Rain, Rain, Go Away -- It's Time for Helio to Play!

What a drag -- in preparation for IndyCar's biggest spectacle--the Indianapolis 500--practice for Team Penske was cancelled for a second straight day due to rain, making it 5 straight days that practice has been adversely affected by weather. Here's to hoping the sun will shine soon. Press release follows.

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Bad Weather Cancels Indy 500 Practice for Team Penske for Second Straight Day



SPEEDWAY, Ind. (May, 18, 2011) – Team Penske was once again unable to get valuable track time when Wednesday’s practice session for the 100th anniversary Indianapolis 500 was canceled because of rain.

The team’s three drivers – Ryan Briscoe, Helio Castroneves and Will Power – will try again Thursday, when weather conditions appear to be more favorable.

“It’s kind of like the same story all over again,” said Castroneves. “We came close to getting on track today, but once again, Mother Nature had something else in mind for us. We’ll just work a little harder when we do get a chance to run – hopefully tomorrow. Things are looking good on the Shell V-Power Pennzoil Ultra Team Penske car and we’ll be ready to go as soon as we get the opportunity.”


The cars were pulled to the pits at mid-afternoon Wednesday, but a persistent mist kept the cars off the track.

“Unfortunately the weather hampered our chances of getting back out on track again today, which tests our patience with not being able get more laps done here in Indy,” said Briscoe. “It’s frustrating, but knowing we have such good data to fall back on here at Team Penske keeps us from getting too anxious just yet. Hopefully tomorrow provides better weather and we can get back to work in the No. 6 IZOD Team Penske car.”


This marks the fifth consecutive day in which practice was affected by poor weather. Sunday’s session also was rained out, and portions of Saturday, Monday and Tuesday were delayed because of bad weather.

“It was just a waiting game today,” said Power. “We almost had the chance to run. Two days in a row of not getting on track is kind of a bummer. The Verizon car is in great shape and I have every confidence that the team will give me a fast race car. It is definitely going to be busy when we finally do get on track. On a positive note, I’ve had plenty of time to meet with the media and our sponsors over the last couple of days. Let’s hope we can get on track Thursday for fans and drivers alike.”

Action is scheduled to resume at 12 p.m. ET Thursday. Pole qualifying is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. ET Saturday, with the race set for May 29.