Hunter-Reay Bumps Bruno Junqueira

[cosworth151]

A.J. Foyt Enterprises have replace driver Bruno Junqueira with Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay. RHR was the last driver bumped from the field last week-end.

Two years ago, Junqueira gave up his car to this year's pole sitter, Alex Tagliani.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/motorsports/122546024.html

[John S]

Unfortunate for Bruno but the right call for Andretti team, their man is in for the whole season whilst Bruno's drive was a one off. Just like F1 when the chips are down money talks. I just hope Bruno gets a good paycheck for his trouble.

[lkjohnson1950]

Sorry, my respect for Michael Andretti falls a little more. He is not the racer or the man his Father is.

Lonny

[Dare]

I'm with you Lonny!Read Michael's comments
Some fans didn't handle the change as well as Junqueira, prompting a response from Michael Andretti.

"I disagree with the idea that we are doing something to hurt the integrity of the Indy 500," he said in a statement. "We would never do that — ever. The rule is the fastest 33 cars make the race — not the 33 fastest drivers. And, that is what will be on track Sunday."

I think no matter the sponsorship or whatever if you can't put your car in
the race then tough

[lkjohnson1950]

+1   

Lonny

[cosworth151]

I do feel bad for Bruno, especially with his history at Indy over the past few years. That said, I think Andretti made the best of a bad situation. That's the way the rules are at Indy. Swapping drivers after quali has been done there for years. I'll be watching for RHR to work his way up through the field.

[lkjohnson1950]

That's the problem here. According to Andretti, the swap wasn't necessarily to get RHR into the race, it was to get RHR's sponsors into the race. I don't like it. It's one thing if AJ Foyt takes over a car from a team mate, it's another when Andretti basically buys Bruno's car for their sponsors.

Lonny