Interesting thing I didn't realize until today...

[IndyRob]

When Penske started testing over the winter for the IRL, he immediately began using #6 for de Ferran and #3 for Castroneves.

The #3 has been Little Al's number since he came to the IRL. There was no news about Galles having any trouble back then. Was this point brought up and I missed it. I'm surprised Galles/Unser let the #3 get away so easily to Penske.

[Danny Noonan]

I don't think Penske changed numbers until Galles released his numbers a few months ago.

[Racemind]

Yeah, I though the number change was recent. When Penske first showed up, I seem to remember #66 being on one car?

Side Note: with the #3 in his pocket (that was easy), how much do you suppose Penske has offered Menard for the #2?

[ February 12, 2002: Message edited by: Racemind ]

[R_Mears_Fan]

When Penske started testing, Helio donned the #9 car (now with PDM) and Gil had the #6 car. Once Galles left, he switched.

[indyracefan]

Originally posted by Racemind:
<STRONG>When Penske first showed up, I seem to remember #66 being on one car?
</STRONG>

....correct, Phoenix & Indy last year. Penske donned his old numbers from the early to middle 70's,....the #66 & #68.

A couple of names associated with those numbers that immeadiately come to mind are of course Mark Donohue, Gary Bettenhausen, Tom Sneva, Mike Hiss. Probably a couple more but that's all that hit me now!

[Racemind]

Ahhh, thanks, that must be what I was thinking of.

[Eagle104]

Originally posted by indyracefan:
<STRONG>

A couple of names associated with those numbers that immeadiately come to mind are of course Mark Donohue, Gary Bettenhausen, Tom Sneva, Mike Hiss. Probably a couple more but that's all that hit me now! </STRONG>

Gary B. might have sported #68..but I'll always remember him in the #7 on the day that the 500 was his-to-lose, and, dammit..it happened!

I think Penske's first #68 at Indianapolis was with David Hobbs, in '71.

[IndyRob]

Originally posted by R_Mears_Fan:
<STRONG>When Penske started testing, Helio donned the #9 car (now with PDM) and Gil had the #6 car. Once Galles left, he switched.</STRONG>

I think I do remember that now.....thanks.



[ February 13, 2002: Message edited by: IndyRob ]