Green blasts Indy 500 decision

Regular CART outfit Team Green had appealed against the result following controversy on the penultimate lap when Tracy passed Castroneves just as a collision brought out the yellow flags. The race ended under a caution period, with the race stewards judging that Castroneves had been in front when the yellows were shown. Green claimed that Tracy had already made it past and should have been declared the winner.

George ruled on the appeal yesterday (Wednesday), announcing that Castroneves was the true winner of the event. But Green hit back in a public statement.

"I am extremely disappointed in Tony George's decision ruling against our appeal of the results of the Indianapolis 500," he said. "I believe we presented a compelling case in support of our belief that Paul Tracy was ahead of Helio Castroneves when the caution lights first came on around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on lap 199.

"No one has proved to me that we finished second and frankly if, as Tony says, everything comes down to a judgment call and that call is not subject to appeal, then what's the use in even having a rule book?"

Meanwhile, Tracy admitted that he was "disappointed but, honestly, not terribly surprised" by the decision.

"My bank account may not show it, and my face may not be on the Borg-Warner Trophy - yet - but in my heart I know I won the race," said the Canadian. "And I know there's plenty of racing fans out there who feel the same way. I've heard from lots of them and I'm really grateful for their support."