We mentioned some of these predictions during our race show, this morning.  But, since we didn’t get to all of them on the air, here’s the list of predicted winners courtesy of some local dignitaries:

Sen. Evan Bayh                 Ryan Briscoe

Sen. Richard Lugar            Helio Castroneves

Rep. Andre Carson            Rooting for Danica.  Believes Marco Andretti will win

Rep. Mike Pence                Dan Wheldon

Rep. Steve Buyer               Dan Wheldon

Rep. Dan Burton                Dan Wheldon

Coach Jim O’Brien, Indiana Pacers:              Dan Wheldon

Gerry Dick, Inside Indiana Business               Tony Kanaan

Scott theFace, MyINDY TV                    Helio Castroneves   (or Marco Andretti)

Dave Smiley/Z-99.5            Scott Dixon

Ed Wank/Hank 97.1           Tony Kanaan

Dave O’Brien/Hank 97.1     Scott Dixon

Scotty Davis/Radio Now     Al Unser, Jr.

Shy/Radio Now                  Danica Patrick

McKinzie/Radio Now          Danica Patrick

What is it with Indy 500 winners named Buddy?

There have been 721 men and women to start the Indianapolis 500, none of them with the last name Smith.

But two drivers with the uncommon first name of Buddy have not only made the race, but won.

Both Buddy Lazier and Buddy Rice may be underrated, but they’re certainly NOT under-appreciated by true racing fans.

Buddy Rice won the 2004 Indianapolis 500. This past weekend, he co-drove on the Brumos team that won the prestigious 24 Hours Of Daytona.

That win put Rice in elite company. 12 drivers have now won both in their career, and it’s a who’s who of the world of racing.

Check out this group.

A.J. Foyt              Juan Pablo Montoya

Al Unser Jr.           Al Unser Sr.

Mario Andretti      Scott Dixon

Mark Donohue      Dario Franchitti

Arie Luyendyk      Bobby Rahal

Dan Wheldon       Buddy Rice

That’s amazing company for Buddy Rice to be in.

Rice got his big break after the huge accident Kenny Brack had at Texas while driving for Rahal Letterman Racing.

But Rice was never really able to capitalize on that win. Later that year, he had a huge airborne crash at Chicago.

The following year, his attempt to defend his Indy title was derailed by a practice crash that sidelined him for the rest of the month.

Rice left RLR after the 2006 season, and spent the last two seasons with Dreyer And Reinbold Racing, with mixed results.

It appears Rice is looking for a ride again, as DRR has already announced that they plan on campaigning rookie Mike Conway this year.

While there’s a strong chance Rice will land with the newly merged Rubicon-PCM outfit, an Indy winner with the talent Buddy Rice has, shouldn’t still be unemployed this close to the season.

But it seems that’s always the way for the Indy winning Buddy’s.

“Donohue wins pole”.

I had a bit of a time-warp moment tonight when I read that headline.

Of course, the Donohue being referenced is David Donohue, who won the pole for the 24 Hours of Daytona Thursday night, something his famous father did 38 years ago.

I am always interested in the great family connections in auto racing. David Donohue is one of those drivers who are excellent in their own right, but whose accomplishments are overshadowed by those of a famous father.

Mark Donohue is perhaps the greatest road racer to come out of the U.S., and one of the most beloved Indianapolis 500 winners ever. His memorabilia continues to be sought, even more than 30 years after his tragic death.

David Donohue was just 8 years old when his father died in Austria, the result of an accident during a practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix.

The younger Donohue has had success in road racing, including a class win at the 24 Hours of LeMans.

Many drivers struggle with living up to the accomplishments of a famous father. David Donohue isn’t one of those. He started racing late and truly enjoys himself, and talking about his dad.

This weekend, when you watch the 24 Hours of Daytona, look for names like Gurney and Donohue on the ticker, remember when their father’s were ruling the road, and enjoy this new generation carrying on the family tradition.