Tag: Indianapolis 500

From Indycar:

INDYCAR has informed race teams of procedural updates ahead of the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. During this morning’s drivers’ meeting, teams were made aware of:

• The dashed white line from the exit of Turn 4 to the pit entry attenuator will be officiated for Sunday’s race. Cars that have left-side tires past the dashed line will be penalized unless entering the pit lane, for incident avoidance or in an obvious attempt to avoid a closed pit lane and return to the racetrack.

In accordance with INDYCAR penalty guidelines, INDYCAR can impose penalties that include:

• Drive-through penalty
• If at the conclusion of the race, a time penalty equal to a drive-through penalty
• If under yellow condition, the car is ordered to the rear of the restart lineup

• Consistent with its use at other NTT INDYCAR SERIES events, EM Motorsports light panels positioned around the track will illuminate all flag conditions, including green, to supplement the traditional cloth flag waved at the start-finish line for both starts and restarts. The EM Motorsports light panels are mounted in addition to the traditional track condition lights used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

• Restart procedure:
  • In collaboration with NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams and drivers, the 2024 restart line designated in the last corner will not be implemented at the “500.”
  • As in previous years, cars may begin racing (including passing) at the declaration of a green condition.

The 2024 INDYCAR rulebook will be updated to reflect these changes later today.

The 108th Indianapolis 500, round five of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship, is Sunday, May 26. Coverage begins at 11 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock with a Spanish-language version available on Universo. The award-winning INDYCAR Radio Network is available on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.

Here is a list of the historic cars expected to run Race morning. The laps begin at 10:54 ET.

1974 McLaren M16C

1974 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds Pace Car

2003 Penske Panoz G GForce/Toyota

1954 Dean Van Lines Special Kuzma

1973 Sugar Ripe Prune Special Eagle

1964 Sheraton Thompson Special Watson

1934 Cummins Engine Special

1939 Boyle Special Maserati 8 CTF

1968 Lotus Powered by Ford Type 29

1914 Delage

1909 Buick

Simon Pagenaud will drive the 2003 Panoz in which Gil de Ferran won the race.

The 1939 Boyle Special is arguably the greatest car in Speedway history, with two wins and three other top 5 finishes.

From earlier

108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Race Preview

Winners

IMS has awarded blue jackets to all the living winners of the Indianapolis 500.

I believe this is the largest group of living former winners in history, thanks to safety advances.

We have arrived at the most exciting time of the year. A strong field will, weather permitting, take the green flag Sunday for the 108th Indianapolis 500. At least a third of the field has a chance to win. Several variables were in play before the dreaded R word entered the picture. Will we see the engine issues that appeared in qualifying? Both Chevy and Honda have changed engines at a rapid rate this season. Will tire degradation be sufficient to make for a good race? Are six rookies a cause for concern?

It has been a long time since the series has seen such a plague of engine issues. Chevrolet had at least six problems with plenum fires in qualifying runs. Honda changed a car’s engine at the slightest hint of trouble. In all as of Saturday, the two OEMs switched more than a dozen powerplants.

Reliability could be what determines a driver’s fate on race day. Late race drama could be in the offing.

From last night

Carb Day- Weather, Schedule, Notes

Tires

In a media availability on Monday, Colton Herta said that the tire degradation was similar to last year, and possibly a little less. I hope there is enough wear to provide for some good racing, especially on the final stint. I have a feeling someone might gamble on a long stint, if they believe rain is coming. The strategy would turn the race into a fuel saving exercise as well. Ugh.

Rookies

Six Indianapolis 500 rookies-Kyle Larson, Christian Rasmussen, Linus Lundqvist, Marcus Armstrong, Tom Blomqvist, and Kyffin Simpson-will start their first 500. This is about as talented a rookie class as we have seen at IMS. How will they fare? In 2022, nearly all the first year drivers were involved in incidents. I don’t think that will happen Sunday, but I expect a couple of these drivers to have issues on track.

Red Flag

The rule I want- if the red flag isn’t wet, don’t wave it.

What will happen- Indycar seems determined to have a green flag finish. As we saw last year, this is a dangerous policy which leads to more accidents.

I hope the latest caution is around lap 172, so there is no reason for a controversial finish like 2023.

I would even take a rain shortened race over a finish like last year.

Weather-or Not?

There will be no decision on delays or postponements until Sunday. I understand the reason for this. Indycar and IMS want to run the race on its appointed day if at all possible. Please be patient as officials decide what to do. Theer are a lot of moving parts to a postponement for the series, their broadcast partners, and also the fans.

We have been spoiled with 17 straight races without weather interference. Historically, we are part due for a messy race day. I sincerely hope it won’t be as bad as 2004 or the disastrous 1973.

The Winner

Assuming the race goes full distance without interruption, even if it is Monday, I like Alexander Rossi to get his second victory. He has been racy all week, and he nearly broke up the Penske front row party. His teammate Pato O’Ward is my second choice. Among the Hondas, the Andretti duo of Colton Herta and Kyle Kirkwood have the best chance. They have been very fast in race trim.

From @Indycar_Wxman

From IMS

Friday, May 24

INDIANAPOLIS) – Information about 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Miller Lite Carb Day track activity Friday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: SCHEDULE (All times local):  8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Public Gates Open 11 a.m-1 p.m.: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Final Practice 2:30-4 p.m.: One Stop to Start Pit Stop Challenge 2 p.m.: Concert Gates Open 3 p.m.: Miller Lite Carb Day Concert (George Thorogood & The Delaware Destroyers, Gin Blossoms, Kid Quill) TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $50. Children 15 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. The General Admission ticket will provide the opportunity to move between the IMS infield viewing mounds and first-come, first-served access to selected grandstands to view racing action from different vantage points.  PUBLIC GATES OPEN (8 a.m.-6 p.m.): Gate 1, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 6S, Gate 6N, Gate 6B, Gate 7 South, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 9, Gate 10, Gate 10A, Gate 11, Gate 11A, Gate 12 PARKING: Limited free parking is located in Lot 7 (North 40) and Lot 7 (North 40) for ADA. Paid parking is $20 in Lot 1B, Lot 2, Lot 3G and Main Gate, and $75 in Gate 1, while supplies last. Paid ADA parking is $20 in Lot 3P, Lot 2 and Hulman Lot. Paid motorcycle parking is $20 in South Carousel lot. 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.

Notes

Simon Pagenaud will drive Gil de Ferran’s 2003 winning car in an honor lap Sunday morning. It will be nice to see Simon in a car again. The last French born winner honoring the French born winner before him.

We may hear about whether the blackout will be lifted tomorrow.

Doug Boles told Fox 59 that IMS will wait as long as possible before postponing the race. Every effort will be made to get the race in on Sunday. Boles also emphasized that customer safety during severe weather is the top priority.

From IMS. Editor- Rain gear highly recommended.

Public Gates Open at 6 a.m. ET on Race Day, Sunday, May 26 INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 22, 2024) – With the massive crowd expected for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, fans should plan ahead and arrive early. To ensure a smooth entry into the facility, fans are encouraged to arrive earlier than usual, even as early as 6 a.m. when gates open. This is the best way to ensure a smooth and quicker entry into the facility with time to visit activations and be in seats for the green flag. Race fans are encouraged to “Plan Ahead” through IMS.com/PlanAhead, an interactive web page that serves as a home base for fans headed to the track this weekend. The “Plan Ahead” page features detailed information about the entire fan experience at IMS, including directions, parking, schedule, gate regulations, digital ticket guide, ADA accessibility and much more. Race fans are encouraged to download the IMS App and use technology from NTT INDYCAR SERIES title sponsor NTT and its Smart Solutions platform, which will update the IMS App every 30 seconds with wait time information at each gate to allow race fans smoother entry into the facility. IMS is offering a whole morning of thrills and entertainment for ticketholders looking to beat traffic and avoid longer lines by coming to the track early. Gates open at 6 a.m. following the traditional infield blast. Many enjoyable opportunities are available to fans right as the gates open or shortly after, including: Enhanced Rule the Road Fan Midway Experience Open at 6 a.m. This year’s Rule the Road Fan Midway features several exciting, fan-friendly activities. The Midway will open at 6 a.m. and be available for enjoyment until the green flag flies to start “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. ”Shopping and Food Exclusive and commemorative 108th Running attire will go fast, so don’t miss out! Grab breakfast at one of the many concession stands open throughout the facility, and then shop for family and friends while supplies last. Retail and food options are available at 6 a.m. Epic Pre-Race, Be in Your Seat for It! This year’s pre-race festivities for the Indianapolis 500 are a carefully organized and choreographed show that will entertain race fans at any moment they are in their seats. It will feature a fantastic flyover by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, military tributes, former Indy 500 winner and historic race car laps around the famed 2.5-mile oval, the heartfelt singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” by Jim Cornelison, the national anthem sung by Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum singer-songwriter and actress Jordin Sparks, “God Bless America” performed by former “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips and so much more. ***Additionally, all Speedway patrons should be aware of the following facility information and regulations to ensure a successful day at the track: Cashless OperationsIMS is a cashless facility. Please be prepared to complete ticket, credentials, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease 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. Cooling/Water Stations With temperatures expected to approach 80 on Race Day, IMS will have cooling buses located in the infield on the corner of Fifth Street and Hulman Boulevard, Seventh Street and Hulman Boulevard, B Stand near Gate 1 and Northwest Vista in Turn 4. Misting stations will be located in the Midway, Pagoda Plaza, concert area inside Turn 3, west of the IU Emergency Medical Center in the infield, outside Turn 1 and outside Turn 4 between the Northwest Vista and J Stand. There will also be six water bottle filling stations located throughout the facility on Race Day in each of the four turns, as well as behind Tower Terrace and in the Garage Area. Public Parking Parking for the Indianapolis 500 is sold out, including ADA and motorcycle parking. All IMS exterior parking lots open at 5 a.m. on Race Morning, while interior lots open at 6 a.m. Bike to the 500 and Bike Parking IMS and Bike Indianapolis have collaborated to offer race fans a safe and healthy way to commute to the track on Race Day. The commute starts at the AMP at 16 Tech and follows a police escort to the racetrack, where cyclists will then park outside the famed Gate 1. Race fans can register for Bike to the 500 here. Bike parking is available for all cyclists at Gates 1, 6 and 9 .Rideshare Location Race fans who are not planning to park at the racetrack should consider using a rideshare program, such as Uber or Lyft, when traveling to or from the facility on Indianapolis 500 Race Day. Guests using rideshare services like Uber, Lyft or taxis will be dropped off at the corner of 10th and Polco Streets. Guests also will be picked up at this location after the race.The Race Day IMS shuttle program is sold out. Shuttle services pick up and drop off from Indianapolis International Airport or at Gate Ten Events and Parking, located across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium. Guests who already purchased shuttle passes will be dropped off and picked up from the Main Gate parking lot on Race Day. Pedestrian Gate Entry Public pedestrian gates open are: Gate 1, Gate 1B.1, Gate 1C, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 5N, Gate 5B, Gate 6N, Gate 6S, Gate 6B, Gate 7S, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 7N Gate 9, Gate 10, Gate 10A, Gate 11A, Gate 11B, Gate 11C, Gate 12.Security screening detection devices are installed at all pedestrian gates.As fans pass through one of the pedestrian entrances, they will walk through a CEIA OPENGATE® security device. Fans won’t need to empty their pockets or remove items of clothing, simply walk through the gate and enter the facility. Digital Tickets Race fans who order tickets in advance may select their delivery method at checkout. Digital tickets can be accessed on their smart phone’s web browser or by saving the digital ticket to their mobile device’s wallet. Fans are encouraged to ensure the brightness on their smart phone is turned up before approaching the gate for a seamless scanning of their digital ticket. Race fans are also encouraged to visit the IMS Digital Ticket guide to manage their digital tickets and enhance their at-track experience. Weekend Street Parking Race Weekend event parking restrictions in the Town of Speedway will be enforced during the Indianapolis 500. No parking will be allowed on the south and east sides of any street bound by 25th Street on the north, Georgetown Road on the east, Lynhurst Drive on the west and Crawfordsville Road on the south from 6 p.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Sunday. Additionally, race fans will not be able to park on Main Street in Speedway between 10th Street and 16th Street on Race Day starting at midnight.Parking will also be restricted in other areas of the Town of Speedway on Indianapolis 500 Race Weekend from 6 p.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Sunday along several neighborhood streets. Local streets impacted by street parking can be found here. Road Closures Race fans should be aware of multiple road closures before making their way to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Race Day. Those include:Speedway Police Department will close Georgetown Road south of 25th Street at 5 a.m. on Race Day to all vehicular traffic. Guests accustomed to driving a vehicle through Gate 7 should enter through Gate 2 or Gate 10. Local residents are encouraged to make provisions for the temporary traffic restriction. Georgetown Road will remain closed until approximately one hour after conclusion of the race.Speedway Police Department will also close 16th Street between Olin Avenue and the roundabout from approximately noon until the end of the race. Additionally, 16th Street will not be accessible from Polco Street, as it will be blocked at 10th Street.Traffic traveling east on Crawfordsville Road from the west will be turned around at the 16th Street roundabout. Traffic traveling west on 16th Street from downtown will be diverted south on Olin Avenue. Additional Resources and Information Drivers can learn the locations of work zones and highway restrictions by calling INDOT’s TrafficWise at 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or viewing an online map here or visiting @TrafficWise on X.No coolers larger than 18 inches by 15 inches by 15 inches can be brought into the facility, which will be strictly enforced. Fans will be allowed to bring one cooler and one standard backpack or book bag per person. Coolers are allowed inside the Snake Pit gates.For more information regarding access to IMS, visit IMS.com. For additional information, follow on Twitter the Indiana State Police @IndStatePolice, the Speedway Police Department @SpeedwayPD or listen to radio stations WFNI-FM 107.5/WFNI-AM 1070 or WIBC-FM 93.1.The Speedway Police Department can be reached for non-emergency services by dialing 311 on a cell phone. The goal of 311 is to provide an easy-to-remember number for non-emergency services while freeing up 911 lines for timely emergency response.

From Earlier

Stories on the Door