday May 13 Under the race's qualification procedure, nicknamed "11-11-11" and introduced in 2005, the first eleven positions were to be filled on Saturday, with bumping occurring for these positions until 6:00 PM in order to determine the pole winner and the top eleven starters of the Indianapolis 500.May 14, 2008 Indy: Time to rethink 11-11-11 https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2008/05/14/indy-time-to-rethink-11/23726817007/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20240310132214/https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2008/05/14/indy-time-to-rethink-11/23726817007/ March 10, 2024 August 10, 2025 Dispatch.comKelly Paul September 14, 2004 New Qualifying Format To Enhance Drama, Competition At Indy http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=3547 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050403121825/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=3547 April 3, 2005 August 10, 2025 Indy500.com However, for the second day in a row, all track activity was cancelled due to inclement conditions.May 13, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 13 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6561 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154620/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6561 October 17, 2006 August 10, 2025 IndyCar.com Second Day – Sunday May 14 Due to the cancellation of Pole Day, the second day of time trials permitted the first 22 positions to be filled. A pre-qualifying practice session was scheduled to be held at 9:30 AM, but was instead postponed to 1:21 PM due to track drying.May 14, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 14 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6570 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151507/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6570 October 17, 2006 August 10, 2025 IndyCar.com The session was also split into two groups, and cut short at 2:15 PM after a moist track surface was reported in the first and second turns. Wheldon lapped the fastest speed of the month of May during the session at 228.663 mph km/h on.Lewandowski Dave May 14, 2006 Rain Moves Pole Day To Saturday; Practice Resumes Wednesday http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6564 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810155139/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6564 August 10, 2006 August 10, 2025 Indy500.com Qualifying was postponed to the following weekend because of the continuous rainfall, marking the first time since 1983 that the first two days of qualifying were rained out.Lewandowski Dave May 14, 2006 Scramble for 33 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6574 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017160011/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6574 October 17, 2006 August 10, 2025 IndyCar.com Practice – Week 2 Wednesday May 17 Eddie Gill of the Indiana Pacers waved the green flag to commence the practice session. He later rode in the Indy Racing Experience two-seater car.May 17, 2006 Drivers support LIVESTRONG Day http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6597 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155321/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6597 October 17, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com The track was exclusively opened at 11:45 AM for race rookies and veterans who had not participated in the previous Indianapolis 500; the track was opened to all entries after 30 minutes. For the seventh time throughout the month of May, rain brought an early end to the session at 4:38 PM.May 17, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 17 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6596 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810174633/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6596 August 10, 2006 August 11, 2025 Indy500.com Hornish Jr., with a top speed of 224.381 mph km/h on, was the fastest driver of the session, which went without any incidents.Lewandowski Dave May 17, 2006 Hornish Fastest Before Rain Ends Practice Early At Indianapolis http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6593 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810155203/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6593 August 10, 2006 August 11, 2025 Indy500.com + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 16USA Sam Hornish Jr.Marlboro Team PenskeDallara224.381 mph tablecen 23BRA Hélio CastronevesMarlboro Team PenskeDallara223.392 mph tablecen 38USA Scott SharpDelphi Fernández RacingDallara223.293 mph tablecen Source:May 17, 2006 Indy Racing League Timing and Scoring Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p7.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204303/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p7.pdf October 19, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com Thursday May 18 The practice session, which was planned to begin with country artist Blaine Larsen waving the green flag, was delayed by over three and a half hours due to rainfall, marking the eighth consecutive day that track activity was hindered by poor weather.Lewandowski Dave May 18, 2006 Hornish Fast; Teams Get Valuable Track Time On Short Day At Indy http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6604 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810155227/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6604 August 10, 2006 August 11, 2025 Indy500.com Only ten minutes into the session, Luyendyk Jr.'s car crashed into the SAFER barrier exiting turn one, causing the first caution of the day.May 18, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 18 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6608 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017161627/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6608 October 17, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com The second stoppage occurred with about fifteen minutes remaining, when Medeiros' car also backed into the SAFER barrier at the same spot. Neither driver was injured.Lewandowski Dave May 18, 2006 Learning curve http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6609 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017160211/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6609 October 17, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com The brief session was called off at 5:42 PM, when even more rain drenched the track surface. With a fastest lap speed of 224.951 mph km/h on, Hornish Jr. topped the charts yet again. + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 16USA Sam Hornish Jr.Marlboro Team PenskeDallara224.951 mph tablecen 23BRA Hélio CastronevesMarlboro Team PenskeDallara224.437 mph tablecen 310GBR Dan WheldonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara222.616 mph tablecen Source:May 18, 2006 Indy Racing League Timing and Scoring Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p8.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204252/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p8.pdf October 19, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com Friday May 19 thumb|200x200px|Marty Roth spun out on Friday. Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr., and Jack Keefer from Lawrence North High School set about the final full-practice day leading up to the Indianapolis 500.May 19, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 19 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6618 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017160654/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6618 October 17, 2006 August 11, 2025 IndyCar.com Weather conditions were initially clear of any clouds; however, by 2:00 PM, skies had become partly cloudy, and rain briefly returned yet again at 5:30 PM, though it quickly cleared off. At 2:37 PM, Roth experienced his second incident of the month when he spun while exiting the third turn, making no contact with the barrier. Almost three hours later, Simmons slammed the outside wall in turn one just seconds after putting down his fastest lap of the day. He was uninjured and cleared to drive for time trials the following day.Lewandowski Dave May 19, 2006 Eyes on the (first) prize http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6624 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155443/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6624 October 17, 2006 August 12, 2025 IndyCar.com For the sixth time throughout May, Hornish Jr. lapped the quickest speed at 227.925 mph km/h on.Lewandowski Dave May 19, 2006 Penske, Ganassi Drivers Eye Indy Pole After Dominating Busy Practice Day http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6613 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810155358/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6613 August 10, 2006 August 12, 2025 Indy500.com + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 16USA Sam Hornish Jr.Marlboro Team PenskeDallara227.925 mph tablecen 29NZL Scott DixonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara227.322 mph tablecen 310GBR Dan WheldonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara227.040 mph tablecen Source:May 19, 2006 Indy Racing League Timing and Scoring Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p9.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204209/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-p9.pdf October 19, 2006 August 12, 2025 IndyCar.com Time trials – Weekend 2 Pole Day – Saturday May 20 Pre-qualifying practice The preluding practice session leading up to time trials began at 9:30 AM. Unlike the other practice sessions, this session was divided into two groups, with each group receiving thirty minutes of track time. From 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM, practice would be open for all entries.Lewandowski Dave May 19, 2006 Planning for quals? Info to go http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6617 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155928/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6617 October 17, 2006 August 12, 2025 IndyCar.com Hornish Jr. turned a lap at 229.996 mph km/h on during the session, which was the fastest lap of the month.Harris Mike May 21, 2006 Hornish cops Indy 500 pole https://books.google.com/books?id=4bZbAAAAIBAJ&dq=sam+hornish+jr.+indianapolis+500+pole&pg=PA30&article_id=1278,3051066 August 12, 2025 Record-Journal 30 Qualifying This is the best day of my life at the Speedway. Hopefully we can be in this same position next Sunday, too. Sam Hornish Jr., following time trials on Saturday. 28% Qualifying began at 12:00 PM local time, and was held under sunny and fairly windy conditions, with air temperatures reaching 64 F C on.May 20, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 20 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6630 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152235/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6630 October 17, 2006 August 12, 2025 IndyCar.com Because the first two days of time trials were rained out, all 33 positions were available to be filled on Saturday, including the pole position. Hornish Jr. continued his sheer dominance of the month of May by earning the pole position with a fastest four-lap average speed of 228.985 mph km/h on; this marked his tenth career pole position in IndyCar and his first in the Indianapolis 500; it was also the record-extending thirteenth race pole for Team Penske.Lewandowski Dave May 20, 2006 Year of destiny? http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6635 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155423/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6635 October 17, 2006 August 12, 2025 IndyCar.comReininger David May 20, 2006 Hornish Jr earns his first Indy 500 pole http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=218522&FS=IRL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060613222533/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=218522&FS=IRL June 13, 2006 August 13, 2025 Motorsport.com Castroneves, Hornish Jr.'s teammate, earned the second position at 228.008 mph km/h on, and Wheldon took third at 227.338 mph km/h on.Lewandowski Dave May 20, 2006 Castroneves, Wheldon join strong front row http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6634 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152033/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6634 October 17, 2006 August 12, 2025 IndyCar.com The only incident of the day occurred when Roth spun exiting the first turn during an hour-long practice session in between qualifications. During Franchitti's first qualification attempt, he experienced engine trouble after three laps and was waved off the track. Franchitti's team changed his engine and he was able to ensure a spot in the Indianapolis 500 three hours later. Bell was the lone driver to withdraw his first qualifying attempt, and improved his starting position from 16th to 15th as a result of his second attempt.Schwarb John May 20, 2006 Ganassi cars elect to fight Hornish another day https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?series=1&id=2452356 August 13, 2025 ESPN.com Thirty-two drivers secured positions in the Indianapolis 500, and leading into Bump Day, the battle for the 33rd and final position would be decided between Roth and Medeiros, neither of whom made a qualifying attempt on Saturday.Lewandowski Dave May 20, 2006 Hornish Wins Indy 500 Pole At 228.985 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6627 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810155433/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6627 August 10, 2006 August 12, 2025 IndyCar.com Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Four-Lap Average Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Four-Lap Average Speed (km/h) Positions 1–32 1 6 USA Sam Hornish Jr. Marlboro Team PenskeDallara 228.985 mph tablecen 2 3 BRA Hélio Castroneves gold W silver Marlboro Team PenskeDallara 228.008 mph tablecen 3 10 GBR Dan Wheldon gold W silver Target Chip Ganassi RacingDallara 227.338 mph tablecen 4 9 NZL Scott Dixon Target Chip Ganassi RacingDallara 226.921 mph tablecen 5 11 BRA Tony Kanaan Andretti Green RacingDallara 226.776 mph tablecen 6 4 BRA Vítor Meira Panther RacingDallara 226.156 mph tablecen 7 55 JAP Kosuke Matsuura Super Aguri Fernández RacingDallara 225.503 mph tablecen 8 8 USA Scott Sharp Delphi Fernández RacingDallara 225.321 mph tablecen 9 26 USA Marco Andretti orange R silver Andretti Green RacingDallara 224.918 mph tablecen 10 16 USA Danica Patrick Rahal Letterman RacingPanoz 224.674 mph tablecen 11 2 ZAF Tomas Scheckter Vision RacingDallara 224.659 mph tablecen 12 20 USA Ed Carpenter Vision RacingDallara 224.548 mph tablecen 13 1 USA Michael Andretti Andretti Green RacingDallara 224.508 mph tablecen 14 15 USA Buddy Rice gold W silver Rahal Letterman RacingPanoz 224.393 mph tablecen 15 90 USA Townsend Bell orange R silver Vision RacingDallara 224.374 mph tablecen 16 7 USA Bryan Herta Andretti Green RacingDallara 224.179 mph tablecen 17 27 GBR Dario Franchitti Andretti Green RacingDallara 223.345 mph tablecen 18 52 ITA Max Papis Cheever RacingDallara 222.058 mph tablecen 19 51 USA Eddie Cheever gold W silver Cheever RacingDallara 222.028 mph tablecen 20 91 USA P. J. Chesson orange R silver Hemelgarn RacingDallara 221.576 mph tablecen 21 14 BRA Felipe Giaffone A. J. Foyt RacingDallara 221.542 mph tablecen 22 92 USA Jeff Bucknum Hemelgarn RacingDallara 221.461 mph tablecen 23 41 USA Larry Foyt A. J. Foyt RacingDallara 221.332 mph tablecen 24 21 USA Jaques Lazier Playa Del RacingPanoz 221.151 mph tablecen 25 5 USA Buddy Lazier gold W silver Dreyer & Reinbold RacingDallara 220.922 mph tablecen 26 17 USA Jeff Simmons Rahal Letterman RacingPanoz 220.347 mph tablecen 27 31 USA Al Unser Jr. gold W silver Dreyer & Reinbold RacingDallara 219.388 mph tablecen 28 12 USA Roger Yasukawa Playa Del RacingPanoz 218.793 mph tablecen 29 88 BRA Airton Daré Sam Schmidt MotorsportsPanoz 218.170 mph tablecen 30 97 FRA Stéphan Grégoire Team Leader MotorsportsPanoz 217.428 mph tablecen 31 61 NED Arie Luyendyk Jr. orange R silver Luyendyk RacingPanoz 216.352 mph tablecen 32 98 USA P. J. Jones Team Leader MotorsportsPanoz 215.816 mph tablecen Did not qualify 33 18 BRA Thiago Medeiros orange R silver PDM RacingPanoz No time 34 25 CAN Marty Roth Roth RacingDallara No time Source:May 20, 2006 Indy Racing League Timing and Scoring Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-quals-poleday.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204321/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-quals-poleday.pdf October 19, 2006 August 12, 2025 IndyCar.com gold W silver - Former Indianapolis 500 winner orange R silver - Indianapolis 500 rookie Bump Day – Sunday May 21 Pre-qualifying practice Rock artist Scott Stapp waved the green flag at 10:15 AM local time to open the track for an hour-long practice session.May 21, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 21 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6649 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155142/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6649 October 17, 2006 August 13, 2025 IndyCar.com Jaques Lazier was the fastest driver of the morning session, at 218.576 mph km/h on.May 21, 2006 Indy 500: Bump Day morning practice times http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=218651 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616023342/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=218651 June 16, 2006 August 13, 2025 Motorsport.com Qualifying thumb|245x245px|Thiago Medeiros took the final starting position on Sunday. The qualifying session on Bump Day, which ran for six hours beginning at noon local time, was held in conjunction with a practice session for drivers who had already qualified for the race.Reininger David May 21, 2006 Indy 500: Medieros earns final Indy grid position http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=218684&FS=IRL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060909175608/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=218684&FS=IRL September 9, 2006 August 14, 2025 Motorsport.com Weather conditions during the session were again warm, with air temperatures reaching 70 F C on, though skies were mostly cloudy. Hornish Jr., driving his back-up car, led the speed charts with a fastest lap of 226.256 mph km/h on; however, not long after posting the fastest lap, Hornish Jr. crashed into the SAFER barrier exiting turn one.Lewandowski Dave May 21, 2006 Medeiros, PDM Rebound To Round Out Indy 500 Field On Bump Day http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6640 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810174832/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6640 August 10, 2006 August 14, 2025 Indy500.com At 5:08 PM local time, Medeiros, driving a car leased from Fernández Racing, took to the track for the first time since his crash on Thursday and completed his qualifying attempt with a four-lap average speed of 215.729 mph km/h on.Lewandowski Dave May 21, 2006 Last but not least http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6651 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151719/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6651 October 17, 2006 August 14, 2025 IndyCar.com The battle for the final spot in the Indianapolis 500 was seemingly about to intensify when driver Ryan Briscoe planned to make a qualifying attempt in the No. Car Number 48 car, prepared by A. J. Foyt Racing. However, with 23 minutes remaining, Roth slid into the outside SAFER barrier in turn one while making a practice run, ending his hopes of "bumping" his way into the Indianapolis 500.Wilson Phillip B. May 22, 2006 Roth's bid ends with thud https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-marty-roth-2006/177035094/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250814044535/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-marty-roth-2006/177035094/ August 14, 2025 August 14, 2025 The Indianapolis Star D10 The resultant caution period also denied a chance for Briscoe to drive on the track and ultimately kept him out of the Indianapolis 500 as well.Schwarb John May 21, 2006 Rookie Medeiros sweats out final spot in Indy 500 https://www.espn.com/racing/news/story?series=1&id=2453335 August 14, 2025 ESPN.com Roth and Briscoe's misfortunes ensured Medeiros the 33rd and final starting position of the race. Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Four-Lap Average Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Four-Lap Average Speed (km/h) 33 18 BRA Thiago Medeiros orange R silver PDM Racing Panoz 215.729 mph tablecen Failed to Qualify 34 25 CAN Marty Roth Roth Racing Dallara No time Source:May 21, 2006 Indy Racing League Timing and Scoring Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-quals-bumpday.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204438/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-quals-bumpday.pdf October 19, 2006 August 14, 2025 IndyCar.com Post-qualifying practice Carb Day – Friday May 26 Carb Day was the final day of practice before the Indianapolis 500. The hour-long session began at 11:00 AM local time.May 26, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 26 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6693 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060811045032/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6693 August 11, 2006 August 14, 2025 IndyCar.com Hornish Jr. drove a lap at 220.698 mph km/h on, becoming the fastest driver of the day.Lewandowski Dave May 26, 2006 It's conditional http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6695 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154113/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6695 October 17, 2006 August 14, 2025 IndyCar.com + Top Speeds Pos Position No. Car Number Driver Team Chassis Speed (mph) Best Single Lap Speed (mph) Speed (km/h) Best Single Lap Speed (km/h) 16USA Sam Hornish Jr.Marlboro Team PenskeDallara220.698 mph tablecen 28USA Scott Sharp Delphi Fernández Racing Dallara220.316 mph tablecen 39NZL Scott DixonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara219.992 mph tablecen Source:May 26, 2006 Indy Racing League Timing and Scoring Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-pf.pdf dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204347/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-results-pf.pdf October 19, 2006 August 14, 2025 IndyCar.com Pit Stop Challenge thumb|267x267px|Hélio Castroneves (pictured in 2018) won the Pit Stop Challenge. The 30th annual Checkers/Rally's Pit Stop Challenge was held on Friday, May 26, after the completion of the Freedom 100. The ten participating teams were announced three days prior, along with a new format for the event.May 23, 2006 Indy 500: New format for Pit Stop Challenge http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=218910 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616023748/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=218910 June 16, 2006 August 14, 2025 Motorsport.com All ten teams would complete a simulated pit stop during the qualification round; the two fastest teams would automatically advance to the semifinals round, the third- through sixth-fastest teams would advance to the quarterfinals, and the slowest four teams would be eliminated.Kelly Paul May 23, 2006 New Format, Larger Purse Add Excitement To Pit Stop Challenge http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6664 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810175051/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6664 August 10, 2006 August 14, 2025 Indy500.com The fastest two teams in the quarterfinals would then advance to the semifinals, where they would face off against the two fastest teams from qualifying. Finally, the top two teams from the semifinals would advance to the finals to determine the winner. Castroneves was the fastest driver in qualifying; he and Franchitti, Hornish Jr., Rice, Dixon, and Kanaan advanced to the event, while Andretti, Wheldon, Bryan Herta, and Patrick were eliminated. With a final-round pit stop of 8.0852 seconds, Castroneves and Team Penske went on to win the Pit Stop Challenge and the $50,000 winner's purse, marking his second win in the event.May 26, 2006 Castroneves' team wins pit stop competition http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6700 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017154600/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6700 October 17, 2006 August 14, 2025 IndyCar.com Castroneves' semifinals pit stop, which timed in at 7.7365 seconds, was the fastest pit stop in the history of the Pit Stop Challenge.Powell Eric May 26, 2006 Marlboro Team Penske, Helio Earn $50,000 With Pit Stop Challenge Win http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6709 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810175221/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6709 August 10, 2006 August 14, 2025 Indy500.com + Qualifying RoundRank Carno. Driver Team Time(seconds)13 Helio Castroneves Marlboro Team Penske8.6398227 Dario Franchitti Andretti Green Racing8.758636 Sam Hornish Jr. Marlboro Team Penske8.9405415 Buddy Rice Rahal Letterman Racing9.106059 Scott Dixon Target Chip Ganassi Racing9.5118611 Tony Kanaan Andretti Green Racing9.5510726 Marco Andretti Andretti Green Racing9.8859810 Dan Wheldon Target Chip Ganassi Racing10.246297 Bryan Herta Andretti Green Racing9.91501016 Danica Patrick Rahal Letterman Racing17.9074 no Quarterfinals Semifinals Final Buddy Rice<br/ >(Rahal Letterman) 9.7450 Scott Dixon<br/ >(Chip Ganassi Racing) 12.2402 Tony Kanaan<br/ >(Andretti Green Racing) 8.6719 Sam Hornish Jr.<br/ >(Team Penske) 8.6923 Hélio Castroneves<br/ >(Team Penske) 7.7365 Buddy Rice<br/ >(Rahal Letterman) 9.2871 Dario Franchitti<br/ >(Andretti Green Racing) 8.4471 Tony Kanaan<br/ >(Andretti Green Racing) 11.7395 Hélio Castroneves<br/ >(Team Penske) 8.0852 Dario Franchitti<br/ >(Andretti Green Racing) 8.4428 Starting grid RowInsideMiddleOutside1 6USA Sam Hornish Jr. 3BRA Hélio Castroneves gold W silver 10GBR Dan Wheldon gold W silver2 9NZL Scott Dixon 11BRA Tony Kanaan 4BRA Vítor Meira3 55JPN Kosuke Matsuura 8USA Scott Sharp 26USA Marco Andretti orange R silver4 16USA Danica Patrick 2ZAF Tomas Scheckter 20USA Ed Carpenter5 1USA Michael Andretti 15USA Buddy Rice gold W silver 90USA Townsend Bell orange R silver6 7USA Bryan Herta 27GBR Dario Franchitti 52ITA Max Papis7 51USA Eddie Cheever gold W silver 91USA P. J. Chesson orange R silver 14BRA Felipe Giaffone8 92USA Jeff Bucknum 41USA Larry Foyt 21USA Jaques Lazier9 5USA Buddy Lazier gold W silver 17USA Jeff Simmons 31USA Al Unser Jr. gold W silver10 12USA Roger Yasukawa 88BRA Airton Daré 97FRA Stéphan Grégoire11 61NLD Arie Luyendyk Jr. orange R silver 98USA P. J. Jones 18BRA Thiago Medeiros orange R silverSource:Starting Grid for the 2006 Indianapolis 500 http://www.indy500.com/stats/grids.php?raceyear=2006 2006 2007-05-11 2007-08-21 https://web.archive.org/web/20070821143536/http://www.indy500.com/stats/grids.php?raceyear=2006 dead gold W silver - Former Indianapolis 500 winner orange R silver - Indianapolis 500 rookie Failed to qualify No. Car NumberDriverTeamReason 25 CAN Marty Roth Roth Racing Crashed in practice and did not attempt to qualify on Bump Day. Race report thumb|200x200px|The pace car (pictured above) which Lance Armstrong drove at the beginning of the Indianapolis 500. After a considerable amount of rain throughout the month of May, race day for the Indianapolis 500 was sunny and quite hot. Ambient temperatures topped out at 89 F C on, making this the fourth-hottest running of the event on record (at the time).Plotkin Ken May 28, 2006 Race Day Notes: Indianapolis 500 http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219518&FS=IRL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060919164707/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219518&FS=IRL September 19, 2006 August 14, 2025 Motorsport.com It was later reported that 225 fans sought relief from first-aid stations during the race due to heat exhaustion.Neal Rebecca May 29, 2006 About 225 fans seek first aid due to heat https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-2006-indy-500-we/171293701/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250815003927/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-2006-indy-500-we/171293701/ August 15, 2025 August 15, 2025 The Indianapolis Star A11 Track temperatures were also measured in between 120 and 126 F C. The race began at 1:11 PM local time; Lance Armstrong drove the pace car,April 4, 2006 An Interview With 2006 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Driver Lance Armstrong http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6283 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810065214/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6283 August 10, 2006 August 15, 2025 Indy500.com while Sugar Ray Leonard was given the honors of being the honorary starter and waved the green flag to begin the Indianapolis 500.Wiseman Katie May 24, 2025 Casey Foyt will wave the green flag at the 2025 Indy 500. Here's who else has done it https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/indy-500/2025/05/24/who-waved-the-green-flag-indianapolis-500-celebrity-honorary-starter-add-name/83530690007/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250526162003/https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/indy-500/2025/05/24/who-waved-the-green-flag-indianapolis-500-celebrity-honorary-starter-add-name/83530690007/ May 26, 2025 August 15, 2025 IndyStar.com First half All 33 drivers began the race in rows of three, and Castroneves pulled ahead of pole sitter Hornish Jr. entering the first turn. Hornish Jr. would eventually fall to the third position behind Wheldon, who was 0.1285 seconds behind Castroneves by the end of the opening lap.May 28, 2006 Lap leaders and notes http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6728 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152702/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6728 October 17, 2006 August 15, 2025 IndyCar.com The first yellow flag of the race was issued on the second lap, when Bucknum lost control of his car in turn two and spun, unintentionally collecting his teammate Chesson in the process. Both drivers slammed the outside wall and retired from the race, though neither driver was injured.May 28, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 28 http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6730 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061022114632/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6730 October 22, 2006 August 15, 2025 IndyCar.com Castroneves continued to lead the race during the first rolling restart on lap 7, though he was overtaken by Wheldon three laps later.May 28, 2006 Wheldon dominates, but fails to duplicate win https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/indy500/2006-05-28-wheldon-sidebar_x.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100531210332/https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/indy500/2006-05-28-wheldon-sidebar_x.htm May 31, 2010 August 15, 2025 USAToday.com As Castroneves was relegated outside the top five positions, Wheldon led 25 consecutive laps.2006 Indianapolis 500 https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Indianapolis_500/O live https://web.archive.org/web/20250521204422/https://www.racing-reference.info/race-results/2006_Indianapolis_500/O May 21, 2025 August 15, 2025 Racing-Reference.info On lap 23, Medeiros and P. J. Jones entered pit road, marking the beginning of green-flag pit stops. A lap later, Medeiros became the third retiree of the race, suffering from electrical issues. Wheldon elected to stay out until lap 35, giving up the lead to Hornish Jr. for three laps and Kanaan for one lap before regaining the lead on lap 39.May 28, 2006 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report -- May 28 http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6730 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810160002/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6730 August 10, 2006 August 15, 2025 Indy500.com After pit stops ended, a long period of green-flag racing ensued; Wheldon used this period to his advantage, lengthening his lead over Dixon (who passed Hornish Jr. for the second position on lap 65) to 20.6733 seconds. Foyt, Stéphan Grégoire, and Luyendyk Jr., all of whom struggled with handling issues,May 28, 2006 Indy 500 Race Report http://www.foytracing.com/IndyCar/2006_reports/IC_rr_Indy.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060615063229/http://www.foytracing.com/IndyCar/2006_reports/IC_rr_Indy.html June 15, 2006 August 15, 2025 FoytRacing.com retired from the race on the 43rd, 49th, and 54th laps, respectively. The yellow flag would not fly again until lap 67, when Tomas Scheckter's car broke loose exiting the fourth turn and backed into the outside SAFER barrier. Scheckter then slammed into the attenuator on pit lane.May 28, 2006 Indy 500: Vision Racing race report http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219534&FS=IRL dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060908000003/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219534&FS=IRL September 8, 2006 August 15, 2025 Motorsport.com Moments after the crash, Jaques Lazier ran over Scheckter's rear wing and sent it high in the air and into the grandstands behind pit lane. Five fans were injured in the incident, though none received serious injuries.May 28, 2006 Fan 'all right' after being struck in head by track debris http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=1&id=2461238 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060625133407/http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=1&id=2461238 June 25, 2006 August 15, 2025 Sports.ESPN.go.com Racing resumed on lap 76, and Wheldon preserved his lead after he and many other drivers entered pit road for four tires and fuel. Second half left|thumb|239x239px|Felipe Giaffone (pictured on Carb Day in 2006) crashed out of the race on lap 177. Race leader Wheldon was again one of the last drivers to pit during the second round of green-flag pit stops, which commenced on lap 91. Wheldon finally pitted on the 108th lap; Dixon inherited the lead for the next three laps before Wheldon utilized his slipstream to overtake him on lap 111. The second caution was necessitated that same lap, when Castroneves collided with Rice in the third turn, sending both drivers hard into the SAFER barrier.Redmayne Tim May 28, 2006 Indy 500 driver by driver https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/indy-500-driver-by-driver-4401901/4401901/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20211102013819/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/indy-500-driver-by-driver-4401901/4401901/ November 2, 2021 August 15, 2025 Autosport.com While neither driver was injured, Castroneves' retirement marked the first time in his career that he would fail to finish the Indianapolis 500. Two laps after the restart on lap 123, Dixon moved past Wheldon for the race lead in the first turn. Wheldon briefly fell back to third before fighting his way back and passing Dixon in turn three on lap 128. Wheldon only led two laps before Hornish Jr. made his way up to the lead in turn one. With Wheldon in hot pursuit, Hornish Jr. held onto the lead for the next 15 laps before Wheldon finally got by him in turn three. On lap 149, Unser Jr. precipitated the fourth caution period of the race after spinning down the back-stretch and crashing in the third turn. During the caution, problems arose for a handful of teams. Simmons left his pit stall with the fuel hose nozzle still attached. The hose tore, and Simmons' car dropped the nozzle out on the track in turn three. Hornish Jr. also attempted to exit his pit stall with his fuel hose attached, only he struck a crew member in the process; as a result, he was issued a drive-through penalty.Olson Jeff May 28, 2006 Analysis: behind the lead battle https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/analysis-behind-the-lead-battle-4401900/4401900/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250815204431/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/analysis-behind-the-lead-battle-4401900/4401900/ August 15, 2025 August 15, 2025 Autosport.com Meanwhile, Simmons, driving with cold tires, had only worsened his day as he crashed into the SAFER barrier in the third and fourth corners on lap 155, ending his race. The caution period was prolonged as a result of Simmons' wreck. Five laps later, Hornish Jr. and Michael Andretti ducked into pit road for their final fueling of the race as part of their strategy to be in position to win by the end.May 28, 2006 Indy 500: Michael Andretti race report http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219548 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616024736/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219548 June 16, 2006 August 15, 2025 Motorsport.com As Wheldon led the drivers back to green-flag racing on the 162nd lap, Hornish Jr. assessed his penalty, though his left-rear tire was hit from behind by Bell, who was penalized for the same reason as Hornish Jr. Bell also hit a cone and received damage to his suspension, forcing him to retire, while Hornish Jr. rejoined the track nearly thirty seconds behind Wheldon.Oreovicz John May 28, 2006 Dominos fall in place for thrilling Hornish victory http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=1&id=2461544 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060625133432/http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?series=1&id=2461544 June 25, 2006 August 15, 2025 Sports.ESPN.go.com Wheldon's teammate Dixon was also handed a drive-through penalty on lap 175 for what officials deemed to be an "aggressive" block on Kanaan, who passed him for the second position. The penalty shunned Dixon out of contention for the win.May 28, 2006 Indy 500: Chip Ganassi Racing race report http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219535 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616024600/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219535 June 16, 2006 August 16, 2025 Motorsport.com In the meantime, the battle for the lead had intensified with twenty laps to go, as Kanaan diminished his gap behind Wheldon by a significant amount. On lap 183, Wheldon approached on the lapped car of Matsuura and was momentarily blocked, giving Kanaan the opportunity to dart to the lead on the inside line.May 28, 2006 Indy 500: Tony Kanaan race report http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219546 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616024725/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219546 June 16, 2006 August 16, 2025 Motorsport.com Wheldon made an effort to take back the lead in the third turn, but as he and Kanaan got by the slower car of Max Papis, he slid up into the marbles in turn four and punctured a tire.May 28, 2006 Sunday 28 May 2006 - Late Tire Puncture Ends Wheldon's Indy 500 Repeat Attempt http://www.danwheldon.com/news.cfm/title/Late%20Tire%20Puncture%20Ends%20Wheldon%27%27s%20Indy%20500%20Repeat%20Attempt/flag/2/id/198 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061030122754/http://www.danwheldon.com/news.cfm/title/Late%20Tire%20Puncture%20Ends%20Wheldon%27%27s%20Indy%20500%20Repeat%20Attempt/flag/2/id/198 October 30, 2006 August 16, 2025 DanWheldon.com A lap later, Wheldon made an unscheduled pit stop to alleviate his tire issues. Many of the highest-running drivers, including second-place Marco Andretti, came into pit road for their final stop as the laps wound down. Felipe Giaffone, who had been struggling with his car the entire race, drove up the track in the second turn to avoid colliding with race leader Kanaan. However, Giaffone drifted into the marbles and made contact with the outside SAFER barrier, damaging his right-front and rear suspensions; he became the thirteenth retiree of the race and permitted the yellow flag on lap 190. Once pit road was reopened on lap 193, teammates Kanaan and Franchitti surrendered their first and second positions, respectively, for a final load of fuel,May 28, 2006 Indy 500: Dario Franchitti race report http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219544 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616024701/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219544 June 16, 2006 August 16, 2025 Motorsport.com which gave Michael Andretti the race lead. His son Marco legally slipped by the pace car exiting pit road, and was shifted up to the second position.May 28, 2006 Indy 500: Marco Andretti race report http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219549 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616024749/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219549 June 16, 2006 August 16, 2025 Motorsport.com Dixon was lined up third, and Hornish Jr. climbed up to fourth.Olson Jeff May 28, 2006 Hornish snatches win from Andretti https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/hornish-snatches-win-from-andretti-4401893/4401893/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250222191630/https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/hornish-snatches-win-from-andretti-4401893/4401893/ February 22, 2025 August 16, 2025 Autosport.com Finish thumb|200x200px|The car which Sam Hornish Jr. drove to the Indianapolis 500 victory. The green flag waved again with four laps to go,May 28, 2006 Hornish Jr nips Marco Andretti for Indy victory http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219507 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616004854/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219507 June 16, 2006 August 16, 2025 Motorsport.com and Hornish Jr. promptly passed Dixon in the first turn for third. Michael Andretti only led a single lap under green-flag conditions before Marco drove to the outside lane and pulled ahead of his father in turn one on lap 198.May 28, 2006 Double dose of Andretti heartbreak at Indy http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/indy500/2006-05-28-andrettis_x.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110506003358/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/indy500/2006-05-28-andrettis_x.htm May 6, 2011 August 16, 2025 USAToday.com With Herta running behind the Andretti duo, he was placed with the responsibility of blocking Hornish Jr.; however, Herta was no match for the hard-charging Hornish Jr., who easily breezed by him on the front-stretch as Marco made his pass on his father. Exiting turn two, Michael tried to block Hornish Jr. and protect his son's lead, though to no avail. Marco led Hornish Jr. by just over half a second on lap 199. Hornish Jr. was able to cut down Marco's gap by catching his slipstream down the backstretch. He made a move to the inside line entering turn three, but was forced to back off after Marco blocked him and nearly sent him off the racing surface. Marco took the white flag with a seemingly insurmountable 0.9454-second gap over Hornish Jr.. Marco continued holding his lead down the back-stretch, but by the time the two leaders reached turn four, Hornish Jr. began to reel him in. Marco made a last-ditch effort to preserve his lead by blocking Hornish Jr. on the outside lane. Hornish Jr. then charged to the inside and executed a slingshot pass in the final 450 ft m off.March 17, 2018 #73 Sam Hornish Jr. edges out Marco Andretti in 2006 Indy 500 https://www.autoweek.com/racing/indycar/a1842346/73-sam-hornish-jr-edges-out-marco-andretti-2006-indy-500/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20210624011950/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/indycar/a1842346/73-sam-hornish-jr-edges-out-marco-andretti-2006-indy-500/ June 24, 2021 August 16, 2025 Autoweek.com He beat Marco Andretti to the finish line by 0.0635 seconds, the equivalent of about 15 ft m off, to earn his first Indianapolis 500 victory. The gap between Hornish Jr. and Marco Andretti was the second-closest margin of victory in Indianapolis 500 history (at the time); as of 2026, it is the fourth-closest finish.Cavin Curt June 4, 2006 Sam's Time: Hornish edges rookie Marco Andretti in the second closest Indy 500 ever https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2066851/sams-time-hornish-edges-rookie-marco-andretti-second-closest-indy-500-ever-0/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250816151731/https://www.autoweek.com/news/a2066851/sams-time-hornish-edges-rookie-marco-andretti-second-closest-indy-500-ever-0/ August 16, 2025 August 16, 2025 Autoweek.com It was also the first time in race history that a driver completed a pass for the lead on the final lap to win the race.Brown Brad May 18, 2016 2006 Indy 500: Hornish wins on final lap pass https://www.wrtv.com/sports/indycar/road-to-100/road-to-100-2006 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20250323205112/https://www.wrtv.com/sports/indycar/road-to-100/road-to-100-2006 March 23, 2025 August 16, 2025 WRTV.com Michael Andretti, in his fifteenth attempt to win the Indianapolis 500, finished third in what was his second-best finish in the race. Wheldon, who led a race-high 148 laps, failed to defend his victory in 2005, though he finished a respectable fourth. Kanaan passed two competitors on the final restart to take a fifth-place finish. Dixon, Franchitti, Patrick, Sharp, and Vítor Meira rounded out the top ten. Ed Carpenter, Buddy Lazier, Cheever, Papis, Matsuura, Roger Yasukawa, Jaques Lazier, Airton Daré, Jones, and Herta were the final classified finishers. Five caution periods slowed the race for 44 laps, and the lead was traded fourteen times amongst seven different drivers.Powell Eric May 29, 2006 Hornish Earns $1.74 Million From Record Indianapolis 500 Purse http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6738 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060615194328/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6738 June 15, 2006 August 16, 2025 Indy500.com Post-race thumb|200x200px|President George W. Bush meeting with Sam Hornish Jr. and his wife, Crystal, on July 18. Hornish Jr. celebrated his win with his team in victory lane; he earned the Borg-Warner Trophy and collected winnings of $1,744,855 from a record purse of $10,518,565.Lewandowski Dave May 29, 2006 Take it to the bank http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6739 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017151115/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6739 October 17, 2006 August 16, 2025 IndyCar.com Hornish Jr. reflected on the challenges he faced during the race and how he overcame them: "It's been a long month, and not everything went our way as we saw today. But we stuck together as a team. We had a good plan, and we were fast when we needed. I thank God for giving me a lot of talent, not so much the fact for what I can do driving but the fact that I didn't want to give up. And then He also put me with such a great team and gave me great parents and a great wife to support me very much."Lewandowski Dave May 28, 2006 Sam The Man: Hornish Edges Marco Andretti In Indy 500 Thriller! http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6721 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810074123/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6721 August 10, 2006 August 16, 2025 Indy500.com During a subsequent press conference Hornish Jr. explained that his sudden surge in speed while approaching the finish likely came from his heavy usage of fuel on the final lap.May 28, 2006 90th Indianapolis 500 Winner's Transcript http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6733 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810073802/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6733 August 10, 2006 August 16, 2025 Indy500.com Team owner Roger Penske, who earned his fourteenth Indianapolis 500 win, compared Hornish Jr. to four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears and admitted he was at fault for Hornish Jr.'s miscue on pit road.May 28, 2006 Indy 500: Winning team press conference, part 1 http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219536 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060616024612/http://motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=219536 June 16, 2006 August 16, 2025 Motorsport.com On July 18, Hornish Jr. and Penske were invited to the White House by president George W. Bush, who congratulated Hornish Jr. for the win and praised IndyCar's usage of ethanol fuel.Lewandowski Dave July 18, 2006 White House call http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7119 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017161407/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=7119 October 17, 2006 August 16, 2025 IndyCar.com Second-place finisher Marco Andretti was proud of what he accomplished, but disappointed in the final result: "Like I said, it does feel awesome and, you know, I can't complain, I almost won the Indy 500 my first year in it. It's just the way as a competitor, I don't want to finish second. I don't want to wait until next year. I know I have a lot of shots at it, but I wish it was this year. Got to take advantage of every shot."May 28, 2006 90th Indianapolis 500 Second-, Third-Place Finishers Transcript http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6731 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810073645/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6731 August 10, 2006 August 16, 2025 Indy500.com Michael Andretti was also somewhat dejected, but praised his son for his performance during the race: "I felt so bad for Marco, but I'm so proud. He drove a hell of a race. I drove with him a hell of a lot in that race. He drove like a champion. He drove like he's been out there 10 years."Wilson Phillip B. May 29, 2006 More frustration for Andrettis https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/86704908/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20230513204519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/86704908/ May 13, 2023 August 16, 2025 The Indianapolis Star R3 Marco's grandfather Mario was equally as laudatory of his finish: "He matured so tremendously throughout the month. This is one event where you have time (to prepare) and Marco took full advantage to learn something new. He did his job. It was a very steep learning curve for him." Marco was named Rookie of the Year for the 2006 Indianapolis 500,Harris Mike May 30, 2006 Marco Andretti: A star is born at Indy 500 https://www.newspapers.com/article/reno-gazette-journal-2006-indy-500-roty/114135360/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20250816175640/https://www.newspapers.com/article/reno-gazette-journal-2006-indy-500-roty/114135360/ August 16, 2025 August 16, 2025 Reno Gazette-Journal 8 though his close loss invoked memories of the supposed Andretti curse with journalists such as Jim Litke of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Mike Harris of Eugene Register-Guard.Litke Jim May 29, 2006 Andretti curse at Indianapolis 500 continues https://books.google.com/books?id=k_BRAAAAIBAJ&dq=andretti+curse&pg=PA13&article_id=6629,3675995 August 16, 2025 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 13Harris Mike May 29, 2006 Hornish spoils happy ending https://books.google.com/books?id=rV1WAAAAIBAJ&dq=andretti+curse&pg=PA19&article_id=5010,7058939 August 16, 2025 Eugene Register-Guard 19 None of the 33 cars in the race, which were all powered by Honda, encountered engine issues; it is believed to be the first time in Indianapolis 500 history that this has occurred.2006-05-28 Hondas Flawless and Hornish Wins A Thrilling Indy 500 http://racing.honda.com/results/detail.aspx?date=2006_05_28 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061103202332/http://racing.honda.com/results/detail.aspx?date=2006_05_28 2006-11-03 2006-07-16 Honda Racing Robert Clarke, president of Honda Performance Development, commented on this feat: "It's an amazing accomplishment for everyone at Honda Performance Development and our technical partner at Ilmor. I'm both extremely proud of the result and grateful for the incredible effort put forth by all of our associates leading up to today's race. Congratulations to Sam [Hornish] and Roger [Penske] for a great ‘500'. Their team fought back from adversity and gave us a thrilling finish today." This was also the final Indianapolis 500 for public address announcer Tom Carnegie, who had commentated every edition of the event since 1946.Kelly Paul June 9, 2006 Legendary P.A. Announcer Carnegie Steps Down After 61 Years At IMS http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6828 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060619194234/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6828 June 19, 2006 August 16, 2025 Indy500.com Carnegie cited health issues, particularly related to his legs, as the reason for his retirement, which he announced on June 9.June 9, 2006 Carnegie retiring after 61 years as Voice of the Speedway https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/2006-06-14-carnegie-retirement_x.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060923192738/https://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/irl/2006-06-14-carnegie-retirement_x.htm September 23, 2006 August 16, 2025 USAToday.com The finishing order of the race shrunk Castroneves' Drivers' Championship lead to 12 points behind Hornish Jr., while Wheldon fell from second to third in the championship standings. Dixon and Kanaan maintained their fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Box score Pos. PositionNo. Car NumberDriverTeamChassisEngineLapsStatusGridPts. Points16 USA Sam Hornish Jr.Marlboro Team PenskeDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8200 157.085 mph150226 USA Marco Andretti orange R silverAndretti Green RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8200 +0.063594031 USA Michael AndrettiAndretti Green RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8200 +1.00871335410 GBR Dan Wheldon gold W silverTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8200 +1.26923351 1511 BRA Tony KanaanAndretti Green RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8200 +1.645653069 NZL Scott DixonTarget Chip Ganassi RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8200 +3.0566428727 GBR Dario FranchittiAndretti Green RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8200 +5.62491726816 USA Danica PatrickRahal Letterman RacingG-Force GF09Honda Indy V8200 +5.7263102498 USA Scott SharpDelphi Fernández RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8200 +11.1252822104 BRA Vítor MeiraPanther RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8200 +17.95546201120 USA Ed CarpenterVision RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8199 -1 lap1219125 USA Buddy Lazier gold W silverDreyer & Reinbold RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8199 -1 lap25181351 USA Eddie Cheever gold W silverCheever RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8198 -2 laps19171452 ITA Max PapisCheever RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8197 -3 laps18161555 JPN Kosuke MatsuuraSuper Aguri Fernández RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8196 -4 laps7151612 USA Roger YasukawaPlaya Del RacingG-Force GF09Honda Indy V8194 -6 laps28141721 USA Jaques LazierPlaya Del RacingG-Force GF09Honda Indy V8193 -7 laps24131888 BRA Airton DaréSam Schmidt MotorsportsG-Force GF09Honda Indy V8193 -7 laps29121998 USA P. J. JonesTeam Leader MotorsportsG-Force GF09Honda Indy V8189 -11 laps3212207 USA Bryan HertaAndretti Green RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8188 -12 laps16122114 BRA Felipe GiaffoneA. J. Foyt RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8177Accident21122290 USA Townsend Bell orange R silverVision RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8161Suspension15122317 USA Jeff SimmonsRahal Letterman RacingG-Force GF09Honda Indy V8152Accident26122431 USA Al Unser Jr. gold W silverDreyer & Reinbold RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8145Accident2712253 BRA Hélio Castroneves gold W silverMarlboro Team PenskeDallara IR-03Honda Indy V8109Accident2102615 USA Buddy Rice gold W silverRahal Letterman RacingG-Force GF09Honda Indy V8108Accident1410272 ZAF Tomas ScheckterVision RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V865Accident11102861 NLD Arie Luyendyk Jr. orange R silverLuyendyk RacingG-Force GF09Honda Indy V854Handling31102997 FRA Stéphan GrégoireTeam Leader MotorsportsG-Force GF09Honda Indy V849Handling30103041 USA Larry FoytA. J. Foyt RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V843Handling23103118BRA Thiago Medeiros orange R silverPDM RacingG-Force GF09Honda Indy V824Electrical33103292 USA Jeff BucknumHemelgarn RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V81Accident22103391 USA P. J. Chesson orange R silverHemelgarn RacingDallara IR-03Honda Indy V81Accident2010 Source:May 28, 2006 2006 Indianapolis 500 - Final Lap Report http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-race-lapfinal.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20061019204403/http://www1.indycar.com/scoring/2006/reports/indycarseries/indy/indycar-race-lapfinal.pdf October 19, 2006 August 16, 2025May 28, 2006 OFFICIAL BOX SCORE - 90th Indianapolis 500 https://doctorindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/indy_05282006.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20231202092202/https://doctorindy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/indy_05282006.pdf December 2, 2023 August 16, 2025 DoctorIndy.com gold W silver Former Indianapolis 500 winner orange R silver Indianapolis 500 Rookie All entrants utilized Firestone tires. 1 1 — Includes three bonus points for leading the most laps.101: Points Breakdown http://www.indycar.com/tech/101/points.php dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090223192408/http://www.indycar.com/tech/101/points.php February 23, 2009 October 6, 2025 IndyCar.com Race statistics Lap leaders Laps Leader1–9 Hélio Castroneves10–34 Dan Wheldon35–37 Sam Hornish Jr.38 Tony Kanaan39–107 Dan Wheldon108–110 Scott Dixon111–124 Dan Wheldon125–127 Scott Dixon128–129 Dan Wheldon130–144 Sam Hornish Jr.145–182 Dan Wheldon183–193 Tony Kanaan194–197 Michael Andretti198–199 Marco Andretti200 Sam Hornish Jr. Total laps led Driver LapsDan Wheldon 148Sam Hornish Jr. 19Tony Kanaan 12Hélio Castroneves 9Scott Dixon 6Michael Andretti 4Marco Andretti 2 Cautions: 5 for 44 lapsLapsReason2–6 Jeff Bucknum, P. J. Chesson crash in turn 267–75 Tomas Scheckter crash in turn 4111–122 Buddy Rice, Hélio Castroneves crash in turn 4149–161 Al Unser Jr. in turn 3; Jeff Simmons crash in northchute191–195 Felipe Giaffone crash in turn 2 Broadcasting Television The race was televised live in the United States on ABC Sports, except in Indianapolis on WRTV, where it was tape-delayed to primetime because the seats were not sold out.May 1, 2006 Tune in for extensive TV/radio coverage http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6505 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017152856/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6505 October 17, 2006 August 16, 2025 IndyCar.com Veteran announcer Marty Reid served as the play-by-play commentator for the first time, while Scott Goodyear returned as driver analyst. Joining them in the booth was 1989 NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Rusty Wallace, who served as co-analyst with Goodyear.Lewandowski Dave March 24, 2006 Broadcast team prepares for 'show time' http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6169 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20061017155133/http://www.indycar.com/news/story.php?story_id=6169 October 17, 2006 August 17, 2025 IndyCar.com Brent Musburger took the role of hosting the race broadcast. Jack Arute, Vince Welch, Jerry Punch, and Jamie Little served as pit reporters. Viewership for the event declined by 23.1% compared to the previous year's broadcast, with a 5.0 rating and a 14 share.June 5, 2006 Coke 600 outdraws Indy 500 http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2006/06/05/scene_daily139.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060621160121/http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2006/06/05/scene_daily139.html June 21, 2006 August 17, 2025 SceneDaily.com ABC Television (blacked out locally)Booth announcersPit/garage reportersHost: Brent Musburger Announcer: Marty Reid Color: Scott Goodyear Color: Rusty Wallace Jack AruteVince WelchDr. Jerry PunchJamie Little Radio The race was carried live on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.Powell Eric May 3, 2006 IMS Radio Network To Provide Worldwide Indy 500 Coverage http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6453 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20060810174203/http://www.indy500.com/news/story.php?story_id=6453 August 10, 2006 August 17, 2025 Indy500.com Mike King was the race's chief announcer. Davey Hamilton served as the race analyst, while Dave Wilson, Donald Davidson, and Chris Economaki served as color commentators. Indy Racing Radio Network Booth announcersTurn reportersPit/garage reportersChief announcer: Mike King Driver expert: Davey Hamilton Historian: Donald Davidson Color analyst: Dave Wilson Commentary: Chris EconomakiTurn 1: Jerry Baker Turn 2: Adam Alexander Turn 3: Mark Jaynes Turn 4: Chris DenariKevin Olson (pits/garages)Dave Argabright (north pits)Nicole Manske (center pits)Kevin Lee (south pits) References 35em Indianapolis 500 2006 2006 Indy Japan 300 2006 Watkins Glen Indy Grand Prix 2005 Indianapolis 500 2007 Indianapolis 500 Category:Indianapolis 500 races Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis 500