In a drama-filled Bump Day, HVM Racing successfully kept its two cars on the starting grid of the 2009 Indianapolis 500, with both E.J. Viso’s No. 13 PDVSA Honda Dallara and Nelson Philippe’s No.00 i drive green Honda Dallara qualifying for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Viso will start in the middle of Row 10 after running an average speed of 221.164 miles per hour in his late-afternoon qualifying run. He ran laps of 221.441, 221.228, 221.132 and 220.854.
Philippe, the first driver to make a qualifying run in today’s session, will start in Row 11 directly behind Viso after posting an average lap time of 220.754. He ran laps of 220.596, 220.968, 220.759 and 220.692.
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As the minutes ticked down toward the final gun and more cars ran last-ditch efforts to make the field, both HVM drivers were prepared to make additional qualifying runs if needed. But their speeds held and the session ended with HVM celebrating two entries into next week’s race.
Comments from HVM Racing Team Principal and Owner Keith Wiggins after Indy 500 Bump Day:
“Bump Day brought a lot of drama and excitement but, in the end, I am glad to say we have two cars in the race. The drivers and crews for both cars did a great job of adapting to the changing conditions and playing the ‘chess game’ that plays out as qualifying time runs down.”
“Now that we know both cars are confirmed, we can go back to working on our race strategy and setup for this week and Carb Day.”
Comments from PDVSA HVM Racing Driver E.J. Viso after Indy 500 Bump Day:
“As expected, we knew we had the pace in the car to qualify. We always had a bit of pressure because, even if we knew we could get in, we were not in yet. It’s a shame that it came down to the last day. I think it would have been such a bigger relief to have this job done last week.”
“I’m happy to be in the race. Last year we had a very good performance and I’m sure this year is going to be even better.”
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Comments from i drive green HVM Racing Driver Nelson Philippe after Indy 500 Bump Day:
“I have never been so relieved after two intense weeks of practice and qualifying. I am so happy to be a part of the show.”
“It was really nerve-wracking there at the end. But at the end of the day, we are in the show, we’re qualified. I’m really looking forward to driving the i drive green HVM car to the front.”
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