Category: Auto Racing

Indianapolis 500- Quick Thoughts

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 Photo: Chris Jones, Indycar

It is probably a good thing that there was a repeat winner this year. It would have been a shame if a first time winner didn’t get to hear the cheers from the fans as he drove around on his cool down lap.

I hope I never have to watch the race on live television again. The commercials came at inopportune times, Leigh Diffey mentioned the drivers’ kids in the middle of a first place battle, and they seemed behind on every accident. I feel sorry for those of you who have to do this every year. So much was missing.

In his last four Indianapolis 500s, Takuma Sato has two wins and a third place finish. Prior to his first win in 2017, Sato had never finished the race higher than 13th place.

It was eerie seeing the opening ceremonies taking place in an empty track. “(Back Home Again In) Indiana was still emotional.

I agree with Indycar’s decision not to throw the red flag. Lap 200 would have been the only green lap. utter chaos would ensue. The red flag should only be thrown if there can be at least three green flag laps remaining. The attenuator repair would take more than an hour. How many fans don’t NBCSN and would not be able to watch the finish?

I felt the penalty on Rossi was appropriate. I am surprised Sato didn’t get at least a warning for his move on Dixon.

It was a decent race with more passing than I expected. I really enjoyed the final two stints. They had great battles for position. Have to wonder what a green ending would have been like, but races have been shortened by rain with someone charging towards the lead.

It was a rough day for the rookies. Rinus VeeKay and Alex Palou looked great early. P{alou crashed and VeeKay had issues in the pits. Pato O’Ward ended as the highest finishing rookie and will probably get Rookie of the Year.

Dixon now has an 85 point lead over Josef Newgarden for the series championship. He is in good shape with seven races left, none of which pay double points.

Dixon is now third on the all time Indianapolis 500 laps led list.

It seems that hat the accidents caused more fire and left more fluid on the track than I remember seeing in a while.

It’s been a while since Team Penske wasn’t a factor in the 500.

Sato improved to sixth in season points. will he stay in the top 10?

It’s Race Day!

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After 455 days, the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 begins at 2:30 pm this afternoon. Many will be watching live on television for the first time in Indianapolis. There are several historic events on tap today.

Of course, the the biggest thing is no fans are allowed in for the first time in history. The track has always been open to fans every day cars run, including test days. It will make for a strange atmosphere at the track and on television.

For the first time since 1955, a member of the Hulman-George family will not give the command. Roger Penske will give the command as the Speedway’s new owner. My  understanding is he will begin the command with the word, “Drivers.” I disagree with that, but will reserve further comment until later this week.

For the first time three generations of one family will be on track at the same time. Mario Andretti will drive the 2 seater with Michael Andretti as his passenger. Marco Andretti starts on the pole.

The Schedule:

1 p.m: All Cars on Grid

1:20 p.m: On the Banks of the Wabash”

1:47 p.m: Driver Introductions

2:09 p.m: Invocation – Archbishop Charles C. Thompson, Archdiocese of Indianapolis

2:10 p.m: Rifle Volley

2:11 p.m: Taps

2:12 p.m.: National Anthem – “Singing Surgeons” Dr. Elvis Francois & Dr. William Robinson

2:14 p.m.: First Flyover – U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

2:14 p.m.: “Drivers, To Your Cars.” – Dave Calabro

2:20 p.m.: “Back Home Again in Indiana” – Jim Cornelison

2:22 p.m.: Second Flyover – U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds

2:22 p.m.: Command To Start Engines – Roger Penske

2:30 pm: Green Flag waved by Dan Towris

Of note in the schedule: a rifle volley and two flyovers by the US Air Force Thunderbirds.

This schedule of ceremonies is a nice, compact lead up to engines starting. I hope the Speedway will look to keep it this way in the future. I think the opening ceremonies have gotten way too long.

I hope for a safe, clean race. It’s only 280 days until the 105th running, which I hope fans will be allowed to attend.

The Starting Lineup:

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Drivers Salute the Fans at Meeting and Home Visits

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Photo: Indycar, Chris Jones

An emotional drivers’ meeting followed by an impromptu parade and home visits made what was supposed to be Legends’ Day a little easier to take.

The live streamed drivers’ meeting began with drivers sitting in the seats of longtime ticket holders and telling the fans how they missed them being there this year. I and some other fans I talked to today were affected by a mysterious dust storm that occurred at this moment. We all had to stop and wipe our eyes.

The meeting is on You Tube at this link:

The best line of the meeting was marco Andretti’s when ;leigh diffey asked how special it would for grandfather Mario and father Michael to be in the two seater on the pace laps.

“I can’t believe I’m on the pole and I’m still starting behind these guys,” Marco quipped.

The meeting took place on the Pagoda Plaza with masked drivers sitting in chairs at the proper social distance. Diffey introduce the drivers in groups of 11 at various points in the proceedings. Their 500 participation rings lay in boxes underneath each driver’s chair.

I thought the meeting was great although it was the first time for me that the reality of not being at the race solidly hit me.

After the meeting, the drivers took 33 official cars and paraded down Main Street before driving to the homes of local long time ticket holders.

IMS is doing everything they can to show the fans how much they are missed abnd what they mean to the drivers. If you have ever doubted that the drivers care about the fans (which i didn’t) today should put that idea to rest. I can’t think of another sport where something like this would happen.

I’ll be back tomorrow mornign with a quick preview of the day and then Quick Thoughts after the race.

O’Ward Leads Carb Day

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Photo: Indycar, Matt Fraver

Pato O’Ward led an incident free Carb Day practice session as the 33 drivers in the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 completed the final tune up session. Scott Dixon was second, followed by Alexander Rossi and Takuma Sato. O’Ward’s teammate Oliver Askew was fifth.

About 150 fans were on 16th street listening to the cars and following along on the video boards.

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In keeping with Carb Day tradition, the fans applauded at the end of the session.

I gained a new perspective just listening to the engines without the visual of the cars. I paid more attention to the sounds, which is hard to do in a packed grandstand. I could tell when a car was on the pit exit road, when they slowed for turn 1 or when they were close to another car. the difference between the two engines was distinct.

It is hard to imagine doing this on Sunday. I know some people plan to, but I will stay home and watch from the comfort of my den, surrounded by racing memorabilia. Since this is the first time I have watched the 500 live on television, I should probably put rookie stripes on my satellite box.

From earlier:

https://thepitwindow.blog/2020/08/21/the-104th-indianapolis-500-past-and-future-meet-before-empty-stands/

The top 12:

Portland Extends Grand Prix Through 2023

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The Portland Grand Prix, a casualty of the pandemic will host Indycar races through 2023 in an extension announced this afternoon. Indycar returned to the track in 2018. The full announcement:

 
 
 
 
PORTLAND, Ore. (August 20, 2020) – After reaching a three-year extension to their current agreement, City of Portland and Green Savoree Portland LLC officials announced today that theGrand Prix of Portlandwill return to the Pacific Northwest and Portland International Raceway (PIR) through at least 2023.
 
The 2021 date for the Grand Prix of Portland at PIR will be announced by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES later this year. The event was cancelled this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and Oregon’s statewide restrictions on public gatherings.
 
“I was fortunate as a teenager to attend the Indy 500,” says Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. “I remember the excitement then and we saw the same energy at the 2018 and 2019 Grand Prix of Portland races. As the only event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, the race not only provides tremendous thrills but also contributes $12-$15 million in economic benefits for the city. I’m excited to see this premier race in Portland for at least the next three years.”
 
“We are very pleased to have ‘Portland’s Fastest Park’, the Portland International Raceway, hosting the Grand Prix of Portland NTT INDYCAR SERIES race for three additional years,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long. “The Grand Prix has established itself as a summer tradition as Portlanders enjoy the festival atmosphere, the cars, and camaraderie. We look to 2021 through 2023 with great anticipation.”
 
“We’re disappointed to not be able to bring IndyCar racing back to the great fans in the Pacific Northwest later this summer, but our team is excited to be back in 2021 and beyond through this continued partnership with the City of Portland and the Portland Parks & Recreation division,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Grand Prix of Portland. “We appreciate Mayor Wheeler, the commissioners, Director Long, E.C. (Mueller) and the entire PIR team for their ongoing support of the Grand Prix of Portland, and working with us to make the Grand Prix of Portland even better when it returns next year.”
 
Ticket purchasers on file for the 2020 event will receive a direct communication from Green Savoree Portland LLC soon on their available options. Ongoing Grand Prix of Portland updates will be posted toportlandgp.com. Race fans can also stay up to speed on the event via social media by following #PortlandGP.
 
ABOUT GRAND PRIX OF PORTLAND
Portland International Raceway (PIR) is the home of the Grand Prix of Portland. PIR is a 1.964-mile, 12-turn permanent road course owned by the City of Portland and operated under the Portland Parks and Recreation. Opened in 1960 to host sports car and drag racing, the 268-acre property hosts over 550 events annually including automotive and motorcycle road racing, motocross, cruise-ins and other special events including the Rose Cup Races. PIR has been the site of many memorable Indy car races. Al Unser Jr. won the inaugural one in 1984, and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES returned in 2018 after an 11-year absence with Takuma Sato the winner and another Indianapolis 500 champion Will Power winning in 2019. The Father’s Day race of 1986 featured Mario Andretti victorious over his son Michael on the last lap by less than a second. The closest three-way road racing finish in Indy car history took place at PIR in 1997 when the top three were covered by just 0.055 of a second. The Grand Prix of Portland is owned and operated by Green Savoree Portland, LLC, whose affiliates also promote three additional INDYCAR races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (2020 date postponed), Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (Oct. 23-25, 2020), and Honda Indy Toronto.
 
For more information, visit portlandgp.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @PortlandGP or follow updates on Twitter @Portland_GP and Instagram at @Portland_GP using #PortlandG

Penske Addresses Fans; Other News and Notes

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Roger Penske’s letter to the fans this morning:

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I appreciate Roger reaching out to the fans. There is still hope that fans may be able to attend the Harvest Classic races October 2 and 3. meanwhile, Gateway is still expecting fans. They are limiting tickets to 20% of capacity. If you are thinking of going, I would call the ticket office. their website was doing some strange things yesterday. World wide Technology raceway is opening general admission seating in the first turn grandstands to help space fans out.

Will the Grid Get Older in 2021?

Helio Castroneves is looking for a full time Indycar ride next year, and Jimmie Johnson is seeking a two year deal to run the road and street courses beginning in 2021, with the Indianapolis 500 a possibility in 2022.

Penske has not ruled out Castroneves driving for him in the future, although with Josef Newgarden, Simon Pagenaud, and Will Power returning to Team Penske next year, and the likely addition of Scott McLaughlin, I can’t see Penske running five cars full time. Helio will be 45 by next season, and he has signed with the SRX program run by Tony Stewart for 2021.

Johnson, a seven time NASCAR champion, may draw some new fans for his first few races, but probably not long term. I think the novelty of seeing him in an Indycar on a road course will wear off quickly. A lot will depends on which team signs him. Would Ganassi go to a fourtrh car?

Should Castroneves and Johnson join the grid next year, it will reverse the trend of the youth movement that has occurred the last two years. The sport needs more new blood, but having stars race is never a bad thing.

Virtual Drivers’ Meeting

Saturday at 10 am the annual 500 drivers public meeting will be live streamed on IMS.com, @Verizon Twitter, and  You Tube. 

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Race Preview Tomorrow

Look for my 500 Mile Race preview tomorrow to find out which driver I will jinx by picking him to win. I think it will be an interesting race with lots of talent starting in the back of the field.

From Yesterday:

Thunderbird Flyover Highlights Indianapolis 500 Prerace

https://thepitwindow.blog/2020/08/19/thunderbird-flyover-highlights-indianapolis-500-prerace/

Aeroscreen Engineering Team Wins 2020 Louis Schwitzer Award

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INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020 – The 54th annual Louis Schwitzer Award was presented to eight engineers for their engineering excellence in developing the innovative Aeroscreen for INDYCAR, which protects the driver from airborne debris.

The awardees included Ed Collings, Red Bull Advanced Technologies; Antonio Montanari, Dallara; Stefan Seidel, Pankl Racing Systems; Craig McCarthy, Aerodine Composites; Brent Wright, PPG; Marco Bertolini, Isoclima; and Bill Pappas and Tino Belli from INDYCAR.

BorgWarner and the Indiana Section of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International gave the award, along with a $10,000 prize, to the engineers. The award recipients have decided to donate the prize money to SeriousFun Children’s Network.

The Louis Schwitzer Award honors engineers who innovate new concepts to improve competitive potential, with a focus on new technology with applications in the engine, powertrain, profile, chassis or safety, and that adhere to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES specifications. Judges aim to recognize advancements that increase performance, safety or efficiency.

“A lot of the emphasis for the Indy 500 is put on who will take home the coveted Borg-Warner Trophy, but we think it’s just as important to highlight the significant efforts of the engineers behind the scenes who continue to innovate impressive technologies for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” said Frédéric Lissalde, president and CEO, BorgWarner Inc. “With safety being at the forefront of everything we do at BorgWarner, we’re pleased to see this group of award winners honored for bringing a creative and functional safety solution to the racing industry.”

Implemented by INDYCAR for the 2020 season to protect the driver from airborne debris, the Aeroscreen is designed to withstand up to 28,100 lbs (125 kN) of vertical and lateral static loads and survive the impact of a 2.2 lb (1 kg) projectile fired at 220 mph (354 kph). A key benefit of the technology is that it has no optical distortion and does not interfere with the driver’s sightlines. Additionally, it allows for ‘straight up’ driver extraction in case of a back injury and is interchangeable with all Dallara DW12 chassis systems.

Consisting of an additive manufactured titanium top frame, a titanium-reinforced carbon fiber lower frame and a clear laminated polycarbonate screen, the top frame prevents large objects from entering the cockpit. Similarly, the lower frame stiffens the cockpit opening and provides attachment points for the top frame and screen, and the screen deflects smaller debris away from the cockpit.

The Aeroscreen is the result of a worldwide engineering collaboration between INDYCAR and Red Bull Advanced Technologies (United Kingdom) for the structural design; Dallara (Italy) for the aerodynamic design; manufacturers Pankl Racing Systems (Austria) for the top frame; Aerodine Composites (U.S.) for the lower frame; and PPG (U.S.) and Isoclima (Italy) for the screen.

“Since the first call to Red Bull Advanced Technologies to the implementation of the Aeroscreen, there has been a dedicated group of engineers both internally and at our partners working tirelessly,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “The countless hours that the entire team and paddock put into making our drivers safer on the racetrack have already paid dividends as we saw last month in Iowa. Thank you to BorgWarner and the Indiana SAE for their longtime and continued support of this prestigious award.”

Beyond celebrating engineering excellence, the award memorializes Louis Schwitzer, who won the first auto race at the IMS in 1909 and designed the “Marmon Yellow Jacket” engine that powered the Marmon “Wasp” to victory at the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. After founding Schwitzer Corporation in 1918, Schwitzer led the IMS technical committee and maintained a strong association with SAE throughout his career. BorgWarner acquired Schwitzer Corporation in 1999 to expand BorgWarner’s turbocharger, engine cooling systems and other offerings.

When it comes to the Indianapolis 500, BorgWarner’s heritage runs deep, centering around the famous Borg-Warner Trophy, which has been awarded to the winner of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” every year since 1936. BorgWarner also is the Official Turbocharger Partner of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, with its EFR™ (Engineered for Racing) turbochargers boost the engine of every car participating in the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Built for reliability, the turbochargers deliver an unprecedented combination of advanced technologies including: Gamma-Ti (titanium aluminide) turbine wheels, ceramic ball bearings and stainless-steel turbine housings.