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running after spinning his #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone into the Turn One SAFER Barrier and heavily damaging the left side of the car.

Power was taken to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Care Centre for mandatory examination and was soon cleared and released by IndyCar Series Senior Director of Medical Services Dr Michael Olinger.

The 27-year-old suffered minor bruises to his knees and ankle, but is otherwise fine and is ready to get back into the car for tomorrow’s Third Day qualifying.

Power was getting up to speed as he began his second stint on track for the day when a sudden gust of wind disturbed the aerodynamic balance of the Aussie Vineyards car, causing the rear end to become loose. The car spun 180 degrees and contacted the Turn One SAFER Barrier with left hand side of the car and came to a rest in Turn Two.

The Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia crew quickly began working on the damaged car back in the KV Racing Technology garage and the team is confident at getting the car back on track for Third Day qualifying tomorrow. The day will begin with one hour of practice, before all-important qualifying begins at midday US Eastern time. Power is first in line to make a four-lap qualifying attempt when Third Day qualifying commences tomorrow.

Despite today’s setback Power will be one of the cars to watch in Third Day qualifying. For two consecutive days of Official Practice Power has been both the fastest rookie as well as the fastest driver yet to secure a starting spot in this year’s Indy 500, which will be run at the famous 2.5-mile speedway on May 25.

Power was not the only driver to crash at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today, with countryman Ryan Briscoe and rookie EJ Viso also sustaining significant damage after contact with the SAFER Barrier. Like Power, both drivers were checked and cleared of any injury.

Scott Dixon, polesitter for the 92nd Indianapolis 500, was fastest on the final day of Official Practice today ahead of two-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, Briscoe and Power.

Third Day qualifying will be held tomorrow, followed by Bump Day qualifying, the final opportunity for drivers and teams to secure one of 33 starting positions in this year’s Indy 500. Thirty-seven cars are participating in qualifying, meaning four driver-team combinations will miss this year’s race.

WHAT THE TEAM HAD TO SAY …

Will Power - #8 Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone

“There was a lot of blustery wind out there and I just got caught out,” said Power.

“I wasn’t even up to speed yet when the car came around, sending me into the wall.

“I am OK, I just have a few bumps and bruises on my knees and ankle. Other than that I feel fine.

“This is obviously a setback for the Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia team because of the track time we are going to lose, but I know the team will do what needs to be done and we will be ready to qualify tomorrow.”

Craig Gore - Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia

“It’s unfortunate that Will found trouble today but that’s racing,” said Gore.

“The Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia crew has been working hard all month and all season long. It will be a quite an effort to rebuild the car but they have proved time and time again that they are an outstanding crew and we are all confident that that car will be ready to go tomorrow morning.

“Will keeps showing that he is one of the rookies to watch this year and his time early today was very strong.

“The plan is to be one of the fastest cars in Third Day qualifying tomorrow to secure our first Indy 500 start. The crash makes things a little harder but I’m confident in both Will and the team’s ability to come back from today and get the job done tomorrow.”

RESULTS: Official Practice (Friday May 16)
1. #9 Scott Dixon 223.713mph (single lap average speed)
2. #3T Helio Castroneves 223.411
3. #6T Ryan Briscoe 223.372
4. #8 Will Power 223.039
5. #06 Graham Rahal 222.959
6. #24 John Andretti 222.860
7. #26 Marco Andretti 222.764
8. #10 Dan Wheldon 222.680
9. #5 Oriol Servia 222.456
10. #7 Danica Patrick 222.388

2008 IndyCar Series Points Standings - After Race 4
1. #3 Helio Castroneves 144
2. #9 Scott Dixon 138
3. #10 Dan Wheldon 135
4. #11 Tony Kanaan 129
5. #7 Danica Patrick 110
6. #8 Will Power 97
7. #26 Marco Andretti 95
8. #5 Oriol Servia 93
9. #20 Ed Carpenter 90
10. #06 Graham Rahal 88

2008 Bombardier Rookie of t! he Year Standings - After Race 4
1. #8 Will Power 97
2. #06 Graham Rahal 88
3. #27 Hideki Mutoh 87
4. #36 Enrique Bernoldi 84
5. #33 EJ Viso 83
6. #02 Justin Wilson 71
7. #24 Jay Howard 62
8. #34 Franck Perera 56
9. #19 Mario Moraes 53
10. #96 Mario Dominguez 35

92nd INDIANAPOLIS 500 ‘Month of May’ SCHEDULE
All Times US Eastern
‘Third Day’ Practice
Saturday 17 May 2008
10:15am – 11:15am

‘Third Day’ Qualifying
Saturday 17 May 2008
12:00pm – 6:00pm

‘Bump Day’ Practice
Sunday 18 May 2008
10:15am – 11:15am

‘Bump Day’ Qualifying
Sunday 18 May 2008
12:00pm – 6:00pm

Miller Lite ‘Carb Day’
Friday 23 May 2008
11:00am – 12:00pm

Checkers/Rally’s Pit Stop Challenge
Friday 23 May 2008
1:30pm – 3:00pm

Sunday 25 May 2008
1:00pm US Eastern

UNITED STATES TV SCHEDULE
All Times are US Eastern

‘Third Day’ Qualifying:
Saturday 17 May 2008
4:00pm – 6:30pm (ESPN2)

‘Bump Day’ Qualifying:
Sunday 18 May 2008
12:00pm – 3:00pm (ABC)
5:00pm – 6:30pm (ESPN2)

Miller Lite ‘Carb Day’ Practice:
Friday 23 May 2008
4:00pm – 6:30pm (ESPN2)

Festival Parade & Pre-Race Programming:
Saturday 24 May 2008
5:00pm – 7:00pm (ESPN2)

92nd Indianapolis 500
Sunday 25 May 2008
ABC
12:00pm US Eastern

UNITED STATES TV REPLAY
Saturday 14 June 2008
ESPN2
7:00pm US Eastern

AUSTRALIAN TV SCHEDULE
Third Day Qualifying highlights
Sunday 18 Ma! y 2008
ESPN
1:00pm – 3:30pm

92 nd Indianapolis 500
Monday 26 May 2008
ESPN
2:50am AEST

AUSTRALIAN TV REPLAY
Monday 26 May 2008
ESPN
7:30pm AEST

ABOUT INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
92nd Indianapolis 500
Venue: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Type: 2.5 mile oval – 9 degree banking
Distance: 200 laps – 500 miles/804.67km

INDYCAR SERIES RECORD BOOK
Defending Race Winner: Dario Franchitti
Defending Polesitter: Helio Castroneves
Will Power: Indianapolis Motor Speedway debut

Will Power exits pit lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Credit: IndyCar Series Media)

Will Power's #8 Aussie Vineyards car slides to a halt after making contact with the Turn One SAFER Barrier at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Credit: IndyCar Series Media)

The Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia crew work at rebuilding Will Power's #8 car after today's crash (Credit: IndyCar Series Media)