Tag: Indianapolis 500

IMS Open Test Day 2

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Today’s Schedule:

9:30-12p: high boost session

2-5p: All skate regular session

Free admission Turn 2 mounds + SE Vista will be open

@IndyCar YouTube page will stream

Timing and Scoring: http://INDYCAR.com/leaderboard

Another beautiful day to watch testing at IMS. Fans turned out yesterday, and I saw quite a line waiting for the gates to open as I drove in just a few minutes ago.

From last night

Back Home Again for the First Time This Year

Honda looked strong yesterday. We will see if the qualifying boost changes anything this morning.

The Speedway has turned this test into a somewhat May like atmosphere with concessions and merchandise available, as well as keeping fans informed over the public address system. The only change I would make would be to put these two days in May.

I’ll be bak with results from the high boost session around midday.

Back Home Again for the First Time This Year

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The technical glitch which stole more than two hours of the IndyCar Open Test at IMS was quickly forgotten when cars finally took to the track at 12:45 this afternoon.

It is great to be back at the Speedway watching cars zip around the oval. The highlight of the two days comes tomorrow morning when the qualifying boost is added.

Cars left pit lane at 10 am for install laps, but as they returned to the pits, network connections failed. Race control could not communicate with teams, and timing and scoring did not work. After a two-hour, 45 minute delay, the Speedway’s first oval action of 2025 began. The shortened session was interrupted first for Jack Harvey stopping on the backstretch, followed by Santino Ferrucci coming to a halt in nearly the same place.

Alex Palou had the fastest time in the early running.

The rookie and refresher tests had 120 minutes to complete their programs. Kyle Larson ran just a few laps before returning to pit lane with an issue. he got back on track, but he needed time in the all car session to complete his laps. Jacob Abel and Marco Andretti also needed some extra time.

New at the Track

More of a return than new, LED panels now crown the pagoda, showing the top 10 positions. This was a great help to those sitting in Turn 2 who can’t see the pylon and don’t want to wait for the order to scroll on the video boards.

A large merchandise tent has sprouted along the drive just west of Pagoda Plaza. This is a good move and will take pressure off nthe new, more compact gift shop in the museum.

Some cars on track

Pato O’Ward- this car looks amazing on track
Alexander Rossi

I will publish the results of today later. As I write, Josef Newgarden has the fastest lap, with a tow, of 225125. Felix Rosenqvist has the quickest lap without a tow, 220. 418.

Rookie/Refresher Lineup

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Session from 2-4 ET

Rookies

Jacob Abel car 51 Dale Coyne Racing

Robert Shwartzman car 83 PREMA Rcing

Louis Foster car 45 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Refreshers

Marco Andretti car 98 Andretti Global

Kyle Larson car 17 Arrow McLaren

Callum Ilott car 90 PREMA Racing

Devlin DeFrancesco car 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Takuma Sato car 75 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing

Rookie test:

10 laps at 205-210 mph

15 laps 210-215

15 laps 215 or higher

Refresher

last two segments of rookie program.

Verizon Commits $6 Million To Support Veteran Debt Relief with Team Penske, Indianapolis Colts

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From IMS and IndyCar:

  Driving Innovation, Tackling Veteran Debt Relief Across Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, April 23, 2025) – Today at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Verizon, Team Penske and the Indianapolis Colts announced a $6 million commitment to tackle veteran debt in Indiana over the next two years.This initiative includes a $4 million collaboration with Team Penske during the Month of May.
One million dollars in veteran debt relief has been committed for 2025, with an additional $1 million contingent on Will Power, driver of the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, finishing in the top 10 at the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
An additional $2 million in debt relief will be provided in collaboration with the Indianapolis Colts over the next two seasons.
“This partnership between Verizon, Team Penske and the Indianapolis Colts represents a unique opportunity to address veteran debt relief while showcasing innovation and excellence,” said Andy Brady, president of Verizon’s Great Lakes Market.
“Together, we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of the veterans across Indiana, both on the racetrack and in the community.”
Significant Technology Investment Powers the Racing Experience
As part of this commitment, Verizon has made a significant technological infrastructure at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This investment includes:
Comprehensive upgrade to the Distributed Antenna System (DAS).
Modernization of all wireless capabilities with new 4G equipment and addition of 5G coverage across 71 zones throughout the facility.
Enhanced high-capacity antennas to support the massive data demands during race events.
Improved connectivity at main gate areas to streamline ticketing and enhance the fan entry experience.
These technological advancements ensure that fans, teams and media can stay connected throughout the race events while enabling innovative new racing applications and improved spectator experiences.
“Verizon has always been a leader in innovation and a company that makes a difference in people’s lives,” said Roger Penske, founder and chairman of Team Penske.
“Verizon’s commitment to helping veterans through this debt relief initiative is a testament to their values and dedication to creating positive change. At Team Penske, we are proud to stand with Verizon in supporting those who have served our country and creating meaningful change for our veterans.”
The 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 25 at IMS. Fans can tune into the FOX network broadcast beginning at 10 a.m. ET as 2018 winner
Power attempts to win his second Indy 500 and secure another $1 million in debt relief for Central Indiana veterans.
“Verizon’s dedication to innovation and reliability is second to none, and the Indianapolis Colts are honored to partner with a brand that truly takes care of its community,” said Carlie Irsay-Gordon, vice chair/owner of the Indianapolis Colts.
“This collaboration represents the best of what teamwork and shared values can achieve, supporting those who have served our nation while making a lasting impact across Indiana.”
Veteran Debt Relief
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, Verizon continues its initiative to relieve debt across the Great Lakes region through its partnership with ForgiveCo. Building on previous successes, Verizon is now focusing on Indianapolis, aiming to alleviate up to $6 million in veteran debt. This effort is part of a broader $22 million debt relief program across the Great Lakes over the next two years.
In 2024, Verizon successfully relieved more than $4 million in debt for over 4,800 veterans.
“At Verizon, we believe in honoring our veterans not just with words, but with action,” Brady said. “Relieving up to $6 million in veteran debt in Indianapolis is a testament to our dedication to providing meaningful support to those who have given so much for our country.”
Those receiving this debt relief will be contacted by ForgiveCo., a company that identifies and handles the clearing of debt for veterans in need. There is no enrollment process for eligibility.Verizon currently employs more than 8,000 veterans nationwide and is nationally recognized as a Military Friendly company for seven years in a row.Verizon also provides special offers and discounts to veterans and military members across the nation, allowing them to save on mobile or home internet plans.
To check for discount eligibility and to get started, visit verizon.com/military or visit a local participating Verizon store for details. 

IMS Open Test Preview

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Today’s schedule

Install laps 10 am

Veteran drivers: 10:05 a.m.-noon
Rookie Orientation Program and refresher tests: noon-2 p.m.
All drivers: 2-6 p.m.

Streaming on IndyCar You Tube channel; live timing and scoring on IndyCar app.

Turn 2 mounds and SE Vista open for viewing.

Parking in Lot 3A.

Weather will not be an issue, with temperatures reaching 80 both today and tomorrow.\

As testing gets underway this morning, I’m looking for a few things over the next two days.

How will PREMA perform in their first big oval run?

Is RLL back in the game?

Will hybrid slow qualifying speeds?

Tomorrow morning’s high boost qualifying sims should provide answers to the last question, but we need to keep in mind that this April, not qualifying weekend.

PREMA will get lots of track time as Robert Shwartzman runs his rookie test. I think today will be a shakedown for them.

How RLL will stack up is another question. The team has struggled the last two years at the 500. I want to see them be competitive again.

It will be nice to see cars on the oval for the first time in 2025. I wish they could tack these days onto the May schedule.

I will be onsite and provide updates during the course of the day, There were some more livery reveals yesterday, and Team Penske is having a press conference in a few minutes.

I’l be back with details in a bit. If you’re coming to the track, be safe, hydrate, and wear sunscreen.

Andretti, McLaren 500 Liveries Revealed

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Andretti Global and MacLaren unveiled liveries for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. Andretti presented the colors for thgeir one off entry, the 98 which Marco Andretti will drive. It is basically the same as last year’s car.

McLaren has gone with a new look for each of its three entries.

Pato O’Ward
Nolan Siegel
Christian Lundgaard

I like that McLaren has made each car distinct. These three entries are the best looking McLarens for the 500 to date. I thought their throwback liveries missed the mark a bit.

I’m not sure if these liveries will be on display in the test sessions this week, but I am looking forward to seeing them in May.

Open Test Schedule

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Wednesday, April 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET)
Veteran drivers: 10:05 a.m.-noon
Rookie Orientation Program and refresher tests: noon-2 p.m.
All drivers: 2-6 p.m.
Thursday, April 24, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET)
“High Boost” Session: 9:30 a.m.-noon
All drivers: 2-5 p.m.

The test will be streamed on the INDYCAR YouTube channel. Live timing will be available on INDYCAR.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
The Southeast Vista grandstands and the Turn 2 Viewing Mounds will be open for public viewing during the test. Due to the IMS Museum’s recent reopening, guests will park across 16th Street in Lot 3P and will enter through Gate 3. Guests with an ADA parking placard will park in the Front Museum Lot and sit in South Terrace East. Security will be on site to assist fans with crossing 16th Street. Concessions and merchandise will be available for purchase.

INDYCAR Updates Replacement Driver Status for Indianapolis 500 

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From Indycar:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, April 17, 2025) – INDYCAR has informed race teams of a procedural update involving eligible drivers ahead of the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
During a recent Team Manager call, teams were made aware that a replacement driver would be eligible with the following parameters:
A replacement driver will only be considered if the primary (entered) driver also is participating in another marquee event with the driver’s principal racing series on Indianapolis 500 Race Day.
The INDYCAR-approved veteran replacement driver is eligible for and passes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway refresher program in the entry during the first day of Indianapolis 500 practice.
Additional tires for the refresher program will not be allowed for the Indianapolis 500 entry. The tire allotment for each entrant is 32 sets for the event. Any tires used for the refresher program will be taken from the allotted tires to that entry.
During the refresher program, minimal setup changes will be allowed.
After the replacement driver completes the required phases of the refresher program, additional laps during the session will not be permitted.
Once INDYCAR is notified that a team will use its replacement driver for the Indianapolis 500, the entry’s qualified position is forfeited, and the car will start at the rear of the starting lineup and ordered according to Rule 8.1.8.6.
A qualified driver, who is officially replaced by the team, may return and compete with that entry provided the replacement driver has not participated in a session other than the refresher program. The car’s starting position will remain at the rear of the field with the starting lineup ordered according to Rule 8.1.8.6.
The 2025 INDYCAR rulebook will be updated to reflect these changes.
The 109th Indianapolis 500, round five of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship, is Sunday, May 25. Coverage begins at 10 a.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes and the FOX Sports app. The award-winning INDYCAR Radio Network is available on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
The next NTT INDYCAR SERIES race is the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on Sunday, May 4. Coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET on FOX, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network.