Mixed Feelings on a Lost Tradition

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Photo: Matt Kryger, Indystar

Balloons will no longer fill the race day sky over IMS after the singing of “(Back Home Again in) Indiana,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced earlier this week that the traditional balloon spectacle is “indefinitely paused.” The spectacle which inspired Wonder Bread is no more.

A speedway spokesperson said the “pause” is a result of environmental and wildlife concerns. Penske Entertainment will have a news conference tomorrow afternoon to announce key sustainability initiatives. The balloon halt is likely na part of that. The balloons haven’t been released on Race Day since 2019. the last two years the launches were cancelled as part of the Speedway’s COVID protocols.

I have mixed feelings about not seeing the balloons. It is one of the things I really look forward to in the pre-race ceremonies. Seeing the balloons means the command to start engines is just seconds away. The balloons were a fitting ending to the song, celebrating the fact that we have alln gathered again for the Memorial Day Classic.

On the other hand, I do recognize the environmental issue that balloons cause. I am glad the track is taking steps to be good corporate citizens. There are other environmental issues associated with the race that can’t be avoided, like vehicles and waste material.

The bigger issue I have is with the erosion of tradition. Over the years, traditions relating toi the 500 have disappeared or changed beyond recognition. Practice for the race used to begin May 1. Now there are four days of practice before qualifying. Qualifying itself has gone through numerous changes in the 105 year history of the event.

Some have suggested alternatives like hot air balloons or tethered balloons that can be popped after the race starts. I like those ideas, but I think it would take a long time for either one to gain acceptance. I don’t care for the speedway’s plan for a second flyover. That seems like an empty gesture with no real feeling of joy like the balloons deliver.

Pre race ceremonies as a whole have undergone a transformation over the last 60 years. There was not an invocation before 1974, when the race was moved to Sunday. The pre race used to be a tight 20 minute affair with just the national anthem, “Indiana”, and Taps. I am nt a fan of the extended pre race that we have now. I find it too long and drawn out.

Over time, everyone’s feeling about the balloons will subside. After Jim Cornelison belts out the last note of the word home, no one will be complaining about the lack of balloons. It will be time to go racing.

Test Day 2- Track Drying, Warm-up Lane Fix?

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Greetings from a cloudy wet Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Track drying is underway at the moment.

Today’s schedule:

10 AM Eastern- 4 PM Eastern Testing for all cars

Streaming available on Peacock.

I ran into Doug Boles on my way to the media center. He said the warmup lane sealant was applied the day after the track sealant last October. Last night IMS worked on the problem area. One thing they did was drag 18- pound tires to help create grip. Before any cars run today, the track, Firestone, and Indycar will discuss the situation and decide if it is safe.

The track is quite wet right now. I anticipate a delay in the start of practice.

9:15 AM

Helio Castroneves will not be on track today. He is fine, but his car will not be ready after yesterday afternoon’s incident.

Thew temperature is supposed to reach the mid to upper 60s this afternoon with a hint of some sun. Sun and wind would really help dry the track right now.

The time sheet from yesterday afternoon:

More than 1,500 laps were run through the three sessions on Wednesday. Look for track activity updates on The Pit Window on Facebook and @tutorindie on Twitter.

Dixon Leads Crash Shortened Afternoon Test

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Scott Dixon led both sessions involving veterans at the open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today. Dixon ran a lap of 227,187 in the afternoon session, which saw just 30 minutes of green flag time and ended 30 minutes early after two crashes exiting pit lane.

Conor Daly had the second fastest time, 226,985 mph.

Conor Daly

Four time and defending race winner Helio Castroneves spun on the pit exit lane and hit the outside wall in turn 2. Castroneves was unhurt. He could not explain what happened.

“I didn’t feel anything strange, anything bottoming, I wasn’t pushing,” Castroneves said. “And the rear just spun out. I was trying to control it, making sure I didn’t crash, and it was a very odd situation. Unfortunately, we couldn’t avoid that. It was very unusual.”

Action resumed, and 21 minutes later, Will Power spun in the pit exit lane in turn 1. Colton Herta went wide to avoid Power, spun and brushed the outside wall, then slid down the track, narrowly missing a collision with Marcus Ericsson, who chose to go low to avoid Herta’s spinning car. Herta’s car came to rest nose first against the inside wall in turn 1.

Will Power talks to media between sessions.

Officials ddeclared the session over to have time to examine the pit lane. Alexander Rossi had spun in the lane as cars left the pits for the morning session.

Indycar, IMS, and Firestone were working together to find out what the issue with the pit lane is. There will be an update in the morning.

In the rookie/refresher session the five rookies passed all three phases of the rookie test. Callum Ilott had the fastest lap, 222,184 mph.

Callum Ilott waits for practice to resume.

Ilott talked about his day and learning ovals.

“It’s a real challenge, especially when it’s quite windy, trying to get the positioning in the field at that speed. And then, you know, when we come on after the rookie orientation, and you’re an adult with 33 cars on track, it’s, yeah, it’s a bit tough to find the space and, you know, you start to learn the technicalities of oval racing, which was something I had to learn quite quickly in Texas. But yeah, it’s awesome. The place is ginormous.”

Practice is scheduled to run from 10 AM Eastern time to 4 PM. All 32 cars are eligible to participate. We will wait for word on the pit lane issue. Work on that part of the track may delay the start, but Indycar will probably allow all six hours of running if possible. Tomorrow’s practice will be streamed on Peacock.

Dixon Fastest in First Veterans’ Session; Rookie Test Underway

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The open- test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway got underway after a 90-minute delay. The session begun under cool and cloudy conditions. As the two hour time period progressed, temperatures warmed a bit and some sun appeared and the wind got stronger.

Scott Dixon had the quickest lap of 225.622 mph. Dixon ran 20 laps, the fewest of the full time Chip Ganassi Racing team. Jimmie Johnson was sixth fastest in 37 laps, Alex Palou ran seventh in 25 laps, and Marcus Ericsson finished the session 20th, running 31 laps. Tony Kanaan, who is running the 500 only, ran just fourteen laps and ended 21st on the speed chart.

Pato O’Ward on a late session run

The rest of the top 5- Scott Mclaughlin, 223.984; Santino Ferrucci, 223,053; Romain Grosjean, 222.727; and Pato O’Ward, 222.660.

sIx Hondas and four Chevys made up the top ten. Three of the Hondas were from Chip Ganassi Racing.

I talked to Tony Kanaan after practice. He said the conditions were “Okay in the morning, then it got windy and cold. I didn’t do that many laps. It5’s not the same as it’s going to be race week, but it’s good to get a couple things out of the way.”

Tony Kanaan talks to media after the test session

He said “It felt 100% good to be back in the car. I think we can benefit from having five very experienced drivers on the team.”

Kanaan on track

Kanaan plans to run the 500 “As long as they keep bringing me back.” He noted that next year will be his 25th 500.

Currently halfway through the rookie /refresher session, David Malukas is the fastest rookie with a lap at 218.250. Times will vary depending on which phase of the test each driver is in at the moment.

Testing Delayed

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Good morning from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The track is damp and things are delayed here. Indycar plans to run the full schedule when the track dries. The rain is expected to stop just before noon ET, in about 50 minutes. Running may extend past 6 pm today and possibly run longer tomorrow than the original 4 pm end time.

The Practice groups for today:

Notes-

Santino Ferrucci does not need a refresher test because he raced at Texas.

Romain Grosjean and Jimmie Johnson need to complete the last half of phase 3 of the rookie test. Because they need to run laps above 215 mph, they are allowed to practice with the veterans since they will be running comparable speeds.

Kanaan’s 500 Car Carries Number 1

Tony Kanaan and Chip Ganassi Racing unveiled the car Kanaan will drive in the Indianapolis 500.

The American Legion sponsored machine will carry the number 1. Chip Ganassi Racing has the rights to that number since Alex Palou won the NTT Indycar Series title in 2021. It’s great to have a car number 1 in the race. It would be even greater if the actual champion would use it.

The Search for 33 Continues

Still no word on who the 33rd 500 entry will be, but I understand that work toward that goal is ongoing. I am hoping we hear something during this test.

Several Indianapolis 500 liveries have come out the past few days. I will have a post up later today presenting the new liveries.

Coming in a bit, a story about news which burst onto the scene this morning and has many people up in the air.

Open Test Begins Prep for the 500

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The Schedule:

It isn’t opening day, but the first time Indycar takes to the IMS oval each spring is a day to celebrate.

Testing on the oval begins today as the 32 confirmed entries for the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 take to the track. All sessions on both days will be broadcast live on Peacock.

The field includes the 26 car full time grid plus the Dreyer and Reinbold team of Sage Karam and Santino Ferrucci, Ed Carpenter in car 33, Juan Pablo Montoya in car 6 for Arrow McLaren SP, Tony Kanaan in a fifth Chip Ganassi car, and Marco Andretti in car 98 for Andretti Autosport.

Jimmie Johnson and Romain Grosjean are cleared to practice with the veterans, but they still have to complete the final phase of their rookie tests. Weather last fall prevented the drivers from finishing the required number of laps.

Taking refreshers tests will be Karam, Ferrucci, Montoya, Kanaan, and Andretti.

Beginning their rookie tests are Kyle Kirkwood, Christian Lundgaard, Devlin De Francesco, Callum Ilott, and David Malukas.

Things to Watch For

In the first three races of the season, Chevrolet seems to be the better engine. Honda has been better at IMS the last two years. I’m not sure if either manufacturer wants to tip its hand before May officially begins, but I will be looking for trap speeds and the no tow sheets.

Among the Chevy teams, many eyes will be on Team Penske. The team that has won the most 500s has struggled the past two Mays. They have won the first three races of the season, and there are big expectations for Penske at IMS. Many have already installed Josef Newgarden as the favorite for the 500, but I’m not sure about that yet.

Rookies in Traffic

I like that the rookies get their own session in the middle of the day. They used to have to take their test within the regular practice periods.

When they are allowed to practice with the veterans, how will they handle the traffic? The pure rookies have very little oval experience. Did they learn enough at Texas to help them at IMS?

Weather

Wednesday looks to start off cool and may cause a delay in the start, but Thursday looks like a great day with warm temperatures in the afternoon.

Then track is open to spectators on the turn 2 viewing mounds near the museum. No grandstands are open.

I will be on site most of the day and I will have updates throughout the day.

Paretta, De Silvestro Partner with Ed Carpenter for Three Races

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Paretta Autosport will return to the NTT Indycar Series this season, but not the Indianapolis 500. The team will again have Simons De Silvestro driving car 16 sponsored by KiwiCo in a technical alliance with Ed Carpenter Racing. Their season begins at Road America, then goes to Mid Ohio and Nashville. Team Owner Beth Paretta hinted that more races are possible.

Beth Paretta

Paretta Austosport began last year under the guidance of Team Penske mas part of Indycar’s Race for Equality and Change, a program to encourage more participation in the sport by women and minorities. Last year De Silvestro started 33rd and finished 31st in the Indianapolis 500.

Most of the women who were a part of the Indianapolis effort last year will return for the three race schedule.

Paretta said that in planning for 2022, she originally wanted to do the 500 plus some other races, but that bypassing the 500 made more economic sense. She had discussed a partnership with ECR last year. GM suggested that Carpenter made the most sense for her team.

Simona de Silvestro

Simona de Silvestro drove in the Indycar series from 2010-2013 with HVM Racing and KV Racing. She also ran three races with Andretti Autosport in 2015.

Road America will be the first time since 2013 that more than one woman will compete in an Indycar race. Tatiana Calderon drives for A. J. Foyt Racing.

About KiwiCo

From the team’s website, a little about their new sponsor. I can see some great activation here for kids.

“KiwiCo, as the official STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art, math) learning company that develops engaging hands-on projects and activities to spark children’s curiosity and creativity. The company’s on a mission to inspire the next generation of innovators with the skills and confidence to become creative problem solvers and critical thinkers – traits necessary for motorsport careers. KiwiCo and Paretta Autosport will collaborate throughout their partnership to highlight STEAM learning and connect on-track activities to off-track learning.”

Miles ‘Guarantees’ a 33rd Entry

Many people expected Paretta to be the 33rd entry for the Indianapolis 500, but Mark Miles reassured everyone that the entry is coming. Miles said at the press conference that he guarantees there will be a 33rd entry for the race and “maybe one more.”

AMSP 500 Liveries- 1Hit, 2 Misses

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Arrow McLaren SP revealed their liveries for the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 today. They have added an olive color to their full time cars for Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist. The car for Juan Pablo Montoya, which has a white base, is in my opinion the only one this new color works well with.

I think the orange and blue combination is great. I really don’t care for the olive patch on the 5 and the 7.

The official release from AMSP:

UNDEFEATED founder James Bond joins Arrow McLaren SP to collaborate on designs for the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 29th

April 19, 2022

For the second consecutive year, Arrow McLaren SP and Vuse will partner with global sportswear brand UNDEFEATED, to collaborate on design and inspiration across the team for this year’s 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500. The unique partnership will see UNDEFEATED design all three Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolets, driver fire suits and the team garage for this year’s ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’.

Arrow McLaren SP, Vuse and UNDEFEATED will look to elevate the partnership after last year’s first of its kind collaboration between a streetwear and lifestyle brand and an IndyCar team. This year James Bond, founder of UNDEFEATED, will lead the design of not one, but three racecars that will compete in this year’s Indianapolis 500.

Bond and his team took a new approach for this year’s livery designs, deviating from last year’s tiger camo by bringing an asymmetrical design across all three cars. The color schemes include UNDEFEATED’s signature olive green, along with the colors that Arrow McLaren SP has come to be known for: fluro papaya, blue and black. Each livery has a slightly different design with a similar color palette, forming a unified look across the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet piloted by Pato O’Ward, the No. 6 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet piloted by Juan Pablo Montoya, and the No. 7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet piloted by Felix Rosenqvist.

All three cars and drivers will take to track at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway tomorrow, as the team participates in the Indianapolis 500 Open Test on April 20 and 21. Follow along with the test live on Peacock and across Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube at @ArrowMcLarenSP.

James Bond, Founder, UNDEFEATED said:

“Continuing our partnership with Arrow McLaren SP, and partner Vuse, for the second year to bring streetwear designs to racing canvases at the Indianapolis 500 is a huge opportunity for the brand and industry. I’m excited about the expanded design collaboration and to bring to life UNDEFEATED’s vision across the Arrow McLaren SP team, unifying our brands on and off the racetrack during the month of May.”

Taylor Kiel, President, Arrow McLaren SP, said:  

“With the success of last year’s design, the team was ecstatic to welcome back this partnership between Arrow McLaren SP, Vuse and UNDEFEATED to elevate our position on and off the track. Collaborating with a brand like UNDEFEATED through innovation and art during IndyCar’s biggest moment of the year helps to bring the sport forward, drive creative innovation, and foster additional interest in the sport.”

Pato O’Ward, Driver, No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, said: 

“How cool is it to have special liveries across all three cars? I think once the fans see all three Arrow McLaren SP liveries on track, they will see how unique the collaboration with UNDEFEATED is. The Indianapolis 500 is the most special moment of the year for the entire team and these custom liveries just take it up a notch.”

Juan Pablo Montoya, Driver, No. 6 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, said:

“I can’t wait to get back to Indianapolis Motor Speedway with Arrow McLaren SP, this time with an UNDEFEATED design on the No. 6 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet. This partnership is close to home for me because my cousin was part of the design process with James [Bond]. To be able to drive a car that I know was designed by family, that’s special.”

Felix Rosenqvist, Driver, No. 7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet said:

“I am really excited for UNDEFEATED to return to the team this year for the Indianapolis 500 after last year’s successful partnership with Vuse on the No. 7 car. I loved how unique my car was last year and I think it will be even better this year to have three UNDEFEATED-designed cars on the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I have enjoyed getting to know James [Bond] and the team at UNDEFEATED and look forward to working closer with them.”

Music City GP Makes Track Improvements; Adds Fan Attractions

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The Music City Grand Prix, Indycar’s street race in Nashville August 5-7, announced some track modifications in hopes of improving the racing. I am glad they are taking these steps. Some new fan attractions were also announced. The highlights:

  • Restart zone moving from finish line to start line for Aug. 5-7 weekend featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
  • Pro Watercross National Tour, General Jackson Riverboat add buzz to neighboring Cumberland River. 
  • Premium packages, three-day grandstand tickets currently on sale to general public. 
  • The official release from the Grand Prix

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 18, 2022) – A new restart zone will highlight several track modifications for the competitors while fans will enjoy some new entertainment options, including professional jet ski competition, during the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix INDYCAR weekend set for Aug. 5-7 at the Nissan Stadium campus.
 
The most impactful competition alteration for all five series competing in the race weekend – the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights, GT America,Trans Am and Stadium SUPER Trucks – will be the shift of the restart zone. 
 
During last year’s inaugural Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, the restarts occurred at the finish line in front of Nissan Stadium but now will move to the long straightaway as the field exits the Korean Veterans Bridge and toward Turn 9. It will be the same zone that was used for the start of each race last season and should provide cleaner restarts and more immediate passing opportunities.
 
Course Improvements
 
Other modifications or changes to the 2.17-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit include:

  • Turn 11 apex being opened approximately six feet to not only increase the track width but provide better vision for drivers.
  • Transition areas at both ends of the KVB Bridge being smoothed as much as possible to reduce the potential of the cars bottoming coming on and off the bridge.
  • Resurfacing at the Turn 5 apex to minimize the bump.
  • Track width into Turn 9 being reduced to 50 feet to accommodate additional suites in a primary viewing area.
  • Additional gates being added to maximize track crossings at several locations.

Waterfront Additions

While the Korean Veterans Bridge serves as the signature of the track layout, the Cumberland River that it crosses also will be an area with plenty of action during the race weekend. The new additions will be a stop on the Pro Watercross National Tour and the General Jackson Riverboat Experience.

The Pro Watercross series, in conjunction with the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, will stage the inaugural Nashville Invitational event on Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6, of race weekend.

The jet ski riders will reach speeds of more than 85 miles per hour competing against each other on a three-quarter mile, closed-course layout on the Cumberland River. Friday’s action will feature slalom competition with the riders racing on adjacent courses. On Saturday, the competitors will go head to head in a more traditional style of racing.

Spectator viewing areas will be located in the Big Machine Music City Fan Zone along the East Bank as well as on the downtown side of the river at 143 First Avenue North. Fan Zone viewing is free with event admission and the downtown location will be free admission.

The General Jackson Riverboat will be the featured water entertainment on Sunday, Aug. 7, in anticipation of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES race at 2 p.m. CT. 

All-day food and beverage (alcohol not included) will be available on the riverboat, which gives guests the option of a cruise from Opryland or just board at the boat ramp adjacent to the Nissan Stadium campus where it will be moored. The boat is climate controlled with closed-circuit race coverage and private restrooms.  A general admission ticket to roam the grounds and enjoy the race festivities is included in the $349 price.

Fan Enhancements

The Fan Zone also will get several enhancements highlighted by the the relocation of the secondary music stage moving to the footprint closer to the river, heightened bar / gathering experiences, more food trucks, and more sponsor activation areas.

The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix will be a three-day festival of racing and music from Aug. 5-7 featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am Series, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy. The musical entertainment is highlighted by nightly on-site concerts featuring prominent artists who will be announced at a later date. For ticket and event information, please visit www.musiccitygp.com.