Tag: Indianapolis 500

IMS To Release Miniseries Documenting Historic Repave 

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From IMS:

 ‘Behind the Bricks’ Special To Air Dec. 8-11

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025) – Indianapolis Motor Speedway captivated the racing world on social media Sept. 23 with a series of viral posts highlighting a historic repave project that uncovered the Speedway’s iconic brick racing surface and the original crushed stone-and-tar track surface.
Now, IMS is releasing a four-part miniseries documenting the project as part of its flagship “Behind the Bricks” program beginning Monday, Dec. 8. A new episode will be released daily through Thursday, Dec. 11. A full-length documentary with additional interviews and footage will be released Friday, Dec. 12. Each episode can be seen on IMS social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.
Fittingly, the release coincides with the time when the original brick paving project was completed in 1909.
A trailer teasing the upcoming series was released today on IMS social media channels.
The series features stunning footage not just of the repave project but the uncovering of the brick racing surface and the jaw-dropping discovery of the crushed stone-and-tar surface that takes fans back to the beginning of the Racing Capital of the World in 1909. It includes interviews with project experts and former IMS Historian Donald Davidson.
“It’s not often that we get to really see the full history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in front of our eyes,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. “What started as a project to fix a bump in Turn 2 turned into a historic, and at times, overwhelming exploration that uncovered aspects of his racetrack that have not seen the light of day, literally, in over 116 years. I can’t wait for our fans to see it all unfold on ‘Behind the Bricks.’”
IMS was originally paved in spring 1909 with a surface consisting of crushed stone and tar. Track conditions proved to be treacherous that summer, and in fall 1909 the surface was paved with 3.2 million bricks, giving it the nickname “The Brickyard.” The paving project was completed in early December, and the track surface was dedicated by future United States Vice President, then-Indiana Gov. Thomas Marshall on Dec. 17.
One of the endearing traits of IMS has been the brick surface tucked underneath the modern-day asphalt racing surface. In 1937, all four turns of the 2.5-mile oval were paved before that year’s Indianapolis 500, officially covering the bricks that were uncovered in 2025. Additional track paving projects took place in 1938, 1939, 1961, 1976, 1988, 1995 and 2004, placing the brick surface approximately 7 inches below the current racing surface.
However, the freeze and thaw of Indiana winters allowed the bricks below the surface to move and expand, presenting as bumps in the current racing surface at the exit of Turn 2. IMS grinded the bumps to keep the track surface smooth for years, but a lasting solution was needed. So, in September, IMS milled the racing surface and removed bricks in the areas that were creating the problem. IMS will keep the excavated bricks for preservation.
A block of crushed stone and tar removed during the process is on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
As “Behind the Bricks” documents, a new layer of asphalt was placed in the 100-foot section of racing surface that spans the width of the track and was diamond-grinded to match the existing track surface texture. Defending Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Alex Palou and two-time race winner Takuma Sato tested the repaved surface Oct. 21. Both drivers gave the new surface positive reviews.
“It’s a little bit smoother, which I think is going to be a huge gain for the race, especially when we’re following cars,” said Palou, the four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion. “It’s great. I cannot wait to go racing.”
Tickets for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and all Month of May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale now at IMS.com. 

Indy 500 Winner Palou Unveils Image on Borg-Warner Trophy

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Editor’s Note: I apologize for being mostly absent the past two months. I had a brief hospital stay and I have made two trips to Florida to get winter headquarters ready to go on the market. I am currently in Florida, and will head home Saturday, hopefully for a longer stay.

From IMS:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025) – 2025 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Alex Palou unveiled his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy on Nov. 19 in Indianapolis, one of the most significant honors since he earned his first Indy 500 victory May 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Palou, driving the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, earned the first oval victory of his career and became the first Spaniard to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” He passed Marcus Ericsson on Lap 187 and never trailed thereafter, earning Chip Ganassi Racing’s sixth Indy 500 victory.
The unveiling took place at The Above Event Center at Commission Row. Located in downtown Indianapolis, it is part of the Pacers Sports & Entertainment Complex known as Bicentennial Unity Plaza. Following the unveil, Palou attended the Indiana Pacers’ game with the Borg-Warner Trophy. It was a full-circle moment as he also attended an Indiana Pacers’ playoff game following his Indy 500 win.
The bas-relief, sterling silver image of Palou is the 112th face to be affixed to the iconic trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 since 1936.
“This is one of those days that I knew I wanted to be part of at some point in my career,” Palou said.
“I knew it was going take a lot of work, and finally to be here and to get to see the trophy for the first time, it’s amazing.
“I know that it’s always going to be there forever, if I race one more year or if I race 50 more years. And whatever the history of INDYCAR is going to be, it’s always going to be there. So, it’s great to be part of all those amazing drivers. And, yeah, I feel that now. I want to get that face again on that trophy. Try and be part again of the history of our sport.”
Renowned sculptor Will Behrends created Palou’s image, as he has for every winner since 1990.Behrends begins his creative process by studying a series of 360-degree photos of the winner to get a baseline for sculpting. Palou then visited Behrends’ studio in Tryon, North Carolina, for an in-person session where Behrends constructed a full-scale clay model of the driver’s face.This life-size clay version is used as reference for Behrends to construct the smaller model, a piece created out of a mixture of oil-based clay. The smaller clay model is turned into a mold and cast in wax before being sent to a jeweler to be transformed into sterling silver. Behrends completes his process by polishing and buffing the sculpture before adhering it to the trophy.
“I’m honored to continue one of the greatest traditions in all of sports and unveil the latest addition to the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy at this beautiful venue,” said Michelle Collins, global director, Marketing and Public Relations, BorgWarner.
“Alex’s victory exemplifies that tenacity and constant commitment to excellence will result in success, on and off the track. On behalf of everyone at BorgWarner, congratulations to Alex and the team at Chip Ganassi Racing.”
Originally designed in 1935, the sterling silver trophy measures over 5 feet, 4-3/4 inches tall and weighs more than 110 pounds as it carries the sculpted face of every victor since 1911 and of former IMS owner Tony Hulman.
Early next year, Palou will receive his BorgWarner Championships Driver’s Trophy, also known as a “Baby Borg,” a miniature replica of the large-scale Borg-Warner Trophy.
Tickets for the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and all Month of May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com. 

Arow McLaren Signs Hunter-Reay for Fourth Indianapolis 500 Entry

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2014 Indianapolis 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay will join Arrow McLaren Racing the 110th running of the 500. Hunter-Reay will drive car number 31.

The signing is a great one for the team, adding experience and expertise to a group just on the verge of Indy success that just a little extra boost.

The news release frorm Arrow McLaren:

“I am beyond primed and ready to make the absolute most of this partnership”- Ryan Hunter-Reay

Ryan Hunter-Reay, 2014 Indianapolis 500 winner and 2012 INDYCAR SERIES Champion, will join the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500, completing the team’s four-car lineup for the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”  

Ryan joins the team with a wealth of experience and a proven championship pedigree, having made 395 INDYCAR SERIES starts over 21 seasons, earning 18 victories and 47 podium finishes. His storied open-wheel career is highlighted by success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where he will attempt to qualify for his 18th Indy 500 in May. The veteran will be one of five active drivers competing who boast an INDYCAR SERIES Championship and an Indy 500 victory alongside Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou and Will Power.

Arrow McLaren continues its tradition of running an additional distinguished driver in the iconic 500-mile race. In past years, two-time Formula One champion Fernando Alonso (2017, 2020), two-time Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya (2021, 2022), 2013 Indy 500 winner Tony Kanaan (2023) and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson (2024, 2025) have all raced in papaya in the Indy 500 as one-off entries for the team. Ryan will join Arrow McLaren’s full-time lineup of Pato O’Ward, Nolan Siegel and Christian Lundgaard at the IMS during the Month of May in 2026.

Palou To Unveil Image on Borg-Warner Trophy Nov. 19 in Indianapolis

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From IMS:

 Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing, winner of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, will unveil his likeness on the coveted Borg-Warner Trophy on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in downtown Indianapolis.
The event takes place from 4-6 p.m. ET at The Above Event Center at Commission Row, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. in Indianapolis. The trophy unveiling is scheduled for approximately 5:15 p.m.
Palou, Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations for BorgWarner Michelle Collins and INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles will be available for interviews following the unveil.
After the event concludes, Palou and the Borg-Warner Trophy will make their way to the Indiana Pacers’ game at Gainbridge Life Fieldhouse, which starts at 7 p.m. The Borg-Warner Trophy will be on display in the fan pavilion for photo opportunities with fans before the game.
Fans can view the unveil live on the IMS YouTube channel
.WHAT: 2025 Borg-Warner Trophy Unveil
WHO: Alex Palou, Driver, Chip Ganassi Racing, J. Douglas Boles, President, INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Michelle Collins, Global Director of Marketing and Public Relations, BorgWarner
WHEN: 4-6 p.m. ET Wednesday, Nov. 19
WHERE: The Above Event Center, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis 

Gainbridge Continues Presenting Sponsorship of Indianapolis 500 in Multiyear Agreement Extension  

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From IMS:

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025) – Penske Entertainment Corp. and Gainbridge, an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC (“Group 1001”) that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future, today announced a multiyear sponsorship agreement, reinforcing a longstanding relationship between the two brands. Under the agreement, Gainbridge will continue to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event.Gainbridge invests in impactful sports and education partnerships to promote its mission, and this extension further cements Gainbridge’s commitment to racing.
“Partnering with the Indianapolis 500 is a natural fit for Gainbridge, reflecting our shared commitment to success, innovation and making every second count,” said Group 1001 President and CEO Dan Towriss. “The Indianapolis 500 holds special significance to Hoosiers and fans across the world. We’re excited for this next chapter in our partnership and honored to celebrate the skilled drivers and the dedicated fans.”
“Our partnership with Gainbridge aligns two brands with a shared passion for growth and world-class customer experience,” Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles said.
“Renewing this relationship with a multiyear agreement showcases the strength and continued relevance of the Indy 500, an iconic event with the perfect entitlement partner to fuel a momentous future.”
Since Gainbridge began its sponsorship in 2019, the Indianapolis 500 logo has celebrated the iconography of the 500-Mile Race. The Icon Series logos have featured the bricks, the checkered flag, the Pagoda, the winner’s wreath, the famed oval, Victory Podium and the green flag.
Unveiled during the 2026 Indy 500 ticket renewal window, the 2026 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge logo has a patriotic flair to celebrate the nation’s military. This design aligns with the timing of the storied event, held annually during Memorial Day weekend, and the 250th birthday year of the United States.
The 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026. Momentum and excitement are high following the historic grandstand sellout of the 2025 Indianapolis 500, which allowed a rare lift of the blackout of local broadcast coverage.
Visit IMS.com for tickets and more information about the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. 

Marco Andretti Retires

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In an announcement on X, Marco Andretti announced his retirement from racing. Andretti raced in 20 Indianapolis 500s, finishing second in 2006 and winning the pole in 2020. He also finished third three times and had seven top 10 finishes. Andretti won three races in his IndyCar career, his final victory coming at Iowa in 2011. I will have more about this story later in the week.

Andretti’s statement:

🏁 To my family, friends, teams, sponsors, and fans who have genuinely supported me for the last 30 years in motorsports, I want to thank you for allowing me the privilege to continue our family’s passion on the racetrack. I have had some really fun times behind the wheel in a lot of different types of racing cars — a lot of great memories as well, mostly at the Indy 500. Today, I am announcing my retirement from motor racing and the Indianapolis 500. That totals 20 starts at the Speedway, which I feel so fortunate to be able to say. That is ranked 12th all-time. Not bad for a 38-year-old. I am proud of my overall stats at the Indy 500. I had six very legitimate shots at victory with Andretti Autosport and ended up with 20% top-3 finishes at the Speedway. It feels accomplishing to me to be able to retire having more podium finishes than my father Michael and the same as my grandfather Mario at the biggest race in the world. I will never forget the rare circumstance of getting to race my dad in the closing laps for the win there — the pressure of participating in a dramatic Bump Day in 2011 to a pole position in 2020. That is what the Indianapolis 500 produces: extremes on both ends. That is why I love and appreciate it so much. I am very much at peace with the next chapter in my life after dedicating three decades to the sport. I will be prioritizing most of my time on being a great father to my daughter, Miura, and tending to my other business ventures. I am also coming out with a memoir about my life called “Defending the Dynasty.” Details coming soon on that. 2006–2025: Competing at the top level of North American motorsport is and has been an honor for me, even in the tough times. That is where I can look back and say I have made my best progress in life as a man. Learning to navigate very difficult dynamics at times, and others doubting me, made me realize that my opinion of myself is the one that should matter the most. Lastly, a special thank-you to a lot of the people I respect in motor racing for the kind words about my driving, work ethic, and true character. – MA 🏁

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1970- 10 Wins for Al Unser

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Photo: Al Unser on his way to his first 500 victory in 1970

Winning10 races remains a possibility for 2025 champion Alex Palou, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since 1970 when Al Unser dominated the season. Here is a look back at that season 55 years ago.

The early races in 1970 gave no indication of how dominant Al Unser would be. He won the opening race at Phoenix, then did not win again until the Indianapolis 500. Unser was winless in June and won just one race in July, at the end of the month at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

The schedule had a large gap, and racing didn’t pick up again until late August. Unser won the first races after the break on August 22nd and 23rd at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and Milwaukee respectively, which put his win streak at three.

Following a ninth-place result in the California 500, Unser won the next five races-DuQuoin, the Hoosier Hundred, Sedalia, Trenton, and Sacramento.

Unser won the pole for the season finale at Phoenix but finished second to Swede Savage. Savage was the ninth different race winner of 1970.

Unser became the second and last driver to win 10 races in a season. A. J. Foyt won 10 of 13 races in 1964. It could be argued that Unser’s achievement was more difficult. Unser won on dirt, pavement, and a road. course. He switched from rear engine pavement cars to front engine dirt cars during the season. On two occasions, a Saturday race was one surface, and the Sunday race was the other. Unser won both races those weekends.

Unser was on the pole for six races, and he won five of those events, losing only the last race of the year from the pole. His worst finish was 18th at Michigan.

Of course, Al Unser ran away with the championship, beating his brother Bobby by more than 2,000 points. Bobby had also won a race in 1970, giving the Unser family 11 wins in 18 races.

Unser the morning after winning the Indianapolis 500 in 1971

For any skeptic who thought 1970 was a fluke, Unser won five of the first six races of 1971, including his second straight Indianapolis500. The 500 would not see another back-to-back winner for thirty years. The 500 would not see another back-to-back winner for thirty years. He went on to win two more 500s in 1978 and 1987.

Fox Corporation Acquires One-Third Interest in Penske Entertainment 

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From Indycar. My thoughts will be posted in a bit.
 Strategic Investment and Partnership Launches New Era of Growth Across INDYCAR that Includes a Multi-Year Extension of INDYCAR’s Media Rights with FOX Sports

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, July 31, 2025) – Penske Entertainment and Fox Corporation (“FOX” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX), the parent company of FOX Sports, today announced an investment in the future of North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, with FOX’s acquisition of a one-third interest in Penske Entertainment, inclusive of INDYCAR and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The investment is expected to supercharge a new era of growth for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the most competitive and dynamic motorsport on the planet. This includes: Innovative and industry-leading racing and entertainment events. A hyper-engaged digital strategy and immersive content focus. Enhanced promotion and star-building opportunities for NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers
Today’s announcement also includes a multi-year extension of INDYCAR’s media rights with FOX Sports.“This partnership is built on long-standing trust and a shared vision for the future,” Roger Penske said. “FOX sees the incredible potential across our sport and wants to play an active role in building our growth trajectory. Lachlan Murdoch and his team, starting with Eric Shanks, are committed to our success and will bring incredible energy and innovation to INDYCAR.”
FOX Sports acquired INDYCAR’s media rights in 2025, bringing fresh promotional resources and significantly larger reach to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. This year’s Indianapolis 500 on FOX averaged 7.01 million viewers, a 41 percent increase over the previous edition and a 17-year high. So far, the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season is averaging a 31 percent increase in viewership year-over-year
“We’re thrilled to join the INDYCAR ownership group at such a pivotal time for the sport,” said Eric Shanks, CEO & Executive Producer, FOX Sports.
“INDYCAR represents everything we value in live sports — passionate fans, iconic venues, elite competition and year-round storytelling potential. This investment underscores our commitment to motorsports and our belief in INDYCAR’s continued growth on and off the track. We’re excited to help elevate the sport to new heights across all platforms.”

This news builds on wider momentum across the sport, marked by rising attendance and record crowds at several events this year, including a sell-out of the Indy 500.
INDYCAR has invested heavily in digital growth recently, launching a new mobile APP, web site and fantasy platform while also generating 1 million new social followers. The SERIES will also add a new showcase to its calendar in 2026, racing through Arlington’s entertainment district through a first-of-its-kind joint venture with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. 
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the only premier motorsport in North America with every race on U.S. network television. It features an international field of the world’s most versatile drivers who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses.
The 2025 season continues with the Grand Prix of Portland on Sunday, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX.
Also, part of the Penske Entertainment family, the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway is annually home to the largest single-day spectator sporting event on the planet, the Indianapolis 500. This year’s “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” featured a crowd of more than 300,000 people. The famed venue is steeped on more than a century of racing heritage and has the largest seating capacity of any sporting venue across the globe.
About Penske EntertainmentPenske Entertainment is a leading provider of world-class sports and entertainment, encompassing INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is a subsidiary of Penske Corporation, a closely-held, diversified, on-highway, transportation services company whose subsidiaries operate in a variety of industry segments, in retail automotive, truck leasing, transportation logistics and professional motorsports. Penske Corporation manages businesses with consolidated revenues of more than $45 billion, operating in over 3,300 locations and employs more than 73,000 people worldwide.
About Fox CorporationFox Corporation produces and distributes compelling news, sports, and entertainment content through its primary iconic domestic brands, including FOX News Media, FOX Sports, FOX Entertainment, FOX Television Stations and Tubi Media Group. These brands hold cultural significance with consumers and commercial importance for distributors and advertisers. The breadth and depth of our footprint allows us to deliver content that engages and informs audiences, develop deeper consumer relationships, and create more compelling product offerings. FOX maintains an impressive track record of news, sports, and entertainment industry success that shapes our strategy to capitalize on existing strengths and invest in new initiatives. For more information about Fox Corporation, please visit www.FoxCorporation.com.
About FOX SportsFOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing Fox Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats and alerts to iOS and Android devices. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and the UFL and a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.
CONTACTS:Penske Entertainment: Alex Damron, Adamron@brickyard.com
FOX Sports: Andrew Fegyveresi, Andrew.Fegyveresi@fox.com
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements in this press release due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological, strategic and/or regulatory factors and other factors affecting the operation of FOX’s businesses. More detailed information about these factors is contained in the documents FOX has filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including FOX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.Statements in this press release speak only as of the date they were made, and FOX undertakes no duty to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement made in this press release or to report any events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in FOX’s expectations, except as required by law.