Image via WikipediaDan Wheldon picked up an improbable, jaw-dropping victory in the 100th Indy 500 Sunday.
It came down to fuel mileage. Danica Patrick led late, but didn't have enough for the end. Neither did Bertrand Baguette. When they pitted for fuel in the closing laps, rookie J. R. Hildebrand inherited the lead. The only question seemed to be if Hildebrand had enough. Then, going into Turn Four, close enough to coast home if he ran out, he went high to go around a lapped car, got up a tad too high and slid right up into the wall. Wheldon took advantage, flying past Hildebrand before the caution came out and grabbing the victory.
Wheldon celebrated in Victory Lane, but IndyCar officials huddled for about two hours before declaring him the official winner. The question seemed to be if Wheldon was in front of Hildebrand before the caution came out freezing the field, but that seemed pretty obvious on a quick replay.
Hildebrand was hoping to be the first rookie to win the Indy 500 since Helio Castroneves in 2001; instead, Wheldon, in a one-race deal with Bryan Herta Autosport, claimed his second Indy 500 victory. Ironically, Hildebrand took Wheldon's ride at Panther Racing this season.
Hildebrand coasted across the line to claim second, followed by Graham Rahal, Tony Kanaan and Scott Dixon. (Race results)
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