Hunter-Reay Replaces Junqueira

After being bumped as the gun sounded on Sunday, Ryan Hunter-Reay has found his way back into the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. A.J. Foyt has agreed to "help out" a team in need in Andretti Autosport by putting Hunter-Reay in the seat of Foyt's second car, the #41 qualified by Bruno Junqueira.

Race rules are that the CAR is qualified, not the driver. Changes like this are strung throughout the history of the Indianapolis 500, but just haven't happened very often, and certainly not due to sponsors (as it would appear this change is) instead of injury. In 1941, Mauri Rose was absolutely dominant in the 500. But a spark plug problem would end his day on lap 60. Car owner Lou Moore ordered his other driver, Fred Davis, who was running 14th at the time, to pit on lap 72. Davis climbed out of the car, and Rose jumped in and drove the car to victory lane! So driver changes for non-injury have happened much later in race week than this!

Here's my take on the whole situation:   It's about the team, about everything. not the car, not the driver, not the engineer, but the ENTIRE TEAM. Bruno has always been unbelievable at going fast during qualifications, but not as much during the race. As a team owner if I see a good racer available in RHR and I have a car in the race with a fast qualifier but not a fast driver during the race like Bruno, throwing sponsors aside, I put RHR in the car without any question! The higher the finish, the better money you get. That money can go to the entire team (engineers, pit crew, both drivers). Hunter-Reay raced with Foyt before, so Foyt knows what he's getting. Gutsy move by Foyt. If Hunter-Reay gets them to victory lane then this will be like Mauri Rose. Many may not like it, but if it breeds success then tough to argue against it!

My only question: what will Andretti do to get Mike Conway, currently fourth in the championship standings and not in the 500, into the race? I wondered if John Andretti would give up his seat for Conway, but that appears unlikely. Something to keep your eye on as we approach Carb Day.

This is Indy. This is May. Do what it takes to win. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines.