1. Can Power finally break through on ovals?
With his lead in the IZOD IndyCar Series championship down to 23 points, Will Power could really use his first career win on ovals tonight at Kentucky Speedway. Last week showed that he could hang in the lead pack at speedways, so if he has a good car under him — and his Team Penske crew doesn’t make any mistakes this time — he’ll be a threat again in Sparta.
2. Panther aims for first win since 2005
It’s been awhile for the former kings of the Indy Racing League, who haven’t won since Tomas Scheckter scored the victory at Texas in 2005. But after Dan Wheldon’s second-place effort at Chicagoland and Ed Carpenter’s surprising pole run on Friday at Kentucky (Wheldon’s starting third tonight), momentum appears on their side.
3. Kanaan, Hunter-Reay set to cut through field
Tony Kanaan and Ryan Hunter Reay’s qualifying sessions both went awry (RHR’s more so since he crashed his primary car) and as a result, they’re starting 26th and 27th tonight. Look for Kanaan to go flying around people on the first lap — it’s something of a signature for the former series champ.
4. Tracy makes Kentucky debut
Paul Tracy returns to action tonight at a track he’s never raced at before. He’ll be starting 23rd for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing. It’ll be interesting to see how he handles this course in his first time out.
5. Dario’s back in the game
He’s starting 11th but with a good car, starting position won’t matter. Now just 23 markers out of first place in the championship, Dario Franchitti has to keep the pressure on Will Power and be ahead of him at the finish.
