Well folks, it is the season finale of the Indycar 2011 season.  As I sit in the media center, I just wanted to pass along some pre-race thoughts on today and some items to look for.

1.)  All 4 Andretti Autosport entries qualified in the Top 10.  Look for Danica to be more aggressive than usual in her last race as a full-time Indycar driver, and look for all Andretti entries to be fast.

2.)  Ed Carpenter, the race winner at Kentucky, qualified 3rd in the Sarah Fisher Racing #67.  This is the highest qualifying effort for SFR in their history.  Tomas Scheckter is starting 23rd in the #57 Angies List Special entry.  Expect to see him on the high side with bold moves early and often.

3.)  Alex Tagliani, in Dan Wheldon’s former ride, qualified in the 4th position.  Bryan Herta Autosport has shown it has what it takes to win, so look for Tagliani to stay near the front today.

4.)  After his horrible practice crash, James Jakes will be racing a pieced together car with parts donated to Dale Coyne Racing from KV Racing Technology-Lotus.  His car will look like a 4th KV entry.  Keep your eye out for any issues with this car as it has had no practice time since the accident.

5.)  Rookie Wade Cunningham finished 7th at Kentucky and qualified strong in 12th here in Las Vegas.  He has proven to be a great wheelman in Indy Lights at ovals, so expect him to race well today.  A great race could bode well for a full-time ride in 2012.

6.)  Buddy Rice will be starting in 33rd after his qualifying time was disallowed for running below the yellow line on his qualifying attempt.  Panther Racing is strong on ovals, Buddy Rice is strong on ovals, and together they finished 9th at Kentucky.  Expect Rice to move towards the front quickly.

7.)  Of course we should all watch Mr. Dan Wheldon as he vies for $5million dollars.  He has not shown much speed this weekend, so the race should be a challenge.  I know the lucky fan partnered with Wheldon that will receive $2.5million if he wins is hoping he finds speed.

8.)  3-wide?  4-wide?  It will happen, guaranteed.  Keep your fingers crossed for a safe race despite the hair-raising action.

9.)  Since this is the last race for the current Dallara, expect teams to go all out with no-holds-barred strategy and moves.  The gloves will definitely be off today.

Tune in to ABC at 3EST and 12PST for the race.  You don’t want to miss this…

Ross (@driverswanted07)