A few factoids and notes leading into the July 12 ABC Supply Wisconsin 250 at Milwaukee IndyFest presented by the Metro Milwaukee Honda Dealers:
* Ten of the 17 drivers entered with more than one start at The Milwaukee Mile have led more than 100 laps. Tony Kanaan leads the way with 15 starts that includes victories in 2006 and 2007 and 10 overall top-10 finishes. He placed third last year. Kanaan also has completed the most laps (3,130) at the racetrack.
Ryan Hunter-Reay, who has won on the oval in 2004, 2012 and 2013, is the leader with 399 laps led. The pole sitter in 2004, he led all 250 laps to become the first to accomplish such a feat since Bobby Rahal in 1992 at Phoenix International Raceway.
* Juan Pablo Montoya (2000), Sebastien Bourdais (2006) and Will Power (2014) are other drivers entered who have won Indy car races from the pole at Milwaukee. Also, Sage Karam won the 2013 Indy Lights race from the pole on his way to wrapping up the championship. Montoya, the championship points front-runner, was not too happy with a runner-up finish last year.
“I have never been more upset with a second-place finish than I was last year at Milwaukee," he said. "We had such a good car that it was a shame that we couldn’t win the race, but Will was just that dominant that day. If I have a Verizon Chevrolet that is even close to how good that car was I will feel really good about our chances this weekend. I’m glad I have been able to win there at least once in my career. Unfortunately, last year there wasn’t a lot of passing and, as a result, Will was able to lead so many laps. I’m very anxious to see what the new aero package and downforce levels do to the racing when we get back.”
* In the nine races on ovals since returning to Indy car racing in 2014, Montoya has posted two victories among eight top-five finishes.
* A.J. Foyt made 45 career starts at Milwaukee, earning the pole seven times and winning four times.
* Team Penske leads all entrants with eight victories at Milwaukee dating to 1978 (Rick Mears).
* This weekend will mark the 113th Indy car race at The Milwaukee Mile dating to 1939 when Babe Stapp won. Emil Andres won the pole with a speed of 88.582 mph.
* CFH Racing co-owner Ed Carpenter, driver of the No. 20 Fuzzy's Vodka Chevrolet, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Milwaukee Brewers home game July 6 and likes the number worn by catcher Jonathan Lucroy (photo above). He also met up with some local celebs: