Juan Pablo Montoya's second Indianapolis 500 victory on Sunday "generated the bold-print, feel-good headlines IndyCar needed after a month dominated by flying cars, safety concerns and a seriously injured driver," according to Jenna Fryer of the AP. Montoya's win "served as a bright reminder that a classic comeback and a thrilling finish in front of a packed house can provide the series with the juice it needs to draw attention to the foundering series." The race was a "frantic battle between Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing, the titans of open-wheel racing," as the two organizations "combined to lead all but seven of the 200 laps" (AP, 5/24). FOXSPORTS.com's Bruce Martin noted the "epic battle" in the closing laps featured three of the circuit's top drivers -- Montoya, three-time series champion Scott Dixon and '14 series champ Will Power. The final 15 laps put the race "into the category of one of the greatest races ever held in the long history of this epic event." It was a "fast, fearless, clean battle where the crowd -- approaching 300,000 fans -- stood and cheered for every moment" (FOXSPORTS.com, 5/25). ESPN.com's Ryan McGee noted the race "featured 37 lead changes, second most in the event's storied history," and a "stunning five of those took place over the final 16 laps." Those were "only the official lead changes as they were recorded at the start-finish line." Dixon said, "There is something to be said for an exciting day at the office. And that's exactly what that was. And as exciting as it was, it was also safe" (ESPN.com, 5/24). Montoya said, "This is what racing in IndyCar is all about -- awesome racing all the way down to the wire" (RACER.com, 5/24).
SAFETY FIRST: USA TODAY's Chris Jenkins noted to "everyone’s relief, all the cars involved remained bound to the ground" after a crash-filled week leading up to the race. Power, who finished second on Sunday, believes the "slightly lower speeds that cars ran during the race -- as opposed to earlier in the month -- made a difference." And as "far as he’s concerned, there’s no reason for IndyCar to pursue ways to make the cars go any faster on ovals." Driver Charlie Kimball, who came in third, also "didn't see any reason for the series to pursue speed records, as long as they can put on a competitive show like they did Sunday." Kimball: "Seriously, you’ve got to ask yourself what we’re here for. We put on a heck of a show today. It was one heck of a motor race out there in beautiful conditions. That showcases what the Verizon IndyCar Series is really about" (USATODAY.com, 5/24).
