Beechler

INDIANAPOLIS -- When Donnie Beechler lost his ride at A.J. Foyt Racing after he crashed in practice before the Indy Racing League season opener, the last place he thought he would end up was in Foyt's car at the Indianapolis 500.

But in Beechler's case, never say never, especially when it comes to driving for Foyt at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In January, Foyt announced that Beechler would be one of his two drivers for the entire IRL season. That changed on March 1, when Beechler crashed at Homestead-Miami Speedway the day before the IRL opener and was replaced by Airton Dare.

After Dare had an impressive race at Homestead, Foyt gave him Beechler's ride for the entire season but would let Beechler drive for him at the Indy 500. Beechler not only turned down that offer, but also another to replace Eliseo Salazar, who was injured in testing here April 16.

"I was disappointed," Beechler said. "I think any driver would be disappointed. If you have something you are planning on for the whole year and all of a sudden you don't have it, you are scrambling to get in a better situation. But I can't hold it against anybody. It was a business decision that A.J. had to make and he made it."

Beechler arrived at Indy without a ride for the biggest race of the year. That all changed Tuesday morning, when he talked to Foyt.

"We're together again," Beechler said. "I'm not going to hold a grudge or anything. I was upset, but you move on. Our deal for this race is because he was man enough to ask me. I'm not going to spit on his shoe and I'll take the ride because I know he is capable of running good cars for this race."

Beechler said he was surprised that Foyt was in a position where neither of his primary cars was qualified for the race. Both Dare and Greg Ray were unable to get into the field during last Saturday's pole qualifications.

"The last thing I thought he would do would ask me to drive a third car when he is struggling to get the other two in," Beechler said. "He's got them figured out and their speeds will definitely get them in the field."

Ray was the fastest driver in Thursday's practice session with a lap at 227.291 miles per hour in a Dallara/Chevrolet. Indy 500 pole winner Bruno Junqueira was second at 226.598 mph in a G Force/Chevrolet, but he spun and crashed early in the day when he was attempting to enter the pits.

The driver was not hurt, but his car was sent to the garage for repairs.

Dare was third at 226.485 mph in a Dallara/Chevrolet. Beechler was the seventh-fastest driver at 225.431 mph behind Sam Hornish Jr., Felipe Giaffone and defending Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves.

"I was really surprised Tuesday morning when I stopped by A.J.'s garage and we got to talking," Beechler said. "The success I had with him last year at Indy and the races we ran together afterwards put me in a pretty good position.

"I want to be in this race and A.J. wants to get all three cars in the field. So if we have some luck on Sunday, we should be able to do that. It's the biggest race in the world and we need to get down to business and get these cars in the show."

There are nine spots left in the 33-car starting lineup that will be filled during Sunday's final round of qualifications.

As practice continues at the Speedway, Foyt's cars have been among the fastest the past two days, which may put all three of his drivers in decent position to make the race.

"I feel I am a third car, but I have a good shot at qualifying," Beechler said. "I want to get in the race ASAP and not wait until the final hour of qualifications. I think we'll have a good idea on Saturday where we stand. I'd like to get out there, throw up a number and get in the race."

Beechler could be in some impressive company in the back of the field with such drivers as Michael Andretti sitting 23rd and racers such as two-time Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, CART drivers Paul Tracy and Dario Franchitti still not in the race.

Some of the most famous drivers may be starting in the back. Beechler would like to hook up with them in a drive toward the front.

"It's a long race and from what I've seen so far, it's still tough to go from the back to the front," Beechler said. "It depends on how their cars are handling. My car last year started 27th and it took me 150 laps to get to seventh place.

"But I've got to get in the field and I want to get in there as soon as possible."