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The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced 40 entries for the May 24 race on Monday, with a total of 77 cars eligible to compete for the 33 starting spots.

Defending champion Scott Dixon and former winners Helio Castroneves, Dan Wheldon and Dario Franchitti are among the 28 drivers on the initial entry list for the Indianapolis 500.

Also entered for the first time in seven years is Canadian veteran Paul Tracy!!!

There are four rookies, headed by last year's Firestone Indy Lights champion Raphael Matos, along with Stanton Barrett, Mike Conway and Robert Doornbos.

Also entered is John Andretti, driving the first cars entered at Indy by seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty.

The early entries also include Danica Patrick, one of the four Andretti Green Racing drivers, and Sarah Fisher, who runs her own team.

Does anyone even watch this race anymore?

[the noise factor]

I guess Helio Castroneves finally paid his back taxes. I am a bit surprised by the John Andretti entry.

Marcellus Wiley, James Hasty and Michael Smith discuss if the Lions and Matthew Stafford are the right fit

[Canuck Kid]

Negotiations between the Detroit Lions and Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford have intensified but as of Wednesday night there was no deal, multiple sources said.

[EaglesLinc]

The next question will be is Stafford starting on opening day against New Orleans. I would think for that kind of money, he would get thrown into the mix right away.

[the noise factor]

Stafford has been sentenced to six years with the Detroit Lions. Fortunately, for Stafford he will be paid $78 million dollars for his time and emotional distress. Members of his family will reportedly be allowed to visit him on weekends and he will be allowed one conjugal visit per month. That's the deal...LOL!

[EaglesLinc]

It has been reported that Brad Childress is pushing Brett to make up his mind on coming back by the end of this week.

I personally could care less what Farve does, but it would provide some great drama when the Packers play the Vikings this year, especially in Green Bay. Just for that fact alone, I hope he does come back.

[the noise factor]

This will tickle Frans (Tarkentons) toes. This should create some high drama in the Great Lakes region.

[EaglesLinc]

It will definitely bring some great drama to the NFC North this season.

You have Cutler in Chicago, Favre in Minnesota, Rogers in Green Bay, and Stafford in Detroit all the talk will be about the QB's