INDIANAPOLIS -- The 93rd running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing lived up to the billing on Sunday with wild action (eight caution periods), a historic finish (Danica Patrick's third place) and a popular victory (Helio Castroneves' third Indy win).
Here's a look at some other storylines from Sunday's Indianapolis 500:
INDIANAPOLIS -- After parking his race car in front of the main grandstands -- still emotional after claiming a dramatic third Indianapolis 500 victory -- Helio Castroneves tried to climb out and celebrate.
"A yellow shirt [security] guy kind of pulled me in, he was literally holding my helmet and myself there in the car,'' said Castroneves, laughing about the scenario. "Finally I saw the team come to me and I said, 'I'm sorry, I've got to get out.' "
INDIANAPOLIS -- The newly mellow version of Danica Patrick clearly still knows how to use every bit of finesse and gumption available when it comes to the race of races, the Indianapolis 500.
A career best-third place effort in Sunday's Indy 500 is her fourth top-10 finish in five starts. It's the best ever showing for a woman, but more importantly a great result for anyone.
"I'm doing my job," said Patrick, who finished behind winner Helio Castroneves and Dan Wheldon. "My job is to finish as high as I can and I'm glad about that shift [in thinking].
"I'm glad people are seeing it more as a good finish from a good driver [not as the best finish for a woman]."
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has kicked off its 100th birthday celebration with the closest Indy 500 starting field in history, the largest crowd in recent memory and a vibe reminiscent of the race's heyday.
Even NASCAR's "King" Richard Petty will be trackside today as Jim Nabors sings "Back Home Again in Indiana" -- to wrap up a traditional pre-race show unlike anything in sports.
Sure, the Penske and Ganassi and Andretti Green teams are odds-on favorites to win today's Indianapolis 500. But with the reunification of the two open-wheel series last year, the grid boasts a legitimate 13-14 contenders and has finally put to rest the notion that Indy has lost its competitive edge.
FH writers Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller are taking part in both major American races this weekend. Here, they go Wheel2Wheel on some major issues facing each sport.
There's been lots of talk about Danica Patrick this week moving to NASCAR. We'll ask again: is this for real?
Holly Cain: While Danica is clearly enjoying her flirtation with NASCAR, I don't think it's a real option - yet as much as a bargaining ploy to land a good IndyCar ride.
Geoffrey Miller: I couldn't agree more, though a move by her would be a tremendous short-term gain for NASCAR in terms of a new character in the garage.
Join FanHouse Motorsports writer Holly Cain from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to chat live about one of the biggest racing weekend's of the season - the iconic Indy 500 and NASCAR's longest race of the year the Coca-Cola 600. The chat will start at 11 AM ET on Sunday.
INDIANAPOLIS -- It's been suggested more than once that two-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves is living a Hollywood movie script. Courtroom drama meets sporting triumph, all pointing to a happy ending.
Don't miss out on a rare opportunity to chat with four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears, participated in a live chatwith FanHouse from the Speedway on Saturday morning.
The racing legend joins A.J. Foyt and Al Unser as the only men to win the world's most famous race four times. He's also won the pole position for the Indy 500 a record six times.
In all, Mears won 29 races and three Indy car championships before retiring in 1992. He's still a fixture in the sport, working with young drivers and serving as a consultant for Team Penske.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Even as Danica Patrick answered questions about her chances in Sunday's Indianapolis 500, Indy Car's most famous driver said Thursday that she remained open to a future in NASCAR.
Patrick, who will start 10th Sunday, said she will listen to offers from any NASCAR teams interested in signing her, but reiterated, "this is my home" referring to the Indy Car Series. Her contract with Andretti Green Racing (AGR) is up at the end of the season and speculation has put her everywhere from NASCAR to Formula One to returning to the championship AGR organization.
"It's a contract year and I'm going to look at everything," Patrick said. "I will look at NASCAR."
Looking to land the best 1-2 punch on American motorsports coverage this weekend? Well don't move that mouse.
From the pageantry of the Indianapolis 500 to NASCAR's longest night in the Coca-Cola 600, FanHouse will be hitting Memorial Day weekend on all eight cylinders as Holly Cain will be checking in with stories from the Brickyard while Geoffrey Miller will be enjoying NASCAR's day-to-night excursion from the fan element.
We'll be Twittering, blogging, live-chatting and any-other-ing you can think of that'll help you take in these jewels of American motorsports from another angle. Got an idea? Leave it in the comments below.
INDIANAPOLIS -- The newly mellow version of Danica Patrick clearly still knows how to use every bit of finesse and gumption available when it comes to the race of races, the Indianapolis 500.
FH writers Holly Cain and Geoffrey Miller are taking part in both major American races this weekend. Here, they go Wheel2Wheel on some major issues facing each sport.
Don't miss out on a rare opportunity to chat with four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Rick Mears, participated in a live chat with FanHouse from the Speedway on Saturday morning. 
INDIANAPOLIS -- Even as Danica Patrick answered questions about her chances in Sunday's Indianapolis 500, Indy Car's most famous driver said Thursday that she remained open to a future in NASCAR.
Looking to land the best 1-2 punch on American motorsports coverage this weekend? Well don't move that mouse.
