Vitor Meira, Ryan Hunter-Reay Ignored at Indy 500 after Danica Patrick Incident

The 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 was a great race on every level - except perhaps the post-race coverage.

The weather was perfect. The tradition was all there. Jim Neighbors belted out "Back Home Again in Indiana" as only he can. The flyby was beautiful. The racing itself was great. But does the media show any of this?

No.

All you see is a short clip of winner Scott Dixon and the rest of the time is spent focused on Danica Patrick.

For those of you who haven't seen what happened, Team Penske driver Ryan Briscoe exited his pit box and hit Patrick's car on pit lane, causing suspension damage and forcing both to retire.  The incident was not Patrick's fault and she attempted to swerve to avoid it. Danica had the right-of way, and Bricoe tried to place blame on her.

The incident was unfortunate, but these things happen in racing. After the collision, and her disabled car being rolled back to her pit stall, Danica began making her way towards Briscoe's car. Patrick has never been shy about her discontent with a fellow driver - ask Dan Wheldon. Before she reached Briscoe's pit security and her public relations people persuaded her to turn back. 

During a later interview on ABC she was tactful with her words, crediting Dixon with the victory. But when asked about what she would have said to Briscoe, Patrick stated, "It's probably best I didn't get down there anyway. Isn't it?"

At this point I thought it was over, but should have known better. Yes Dixon won, but Danica once again stole the show.

The worst part about the coverage and reporting is that drivers from small teams that ran great races like Vitor Meira and Ryan Hunter-Reay are getting shafted by the media. Meira, who finished second, and made one of the most brilliant, if not ill-advised, passes in Indy history, wasn't even mentioned on the local news here in Indianapolis.

HE FINISHED SECOND!

Hunter-Reay was not mentioned either and he was the highest finishing rookie, placing sixth. They were both top finishers from teams that usually don't run up front and were completely passed over by the press.

I know Danica is popular and is a big face for open-wheel racing, but people are over-reacting to the situation. Pit road collisions happen every season in every series. It's not that big of a deal. Not to mention her little stomp down pit-lane was totally classless.

Every other time I have seen a driver get taken out they go their own way and express their feelings on camera or in private. Her ego got the best of her that time. She should have just gone to her motorcoach and talked with Briscoe in private instead of putting all of the spotlight on herself.

Danica Patrick has done a lot of good for open-wheel racing, but Sunday she stole spotlight away from people who actually deserved the highlight and I am sick of it.