Tag: Indianapolis 500

Dixon at 229 Before Rain Halts the Action

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After a three minute delay cars rolled out on the track to begin practice for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. Thirty-one cars got some laps in before moisture halted the action after 24 minutes.

Scott Dixon turned a lap at 229.107 miles an hour to lead the field, followed by Marco Andretti at 228.399 and Takuma Sato at 225.551.

Scott McLaughlin had the best no tow lap at 219.656.

The track is currently onnhold as a light rain is falling. Radar shows some rain and possibly thunderstorms approaching from the south and west. Once the storms arrive, it looks like we will try again tomorrow.

Results of the first 24 minutes

I’ll be back later when we receive official word on today’s status. I’m alsomworking on a couple of other stories I hope to post later today.

Eight Former Winners, Five Series Champs Ready To Start ‘500’ Preparation

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From IMS:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, May 13, 2024) – Preparations for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge will start this week with a field consisting of eight former winners of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and five NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions.
There are 34 entries set to contest the 33 starting spots for this year’s edition of the “500.” Practice is scheduled to start Tuesday, May 14, with PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying on May 18-19. All track activity on the historic 2.5-mile oval leads into Race Day, Sunday, May 26.
SEE: Entry List
Josef Newgarden earned his first career “500” victory last May after passing 2022 winner Marcus Ericsson on the final lap after a late red flag created a one-lap shootout for a spot on the Borg-Warner Trophy and racing immortality. That was the record-extending 19th “500” victory for Team Penske.
Other former winners aiming for a spot in the race this year include four-time winner Helio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009, 2021) and two-time winner Takuma Sato (2017, 2020), plus single winners Scott Dixon (2008), Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014), Alexander Rossi (2016) and Will Power (2018). The record for winners in one field is 10, set in 1992
.Castroneves earned a spot with A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears in the most prestigious club in motorsports – four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500 – with his emotional victory in 2021, for Meyer Shank Racing. A record-breaking fifth would put Castroneves alone at the top with most victories. Additionally, Castroneves is 49 years old, and a victory would make him the oldest winner in “500” history, a record held by Al Unser, who won the 1987 edition just five days shy of his 48th birthday.
Newgarden has a chance to become the first back-to-back winner since Castroneves accomplished the feat in 2001 and 2002. If Newgarden secures a repeat win, he will earn a bonus of $440,000 courtesy of BorgWarner, the namesake of the Indy 500 trophy. That amount is more than the entire yearly purse up to and including the 1962 Indianapolis 500, which paid out $425,652.
The field includes five past INDYCAR SERIES champions: Dixon, Hunter-Reay, Newgarden, reigning champion Alex Palou and Power.
2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson will attempt to become the fifth driver to complete the Memorial Day “double” of racing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day, joining John Andretti, Tony Stewart, Robby Gordon and Kurt Busch. The last driver to complete the feat was Busch in 2014.
Larson is one of seven drivers competing for top rookie honors, along with Marcus Armstrong, Tom Blomqvist, Linus Lundqvist, Christian Rasmussen, Nolan Siegel and Kyffin Simpson.
Live Race Day coverage begins on NBC, Peacock, Universo and the INDYCAR Radio Network at 11 a.m. (ET), with the green flag set for 12:45 p.m.
2024 ENTRY BREAKDOWN:
Winners (8): Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Josef Newgarden, Will Power, Alexander Rossi, Takuma Sato
Rookies (7): Marcus Armstrong, Tom Blomqvist, Kyle Larson, Linus Lundqvist, Christian Rasmussen, Nolan Siegel, Kyffin Simpson
U.S. drivers (13): Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter, Conor Daly, Santino Ferrucci, Colton Herta, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Kyle Kirkwood, Kyle Larson, Josef Newgarden, Graham Rahal, Sting Ray Robb, Alexander Rossi, Nolan Siegel
International drivers (21, from 13 countries): Marcus Armstrong, Tom Blomqvist, Agustín Canapino, Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Pietro Fittipaldi, Romain Grosjean, Callum Ilott, Katherine Legge, Christian Lundgaard, Linus Lundqvist, Scott McLaughlin, Pato O’Ward, Alex Palou, Will Power, Christian Rasmussen, Felix Rosenqvist, Takuma Sato, Kyffin Simpson, Rinus VeeKay
Engines (34): Honda 18, Chevrolet 16 (all cars use Dallara chassis and Firestone tires) 
 

Tomorrow at the Track

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From IMS:

Note to Bronze Badge holders:

Don’t forget your Bronze badge is also valid for Pit Entry tomorrow (Tuesday, May 14) during public gate hours. This special access will only be available on Opening Day. It will not be available on Monday, May 20. This opportunity is available rain or shine.

 INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, May 13, 2024) – Information about 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge practice track activity, Tuesday, May 14 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
SCHEDULE (All times local):
9 a.m.-6 p.m.: Public gates open
9-11 a.m.: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice (All cars)
1-6 p.m.: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice (All cars)
TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $25. 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 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.): Gate 1, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 6S, Gate 7, Gate 10, Gate 10A.
PARKING: Free public parking is available in Turn 3 and Lot 7 (North 40). ADA accessible parking is available in the following lots: the West Museum Lot, the Flag Lot, Tower Terrace and the Lot 7 (North 40).
CASHLESS OPERATIONS: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a cashless facility. Please be prepared to complete your ticket, credentials, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease during your 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.

Arrow McLaren Confirms Callum Ilott for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500

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From Arrow McLaren:

“Callum brings experience with this team and at the Indy 500 that we think is very valuable as we enter the biggest two weeks of our season”

Arrow McLaren announced today that Callum Ilott will drive the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet in the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500, finalizing the team’s four-car lineup for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. 

The 25-year-old returns to Arrow McLaren for his third NTT INDYCAR SERIES race this season after producing a 13th-place finish at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and competing at The Thermal Club’s $1 Million Challenge. Set for his third Indy 500 start, he achieved a 12th-place finish last May as the second-biggest mover in the race after advancing 15 positions from starting 27th on the grid. 

The Cambridge, England native has spent parts of the last three seasons racing for Juncos Hollinger Racing, where he’s compiled 36 starts, five top-10 finishes and a front-row start at Laguna Seca in 2022. Last season, Callum finished 16th in the championship. 

Callum currently races in the World Endurance Championship for Hertz Team JOTA where he sits in second place in driver standings after three races. He is coming off a first-place finish at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps this past weekend and will be in the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet throughout the Indy 500 practices beginning Tuesday, May 14.  

Callum came to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES after putting together an impressive résumé in Europe that included stints in Formula 1 as a test driver for Scuderia Ferrari and a reserve driver for Alfa Romero in 2021. Ilott also finished second in FIA Formula 2 in 2020 after grabbing three wins and five poles. 

Following this race, Callum will return to Hertz Team JOTA for the remainder of the 2024 World Endurance Championship campaign. Arrow McLaren announced last week that Théo Pourchaire will pilot the No. 6 Chevrolet from the Detroit Grand Prix through the remainder of the 2024 season. 

Callum Ilott, Driver, Arrow McLaren, said: 

“It is any driver’s dream to race in the Indianapolis 500, and I’d like to extend a thank you to Zak, Gavin and Tony for making this happen. I’m grateful to step into this race with a familiar car and a familiar team now in Arrow McLaren. While our April Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was shortened by weather, the runs we did have were productive. I feel comfortable with the team and know that we can come together throughout the Month of May to put our best foot forward come race day.” 

Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said: 

“Callum brings experience with this team and at the Indy 500 that we think is very valuable as we enter the biggest two weeks of our season. He and the team got along well during the first two events of the season, and we’re looking forward to carrying that over here. I’m confident that Callum and the No. 6 NTT DATA Chevy team will be competing near the front of the grid during qualifying and on race day, just like the rest of our cars.” 

ARROW McLAREN INDYCAR TEAMNO. 6 NTT DATA ARROW McLAREN CHEVROLET

The 2024 Indianapolis 500 Program- A Step Up

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The 500 souvenir program for 2024 is better than the programs of the past few years. First, the cover is a huge improvement over 2023. The solid black cover is a low bar for comparison, but renderings of winning cars from milestone years ending in 4 is an appropriate way to showcase this year’s event. The cost is $20.

I like that the cover says “Indianapolis 500” rather than the “Indy 500” which has infected much of IMS branding of late.

All the things you expect are there- the entry list, driver profiles, and records of all the past 500s.

The program features a moving tribute to Gil de Ferran by Curt Cavin, a story about the solar eclipse event, and a brief article about the new museum.

One item I miss is the Order of the Day schedule with the times of each part of the opening ceremonies. I feel that it sets up Race Day having it in the program. Please bring it back.

In the center is a tear out page with nine perforated cards. Six feature winners from 100, 70, 60, 50, 40, and 30 years ago. The Bill Vukovich card is going in a special holder in a certain blogger’s house. Maybe it is for space considerations, but there is no acknowledgement of the winners from 110, 90, 20, or 10 years ago.

The back cover displays the wreath with the 2024 race logo superimposed on it. It is a scratch n sniff page which gives off a faint aroma of magnolia.

I had felt the programs of the last few years had become dull and predictable, but the 2024 edition has a lot to offer.

Corvette E-Ray to Pace 108th Indianapolis 500

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Quickest Production and First-Ever Electrified with AWD Corvette To Lead Field

From IMS:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 8, 2024) – The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe – the quickest production Corvette in history – will lead the field to the green flag for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Designed for year-round performance, the Corvette E-Ray and its electrified All-Wheel Drive (eAWD) capability is up for any challenge, and the exterior and interior of the Corvette E-Ray will be on full display as the car fulfills responsibilities on and off the track.
“We are proud to announce the E-Ray, which is the first electrified and quickest production Corvette ever, will be pacing the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Scott Bell, global Chevrolet vice president.
“As we often say, Chevrolet and INDYCAR share the same spirit of competition and performance-oriented, cutting-edge technology, making E-Ray the perfect fit to pace this year’s race.”
The Corvette E-Ray is the only sports car pairing two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD, making it one like none.
A 6.2L V-8 is complemented by the electric motor that channels an additional 160 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels for 655 combined horsepower.
The addition of the electric drive unit helps the E-Ray achieve incredible acceleration – from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds before breezing through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. Stealth Mode enables the Corvette E-Ray to drive on electric power for up to 4 miles at speeds up to 45 mph.
The Corvette E-Ray features a host of functional design elements, adding wider fenders, quarter panels and fascias. The result is a sleek, sculpted presence with a number of aerodynamic and performance benefits. Standard ground effects and spoiler contribute further to its aerodynamic prowess, while matching body-color accents provide a refined look.
Arctic white exterior paint and two-tone jet black and natural interior accents, inspired by fighter jets, pair nicely with the Indianapolis 500 logos on the Pace Car. Carbon fiber wheels, with exclusive standard all-season tires, complete the car’s iconic, race-ready look and provide sure-footed performance in a variety of conditions.
“As we anticipate another record-breaking Indianapolis 500, it’s only fitting that the quickest production Corvette will pace the field,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The performance enhancements tested on the track make their way to the street, and the Corvette E-Ray is a prime example of that Chevrolet innovation.”
Corvette is the longest-running car nameplate in automotive industry history, so it’s no surprise Corvette has paced “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” more times than any car. The 2024 race marks the 35th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 21st time overall, since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.
Visit IMS.com for tickets and more information on all Month of May events and activities at IMS.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 80 countries. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com. 
 

Team Penske Suspensions- A Couple of Thoughts

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It’s a conundrum straight out of Goldilocks. Is this penalty too light? Is this one too harsh? Which solution is just right? Nobody knows

Indycar’s disqualifications of Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin from the St. Pete race were followed this morning by Team Penske suspending four members, including Newgarden’s pit strategist Tim Cindric, for the entire month of May.

The suspended crew members will not be in Indianapolis and have no input on setup or strategy They will have shop access in North Carolina.

At first, I thought that may be the penalties were a bit too light. But, on further reflection, and after reading Marshall Pruett’s excellent interview with Roger Penske, I decided that the suspensions were fair.

According to Penske, there was no willful intent to skirt the rules, but a processing error within the team. In Penske’s mind, what happened did not rise to the level needed for termination. I accept that.

Indycar and Team Penske both gathered information and made decisions. maybe the timing could have been tighter, but to quote Juan Pablo Montoya, “It is what it is.”

Newgarden and Team Penske will have to carry a figurative Scarlet C the rest of this season, but they will let their on-track performance speak for them.

I don’t expect much of a drop in performance from Newgarden or Mclaughlin or Will Power despite the absent personnel on the pit stand.

The next time I talk about this will be in my post season wrap up. The penalties have all been assessed, and they will be served. It’s time to go racing at the greatest racetrack in the world.

Bump Tales: 1954- Bob Scott Stops Short

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Drivers usually like the late afternoon shadows on the front straightaway at IMS. The shade cools the track, leading to faster lap times. On qualifying days, it is sometimes an advantage to go out late.

Sometimes, however the mixture of shadow and light can trick the eye. Such is the sad tale of Bob Scott in 1954.

Scott had competed in the 1952 and 1953 500 starting 25th in his rookie year and 11th in 1953. He had completed just 63 combined laps in the two races, finishing 29th and 31st.

Scott had been bumped on the final day of qualifying for the 1954 race, and time was running short. His good friend, Bob Sweikert, persuaded a car owner to put Scott in his machine. Sweikert then pleaded with fellow competitors in the qualifying line and with AAA officials to allow Scott to move to the head of the line.

Just before the 6 pm deadline, Scott took to the track. His first two laps were in the 138 mph range. Lap three dropped to 136, but his average would still put him in the field. As Scott came off turn 4, he shut off the engine and came into the pits. To his horror, Scott learned he had only completed three laps.

He thought the white flag was the checkered flag because of the shadows and sunlight playing on the front stretch. Scott noticed Sweikert waving at him in a gesture that he interpreted as “You did it!” The combination of mixed signals caused him to shut off the car, satisfied that he had made the race.

Writer Angelo Angelopolous reported that Scott cried for several hours afterwards. Scott was not a wealthy man. He came to the track in 1952 with just $25 to live on for the entire month.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old Scott would not get another chance at the 500. He was killed on July 4 in a racing accident at Darlington.

The link below will take you to the final paragraph of the Angelopolous story about Scott’s misadventure. The writing is eloquent, as is the entire story.

https://indystar.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-xcott/146552290

Abel Halts 500 Entry; Field Set at 34

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Abel Motorsports has abandoned its effort to field a car for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. The issue, as it is with most entries, was funding. Driver R C Enerson hoped to find a budget for the car, but a deal could not be put together in time.

In 2023, R C Enerson qualified the Abel entry 28th to land safely in the field. The car dropped out of the race after 75 laps with mechanical issues.

Abel will focus on the Indy NXT championship, where Jacob Abel, son of team owner Bill Abel, is tied for the points lead. The series has two races coming up at the IMS road course next weekend.

Abel did not rule out the possibility of running an Indycar race later in 2024.

The field of entrants for the Indianapolis 500 is now set at 34 entries, which means just one car will not make the field, as happened last year.