Interestingly the intra-squad tussle at Andretti Green Racing is now tied for the driver who’s flipped the most cars this season at 2-2. With Dario Franchitti’s dancin’ partner being the owner’s son Marco Andretti.
And just where do winning Indy 500 chassis go? As two of the last three year’s winners have now been flipped. (And wrecked!) With Marco flipping Dan Wheldon’s 2005 winner this May at the Speedway. While Dario flipped his 2007 winning entry at Michigan. Damaging 70% of the car, with only the tub, engine and gearbox surviving the impact.
And the “Kentucky Kid” that Dario flipped on the cool down lap? None other than Michael Andretti’s 2007 Indy 500 chassis that was also driven at Texas by Marco.
Speculation over the 2004 & 2006 Indianapolis 500 winner’s flipping their race winning mounts has been proven wrong. As Buddy Rice’s flip at Chicagoland was in a back-up chassis. While Sam Hornish Jr’s flip at Indy occurred two years prior to his first Borg Warner trophy. With the wrecked race car being unrepairable due to underside damage to the tub.
While AGR claims that the cars are too expensive to pull from competition and leave sitting on a show room floor. Roger Penske insists that nearly every winning Indy chassis be completely restored and pulled from active duty. As Penske team personnel claim fortunately Penske’s willing to buy new equipment…
And AGR leads the IRL in flips with six total. For this season along with two in 2003. One each by Wheldon and Mario andretti. Meanwhile AGR will repair both, err all three chassis and return them to service. With Franchitti’s latest two flyer’s being ready to race next year…
