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closeIndyCar Notes | Patrick posts best time in Friday's testing
LUKE MEREDITH
The Associated Press
Friday, Jun. 20, 2008
NEWTON, Iowa - Danica Patrick ran the fastest time in Friday's testing session at the Iowa Speedway, with an average speed of 184.317 mph.
And, better yet for her, it's been two months since the questions stopped, and Patrick is thrilled about it. No longer can anyone ask when she'll get her first win.
Patrick, who finally took her first checkered flag in Japan in April, said Friday that even though she used to be asked about it at nearly every stop on the IndyCar Series, she never quite figured out the right answer.
"It's nice. It's such a relief," Patrick said. "As a driver, though, I want to win again, just like I did before. I'm still pushing that same amount, still feeling that pressure. I think us athletes live and die each day, and each day means everything to us."
Patrick finished 13th at Iowa in 2007 after getting tangled up in a multi-car wreck midway through the race. Seven cars in last year's field were involved in three separate accidents, as unseasonably cool weather left drivers with cold, slippery tires coming out of the pits.
"We were caught off guard," Patrick said of last year's race. "We anticipated a different kind of day, and I think that's why we fell a little bit short."
BRING ON THE PAPPARAZZI: Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves achieved a new level of fame by winning "Dancing With the Stars" last November. But Castroneves, nicknamed "Spiderman" for his habit of climbing fences following wins, has never shied away from attention before.
So it's no surprise that Castroneves basked in his newfound notoriety.
"I was like, 'Hey, I want to talk to you. Come over here,'" Castroneves said. "Normally, with paparazzi you try to avoid those guys, but I was actually going 'Oh yeah.' It turned out to be a good experience."
FLOOD RELIEF: Teams are chipping in to help the victims of Iowa's recent floods and tornadoes.
Chip Ganassi Racing drivers Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon announced Friday that they plan to donate their prize money from the Iowa 250, and Andretti Green Racing recently held an online auction that raised $10,000 for the American Red Cross.
"Donating to this cause is the least we could do," Dixon said. "I hope the race will provide at least a short respite from their struggles."
SPARKPLUGS: Milka Duno spun out and hit the wall during a practice run. Duno was checked out by the medical staff and was cleared to drive. ... Iowa Speedway president Jerry Jauron says that a crowd of more than 40,000 is expected on Sunday. The inaugural Iowa 250 drew just over 35,000 last year. ... Friday's second IndyCar practice session was moved to Saturday morning when a brief thunderstorm blew through Newton.