Bell Leads Third Day Indy Qualifying

Townsend Bell led third-day qualifying Saturday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as 22 more cars qualified for the 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500, filling the field for the May 25 event. It sets the stage for an exciting “Bump Day” of final qualifying on Sunday, with as many as four more drivers battling to bump their way into the field based on qualifying speed.

Drivers yet to make the field include veteran Max Papis and rookie Mario Dominguez, who both crashed in separate incidents in the morning practice session; and Vision Racing’s A.J. Foyt IV, who struggled with both handling and mechanical issues and failed to complete a qualifying run. All three are expected to attempt to qualify on Sunday.

In addition, American Dream Racing’s Phil Giebler crashed during the afternoon practice, and was transported to Methodist Hospital for further examination of possible bruised lungs. The team hopes to attempt to qualify on Sunday, but must find another car for replacement driver Jaques Lazier.

Townsend Bell (#99 Dreyer and Reinbold Racing Honda) on leading third-day qualifying for the Indianapolis 500
“We’re really happy. We got the setup right for qualifying so that we could get four very consistent laps, and that was our goal. It was tough today, with the wind we had the car was sliding around and I had to work the controls a lot. It’s always ‘fun’ qualifying here at Indianapolis – kind of like hitting yourself repeatedly with a hammer! But the entire Dreyer and Reinbold Racing team has been outstanding this week, and I think we’re well prepared for the race. I’m really looking forward to starting my second Indianapolis 500.”