Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe was evaluated May 13 by the INDYCAR medical team in conjunction with its neurosurgeon consultant. INDYCAR Medical Director Dr. Michael Olinger said that Hinchcliffe is progressing well and has been cleared to begin light training with his athletic trainer.
Hinchliffe, who was diagnosed with a concussion resulting from an on-track incident during the Grand Prix of Indianapolis on May 10, has not been cleared to resume driving duties. He will be re-evaluated May 15.
E.J. Viso, who has been filling in for Hinchcliffe for three consecutive days of practice for the Indianapolis 500 in the No. 27 United Fiber & Data car, was fastest of 30 drivers in the May 13 session that was cut short by rain with a lap of 224.488 mph (40.0912 seconds).
Viso competed in an Andretti Autosport car last season.
"So far it's been pretty positive," Viso said. "The first lap was a little bit awkward after eight months out of the car. ... When you drive (Andretti Autosport) cars they're already up to speed."
Carpenter support Butler and vice versa
Verizon IndyCar Series team owner/driver Ed Carpenter will carry the Butler University logo on the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka car and helmet during the Indianapolis 500.
Carpenter, a 2003 graduate of Butler University, welcomed university President James Danko, Athletic Director Barry Collier, men’s basketball coach Brandon Miller, women’s basketball coach Kurt Godlevske and mascot Butler Blue III to the Speedway.
“There’s so much that goes in with the preparation and all of the details that go into racing and how you come out and have the product that you want," said Miller, of New Castle, Ind. "In talking to Ed, I realized I don’t know a whole lot about racing and how complicated it really is."
Pit Stop Competition contestants
The entries for the Pit Stop Competition, which follows the Freedom 100 race May 24 on Coors Lite Carb Day:
Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 2 Penske Motorsports
Helio Castroneves, No. 3 Team Penske
Ryan Briscoe, No. 8 NTT Data Chip Ganassi Racing
Scott Dixon, No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Tony Kanaan, No. 10 Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske
Takuma Sato, No. 14 A.J. Foyt Racing
Sage Karam, No. 22 Dreyer & Reinbold Kingdom Racing
Simon Pagenaud, No. 77 Schmidt Peterson Hamilton Motorsports
Charlie Kimball, No. 83 Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing