2002 Indianapolis 500

86th running of the Indianapolis 500 February 2025 86th Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis5002002.jpg Indy Racing League 2002 IRL season Penske Racing May 26, 2002 BRA Hélio Castroneves Rick Rinaman2011 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 3:00:10.8714 166.499 mph 0 on BRA Bruno Junqueira 231.342 mph 0 on BRA Bruno Junqueira USA Alex BarronSA Tomas Scheckter SA Tomas Scheckter (85) Josephine Holmon (West Point cadet) Jim Nabors Mari Hulman George Chevrolet Corvette James Caviezel Bryan Howard 400,000 ABC 1:00 PM EDT Paul Page, Scott Goodyear 4.8 15 2001 2003 The 86th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 26, 2002. It was part of the 2002 Indy Racing League season. Rookie Tomas Scheckter led 85 laps, and appeared on his way to a possible victory, which would have marked the third consecutive Indy win for a first-year driver. However, Scheckter crashed on the front stretch while leading with only 27 laps to go. Hélio Castroneves (who also won the 2001 running) became the fifth driver in Indy 500 history to win back-to-back races. It was the second of his four Indy 500 victories. Castroneves became the first repeat winner since Al Unser Sr. (1970–1971). There would not be another repeat winner until Josef Newgarden in 2023–2024. The 2002 race is largely considered one of the most controversial races in Indy history.https://static.espn.go.com/rpm/irl/2002/0527/1387374.html Conspiracy or not, Tracy has a point ESPN.com 2002-05-27 2009-03-14https://static.espn.go.com/rpm/irl/2002/0527/1387374.html 500 checkered flag waves with controversy DN Online 2002-05-27 2009-03-14https://www.indystar.com Controversy nothing new for 500 Indianapolis Star 2002-05-28 21 June 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080517162535/http://www2.indystar.com/ 17 May 2008 live https://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=13611 Tracy back for win IndyCar.com 2009-04-17 2009-04-18 Indianapolis 500 Time Trials - Bump Day Telecast - Paul Tracy In Color List of Indianapolis 500 broadcasters Versus Versus (TV channel) 2009-05-09 Indianapolis 500 Time Trials - Bump Day Telecast - 2002 Indy 500 In Color List of Indianapolis 500 broadcasters Versus Versus (TV channel) 2009-05-17 On the 199th lap, second place Paul Tracy was alongside leader Hélio Castroneves, going for the lead in the third turn. At the same time, a crash occurred on another part of the track, bringing out the caution flag. Indy Racing League officials ruled that the yellow came out before Tracy completed the pass, and Castroneves was declared the victor. After an official protest was filed,https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/04/sports/plus-auto-racing-team-green-appeals-tracy-s-indy-finish.html Team Green Appeals Tracy's Indy Finish New York Times 2002-06-04 2008-06-15http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/motorsports/2002/indy500/news/2002/05/27/tracy_protest_ap/ https://web.archive.org/web/20020601110330/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/motorsports/2002/indy500/news/2002/05/27/tracy_protest_ap/ dead June 1, 2002 IRL upholds Castroneves' win over Team Green protest SI.com 2002-05-27 2008-06-15 and after an appeals hearing,https://johnsonindy500.trackforum.com/indy500/appealdecision.pdf Indy Racing League Team Green, Inc. Appeal Decision IndyCar.com 2002-07-02 2008-06-15 Castroneves' victory was upheld on July 2, 2002. About 7.46 inches of rain fell during the month of May,http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/?n=localcli Indianapolis Climatological Information NOAA 2012-04-13 considerably interrupting the on-track activities. The second day of time trials was completely washed out, while Bump Day was cut short due to rain. Likewise, six of the ten practice days were either delayed by moisture or halted due to rain showers. Uncomfortably cold temperatures also were observed during most of the month. Private testing and rookie orientation in April was also hampered several times due to rain and cold temperatures. Race day, however, was sunny, warm, and clear. 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, an enclave suburb of Indianapolis, 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 October 13, 2026 ESPNIndianapolis 500 Encyclopædia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/sports/Indianapolis-500 October 13, 2026 live https://web.archive.org/web/20190417164958/https://www.britannica.com/sports/Indianapolis-500 April 17, 2019 C. Shepherd Melinda Chauhan Yamini Levy Michael Lotha Gloria Tikkanen Amy Augustyn Adam 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 Indianapolis Motor Speedway During early March 2002, the asphalt pavement at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway underwent a diamond grinding in an effort to smooth out several bumps, providing cars with additional grip and reducing downforce disruption from bumps.R. Knapp Adam May 13, 2002 Smoother track = SPEED https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-republic-smoother-track-speed-th/208245480/ October 14, 2026 The Republic B4 Newspapers.comhttp://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=88417 IRL: Indianapolis Motor Speedway's track surface updates Motorsport.com 2002-04-03 2008-06-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20051226114425/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=88417 2005-12-26 dead The track repaving along with aerodynamic body modifications and tire advancements resulted in faster speeds. In April, the new Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barrier made of concrete and steel with pink foam to absorb vehicluar impacts was retrofitted to the 4,240 ft m on of permanent retaining walls in the outside turns at the Speedway in order to improve driver safety;Marot Michael May 2, 2002 Drivers hope not to notice soft walls https://www.newspapers.com/article/chronicle-tribune-drivers-hope-not-to-no/208245110/ October 14, 2026 Chronicle-Tribune B4 Newspapers.com Associated Press only the four turns received SAFER walls due to time constraints.Mittman Dick April 10, 2002 Soft-Wall System Could Be Installed For Indy 500 http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=643 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020602061000/http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=643 June 2, 2002 October 14, 2026 Indianapolis Motor Speedway It marked the first installation of the revolutionary-new energy-absorbing technology at an American superspeedway.http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=91135&FS=SAFETY IRL: Indianapolis SAFER barrier announcement Motorsport.com 2002-05-01 2008-06-17 https://web.archive.org/web/20110607211448/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=91135&FS=SAFETY 2011-06-07 dead Rule changes Starting from the 2002 race, all pit crew members that work over the wall were required to wear approved helmets. This requirement was in response to a succession of accidents and injuries (particularly head injuries) involving pit crew members in multiple motorsports series. Several pit crews in the series had already been utilizing optional helmets since approximately 1999, after Steve Fried, Robby McGehee's crew chief, was seriously injured in a pit road accident. The accident put Freid in a coma for several weeks. The pit road speed limit was reduced to 60 mph km/h on.May 15, 2024 Indy 500 Pit Area Assignments https://doctorindy.com/2024/05/15/indy-500-pit-area-assignments/ October 14, 2026 DoctorIndy.com The standardized font car numbers (black numerals on a white box) used from 1999 to 2001 were scrapped. Teams were permitted to utilize any color/font for car numbers decals, provided they were sufficiently visible. Car number decal placement locations were also adjusted. The required car number locations were to be one on the nose, and one on each of the rear wing vertical panels on both the left and right.September 19, 2022 Indy 500 Car Number History https://doctorindy.com/2022/09/19/indy-500-car-number-history/ October 14, 2026 DoctorIndy.com 2002 Indy Racing League The Indianapolis 500 was the fifth round of 15 in the 2002 Indy Racing League,April 29, 2002 86th Indianapolis 500 Fast Facts http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id2=733 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021005121401/http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id2=733 October 5, 2002 October 13, 2026 Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 86th running of the event. Panther Racing driver Sam Hornish Jr. led the Drivers' Championship going into the race, having scored 154 points and two wins in the first four races of the season. Team Penske teammates Gil de Ferran and Hélio Castroneves trailed Hornish by five and nine points, respectively. Felipe Giaffone, with 105 points, and Scott Sharp, with 98 points, were respectively in the fourth and fifth positions. Race schedule Race schedule – April 2002SunMonTueWedThuFriSat 7  8Testing 9Testing10 11 12ROP13ROP14 15 16Testing17Testing18 19 20 Race schedule – May 2002    1  2  3  4Mini-Marathon 5Practice 6Practice 7Practice 8Practice 9Practice10Practice11Pole Day12Time Trials13 14 15Practice16Practice17Practice18Practice19Bump Day20 21 22 23Carb Day24 25Parade26Indy 50027Memorial Day28 29 30 31  Source:Powell Eric Busy Three-Week Schedule Is Set For 86th Indianapolis 500 http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/2001/schedule-08172001.php Indianapolis Motor Speedway August 17, 2001 October 14, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20011005091102/http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/2001/schedule-08172001.php October 5, 2001 dead 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 ROP – denotes Rookie Orientation Program Entry list 2002 Indy Racing League#Teams and drivers The official entry list for the 2002 Indianapolis 500 was released on April 9, 2002.Herman Steve April 10, 2002 Ex-F1 racer Herber late Indy 500 entry https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-madison-courier-ex-f1-racer-herber-l/208191445/ October 13, 2026 Madison Courier Newspapers.com Associated Press Entry invitations were mailed to eligible race teams on February 22, and the deadline was set for April 3.Kelly Paul February 25, 2002 Entry Invitations For 86th Indianapolis 500 Mailed http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=443 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020414182522/http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=443 April 14, 2002 October 13, 2026 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Drivers from Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART), Formula One, NASCAR, the Sports Car Club of America, the United States Auto Club and racers through the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile listings were eligible to compete. Eighty-nine cars for 46 entries were featured on the entry list, with 37 drivers being named to the entries. Among the drivers entered were six former winners of the race and 11 race rookies. Each car was fitted with Firestone tires. Dallara and G-Force Technologies were the chassis providers, and Chevrolet and Infiniti were the engine suppliers.May 2, 2002 IRL: Indy 500: Entry list 2002-05-02 https://au.motorsport.com/indycar/news/irl-indy-500-entry-list-2002-05-02/1971041/ October 13, 2026 Motorsport.com Team and driver changes Team Penske left CART at the conclusion of the 2001 season and moved to the IRL full-time with Castroneves and De Ferran. Team Green filed two entries for the race, which were to be driven by race rookie Dario Franchitti and Paul Tracy, who returned to the race for the first time in seven years.Ballard Steve February 5, 2002 Franchitti, Tracy get rides for Indy 500 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-franchitti-2002-in/118000870/ October 13, 2026 The Indianapolis Star D1 Newspapers.com The team later added Michael Andretti for the second consecutive Indianapolis 500.Cavin Curt February 8, 2002 Andretti's CART team to join him here https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-andrettis-cart-te/208199521/ October 13, 2026 The Indianapolis Star D1 Newspapers.com Chip Ganassi Racing filed three entries for the event, with the cars driven by Kenny Bräck, Bruno Junqueira, and Jeff Ward.Ballard Steve March 15, 2002 Ganassi, Penske vying for Stewart https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star/207513346/ October 13, 2026 The Indianapolis Star D7 Newspapers.com Team Rahal filed its first entry to the race since the CART–IRL split in 1996, fielding 1996 CART champion Jimmy Vasser.March 15, 2002 Team Rahal chooses Vasser to drive in Indianapolis 500 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-leaf-chronicle-team-rahal-chooses-va/208211789/ The Leaf-Chronicle B3 Newspapers.com Associated Press Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk also signed to drive at Indianapolis for the second successive year with Treadway Racing.February 27, 2002 Luyendyk enters Indy 500 https://www.newspapers.com/article/waterloo-region-record-luyendyk-enters-i/208198533/ October 13, 2026 Waterloo Region Record E5 Newspapers.com Three-time Formula One Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert joined Duesenberg Brothers Racing in an attempt to make his Indianapolis 500 debut,April 8, 2002 Herbert lands Indy 500 drive https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/herbert-lands-indy-500-drive-5044106/5044106/ October 13, 2026 Autosport while Cheever Racing added a third entry to be driven by IRL debutant Max Papis.April 28, 2002 Papis joins Cheever for Indy 500 https://www.autosport.com/indycar/news/papis-joins-cheever-for-indy-500-5043593/5043593/ October 13, 2026 AutosportApril 28, 2002 Cheever hires Papis for 500 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-vincennes-sun-commercial-cheever-hir/208201200/ October 13, 2026 Vincennes Sun-Commercial Newspapers.com Associated Press P. J. Jones signed for Team Menard as the temporary replacement for the injured Jaques Lazier,Armijo Mark April 30, 2002 P.J. Jones gets Indy 500 ride https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-republic-pj-jones-gets-indy-50/208203841/ October 13, 2026 The Arizona Republic C3 Newspapers.com Oriol Servià was hired by team owner Derrick Walker to drive the Walker Racing-prepared No. Car number 15 car,May 10, 2002 Walker driver https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-walker-driver-windsor/208208668/ October 13, 2026 Windsor Star C3 Newspapers.com Tony Kanaan attempted to debut at the race with Mo Nunn Racing, and 1999 Indy Racing League champion Greg Ray was signed to drive for A. J. Foyt Racing beginning at the Indianapolis 500 as the replacement for the injured Eliseo Salazar.April 25, 2002 Ray replaces Salazar https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-ray-replaces-salazar-the-t/208209518/ October 13, 2026 The Tribune 1B Newspapers.com Associated Press Sarah Fisher returned to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing as teammate to Robbie Buhl after filling in for Buhl at the preceding Firestone Indy 225.Miller Kimberly May 8, 2002 Fisher Joins Dreyer & Reinbold For Indianapolis 500 http://www.indyracing.com/press/story.php?id=786 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020511122359/http://www.indyracing.com/press/story.php?id=786 May 11, 2002 October 13, 2026 Indy Racing League Mark Dismore committed to driving with Sam Schmidt Motorsports over Cheever Racing at Indianapolis.Cavin Curt April 16, 2002 Dismore decides on ride for 500 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-dismore-decides-on/208210896/ October 13, 2026 The Indianapolis Star D3 Newspapers.com International Kart Federation champion George Mack attempted to become the second African American driver after Willy T. Ribbs to qualify for the race. Robby Gordon attempted "double duty" for the third time competing in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day with the consent of his team Richard Childress Racing.Harris Mike March 30, 2002 Robby Gordon gets team's go-ahead to run again at Indy https://www.newspapers.com/article/lincoln-journal-star-robby-gordon-gets-t/208196619/ October 13, 2026 Lincoln Journal Star Newspapers.com Associated Press Tony Stewart, who attempted the feat in 1999 and 2001, opted not to do so in 2002, opting to focus on NASCAR and on attempting to secure the series title.Fryer Jenna May 26, 2002 Stewart not planning double-duty https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-and-democrat-stewart-not-plann/208197566/ October 13, 2026 The Times and Democrat 3B Newspapers.com Associated Press NASCAR driver John Andretti was not allowed to attempt double duty by his superiors at Petty Enterprises, who wanted him to focus on the Coca-Cola 600.Fryer Jenna March 24, 2002 No double-duty for John Andretti https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-anniston-star-no-double-duty-for-joh/208195544/ October 13, 2026 The Anniston Star 3C Newspapers.com Associated Press Testing and Rookie Orientation The Rookie Orientation and Refresher Programs was set to be held at Indianapolis on April 12 and April 13. Rookie Orientation consists of four phases; the first phase features speeds between 200 and 205 mph km/h, the second phase features speeds between 205 and 210 mph km/h, the third phase features speeds between 210 and 215 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. Speeds were increased by 5 mph km/h on for 2002 following consultation between Indy Racing League Director of Operations Brian Barnhart and experienced drivers as well as studying track conditions.Crowley Joe April 12, 2002 Day 1 Of Rookie Orientation Canceled Due To Rain http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=656 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020601193815/http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=656 June 1, 2002 October 14, 2026 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Testing – April 8 and 9 A two-day private test session was held in cold weather at Indianapolis involving Team Green to prepare for the race. Tracy set the fastest lap with an average speed of 226.6 mph km/h on. His teammate Franchitti damaged the rear suspension against the turn one wall.Mauk Eric April 9, 2002 Team Green Runs First Indianapolis Test http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=19&id=912 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020617185627/http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=19&id=912 June 17, 2002 October 14, 2026 Speed Rookie Orientation – Friday April 12 April 12 was set to be the first full day of rookie orientation but it was cancelled by Barnhart after 15 minutes of green flag running due to intermittent rain affecting efforts to dry the track. Before the rain fell, John de Vries, Anthony Lazzaro, Mack, Tomas Scheckter, and Rick Treadway each ran laps of the track. Laurent Redon was the only driver not to set a lap time. Rookie Orientation – Saturday April 13 The second day of rookie orientation took place on April 13 and Scheckter set the day's fastest speed in the afternoon session of 226.055 mph km/h on after rain cancelled the morning session. He, De Vries, Lazzaro, Mack, and Treadway passed the rookie test, while Scott Harrington passed the refresher test. Redon was required to complete the fourth phase during official practice in May after he completed six of the ten laps in the phase due to an engine failure that left him short of time.Crowley Joe April 13, 2002 Six Rookies Ready To Participate In May http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=659 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020601194147/http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=659 June 1, 2002 October 14, 2026 Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayCavin Curt April 14, 2002 Engine, rain slow progress by Redon https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-engine-rain-slow/208246711/ October 14, 2026 The Indianapolis Star C11 Newspapers.com Testing – April 16 and 17 On April 16 and 17, a test was conducted at Indianapolis to prepare for the event. Alex Barron, Bräck, Castroneves, De Ferran, Junqueira, Salazar, and Vasser were the seven participants.April 16, 2002 Private IMS Testing Cut Short Due To Salazar Accident http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=669 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020602062835/http://my.brickyard.com/500/press/story.php?story_id=669 June 2, 2002 October 14, 2026 Indianapolis Motor SpeedwayMauk Eric April 17, 2002 Indianapolis Testing Continues http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=19&id=1045 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020616001446/http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=19&id=1045 June 16, 2002 October 14, 2026 Speed Salazar crashed heavily backwards into the turn one outside fence, heavily damaging the rear of his car. He was transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis to repair a torn vertebral artery in his chest.Mauk Eric April 17, 2002 Salazar To Miss Nazareth After Emergency Surgery http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=19&id=1050 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20020616002245/http://speedtv.com/auto/?lvl=3a&cat=19&id=1050 June 16, 2002 October 14, 2026 Speed Salazar was replaced for the event by Ray. Practice and time trials Practice – week 1 On opening day, Robby McGehee became the first driver to crash into the newly installed SAFER barrier.http://www.racingwest.com/news/story.php3/3785/index.htm SAFER Barrier stands up well to heavy first hit at Indianapolis RacingWest.com 2002-05-05 2008-06-17 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20050426214637/http://www.racingwest.com/news/story.php3/3785/index.htm 2005-04-26 Scott Sharp and Hélio Castroneves led the speed chart. During the first week of practice, rain delayed the start of track activity on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Several hours of practice time were lost, with over 2 in mm of rain falling in those four days. Crashes involving P. J. Jones, Mark Dismore, Max Papis, and Alex Barron occurred during the first week. During practice on the morning of pole day, Paul Tracy suffered a major accident in turn 2, demolishing his lone car. Without a backup car, the team was forced to make repairs. The top of the speed chart changed widely over each day, with no driver atop the leaderboard more than twice all month. Speeds flirted with the 230 mi/h km/h on barrier for the first time since 1996. Bruno Junqueira finally cracked 230 mi/h km/h on around 3:30 p.m. on Friday May 10. Pole Day time trials – Saturday May 11 Three days of time trials were scheduled for 2002. On pole day May 11, Bruno Junqueira was the first car to make a qualifying attempt. He finished at 231.342 mi/h km/h on, the fastest pole speed since 1996. His speed held up all afternoon, and he secured his first Indy 500 pole position. He was also the first driver since Emerson Fittipaldi in 1990 to win the pole after qualifying as the coveted "first in the field." The front row was rounded out by IRL-regular Robbie Buhl, and Raul Boesel in the Team Menard car. Defending champion Hélio Castroneves managed only 13th starting position, while veteran Michael Andretti was the second slowest of the day at 226.780 mi/h km/h on. The second day of time trials, scheduled for May 12, was rained out. All remaining time trials were shifted to bump day, May 19. Practice – week 2 During the second week of practice, three additional days were delayed or halted by rain. Paul Tracy returned to the track late in the week, in preparation to qualify on the second weekend. Bump Day time trials – Sunday May 19 On bump day, nine spots remained open in the field. Rain delayed the start by over an hour, but several cars lined up to make attempts. The field filled to 33 cars just before 2 p.m., with Billy Roe on the bubble. With light rain threatening, George Mack bumped Roe out of the field at 2:35 p.m. In doing so, he became the second African American driver (following Willy T. Ribbs) to qualify for the Indy 500. With some cars practicing and preparing to enter the qualifying line, Team Green withdrew the slow time previously put in by Michael Andretti. The move momentarily reinstated Roe to the field. Andretti's speed greatly improved from the previous weekend, and he safely bumped his way back into the field. With Billy Boat on the bubble, rain stopped qualifying at 3:40 p.m., and it was eventually ended at 4:51 p.m. Jimmy Kite and Donnie Beechler were left waiting in the qualifying line. Carb Day On Thursday May 23, the final practice session was held. Indy rookie Tony Kanaan led the speed chart at 225.752 mi/h km/h on. All 33 starters took laps without incident. Pit Stop Challenge The 26th annual Coors Pit Stop Challenge was held Thursday May 23. Twelve teams competed in a single-elimination bracket. Six crew earned berths based on their pit stop performances at Indy Racing League events since the previous year's Indy 500: Panther Racing (Sam Hornish Jr.), Cheever Racing (Eddie Cheever), Hemelgarn Racing (Buddy Lazier), Chip Ganassi Racing (Jeff Ward), Kelley Racing (Al Unser Jr. and Scott Sharp). Three crews earned spots based on IRL points standings going into the Indianapolis 500: Team Penske (Helio Castroneves and Gil de Ferran), and Mo Nunn Racing (Felipe Giaffone). The final three spots were filled by at-large participants. The race pole position winner received an automatic berth; however, if that driver had already qualified for the contest, or declined the invitation, the berth went to the fastest race qualifier not already in the contest. The final two spots were to be filled by a last-chance pit stop "time trials" session scheduled for Wednesday May 8. Due to inclement weather, the last-chance pit stop "time trials" session was postponed to Wednesday May 15. Chip Ganassi Racing (Kenny Bräck) and Team Rahal (Jimmy Vasser) advanced from the "time trials". Polesitter Bruno Junqueira (Ganassi) took the final spot. Felipe Giaffone later withdrew, and he was replaced with Robbie Buhl from Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. Four teams received byes for the first round. During the first round matches, Kenny Bräck lost to Buddy Lazier after receiving a penalty for a loose rear wheel. Eddie Cheever was also issued a penalty for equipment outside of the pit box. During the quarterfinals, Sam Hornish Jr. was penalized and eliminated after he lost a right rear wheel. The finals pitted Penske versus Ganassi, with the crew of Hélio Castroneves defeating Jeff Ward. It was the first victory in the event for Castroneves, and the seventh overall for Penske. First Round Quarterfinals Semifinals Finals 9 Jeff Ward(Chip Ganassi Racing) 10.5428 33 Bruno Junqueira(Chip Ganassi Racing) 10.9029 19 Jimmy Vasser(Team Rahal) 10.1999 8 Scott Sharp(Kelley Racing) 10.4079 91 Buddy Lazier(Hemelgarn Racing) 10.8687 22 Kenny Bräck(Chip Ganassi Racing) 15.0684 6 Gil de Ferran(Team Penske) 9.5320 51 Eddie Cheever(Cheever Racing) 13.8425 9 Jeff Ward(Chip Ganassi Racing) 9.6177 24 Robbie Buhl(Dreyer & Reinbold) 15.989 19 Jimmy Vasser(Team Rahal) 10.2903 4 Sam Hornish Jr.(Panther Racing) 15.2026 3 Hélio Castroneves(Team Penske) 8.9366 91 Buddy Lazier(Hemelgarn Racing) 11.9955 6 Gil de Ferran(Team Penske) 9.6356 7 Al Unser Jr.(Kelley Racing) 11.6030 9 Jeff Ward(Chip Ganassi Racing) 9.8690 19 Jimmy Vasser(Team Rahal) 11.1017 3 Hélio Castroneves(Team Penske) 8.7355 6 Gil de Ferran(Team Penske) 9.7465 3 Hélio Castroneves(Team Penske) 8.5555 9 Jeff Ward(Chip Ganassi Racing) 10.3433 Starting grid RowInsideMiddleOutside1BRA 33 - Bruno JunqueiraUSA 24 - Robbie BuhlBRA 2 - Raul Boesel2BRA 21 - Felipe GiaffoneBRA 17 - Tony Kanaan orange R silverUSA 51 - Eddie Cheever gold W silver3USA 4 - Sam Hornish Jr.USA 8 - Scott SharpUSA 23 - Sarah Fisher4RSA 52 - Tomas Scheckter orange R silverUSA 31 - Robby GordonUSA 7 - Al Unser Jr. gold W silver5BRA 3 - Hélio Castroneves gold W silverBRA 6 - Gil de FerranUSA 9 - Jeff Ward6FRA 34 - Laurent Rédon orange R silver USA 5 - Rick Treadway orange R silverITA 53 - Max Papis orange R silver7USA 19 - Jimmy VasserUSA 91 - Buddy Lazier gold W silverSWE 22 - Kenny Bräck gold W silver8USA 20 - Richie HearnUSA 98 - Billy BoatNED 55 - Arie Luyendyk gold W silver9USA 39 - Michael AndrettiUSA 44 - Alex Barron orange R silver JPN 12 - Shigeaki Hattori orange R silver 10GBR 27 - Dario Franchitti orange R silver CAN 26 - Paul TracyBRA 14 - Airton Daré11USA 11 - Greg RayUSA 30 - George Mack orange R silver USA 99 - Mark Dismore Alternates First Alternate: #81 USA Billy Roe – Bumped Second Alternate: None Failed to qualify #10 USA Robby McGehee – Waved off #15 ESP Oriol Servià orange R silver – Waved off #37 USA Scott Harrington – Waved off #99 USA Jimmy Kite – Stalled during qualifying attempt (replaced by Mark Dismore) #16 USA Jon Herb – Failed to make an attempt during qualifying #32 USA Memo Gidley orange R silver – Failed to make an attempt during qualifying #41 USA Donnie Beechler – Failed to make an attempt during qualifying #32 UK Johnny Herbert orange R silver – (replaced by Memo Gidley) #37 AUS John de Vries orange R silver – (replaced by Scott Harrington) #99 USA Anthony Lazzaro orange R silver – (replaced by Jimmy Kite) Race running thumb|right|175px|Tomas Scheckter is scored as the leader one lap before he crashes. thumb|right|175px|Gil de Ferran loses a wheel. thumb|right|175px|Castroneves celebrates his victory. Start After a month plagued by constant rain, race day saw clear blue skies and temperatures in the mid 70s (°F). Mari Hulman George gave the command to start engines at 10:52 a.m. EST, and all cars pulled away behind the 50th Anniversary Chevrolet Corvette pace car. At the start, polesitter Bruno Junqueira took the lead and led the first 32 laps. A record-setting pace early on saw 29 laps completed before the first yellow. Greg Ray brought out the first caution with a crash in turn 1http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/motorsports/2002/indy500/news/2002/05/26/capsule_ap/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110622052623/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/motorsports/2002/indy500/news/2002/05/26/capsule_ap/ dead June 22, 2011 Indy 500 Capsule cnnsi.com 2002-05-26 2008-06-18 Junqueira and the rest of the leaders pitted, but he stalled exiting the pits, giving the lead over to rookie Tomas Scheckter. Mid race A sequence of pit stops around the 65th lap shuffled the leaderboard. Indy rookie Tony Kanaan took over the lead on lap 70. On lap 78, Sam Hornish Jr. brushed the wall exiting turn four, damaging his suspension. He drove the car to the pits for repairs. About a lap later, on lap 79, the caution came out for debris. Paul Tracy later claimed responsibility, stating that he threw a harmless headrest cushion out on the track, hoping to draw a yellow, since he was in danger of being lapped.Paul Tracy, Part 1 https://dinnerwithracers.com/ep-228-dinners-with-paul-tracy-paul-pt-1/ Dinner with Racers 228 Ryan Eversley Sean Heckman November 8, 2023Paul Tracy, Part 2 https://dinnerwithracers.com/ep-229-dinners-with-paul-tracy-paul-pt-2/ Dinner with Racers 229 Ryan Eversley Sean Heckman November 8, 2023 While the leaders pitted, fifth place Robby Gordon suffered a large fire and explosion in his pit stall. The explosion blew the top off the pit-side fuel tank. Gordon was uninjured, and the car was able to continue. With his pit-side tank now mostly depleted, and damage sustained to the tank itself, Gordon's crew was relocated. They moved to the vacated pit stall of Greg Ray, who had already dropped out of the race. On lap 90, with Kanaan still leading, Jimmy Vasser and Bruno Junqueira both slowed with mechanical problems. An oil leak on the track went unnoticed, and leader Kanaan spun in the oil, crashing into turn 3. Rick Treadway also became involved in the incident. Scheckter resumed the lead after Kanaan dropped out. Meanwhile, Sam Hornish Jr. returned to the track, albeit several laps down. Second half With as many as 13 cars on the lead lap, a very long stretch of green flag racing commenced. Two sequences of green-flag pit stops shuffled the lead among Gil de Ferran, Scott Sharp, Felipe Giaffone, and Alex Barron. However, Scheckter still found himself back into the lead by lap 166. With 30 laps to go, Scheckter held an 8.3-second lead over Paul Tracy. On lap 173, after leading 85 laps during the race, leader Tomas Scheckter slid high in turn four and crashed against the wall down the frontstretch.http://www.indy500.com/images/stats/pdfs/dtr/2002.pdf 2002 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report Indy500.com 2002-05-27 2008-06-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20080625230314/http://www.indy500.com/images/stats/pdfs/dtr/2002.pdf 25 June 2008 live Under the yellow, the leaders pitted. Exiting the pits, Gil de Ferran lost a wheel that was not secured, and fell out of contention. Gambling on fuel, Hélio Castroneves stayed out and took over the lead.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/motorsports/2002/indy500/news/2002/05/26/penske_victory_ap/ https://web.archive.org/web/20110622052606/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/motorsports/2002/indy500/news/2002/05/26/penske_victory_ap/ dead June 22, 2011 Penske's calculated risk nets 12th 'W' SI.com 2002-05-26 2008-06-15 Alex Barron was second. On lap 179, officials recognized that Paul Tracy was inadvertently ahead of Felipe Giaffone, which required an extra lap under caution to sort out the running order. Giaffone was moved to third, and Tracy back to fourth. The caution was extended yet another lap because of a piece of debris on the track. Finish On lap 181, the green flag came back out with Castroneves leading, and Felipe Giaffone jumping into second.86th Indianapolis 500 Live Telecast - May 26, 2002 - Live Timing & Scoring List of Indianapolis 500 broadcasters ABC Sports ESPN on ABC The lapped car of Dario Franchitti slipped by to get in front of the field. Franchitti's car was painted nearly identical to Tracy's,2002 Indianapolis 500 Official Program - Starting Lineup and caused some confusion/misidentification by announcers. With ten laps to go, Castroneves still led Giaffone, with Paul Tracy charging into third. Castroneves was starting to run low on fuel, and his pace started to slow. Giaffone closed within a half-second. With less than 3 laps to go, Giaffone dove below Castroneves, attempting to take the lead. The lapped car of Franchitti pulled alongside Castroneves, effectively blocking Giaffone. Castroneves held off the challenge, and third place Paul Tracy managed to move past Giaffone for second. Giaffone later complained that Franchitti was unfairly blocking to help his teammate Tracy. With 2 laps to go, Castroneves led Tracy by only 0.22 seconds at the start/finish line. Down the backstretch, Tracy started to move to the outside, in an attempt to make a pass for the lead. While they were approaching turn 3, a crash occurred on a different part of the track. The lapped car of rookie Laurent Redon got loose in turn 1, allowing Buddy Lazier (running in 8th place) to dive below him in turn 2. Redon came down on Lazier, the two cars touched, and both crashed hard into the outside wall exiting turn 2. At the same time the crash occurred in turn 2, Tracy and Castroneves were almost side-by-side in turn three. A yellow flag came out for the crash, and Tracy completed the pass. Castroneves backed off the throttle, which allowed Giaffone to pass him, as well as the lapped car of Sam Hornish Jr. Many believed at the time that Castroneves had run out of fuel, or was nearly out of fuel, and thought that was the reason he suddenly had slowed down. Castroneves claims that he saw the yellow light illuminate on his dashboard, and thinking at first it was the fuel light, and he reacted by letting off. Believing he had just taken the lead with one lap to go, Tracy proclaimed on his two-way radio "Yeah baby!".2002 Indianapolis 500 Two-Way Radio Scanner Traffic audio recording - May 26, 2002 https://web.archive.org/web/20080625230315/http://www.custompartsplus.com/f/Paul_Tracy_Scanner_2002.wav June 25, 2008 Barry Green soon responded "there's a problem." Officials in race control, led by Brian Barnhart, stated that Castroneves was the leader. On the final lap, Tracy, Giaffone, and the lapped car of Hornish, had broken away, and crossed the finish line approximately 19 seconds before the rest of the field.The original IndyRacingLeague.com Live Timing & Scoring reports scored Tracy's transponder crossing the finish line 19.4404 seconds prior to Castroneves. Giaffone crossed the finish line 1.229 seconds after Tracy. The unofficial, tentative report was deleted one day after the race. The Corvette pace car, was in turn 4, and was not able to enter the track and pack up the field. At a slowed pace, and running low on fuel, Castroneves, with the lapped car of Dario Franchitti immediately behind him (in a car painted nearly identical to Tracy's) took the checkered flag as the winner. Tracy and Giaffone completed an additional lap, and were scored by the computer unofficially as second (82.8341 seconds behind) and third (85.6007 second behind) respectively. Their completion of lap 200 was ignored by the scoring system, and their completion of lap 201 was scored for their finish.http://www.indy500.com/stats/view/lapsviewer Indy500.com - 2002 Indianapolis 500 Lap Viewer 2010-02-09 2012-02-27 https://web.archive.org/web/20120227004159/http://www.indy500.com/stats/view/lapsviewer dead Castroneves then drove to the frontstretch, jumped out of his car, and climbed the catch fence just as he did a year earlier in 2001. Despite the concern for fuel, and after running 42 laps since his last pit stop, Castroneves completed his victory lap, and had 1 gallon of fuel remaining in the tank. Box score FinishStartNoNameQualChassisEngineLapsStatusEntrant1133BRA Hélio Castroneves gold W silver 229.052DallaraChevrolet200 166.499 mphTeam Penske22926CAN Paul Tracy228.006DallaraChevrolet200 (−)19.4398Team Green3421BRA Felipe Giaffone230.326G-ForceChevrolet200 (−)18.2104Mo Nunn Racing42644USA Alex Barron orange R silver 228.580DallaraChevrolet200 +1.4037Blair Racing5651USA Eddie Cheever gold W silver 229.786DallaraInfiniti200 +2.4549Team Cheever62220USA Richie Hearn227.233DallaraChevrolet200 +3.2022Sam Schmidt Motorsports72539USA Michael Andretti228.713DallaraChevrolet200 +3.5895Team Green81131USA Robby Gordon229.127DallaraChevrolet200 +6.1206Team Menard9159USA Jeff Ward228.557G-ForceChevrolet200 +7.5654Chip Ganassi Racing10146BRA Gil de Ferran228.671DallaraChevrolet200 +28.5425Team Penske112122SWE Kenny Bräck gold W silver 227.240G-ForceChevrolet200 +32.8195Chip Ganassi Racing12127USA Al Unser Jr. gold W silver 229.058DallaraChevrolet199 RunningKelley Racing133014BRA Airton Daré227.760DallaraChevrolet199 RunningA. J. Foyt Enterprises142455NED Arie Luyendyk gold W silver 228.848G-ForceChevrolet199 RunningTreadway Racing152091USA Buddy Lazier gold W silver 227.495DallaraChevrolet198 AccidentHemelgarn Racing16224USA Robbie Buhl231.033G-ForceInfiniti198 RunningDreyer & Reinbold Racing173230USA George Mack orange R silver 227.150G-ForceChevrolet198 Running310 Racing182398USA Billy Boat226.589DallaraChevrolet198 RunningCURB/Agajanian/Beck Motorsports192827GBR Dario Franchitti orange R silver 228.177DallaraChevrolet197 RunningTeam Green202712JPN Shigeaki Hattori orange R silver 228.192DallaraInfiniti197 EngineBradley Motorsports2132BRA Raul Boesel230.613DallaraChevrolet197 RunningTeam Menard221634FRA Laurent Rédon orange R silver 228.106DallaraInfiniti196 AccidentConquest Racing231853ITA Max Papis orange R silver 227.941DallaraInfiniti196 RunningTeam Cheever24923USA Sarah Fisher229.439G-ForceInfiniti196 RunningDreyer & Reinbold Racing2574USA Sam Hornish Jr.229.585DallaraChevrolet186 RunningPanther Racing261052RSA Tomas Scheckter orange R silver 229.210DallaraInfiniti172 AccidentTeam Cheever2788USA Scott Sharp229.486DallaraChevrolet137 EngineKelley Racing28517BRA Tony Kanaan orange R silver 230.253G-ForceChevrolet89 AccidentMo Nunn Racing29175USA Rick Treadway orange R silver 228.039G-ForceChevrolet88 AccidentTreadway Racing301919USA Jimmy Vasser227.743DallaraChevrolet87 GearboxTeam Rahal31133BRA Bruno Junqueira231.342G-ForceChevrolet87 GearboxChip Ganassi Racing323399USA Mark Dismore227.096DallaraChevrolet58 HandlingSam Schmidt Motorsports333111USA Greg Ray227.155DallaraChevrolet28 AccidentA. J. Foyt Enterprises gold W silver Former Indianapolis 500 winner orange R silver Indianapolis 500 Rookie All entrants utilized Firestone tires. Race statistics Lap Leaders Laps Leader 1–32 Bruno Junqueira 33–63 Tomas Scheckter 64–66 Tony Kanaan 67 Scott Sharp 68 Gil de Ferran 69 Al Unser Jr. 70–89 Tony Kanaan 90–91 Felipe Giaffone 92–120 Tomas Scheckter 121–124 Gil de Ferran 125–126 Scott Sharp 127–129 Felipe Giaffone 130–131 Alex Barron 132–149 Tomas Scheckter 150–157 Gil de Ferran 158–160 Felipe Giaffone 161–165 Alex Barron 166–172 Tomas Scheckter 173–176 Felipe Giaffone 177–200 Hélio Castroneves Total laps led Driver Laps Tomas Scheckter 85 Bruno Junqueira 32 Hélio Castroneves 24 Tony Kanaan 23 Gil de Ferran 13 Felipe Giaffone 12 Alex Barron 7 Scott Sharp 3 Al Unser Jr. 1 Cautions: 5 for 33 laps Laps Reason 30–36 Greg Ray crash in turn 1 79–87 Debris 90–98 Rick Treadway, Tony Kanaan crash in turn 3 173–180 Tomas Scheckter crash in turn 4 199–200 Laurent Rédon, Buddy Lazier crash in turn 2 Controversy Initial confusion thumb|right|175px|Hélio Castroneves thumb|right|175px|Paul Tracy In the immediate aftermath of the race, confusion reigned among the competitors, broadcasters, and fans. Brian Barnhart, in Race Control, made the initial call at the moment, stating "yellow, yellow, yellow, three is your leader" ("three" being Castroneves car number) over the director's radio channel, and such was repeated by his assistant Mel Harder over the teams' race control radio channel. Harder was in charge of activating the yellow lights around the track, and the in-car dashboard yellow light system. On the television broadcast, commentator Paul Page erroneously stated that Castroneves was the leader because the scoring "reverted back to the previous lap." 86th Indianapolis 500 Live Telecast - May 26, 2002 List of Indianapolis 500 broadcasters ABC Sports ESPN on ABC Such rules are used if electronic transponder-based scoring with multiple timing loops was not used, as in the past, but since the advent of transponder-based scoring, the rule has generally been instead of the last completed lap, but the last timing loop the car crossed at the point of caution. Page also, on at least one occasion, misidentified Dario Franchitti's car as that of Tracy's (the two cars had identical liveries). ABC waited over 14 minutes before they showed a replay of the pass or the crash.https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/28/sports/sports-media-coverage-of-indy-controversy-deserves-its-own-yellow-flag.html Coverage of Indy Controversy Deserves Its Own Yellow Flag NYT.com 2002-05-28 2008-06-19 Richard Sandomir However, ABC did air split-screen footage clearly showing the crash occurred before the pass. The footage, however, did not show conclusive evidence of when the yellow light came on. However, TV analyst Scott Goodyear was convinced that Helio won the race, referencing his loss of the 500 in 1995 where he figured out that post-race appeals were rarely accepted. On the live radio broadcast Mike King announced that "race control said the pass would not count." 86th Indianapolis 500 Live Broadcast - May 26, 2002 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network IMS Radio Network Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network Donald Davidson echoed the same erroneous information that the scoring reverted to the previous lap (though it was last completed loop prior to caution), and added that the cars did not race back to the yellow, as was the policy in NASCAR at the time (the rule was changed in September 2003, when the practice was banned and scoring reverts to the last scoring loop crossed before the caution was called, except in the final lap or a caution that ends a race because of weather or darkness, when it reverts to video replays). A similar controversy took place at the 2019 INDYCAR Portland road course event at the start when a massive crash at the opening chicane caused 11 laps of caution as officials could not determine positions based on video evidence. Officials decided for the 2020 season that scoring reverts to the last loop crossed when a caution occurs.https://racer.com/2020/01/03/indycar-revamps-field-ordering-for-restarts/ IndyCar revamps field ordering for restarts RACER 3 January 2020 January 3, 2020 January 3, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200103214220/https://racer.com/2020/01/03/indycar-revamps-field-ordering-for-restarts/ dead In the pits, Barry Green immediately challenged the decision. He told Tracy over the two-way radio that there was "a problem," and later chimed sarcastically that "they (presumably IRL officials) are not going to let one of us (one of the CART teams) win." He contended that Tracy said he had completed the pass before the yellow caution light came on. Tracy said "I feel that I was ahead of him when it went yellow. I passed him, and I saw green. We're going to protest this thing because I was ahead of him when the yellow came out." Meanwhile, Castroneves stated the yellow had come out before the pass was made. "The only reason he passed me, it's because the yellow came on, and I lifted off. I cannot feel sorry for Paul Tracy." Other drivers had different opinion. Eddie Cheever called the finish "confusing." Dario Franchitti, Tracy's teammate, said that "Paul (Tracy) had passed (Castroneves) on the outside before the yellow came out." Mario Andretti, however, spoke with Tracy after the race, and said that Tracy was "more concerned with keeping an eye on Castroneves' car" than watching the yellow lights. Protest Official results were posted five hours after the race, with Castroneves declared the winner and Paul Tracy second. As the cars did not cross the finish line in order, the standings were amended so that Tracy's finishing time was scored as a fraction of a second behind that of Castroneves. Team Green immediately filed a protest, and the hearing was scheduled for May 27 at 10:00 a.m. During the two-hour hearing, Brian Barnhart and Indy Racing League officials denied the protest and presented their conclusions. Officials determined that Castroneves was indisputably the leader under the following relevant times: At the last scoring antenna (entrance of turn 3) before the caution; margin was 0.0371 seconds At the time of the accident of Redon and Lazier in turn 2 At the time that race official Brian Barnhart made the radio call for a caution At the time that the dashboard caution lights were activated In rejecting the protest, Barnhart stated that "Team Green did not present anything that was conclusive enough in any way, shape or form to change our mind." Appeals hearing Team Green submitted a written appeal of the protest decision on June 3. A closed-door appeals hearing was scheduled for June 17.https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/08/sports/plus-auto-racing-indy-500-appeal-set-for-june-17.html Indy 500 Appeal Set for June 17 New York Times 2002-06-08 2008-06-15 Speedway President Tony George presided over the hearing, with Indianapolis attorney Dave Mittingly assisting. Both Team Green and Penske Racing presented evidence, and several persons involved provided testimony. Among those who gave testimony were Tracy, Castroneves, Sam Hornish Jr., Dario Franchitti, Brian Barnhart (race control), Doug Boles (spotter in turn three for Hornish Jr.), and Jeff Horton (IRL Director of Engineering). The basis of Team Green's argument was that Tracy was the leader when the yellow lights around the track came on, and that those lights should control. While they acknowledged that Castroneves was leading at the time Barnhart called for the yellow, they argued it was irrelevant unless the yellow lights were on. They also did not dispute that it was possible that the dashboard yellow lights on Castroneves' car came on while Castroneves was still leading. They cited the inconsistencies of the dashboard system from car to car, and claimed the dashboard lights had not come on in Tracy's car until after he had made the pass. Penske Racing's primary defense concentrated on their interpretations of the IRL rulebook. They stated that at the commencement of a yellow caution period, the positioning of the cars is a judgement call made quickly by the officials. They also stated that the ruling of a car passing another car under a caution period is specifically listed as not protestable or appealable under the existing rules. On July 2, 2002, Tony George issued an 18-page decision on the appeal. He upheld the victory of Hélio Castroneves, and denied Team Green's appeal. In his decision, George stated that "Clearly Helio (Castroneves) was in front when the call (for the yellow) was made" and that several of the caution signals, including trackside and dashboard lights, a radio announcement and a flag closing the pits, were displayed before Tracy's pass. George also accepted Penske's arguments that, even if Tracy was ahead before the caution, the decision to call Castroneves the leader was an unappealable judgment call. Aftermath After the decision was rendered, the reaction among fans, media, and competitors was split largely along party lines. CART supporters generally sided with Team Green and Paul Tracy denouncing the decision, while IRL supporters generally accepted the final result. Many Tracy supporters felt the decision was politically motivated, suggesting that Tony George favored Penske Racing (a full-time IRL team) and punished the part-time, rival CART-based effort of Team Green. The controversy was divisive, and worked to reopen wounds from the 1996 open wheel split. Robin Miller openly criticized the decision, and considered Tracy "the unofficial 2002 Indy winner." http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/miller_pooh-poohing_a_win-win Miller: Pooh-Poohing a Win-Win SpeedTV.com 2007-04-23 2008-07-07 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081007102427/http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/miller_pooh-poohing_a_win-win 2008-10-07 The day after the race, he presented video footage on RPM 2Night, which he claimed showed evidence the pass was completed under green. Shirts and hats were sold at CART events declaring Tracy the "Real IRL 500 winner", which Tracy would be seen publicly wearing at times. With Tracy officially relegated to second finishing position, he ultimately failed to break a 91-year-old record that dated back to the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Tracy had started 29th, and had he won the race, would have set the record for the lowest starting position by the race winner. It also would have been a post-WWII record for lowest starting position for a winner in any Indy car race. The all-time record was set by Ray Harroun in 1911 (and subsequently tied by Louis Meyer in 1936) by winning the Indianapolis 500 from the 28th starting position. Tracy also missed out on matching the record of fewest laps led by an Indy 500 champion, as he would have led only the final two laps of the race (the previous fewest was in 1912 with only 2 laps led); Dan Wheldon would take the record in 2011 with only one lap led. Starting with the next IndyCar Series telecast, ABC/ESPN experimented with a new on-screen graphic displaying a yellow banner or yellow symbol the instant a caution period commenced. The system was tied to official race control, and was utilized to avoid confusion about yellow-light conditions, similar to the graphic that had been deployed by Fox, FX, NBC, and TNT for their NASCAR telecasts beginning in 2001. A few weeks after the decision, Barry Green announced he was selling his share of Team Green to Michael Andretti, and would be taking a sabbatical from the sport. He reportedly had spent over $100,000 on legal expenses. Paul Tracy finished out a mediocre CART season with Green, and left the team at season's end. He won one race, and was voted the 2002 CART Most Popular Driver. During his acceptance speech, he thanked Tony George for helping him win the award, and added that the dispute strengthened his fanbase. "Since that whole disaster, I've become a fan favorite. I guess this is like my Borg-Warner Trophy."http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=111941&FS=INDYCAR CART 2002 Awards presented in Miami Motorsport.com 2002-11-23 2008-06-20 https://web.archive.org/web/20110606164121/http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=111941&FS=INDYCAR 2011-06-06 dead With CART facing financial trouble at season's end, Michael Andretti took the team, then called Andretti Green, next Andretti Autosport, and currently Andretti Global, full-time to the IndyCar Series for 2003. Andretti Autosport has since scored five Indianapolis 500 wins -- 2005, 2007, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Andretti also is a partner in Bryan Herta Autosport in the 2016 race that team won. Tracy, angered by the loss, refused to return to the IRL and the Indy 500 in subsequent seasons. On September 23, 2003, when asked if he were interested in driving in the IRL in 2004, he responded "I'm not driving one of those crapwagons."http://pressdog.typepad.com/dogblog/2008/03/tracy-holding-o.html Tracy Holding out for a "Less Crappy Crapwagon" Pressdog 2008-03-08 2008-06-15 The quote took on a life of its own, and was adopted as a political slogan and battle cry for IRL detractors for years to come. Under the profile section Tracy's official web site (PaulTracy.com) career highlights include "2002 Indy 500 Runner Up (yeah right)."http://www.paultracy.com/pt_profile.html Paul Tracy Profile PaulTracy.com 2008-06-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20080616032534/http://www.paultracy.com/pt_profile.html 16 June 2008 live Tracy continued in the Champ Car series, finally winning a season title in 2003, although it came after most of the top teams had already defected to the IRL. He eventually left the series, and had a short stint in the NASCAR Busch Series. In the wake of the 2008 open wheel unification, Tony George himself reportedly offered Tracy a ride with Vision Racing. Tracy initially declined, musing that "I'm not going to drive for hamburgers and hot dogs."https://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_story/?ID=230873 Tracy's options limited in IRL TSN.com 2008-02-29 2008-06-19 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110523081147/http://www.tsn.ca/auto_racing/news_story/?ID=230873 May 23, 2011 In July 2008, Tracy finally crossed lines and signed with Vision Racing to drive in the Edmonton Indy.https://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=12002 Tracy on board IndyCar.com 2008-07-24 He then made a highly publicized return at the 2009 Indianapolis 500, and was previously with NBC Sports as one of the network's INDYCAR broadcasters until he left at the end of the 2021 season. INDYCAR played off the controversy when Tracy won at the Speedway in 2016 at the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational Pro-Am, a race featuring amateur drivers paired with Indianapolis Motor Speedway racers, with the headline "Tracy finally gets to drink milk" upon his first career win at the Speedway.Tracy Finally Get to Drink Milk at Indianapolis Motor Speedway https://www.indycar.com/News/2016/06/06-19-SVRA-race INDYCAR.com INDYCAR Broadcasting Radio The race was broadcast live on the radio by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network.Powell Eric May 3, 2002 Indy 500 Fans Treated To Extensive TV, Radio Coverage http://indyracing.com/press/story.php?id=753 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20021216141615/http://indyracing.com/press/story.php?id=753 December 16, 2002 October 13, 2026 Indy Racing League It was carried by the American Forces Network and by 1,200 stations in Canada and the United States.May 26, 2002 Indy 500 Facts and Figures https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-indy-500-facts-and-figu/208188769/ October 13, 2026 The News Tribune C3 Newspapers.com Associated Press Mike King was the chief announcer, and color commentary was provided by Johnny Rutherford. Track historian Donald Davidson was heard on the broadcast, and Chris Economaki provided analysis. Jerry Baker, Chris Denari, Mark Jaynes and Kevin Lee reported from each of the track's turns. Adam Alexander, Kim Morris and Jim Murphy were the pit lane reporters, while Chuck Marlowe reported from the garages, and Howdy Bell from the medical center. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio NetworkBooth AnnouncersTurn ReportersPit/garage reportersChief Announcer: Mike King Driver expert: Johnny Rutherford Driver expert: Johnny Parsons Historian: Donald Davidson Commentary: Chris EconomakiTurn 1: Jerry Baker Turn 2: Kevin Lee Turn 3: Mark Jaynes Turn 4: Chris DenariKim Morris (north pits)Adam Alexander (center pits)Jim Murphy (south pits)Chuck Marlowe (garages)Howdy Bell (hospital) Television The race was broadcast live in the United States on ABC Sports, except in Indianapolis on WRTV, where it was tape-delayed to primetime.Ballard Steve May 29, 2002 Indy tops NASCAR on local television https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-indy-tops-nascar-o/208186152/ October 13, 2026 The Indianapolis Star D1 Newspapers.com Paul Page served as the play-by-play commentator, with Scott Goodyear the color commentator. Bob Jenkins took the role of hosting the race broadcast for the first time. Jack Arute, Vince Welch, Jerry Punch, and Gary Gerould served as pit reporters.VanOchten Brian May 26, 2002 Indy 500 has lost some of its luster https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-rapids-press-indy-500-has-lost/208188164/ October 13, 2026 The Grand Rapids Press E2 Newspapers.com Viewership for the event declined by nine per cent compared to the previous year's broadcast, with a 5.3 overnight rating and a 14 share. ABC TelevisionBooth AnnouncersPit/garage reportersHost: Bob Jenkins Announcer: Paul Page Color: Scott GoodyearJack AruteVince WelchDr. Jerry PunchGary Gerould Gallery Notes References 30em Works cited 2002 Indianapolis 500 Daily Trackside Report for the Media Indianapolis 500 History: Race & All-Time Stats - Official Site Indy 500 Capsule 2001 Hélio Castroneves 2002 Hélio Castroneves 2003 Gil de Ferran Category:Indianapolis 500 races Indianapolis 500 Category:2002 in IndyCar Indianapolis 500, 2002 Indianapolis 500 Indianapolis 500 Category:May 2002 sports events in the United States