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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -Practice time has been scarce, and race experience has been just as rare for Phil Giebler, last year's top Indy rookie,
Giebler's only IndyCar race was at Indianapolis a year ago, when he started last and finished 29th. Still, that was two spots better than the only other rookie in the lineup, Milka Duno, and Giebler was voted rookie of the year. This year has been just as trying, if not more so.
"Basically, at about 5 o'clock last night, we finalized a deal to get us the engine and the stuff we needed," Giebler said Friday. "Everybody stayed late last night and worked hard. I made sure the boys were fed."
Giebler didn't even have a ride until earlier this week, when a deal developed with American Dream Motorsports. With his lack of practice time, however, Giebler is a long shot to make the 33-car lineup in the final qualifying Saturday and Sunday.
"It's been a long week and a pretty stressful day ... trying to get things going," he said. "It was kind of a do-or-die situation if we were going to get out there for qualifying and get this done."
The 28-year-old Californian, who began racing go-karts at age 10, won his debut in the developmental Indy Lights series at Homestead, Fla., in 2004. He also has competed in the F3000 series and represented the United States in the A1 GP series.
He's isn't the only driver running out of time.
Veteran Stephan Gregoire, who has made seven previous Indy 500 starts, toured the Gasoline Alley garages Friday in hopes of landing a last-minute ride, even if it's as a replacement for another driver who may be having problems finding speed.
"I want to make sure they know I'm around and available if need be," said the 39-year-old Frenchman, who now lives in nearby Carmel, Ind. "These teams have their drivers for the whole year, so it's very hard for them not to commit to them. All those guys (who) are rookie drivers ... haven't had much time to get used to the track, so you never know."
Gregoire's best finish at Indy was eighth in 2000. He was 29th two years ago and was injured in a crash during practice last year.
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SCHWITZER WINNER: Speed alone doesn't get a race car around the track.
A driver has to be able to steer the car, too, and that's why a new variable-ratio, rack-and-pinion technology is the winner of this year's Louis Schwitzer Award for racing innovation.
