Tag: Indianapolis 500

Indianapolis 500 Wrap Up: A Great Race Caps a Long Day

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Photo by Kyle McInnes

Some of the best Indianapolis 500s are worth waiting a little longer for. My favorite 500 of all time- 1986- was delayed almost a full week by weather. While yesterday’s race began just four hours late, it was a gem, my favorite race since 2014. I will think a bit more about this, but 2024 may replace 2014 as second on my favorites list.

The 108th 500 had all the elements that make for a great race. Contenders came and went, accidents at times that altered pit strategy, green flag runs that weren’t overly long-the longest was the final 46 laps- and five lead changes in the final 10 laps.

I have a standard for what makes a good race, and yesterday met it. To me a good 500 mile race has no more than 50 laps of caution, and no driver leads more than a third of the race. It was close on both counts.

The emotion from winner Josef Newgarden and runner up Pato O’Ward is what this race is all about. Their intense, lead swapping battle over the final eight laps is the stuff of Indianapolis legends.

Alternate Strategies Nearly Work

Conor Daly drove arguably the best 500 of his career. he was in a position to win most of the day on an alternate fuel strategy, aided by the early caution flags. The caution for his teammate, Ryan Hunter-Reay, hurt his plan. Daly finished 10th, improving 19 positions from the start.

But then the master of alternate fuel tactics, Scott Dixon, stepped in, and while things didn’t quite go his way, he still managed a third place result from a 21st place start.

Overcoming Penalties

Kyle Kirkwood and Graham Rahal survived drive through penalties to gaindecent results. Kirkwood’s penalty was for pit lane contact on lap 92. he finished seventh.

Rahal faced a bigger challenge. he started last, and his pit speed penalty on lap 134 might have ended a good day for him. But Rahal fought back to come home 15th, probably the best drive of the day.

In what is becoming an annual event. Rinus VeeKay had an issue with contact in pit lane, was sent to the back of the field, yet fought back to ninth at the end. I wonder how well he would finish if he didn’t have to recover from penalties every year.

While Callum Ilott did not get assessed an official penalty, a stuck weight jacker on the pace lap forced him to start the race from the pits. He managed to finish 11th.

Mixed Results for Rookies

The six rookies had a mixed day. Christian Rasmussen was the highest finisher of the group in12th. Rasmussen, Kyle Larson, and Kyffin Simpson led laps. But three were not around at the finish.

Larson ran inn the top 10 until a pit speed violation on lap 134 buried him in the field. he had a 22nd place result, but ill still win Rookie of the Year.

Tom Blomqvist was involved in the first turn accident, Marcus Armstrong lasted only six laps with a mechanical issue, and Linus Lundqvist hit the wall after 27 laps.

Newgarden’s Rare Feat

How unusual are back to back victories in the 500? After Wilbur Shaw first won in 1939 and 1940, two other drivers (Mauri Rose, 1947-1948; Bill Vukovich 1953,1954) accomplished twin wins in 15 years. There was not another back to back event until Al Unser in 1970 and 1971. It would be another 30 years until Helio Castroneves in 2001 and 2002 would go back to back. Newgarden, 22 years later, now joins this club of the most difficult feat in the 500.

Final Thoughts

I am glad that the red flag did not come into play at the end of the race this year. Newgarden earned this victory.

Yesterday may have been the race O’Ward needed to realize his potential in the series. I expect he will be a better driver after Sunday.

Kudos to the crowd for sticking it out for a very long day, and for Doug Boles and IMS management for keeping everyone safe during the storm.

And thanks to Indycar for coming up with the raciest Speedway package in years. More, please, on the remaining ovals.

Thanks to everyone who followed along on this site yesterday. I will be taking a break for a couple days, then soon I will be off to Le Mans.

Some Very Quick Thoughts on A Strange Race

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Above and Beyond-

The fans endured a four hour rain delay to watch the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. The day for about a third of them involved being here when the gates opened at 6am, evacuating the grandstands and even exiting the track for a while, then returning for a three hour race. I would say 90% of them returned.

Second, Doug Boles and the IMS staff deserve an extra measure of respect above what they already had. They putb in the equivalent of three work days today. They rescheduled, implemented a safety plan, and got NBC to lift the local blackout.

Third, the drivers. After a rough first quarter of the race, they put on a great show during the final 50 laps.

The Weird Race

After a demolition derby first 50 laps, the race settled down a bit, interrupted by a few more cautions.

The second half of the race saw one great racing stint, a bit more chaos, then a thrilling duel to the finish.

Josef Newgarden is now one of the rarest of 500 champions, a back to back winner. He won this on merit, winning a game of tag with Pato O’Ward.

Conor Daly’s strategy might have worked had his teammate Ryan Hunter-Reay not caused a caution. t put everyone on pretty much the same strategy.

What a great drive by Scott Dixon to finish third and lead late after starting 21st. But should we expect anything less from him?

Alex Palou with another top 10. He is Mr. Automatic as far as top 10s go.

It has been a long day, and I am exhausted. I will have a more detailed follow up omorrow. Thanks fopr following along this very long race weekend.

Good News Update- Race On, No Blackout

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A weary Doug Boles shared with the media that track drying will begin shortly. He expects the crew will need 2 hours to dry the track. Boles is hopeful that the entire race will be run. The next storm system is not expected until after 8 pm.

Blackout Lifted

The television blackout for central Indiana will be lifted a few minutes before the race starts. It will be broadcast live on channel 13 and Peacock. Boles said this was done because of the delay and that some fans decided to simply go home and not come back.

Notes

The flyover will still take place as will the rest of the traditional pre race ceremonies.

Kyle Larson will stay and drive in the race.

Boles took a moment to thank the media for keeping fans informed, and he also thanked the fans for staying.

I would like thank Doug Boles for keeping us updated throughout the day.

Let’s go racing.

Weather Update

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Doug Boles gave the following update.

The storm is track to arrive around noon-12:30. Lightning is on the leading edge of storm, and fans will be asked to leave the grandstands and the Snake Pit at 11:15. Fans may leave the speedway and will be allowed to return.

There are about 125, 00 people on the grounds right now, Boles reported.

Boles said it is possible the storm may split which would be a good thing. The speedway is hoping to start track drying between 2 and 2:30. Drying should take 90 minutes, and it is hoped the race can start after that. As of now there are now plans to shorten the race.

When there is no more lightning and the 30 minute waiting period expires, fans will be allowed to return to the stands.

“It’s been a challenging day for us.” Bole said.

Boles: Monitoring Weather, Update in 2 Hours; Fan Safety #1 Priority

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Doug Boles spoke to the media about the impending rainstorm approaching Indianapolis from the west.

He said it appears the raion should hit around noon.

“Our biggest concern in that weather is not the rain as much as it is the lightning and our biggest concern overall is making sure that our customers here at the speedway are safe. So we will continue to monitor that. I think over the course of the next couple of hours will really define on when that when that storm could hit Indianapolis,” Boples said.

“And we will want to make sure that we are informing our customers, letting them know where we are so that they have a top at halftime to decide what they want to do whether they want to hang here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or whether they want to stay in their cars or frankly whether they want to wait until they see how is weather comes together. So I really think over the next couple of hours we will have a pretty good definition of what that’s going to look like.”

Boles said fans will leave the stands long before lightning is detected in the standard 8 mile radius to give them time to find shelter..

There will be another update in about two hours. Boles believes they will have a good sense of timing of the rain by then.

Race Day!

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Good morning from a dark IMS. The track s already buzzing as everything is getting in place for the gates to open in 15 minutes.

Traffic was as heavy as I have ever seen it on 16th St an hour ago.

Here is the starting lineup:

Still waiting for word on what the weather will hold for us today. I hope we get the full race in without interruption. it is going to be one of the most compelling races in a while. Colton Herta is n ow my pick to win.

I will up date the weather during the morning hours on @tutorindie on Xwitter, and The Pit Window on Facebook.

Some photos from this morning:

Race Day Schedule

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IMS.com

To view this email as a web page, click here

 IMS.com LogoFor Immediate Release    Sunday, May 26  INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 25, 2024) – Information about 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge track activity Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
:SCHEDULE (All times local, subject to change)
5 a.m.-1 p.m.: Tickets and Credentials Office Open
6 a.m.-4 p.m.: Public gates open 
6 a.m.: Cannon Blast & Pyrotechnics
6-6:30 a.m.: Red Bull Sky Dive Team Descend into IMS – Landing Lakeside
7 a.m.: Snake Pit presented by Coors Light Gates Open
8:15 a.m.: Timmy Trumpet Begins – Snake Pit
8:45 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks Begins
8:55 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy Reaches Checkpoint 1 – South Pit Gate
9 a.m.: DJ Slater Hogan Begins on Pagoda 3
9:05 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy Reaches Checkpoint 2 – Pagoda Plaza
9:10 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy Reaches Checkpoint 3 – IMS Midway
9:15 a.m.: Sullivan King Begins – Snake Pit
9:38 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy Reaches Checkpoint 4 – Band Gate
10:10 a.m.: Borg-Warner Trophy Arrives at Yard of Bricks
10:26 a.m.: “On The Banks Of The Wabash” – Purdue University Band
10:30 a.m.: Griffyn Begins – Snake Pit
10:37 a.m.: Green Flag Lap Rolls Out
10:40 a.m.: Indy 500 Winners Lap
10:44 a.m.: Honorary Starter Receives Green Flag from IUH Patient – Trackside Stage
10:54 a.m.: Historic Cars Lap
10:55 a.m.: All Cars on The Grid
11:22 a.m.: Team USA Salute – Victory Podium
11:25 a.m.: Chevrolet Military Appreciation Lap
11:47 a.m.: Driver Introductions Begin
12:10 p.m.: U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Begins Descent
12:11 p.m.: “America the Beautiful” by Indiana National Guard Ceremonies Unit – Victory Podium1
2:18 p.m.: Invocation by Archbishop Charles Thompson – Trackside Stage12:19 p.m.: Rifle Volley and “Taps”– Victory Podium12:21 p.m.: “God Bless America” by Phillip Phillips – South Stage12:24 p.m.: National Anthem by Jordin Sparks Begins12:26 p.m.: Flyover – Air Force Thunderbirds12:29 p.m.: “Drivers to Your Cars” – Grand Marshal Dylan Sprouse12:36 p.m.: “Back Home Again in Indiana” by Jim Cornelison
12:38 p.m.: “Drivers Start Your Engines” – Roger Penske, Victory Podium
12:45 p.m.: Green Flag, 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge
12:50 p.m.: Excision Begins – Snake Pit
2:20 p.m.: Dom Dolla Begins – Snake Pit
Honorary Starters: Austin Butler and Jodie Comer
TICKETS: Reserved seats available at various prices from $79-$149. $60 for General Admission only, no grandstand access and no Snake Pit entry. Kids 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a General Admission adult ticketholder. All Coors Light Snake Pit attendees must also hold a valid Indianapolis 500 Race Day ticket. Fans will not be admitted to the track with just the Coors Light Snake Pit wristband. All Coors Light Snake Pit attendees must be at least 18 years old.
PUBLIC GATES OPEN (6 a.m.-4 p.m.): Gate 1, Gate 1B.1, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 5 North, Gate 5B, Gate 6 North, Gate 6 South, Gate 6B, Gate 7 South, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 7 North, Gate 9, Gate 9A, Gate 10, Gate 10A, Gate 11, Gate 11A, Gate 11B, Gate 11C, Gate 1
2PARKING: All Indianapolis 500 Race Day parking is SOLD OUT.
CASHLESS OPERATIONS: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a cashless facility. Fans should be prepared to complete their ticket, credentials, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease during their event via debit or credit card.Tap-to-pay phone payments will be accepted, as will credit and debit transactions. Cash-to-Card machines, which convert paper money onto a temporary debit card, will be located in Pagoda Plaza and outside Turn 1 by concessions stand 7. These funds can be spent inside the venue, outside the venue, online or anywhere in the world where Mastercard/Visa debit cards are accepted.
MUSEUM: The IMS Museum is closed for a major renovation, reopening in April 2025.

500 Race Eve Notes

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Word came last night that the local television blackout would not be lifted. The weather threat slowed the brisk ticket sale, leaving about 5,000 unsold reserved seats. The outcry from some fans, many of whom don’t even live in the blackout radius and can watch the race live, was loud and anguished. I heard a few complaints from Indy area folks. The race is shown on WTHR tv at night, so local fans can watch the race the same day. If you don’t live here, you have no right to complain about it.

Historic Car Drivers

I don’t remember the speedway publishing a list of who would drive the cars in the historic car parade, but here it is. It is the only part of the pre race ceremonies where I recognize the participants.

From yesterday

108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Race Preview

Weather Watch

As of now, it appears the race can start on time, but going the distance may be an issue. Rain could begin in the 2 pm hour and might be severe. If more than 101 laps have been run, there will not be a postponement to Monday. Officials will work to see if the track can dry in time to resume the race. I will have an update in the morning.

Carb Day Crowd

I haven’t seen any estimated attendance figures from Friday, but that was one of the largest Carb Day crowds I have ever seen. This day used to be virtually a semi private Thursday run, which was sparsely attended.

I will be back early in the morning with the latest weather and any other developments. Enjoy whatever pre race activities you are doing tonight.

Legends Day

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Today which should a day of honoring great drivers of the past, has become a perfunctory autograph session for the drivers on the grid and separate sessions for a few old-timers. A ceremonial drivers’ meeting is the highlight of the day.

Gone are the classic cars driving around the track, the former driver honoree of the year, and the memorabilia show. Then the track closes until 6 am Sunday. Fans used to be able to wander around the track the day before the race. The museum is closed for construction, which compounds the frustration this year.

If you are a first timer to the race, the drivers’ meeting is enjoyable. It is a good chance to see the entire field.

I will spend my day in Plainfield at the memorabilia show.

For those of you planning to go to the track, here is the info from IMS:

Gainbridge Legends Day Presented by Firestone track activity Saturday, May 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

SCHEDULE (All times local):

8 a.m.-3 p.m.: Public Gates Open

9-10 a.m.: Driver Autograph Session (Pagoda Plaza)

10:30 a.m.: Public Driver Meeting (Pit Lane – Tower Terrace)

Noon-1 p.m.: Former Driver Autograph Session #1

1:30-2:30 p.m.: Former Driver Autograph Session #2

TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $20. Children 15 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

PUBLIC GATES OPEN (8 a.m.-3 p.m.): Gate 2, Gate 4, Gate 6 South, Gate 7 South, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 7S, Gate 10, Gate 10A

PARKING: Limited free parking is located in the N Lot, and the West Museum Lot, Tower Terrace Lot and Flag Lot for ADA, and South Carousel Lot for motorcycles. Paid parking and paid ADA parking is $10 in Lot 2. Bicycle parking is located outside Gate 1, Gate 6 and Gate 9.

CASHLESS OPERATIONS: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a cashless facility. Fans should be prepared to complete their ticket, credentials, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease during their event via debit or credit card.

Tap-to-pay phone payments will be accepted, as will credit and debit transactions. Cash-to-Card machines, which convert paper money onto a temporary debit card, will be located in Pagoda Plaza and outside Turn 1 by concessions stand 7. These funds can be spent inside the venue, outside the venue, online or anywhere in the world where Mastercard/Visa debit cards are accepted.

MUSEUM: The IMS Museum is closed for a major renovation, reopening in April 2025. To learn more, please visit imsmuseum.org/renovation.