The last of the previously unqualified "veteran" IRL drivers & teams would make the show - with the notable exception of A.J. Foyt IV from the Vision Racing squad. Heading into the second lap of his qualifying run, A.J. experienced a "major moment" as his car got terribly loose in turn 2. He promptly pulled off of the track and into the garage area, never to be seen from again during the day. There was no word on the cause of his situation.

All of the former CCWS squads made the grid today, with one exception. PCM driver Mario Dominguez would hit the wall during the morning practice session, damaging his car. The team expects to have repairs made in time for Sunday's "Bump Day", giving Mario another shot at making the race.

Also finding the wall today were two drivers from "one off" squads, who are only racing at Indy. "Mad Max" Papis and Phil Giebler both tore their cars up. Papis was unhurt and, like Dominquez, should be ready to try again tomorrow. Gieber was taken to the hospital with a brused lung: if his team can repair the car in time, Indy veteran Jacques Lazier will try to qualify it.

Here is the starting grid as it stands after the end of day 3:

http://www.indy500.com/grid

Here is a link to the pictures that I took on Saturday at qualifications:

http://indyandy.wordpress.com/08-pics-2/ 

"Bump Day" will be tomorrow (5/18/08) as those drivers currently locked out of the race get three more tries to fore their way onto the grid - and those who they may displace get three attempts to keep their car in the show.  

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