[hispanichoosier]

This lady will wilt under the conditions and that will be that.

I doubt it. Rahal and Letterman wouldn't have spent the time and money on giving her a ride if they didn't think she had a chance to finish strong. I don't think Donica will win because rookies don't win that often. However, she has handled the press magnificently and is starting 4th tomorrow. Overall, she's done a great job for Rahal/Letterman, and her story has created a lot of buzz around the 500 that has been absent for years.

[Arkie2]

Well, the proog is in the pudding as they say but there are 3 rahal cars in the race so they're not relying on her. Besides, the ton of publicity they get for this is actually worth more than winning the race. So, as to your contention they wouldn't put her there if she wasn't a contender, read the papers and watch TV and see what gets more coverage, the race winner or her.