Background
The biggest interest story going into the race was the impending retirement of popular veteran Michael Andretti. Andretti announced that the 2003 Indy 500 would be his final race, and that he would retire from driving immediately, to focus on team ownership. (note that Andretti came out of retirement and returned to drive at Indy in 2006-2007).
All of the top CART-based teams entered at Indy. Several teams, including Penske, Andretti-Green, Ganassi, and Rahal Letterman defected permanently to the Indy Racing League.
During the spring Dario Franchitti of Andretti-Green Racing was injured in a motorcycle accident, which sidelined him for most of the season. Robby Gordon replaced him in the car at Indy, and Gordon planned to attempt the Indy-Charlotte "Double Duty."
After changes in the rules, Greg Ray entered and qualified a car carrying the number 13. It was the first time #13 appeared on a car at the Indy 500 since George Mason in 1914. From 1926 to 2002, usage of #13 was not permitted, and throughout the entire history of the race, was generally avoided by competitors due to superstitions.
Read more about this topic: 2003 Indianapolis 500
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