Rookie Danica Patrick, who qualified and finished 4th, became the first female driver in Indy history to lead laps during the race.

[3] Considerable media hype and attention were focused on the race and on Patrick in particular during the month,[4][5] giving birth to the term "Danica Mania".

After suffering a violent crash in Texas in October 2003, Bräck sat out the 2004 season, recovering from serious injuries.

Bräck was the overall fastest qualifier during time trials but dropped out of the race near the halfway point due to mechanical problems.

The session was canceled, however, when the inconsistent pavement in the turns created an unsuitable dual level of grip in the corners.

Previously, in most cases, rookie orientation was held prior to the traditional "opening day" of practice, often in April.

Defending Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice returned, and was joined by rookie Danica Patrick.

It marked the fastest lap thus far during the month, and the 1st time a female driver had led the speed chart on a full day of practice (without a rain delay) since 1977.

Sam Hornish Jr. hit a piece of debris from the wreck on the back stretch, and did a full flip.

A new qualifying format was put into place for 2005, providing that only the top 11 cars would secure positions on Pole Day, and bumping would then occur.

Hélio Castroneves withdrew his earlier speed, but ended up losing a position when he re-qualified.

[11] Rahal Letterman Racing named Kenny Bräck as the replacement for injured Buddy Rice.

[11] Arie Luyendyk Jr., attempting to complete his rookie test, suffered gearbox trouble, then later blew an engine.

Shortly after the run, A. J. Foyt Racing announced that they had signed veteran Felipe Giaffone, and he would attempt to qualify.

9 minutes into the session, Buddy Lazier wrecked coming out of Turn 4, sliding along the outside wall down the front stretch.

Accelerating in the north short chute, Danica Patrick, running 8th, did a half-spin, and tagged Tomáš Enge.

The team replaced the nose of the car, then a second pit stop (lap 159) saw her change tires and top off the fuel.

Her crew instructed her to dial down the fuel mixture (in an effort to make it to the finish), and her lead began to dwindle.

Buddy Lazier finished a strong 5th, despite nursing a broken front wing after contact by Scott Sharp.

The massive media attention going into the race delivered a high television rating,[9] and brought the IndyCar Series back into the limelight after several slumping years.

Dan Wheldon rode the wave of success to six total victories in 2005, and clinched the 2005 IndyCar Series championship.

Among the special guests interviewed in the booth were former Secretary of State Colin Powell and the recently elected Governor of Indiana Mitch Daniels.

The opening teaser entitled "Speed City", created by Brice Bowman of Earshot Audio Post, would eventually earn a Sports Emmy for "Outstanding post-produced audio/sound".

[20][22] Many felt that ABC was ignoring the other drivers, including polesitter Tony Kanaan and eventual winner Dan Wheldon.

[23][24][25][26][27][28] It was pointed out that despite the close attention, neither Harris nor Goodyear noticed that Patrick had taken the lead during a sequence of pit stops on lap 56.

[25][29] His comments were criticised as he said she "...turned the trick..."[23][25][29] (usually a sexual reference), and that "Fifty years from now you will remember where you were when Danica Patrick made not only motorsports history, but she joined the likes of Amelia Earhart and Sally Ride in a barrier-breaking performance..."[29][30] Of which Jerry Greene of the Orlando Sentinel wrote "I seriously doubt it, Todd.

"[28] Richard Sandomir wrote that Harris and Goodyear faltered in three distinct instances late in the race.

[27] With 13 laps to go, they closely examined Dan Wheldon taking the lead by the nose of the car at the line repeatedly when a caution came out.

Three laps later, Harris awkwardly waited ten seconds before noting that Patrick had re-taken the lead on the restart.

Some felt that while jumping on the Danica hype for all it was worth this pointed to ABC never really taking the idea seriously that she might actually win.