INDY 500 predictions

[NickHolt]

Local fans give their Indy 500 picks

 

By Bruce Mabrito

 

-Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff: "Robbie Buhl. Just out of

nostalgia, and the fact that he raced here in San Antonio in the Grand

Prix."

-Peggy Llewellyn, San Antonio professional motorcycle racer: "Hmmm,

I'm going to pick the No. 18 qualifier Sam Hornish Jr. Don't let the

qualifying position fool you, it's who crosses the finish line at the end

of the race and if any team can do it, it's Sam's."

-Terry White, San Antonio Speedway scorer: "I'm personally pulling

for Billy Boat."

-Greg Simmons, KSAT-TV12 Sports: "Helio Castroneves. Anyone who can

qualify a car at 231.725 miles per hour in 40 mile per hour winds has got

my vote. This guy's got it. I think we'll see the first time, three time

winner in a row."

-Alan Trollinger, New Braunfels "Beat the Heat" racing organization:

"Sharp is the one, but is it Sharp? No, I have to go with Scott Dixon!"

-Bob Castleberry, operations manager at Alamo Dragway: "My pick for

Indy is Robby Gordon, a strong qualifying effort, practiced well, and

doing the Sunday Double will give added incentive to win."

-Past S.A. mayor Howard Peak: "This is a combination of both my

wishes and reality. I would say Helio Castroneves because he has a good

car, good skills, and a great team. What will he do if he wins? Climb over

the fence?"

-Marc Roy, local motorsports photographer: "Helio Castroneves, due to

his recent dominance at Indy. He has a great crew and has had the taste of

victory and just like the Lakers were this year, he is the one to beat for

the three-peat."

-Chuck Licata, area motor racing announcer and radio host: "Okay, put

me down for Greg Ray for your upset winner in this year's 500. He's

looking strong, he was second fastest in practice at one point, and he's

very experienced at the 500. The man from Plano is due to win the biggest

race of his career."

-Charles McQuien, San Antonio motorsports historian: "A.J. Foyt IV."

-Greg Gallaspy, CEO at the Paseo del Rio Association: "Robbie Buhl!"

-Raul Saenz, KWEX-TV41 Sports: "Helio once again. He's won two in a

row. He's still hungry for the third one. I'm hoping to see him climb the

fence once again!"

-Larry Bendele, S.A. Speedway Late Model racer: "Kenny Brack will win

because he's fast and won't beat himself."

-Dr. Rick Bell, S.A. optometrist and racer: "Robby Gordon. He's come

close before, he's fast, more mature and aggressive."

-Neil Upchurch, founder of the Texas International Drivers

Association and Texas Pro Sedans: "No Chevrolet will be in the winner's

circle and Castroneves will climb the wheel fence for the third time in a

row."

-Mary Ann Naumann, race director of the Texas Super Racing Series:

"No. 27, Robby Gordon, Dallara-Honda, 230.205 miles per hour."

-Charles Gonzalez, WOAI TV4 Sports: "I kinda think that Helio will

win again. He's going to try and climb that fence again."

-Trey Ware, KTSA radio host: "Michael Andretti! He's got to get one

before he hangs 'em up."

-Dan Chapman, S.A. patent attorney: "Helio, the stars are aligned

properly."

-Barbie O'Connor, Zunne Group and team owner in past Indy 500s: "I

think it will be Michael Andretti as this is his last chance to race at

the Speedway. I really want Sarah Fisher to win, and if she stays out of

trouble, I think she can finish in the top five."

-Joe Reinagel, KENS-TV5 Sports: "I did a story about two years ago on

Billy Boat at Texas Motor Speedway. I'm going with my heart and pick

Boat."

-Judy Zampese, communications at San Antonio Raceway: "Yeah...I don't

have a clue. I'm still depressed about the Spurs losing their first game

to Dallas."

-Gene Watson, Alamo Classic Chevy Club past president: "I think that

Robby Gordon is going to win that race because the boy is hungry. He needs

a win. He's got a real good qualifying spot and I think he's going to take

it."

-George Briscoe, San Antonio band leader: "I guess Scott Sharp.

Besides, the Andrettis and Unsers aren't the only families who have a

famous racing heritage!"

-Nick Holt, TexasSpeedZone.com moderator: "Will have to go with the

fastest Toyota-powered qualifier in honor of Toyota's decision to locate a

major production facility here in San Antonio. So it's, 'Go Helio, Go!"

-Dr. Stephen Earle, Ferrari and Porsche road racer: "Buon giorno!

Castroneves...best team, good motor, and the experience of the last two

years...Il Dottore."

-Carl Wigglesworth, KTSA radio host: "I'm always a 'contrairian' on

this and I'm going with my favorite and that's Al Unser Jr. All those

years of experience and his desire to do it is still there. If he can keep

his car together, Little Al will win it."

-Jim Harrison, local kart racer: "Castroneves. Good team preparation,

cool competitor, good momentum."

-Jim Creech, S.A. Speedway Late Model competitor: "I would like to

see Andretti win, but can he overcome the Indy/Andretti jinx? I think

Kenny Brack is the guy this year."

-Randy Folck, S.A. software and quality consultant: "I need to go

with Helio Castroneves. He is the fastest, the pole sitter and has a

strong team. If he can stay out of engine trouble, Castroneves can win a

third Indy. Note that 'Little A.J.' will probably wipe out all drivers

from row nine back, removing the possibility of slow traffic hampering

Castroneves."

-Adam Kittle, local song writer/recording engineer: "Scott Sharp,

I'll go with this guy. I just have a feeling about it."

-Bill Sims, S.A. civil engineer and race fan: "My heart goes with

Andretti and his last Indy Car race, but my brain tells me that Tony

Kanaan is the one who will win the Indy 500."

-Dr. John Young, SCCA road racer: "I have to go with Helio

Castroneves. Why? Penske preparation, plus healthy, talented driver equals

possible success. I am worried about Gil de Ferran, Michael Andretti,

Scott Sharp, and other really good cars starting behind so many 'Indy

Rookies' who are up front. This could be a formula for disaster early on.

We've raced SCCA against A.J. Foyt IV a good bit and he is a young, nice

man, but needs experience. He did well with us at times, even though he

had the best professional equipment and crew against our amateurs, he was

not in a class by himself."