UPDATE #2 More background information that the 'fix' was on at Fontana. Kanaan claims he hit the pit lane button while trying to pass Dario. Most pit lane control systems have what’s called a hold off speed calibrated/programmed in them. The hold off (typically 100 mph) means that if the button were to be pushed while at race speed, it would not activate until the car was below 100 mph. The driver can push it on the back straight and not have it do anything until he brakes to a speed of 100mph or less. This is more of a safety concern than anything. Imagine if the driver hit the PLSC button mid turn. Kanaan most likely lifted to ensure his teammate won the race….so will Barnhart slap him with a fine for fixing the race or not?
10/19/05 More evidence Kanaan is lying. He made a run on Franchitti around the outside and was actually ahead of him when he suddenly slowed. He claims to have hit the pit lane speed limiter switch instead of the extra power button, which is a load of crock as he was already hitting the correct button to get past Franchitti in the first place. He claims to have hit the wrong button, not that his hand slipped off the one button and onto the next.
"Tony is a very strange character," Dario Franchitti said. "Tony is either the most generous guy you'll ever meet or one of the most selfish, and there is rarely a middle ground with Tony.
"I think he's entirely capable of doing it. And I have to say I would do the same for him. If the roles were reversed, I would do the same for him. That's the relationship we have and have had for a long time."
Let's see whether Barnhart nails him for fixing the finish.
10/18/05 Barnhart has requested computer data from Kanaan's car that will show whether the Brazilian intentionally slowed at the end of the race to allow Franchitti to win. Barnhart said he doesn't support orchestrated finishes. Indy Star [Editor's Note: Observers told us they saw Brian Barnhart as he was walking down from the officials stand atop the grandstand to go into the tunnel to get to the infield after Sunday's race. They said he looked fit to be tied.]
