---
title: "Thrilling Indy 500 Qualifying Overjoys Castroneves, Heartbreaks Hinchcliffe, Mann"
description: "Hinchcliffe, one of the fastest and most-liked drivers in IndyCar won't race at the 2018 Indy 500."
date: "2018-05-19"
modified: "2018-05-19"
authors:
  - name: "Jerry Perez"
    job_title: "Deputy Editor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20972/thrilling-indy-500-qualifying-overjoys-castroneves-heartbreaks-hinchcliffe-mann"
categories:
  - "News"
tags:
  - "Helio Castroneves"
  - "Indianapolis Motor Speedway"
  - "Indy 500"
  - "Indycar Series"
  - "James Hinchcliffe"
  - "Pippa Mann"
  - "racing"
  - "Racing News"
---

# Thrilling Indy 500 Qualifying Overjoys Castroneves, Heartbreaks Hinchcliffe, Mann

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/05/kz5_7050-2400.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hasn't experienced a "Bump Day" since 2011, and it's needless to say that Saturday was a good reminder of the heartbreak that it can cause. James Hinchcliffe, one of the most talented and loved drivers of the IndyCar paddock was, as the session's name implies, "bumped" from his [Indy 500 ride](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20967/indycar-turbocharged-engines-to-produce-more-than-900-hp-by-2021>).

A nail-biting qualifying session took place at the famed 2.5-mile oval, which thanks to the threat of heavy rain, and an actual sprinkle that caused a rain-delay, was made even more intense for all 35 drivers aching to find out their fortunes for next week's [102nd running of the Indy 500](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20963/indycar-drivers-break-the-230-mph-barrier-during-indys-fast-friday>). The suspects, Team Penske and Ed Carpenter racing were running well, as were Andretti Autosport and Chip Ganassi Racing, but, there was one household name who was struggling: Hinchcliffe.

![message-editor%2F1526785182453-jgs\_2018-indianapolis-500-100422-1.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1526785182453-jgs_2018-indianapolis-500-100422-1.jpg>)
*Hinchcliffe's gamble on Bump Day simply didn't pay off., *IndyCar**

While the likes of [oval-master Castroneves](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/19660/the-casual-fans-2018-indycar-spotters-guide>), Ed Carpenter, and Simon Pagenaud put down blistering speeds in excess of 228 miles per hour, Hinchcliffe had to abort his high-speed run due to a mechanical issue with his car. Initially, the Schmidt Peterson crew didn't think much of it, as the problem was eventually rectified and the car lined up to go out on track once again, but then came a rain delay, and a plethora of other situations that ultimately ran the clock down until there wasn't time for the Canadian to run once again. And just like that, Hinchcliffe's Indy 500 journey was over before it even started.

"Nobody failed us, the system didn't fail us. We failed us," [Hinchcliffe](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/20315/indycars-james-hinchcliffe-admits-to-peeing-himself-amidst-race-delay>) said at a post-qualifying press conference. "At the end of the day, everybody got a run, which is the rule. Our run wasn't good enough, so blame the weather, blame other cars in line, you can blame whatever you want, but it just didn't happen today. You've got to take your lumps here sometimes."

![message-editor%2F1526785236284-18\_mdf\_in\_2-2264.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1526785236284-18_mdf_in_2-2264.jpg>)
*Pippa Mann addresses the media after failing to qualify for the Indy 500., *IndyCar**

Another name that's become synonymous with Indianapolis, charitable racing sponsorships, and the Indy 500, Pippa Mann, was also bumped after her car failed to muster enough speed. "It's the worst feeling in the world," said Mann.

Tomorrow the field of 33 will have the opportunity to lap [the banked oval once again](<https://www.thedrive.com/accelerator/18455/danica-patrick-confirms-deal-for-2018-indy-500-is-complete>), as drivers who qualified 10th through 33rd will have the chance to reset the positions one more time, and the Fast Nine Shootout will aim to set the first three rows of the grid for next Sunday's race.

*Stay tuned for more boots-on-the-ground coverage from The Drive from now until the 102nd running of the Indy 500 on Memorial Day Weekend.*

![message-editor%2F1526786276762-screenshot2018-05-19at10.55.18pm.png](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1526786276762-screenshot2018-05-19at10.55.18pm.png>)
**IndyCar**

## Author
Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/drive_jerry/>)