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On the question of "start issues" ...
The 11 rows of three abreast is one of the many time honored traditions.
In actuality , you haven't seen a true 3-abreast start in a decade. The nicely formed rows of 3 will take formation in the backstretch and as the pace car pulls-off going into turn 3 , those rows quickly become staggered as the flying start accelerates toward the green. Fact is , there are 33 drivers who have no desire to run 3 wide and wheel-to-wheel as history has so often proven this to be the recipe for an early end to your day. It is no longer realistic to stay in tight formation as the speed has been increased approaching the start over the last few years. For this reason we are no longer seeing multi-car / major contact incidences prior to the first-turn , first-lap.
Today's original start , while ragged , was recalled for a jumped start , not a formation issue.
On the question of "best race car drivers" ...
The "500" over the years has had most of the best in the world from America and Europe including Jim Clark , Dan Gurney , Jackie Stewart , Graham Hill , Emerson Fittipaldi ... to name some in the modern era.
If today's starting field had included Lewis Hamilton , Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen , all Formula One Champions , would this satisfy having a "500" with the best drivers in the world ? Most U.S. fans would say no , because these are not household names to everyone. If you follow Formula One you may appreciate the greatness of these people. But don't expect to see them in Indy cars as it is simply not their thing. And it shouldn't be.
Anyone who wanted to drive at Indy in May showed-up , money or not. 33 made the show as Bruno Junqueira , Stanton Barrett , Buddy Lazier , Jacques Lazier , Jeff Simmons , Buddy Rice , Phil Geibler , Jimmy Kite and a couple others sat this one out. Fact is , the best Indy Car drivers in the world raced today. Where could more experience and accomplishment be found ( in Indy Car ) than what is represented in those driving today ?
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