Tag: Indianapolis 500

NBC Sets May Coverage at IMS

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NBC announced more than 60 hours of coverage of activities at Indianapolis Motor Speedway leading up to and including the 108th Indianapolis 500 and the Sonsio Grand Prix. All times listed below are Eastern Time.

From yesterday:

https://thepitwindow.blog/2024/05/01/hiding-in-the-spotlight-vukovich-the-man-who-wouldnt-lift-a-review/

From the NBC announcement:

108th running of the Indianapolis 500

May 14-20.

May 24-27

DateEventPlatform(s)Time (ET)
Tues., May 14Indy 500 PracticePeacock9:15-11:15 a.m.
Indy 500 PracticePeacock1-6 p.m.
Wed., May 15Indy 500 PracticePeacock12-6 p.m.
Thurs., May 16Indy 500 PracticePeacock12-6 p.m.
Fri., May 17Indy 500 PracticePeacock12-6 p.m.
Sat., May 18Indy 500 PracticePeacock8:30-9:30 a.m.
Indy 500 Full Field QualifyingPeacock11 a.m.-5:50 p.m.
Sun., May 19Indy 500 Top 12 and Last Chance PracticePeacock12-2 p.m.
Indy 500 Top 12, Last Chance, and Fast Six QualifyingNBC, Peacock3-6 p.m.
Mon., May 20Indy 500 PracticePeacock1-3 p.m.
Fri., May 24Indy 500 Final Practice on Carb DayPeacock11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Indy 500 Pit Stop ChallengePeacock2:30-4 p.m.
Sat., May 25Indy 500 ParadePeacock12-2 p.m.
Sun., May 26Indy 500 Pre-RaceNBC, Peacock, Universo11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
108th Running of the Indianapolis 500NBC, Peacock, Universo12:30-4 p.m.
Mon., May 27Indy 500 Victory CelebrationPeacock8:30-11 p.m.

Sonsio Grand Prix, May 10-11

DateEventPlatform(s)Time (ET)
Fri., May 10Practice 1Peacock9:30-10:45 a.m.
Practice 2Peacock1:10-2:10 p.m.
QualifyingPeacock4:20-5:50 p.m.
INDY NXT by Firestone Race 1Peacock6:10-7:20 p.m.
Sat., May 11Final Warm-UpPeacock11:15-11:45 a.m.
INDY NXT by Firestone Race 2Peacock1-2:10 p.m.
Sonsio Grand Prix – Pre-RaceNBC, Peacock3-3:30 p.m.
Sonsio Grand PrixNBC, Peacock3:30-5:30 p.m.
Sonsio Grand Prix – Post-RaceNBC, Peacock5:30-6 p.m.

–NBC SPORTS–

INDYCAR, Indiana University Health Announce Updates to INDYCAR Medical Team 

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From Indycar:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 1, 2024) – INDYCAR and Indiana University Health announced May 1 the appointment of Angela Fiege, MD to director of medical services for INDY NXT by Firestone and the addition of sports neurologist Bert Vargas, MD to the INDYCAR Medical Team. IU Health is the official healthcare provider for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the INDYCAR Medical Team is comprised of IU Health physicians and nurses who are experts in motorsports medicine.
Fiege, who is a veteran critical care and emergency medicine physician at IU Health, is also a longtime motorsports physician. She has served in various roles in motorsports including the INDYCAR Medical team since 2010 and the AMR motorsports physicians’ team for NASCAR. She has also worked at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a track physician since 2007. She will continue her role as deputy director of medical services for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, alongside Medical Director Julia Vaizer, MD. Fiege is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine, where she also serves as an assistant professor of clinical medicine.
“Dr. Fiege continues to be a tremendous asset to the INDYCAR Medical Team, and I am thrilled she will be able to focus on the care and well-being of our INDY NXT by Firestone paddock,” Vaizer said.
“The INDYCAR Medical Team and Indiana University Health have a long-standing history of providing exceptional medical care for our INDYCAR racing competitors,” Fiege said.
“It is an incredible honor to be a part of an organization that places such an emphasis on promoting the safety and well-being of its participants. I look forward to the opportunity to carry on this tradition and focus on the health of our INDY NXT drivers to prolong the duration of their careers.”
Vargas is the first neurologist dedicated to the INDYCAR Medical team, and his position is funded by Rev proceeds. Rev is the IU Health Foundation’s annual fundraising event which takes place each May at IMS. Working in medical affairs for Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis, Vargas is a sports neurologist and who has led the AMR neurotrauma team for NASCAR since 2017, serves as a member of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee and is also a sideline unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant for the NFL. Vargas obtained his medical degree from the University of Arizona and was a flight surgeon with the United States Air Force. After his service and his residency at New York University, he completed a fellowship in headache medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and now serves as an adjunct clinical professor of neurology at Indiana University School of Medicine.
“To have someone with Dr. Vargas’ experience with us week in and week out, providing post-incident evaluations and creating a comprehensive care plan to get our drivers back on track safely is such a valuable addition to our team,” Vaizer said.
“He will also be available to the INDYCAR paddock to provide care for those that may be suffering from non-sports related neurological conditions that might affect performance.”
“It is an honor to be a part of the INDYCAR Medical Team and supplement the superior care that this group offers motorsports athletes and their teams,” Vargas said. “INDYCAR is among a growing list of sports organizations that have seen value in incorporating sports neurologists at athletic events. I hope to provide neurotrauma expertise with the goals to help safeguard driver safety and performance and also help to ensure longevity in the sport for our athletes.”
“The INDYCAR Medical team has played a paramount role in the series’ success both on and off the track and Dr. Fiege has been a key contributor,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “Her background and experience will be a real asset as she focuses on INDY NXT by Firestone. The addition of Dr. Vargas is another example of INDYCAR’s commitment to safety as he contributes his guidance and expertise in an emerging area.”
About INDYCAR
INDYCAR is the Indianapolis-based governing body for North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES features an international field of the world’s most versatile drivers – including two-time and reigning series champion Alex Palou, two-time series champion Will Power, six-time series champion Scott Dixon and two-time series champion and reigning Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The 2024 season consists of 17 races in the United States and Canada and is highlighted by the historic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader.
For more information on INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visit www.indycar.com. For more information on INDY NXT by Firestone, please visit www.indynxt.com.
About Indiana University Health
Named the “#1 Hospital in Indiana” by U.S. News & World Report, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Learn more at iuhealth.org.
About Indiana University Health Foundation
Indiana University Health Foundation leverages the power of philanthropy to support the IU Health mission of making Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states. When you give to IU Health, you aren’t just making a donation – you’re making all the difference. To learn more, visit iuhealthfoundation.org. 
 

Hiding in the Spotlight-Vukovich, The Man Who Wouldn’t Lift- A Review

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A forgotten, incomplete manuscript hidden in a closet for decades, provides the deepest insight into one of the more enigmatic winners of the Indianapolis 500, Bill Vukovich. Yet, as well written as this biography is, I still don’t know him as well as I had hoped.

Vukovich, The Man Who Wouldn’t Lift is an intimate look at the two time, back-to-back winner of the 500, who came and went in the short span of five years. Much of the story is in first person, as the writer witnesses much of what occurs.

Angelo Angelopolous, sportswriter for The Indianapolis News and considered the best writer of his day, wrote the manuscript in the years following Vukovich’s death. The planned publication in the spring of 1960 never happened. The manuscript lay in Angelopolous’s nephew’s closet for decades.

Mark Montieth, a more recent sportswriter for the News, took up the task of completing the manuscript. Montieth writes the Prologue and Epilogue. Both are very well written, with added details of the aftermath of that dark Memorial Day in 1955 in the Epilogue.

Angelopolous is one of the few people Vukovich allowed to get close to him, yet there is still a distance between them. Vuky does his talking on the track, but with the exception of a select few people, he is reluctant to engage with others. The story is exceptionally well written in a mainly journalistic style.

After a brief family history, the biography concentrates on Vukovich’s six years at the Indianapolis motor Speedway from 1950-1955. I learned many details of events that I had some knowledge of, and several more items that I had not known. Several photos are new to me as well.

What comes through most of all is that Vukovich, who seems cold and uncaring to the general public, is a man with a deep caring soul, and a great sense of integrity. He gives honest answers and he doesn’t care if that is what people want to hear.

He also has a brooding and dark side, which becomes more evident in the late months of 1954 and into 1955. Some friends are concerned about his surviving the 1955 race.

There are several ironies in the tale of one of the greatest drivers in Speedway history. It appears that had he won in 1952, that win would have been the easiest of his victories. I had no idea how difficult his two wins were, especially 1954 when the team is concerned about even qualifying for the race.

This book has earned its place on my list of must-read books about the Indianapolis 500. It is up there with Gentlemen, Start Your Engines by Wilbur Shaw and Black Noon by Art Garner. All three works provide intimate looks at the history of the race, told by people who lived it.

The final sentence of Angelopolous’s story is one of the greatest lines I have ever read in any book. I will just say the story ends on lap 56 of the 1955 Indianapolis. 500.

INDYCAR SERIES Race Winner, Longtime OfficialDallenbach Dies at 87 

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Editor’s note:. Dallenbach was a very good driver and a no.ninsense, fair eace director.

from IMS


INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, April 29, 2024) – Wally Dallenbach, a respected INDYCAR SERIES race winner as a driver and longtime series official dedicated to racing safety, died April 29. He was 87.
Dallenbach, a native of East Brunswick, New Jersey, made 13 Indianapolis 500 starts between 1967-79.
Dallenbach, a native of East Brunswick, New Jersey, made 13 Indianapolis 500 starts between 1967-79. His best finish was fourth, in 1976 and 1977, in the No. 40 Wildcat/DGS owned by Patrick Racing. He qualified in the middle of the front row in 1974 for Patrick, his best “500” start.
Perhaps Dallenbach’s most memorable performance as a driver at Indianapolis came in 1975, again for car owner U.E. “Pat” Patrick. He led four times for a race-high 96 laps, losing the top spot only at pit stops.
But Dallenbach was eliminated from the race by a burnt piston while leading on Lap 162, just 12 laps before the race was called due to rain, with Bobby Unser earning his second “500” victory. Dallenbach was credited with ninth place.
Dallenbach recorded five victories, 27 podium finishes and one pole in 180 INDYCAR SERIES starts. His best championship finish was second, behind Roger McCluskey, in 1973 despite not qualifying for the first two races of the season.
The most memorable of Dallenbach’s victories came in the 1973 California 500 at Ontario Motor Speedway, the last of his three straight wins that season for Patrick Racing.
Dallenbach started his driving career in drag racing on the East Coast before switching to oval racing in midgets and sprint cars. He made his INDYCAR SERIES debut in 1965 at Langhorne Speedway, with his final start coming in 1979 at Phoenix. He then retired as a driver, but it wasn’t his last appearance in an INDYCAR SERIES car.
In 1981, rain severely curtailed the first weekend of Indianapolis 500 qualifying, and Mario Andretti didn’t get a chance to make an attempt. Andretti had a clashing commitment to race in the Belgian Grand Prix Formula One race during the second qualifying weekend, so Dallenbach briefly exited retirement to put Andretti’s No. 40 STP Oil Treatment Wildcat/Cosworth safely in the field before turning the car back to Andretti for the race.
After his initial retirement, Dallenbach became the first competition director and chief steward of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) in 1980. He served as chief steward until 2004, easily recognized by his trademark cowboy hat and earning respect from all corners of the paddock for his even-handed officiating and humble, personable demeanor.
Dallenbach also made significant contributions to racing safety. He worked with doctors Steve Olvey and Terry Trammell and safety directors Steve Edwards and Lon Bromley to develop a trailblazing safety team including doctors, nurses and emergency medical technicians that traveled to all CART races. He also worked with teams and car builders to create improvements in chassis construction, including more energy-absorbing materials.
“Wally Dallenbach made a huge contribution to our sport for five decades as a driver and official,” a joint statement from INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway said.
“He was a talented competitor behind the wheel, who always raced hard but clean. That sense of fairness and decency extended to his legendary tenure as chief steward of CART, where he was respected and liked by all for his steady, sensible officiating. Wally’s many contributions to racing safety, especially a traveling medical team, will resonate long into the future. He was one of the true good guys of open-wheel racing, and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family.”
Said two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Gordon Johncock, Dallenbach’s teammate for six seasons at Patrick Racing: “Wally was as good a teammate as you could ever ask for. He took racing seriously. I’ve never met anyone at the track as helpful as Wally. He loved the sport and after he retired spent years helping as chief steward of Championship Auto Racing Teams. He helped the veterans and rookies – everyone. I’ll miss him. He did a lot for the sport over the years. A very good man.”
Motorcycles also were an object of passion for Dallenbach. He moved to a ranch in Basalt, Colorado, after his successful 1973 season – fulfilling a dream spawned during his honeymoon in 1960 in Aspen – and organized the Colorado 500 dirt-bike ride with friend Sherm Cooper in 1976.
By 1981, the invitation-only event grew so big that the Colorado 500 Charity Fund was established, with a road ride added in 1987. The ride has raised more than $1.2 million for scholarship funds, medical centers, teen services, scouting and other charities, including groups that preserve trail-riding areas.His vast and varied accomplishments were rewarded with enshrinement in multiple
Halls of Fame, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Hall of Fame and state sports halls of fame in his native New Jersey and Colorado.
Dallenbach’s wife, Peppy, passed away in 2023. He is survived by three children – two sons, former NASCAR Cup Series driver Wally Jr. and multiple Pikes Peak International Hill Climb winner Paul, and daughter, Colleen. 
 
 

Rain Brings End to Indianapolis 500 Open Test

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From Indycar


INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, April 11, 2024) – As rain showers continue to move through the Indianapolis area, day two of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Open Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been canceled, concluding the test.
During day one Wednesday, the Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program and veteran refresher laps were completed, along with veteran testing. Combined, 34 drivers turned a total of 1,327 laps in sessions that featured adjusted start times in anticipation of weather.
Teams will return to IMS on Friday, May 10 for practice and qualifying ahead of the Sonsio Grand Prix on Saturday, May 11 on the IMS road course. Practice for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 14, with the race scheduled for Sunday, May 26.
The next event for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 21 on the Streets of Long Beach. Coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock. Coverage is also available from the INDYCAR Radio Network via the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA and SiriusXM channel 218. 
 

Newgarden Leads Rain-Shortened First Day of Indy 500 Open Test

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From IMS

  INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, April 10, 2024) – Josef Newgarden must like the view from the top at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as he was fastest Wednesday in the rain-shortened first day of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Open Test.
Reigning “500” winner Newgarden turned the fastest lap during the morning session on the 2.5-mile oval, 228.811 mph, in the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet. Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Newgarden also led the Indy 500 Open Test in 2022 and last year, when he returned in May to earn his first victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” after a scintillating, last-lap duel with 2022 winner Marcus Ericsson.
“We’re not trying to do it because I had no idea,” Newgarden said of leading the Open Test for a third straight year.
“I didn’t know it was three years in a row. We want to check off things on our list. Obviously, it’s been right at the front, which is a good sign.”
The first day of testing, which featured separate sessions for veterans, and Rookie Orientation Program and refresher tests, was halted numerous times by passing raindrops, including one midday delay of 67 minutes. Heavier showers arrived shortly after 2 p.m. ET to end on-track activity.
Testing is scheduled to resume from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET Thursday, with live coverage in the United States on Peacock and live international coverage on INDYCAR LIVE.
While it was little surprise to see NTT INDYCAR SERIES oval master Newgarden atop the speed chart, the second-fastest driver raised eyebrows and anticipation in equal measure. 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson clocked in second at 226.384 in the No. 17 Hendrickcars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet as he prepares for his first start in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” while also attempting the “Hendrick 1100” double of racing at Indy and in the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26.
“Getting in some traffic and feeling the turbulent air,” Larson said. “The first time I got in traffic, I think my tires still had good grip, so I was surprised. It didn’t feel that different in traffic. Then the last time, I was building understeer, and Newgarden got by me and I was super tight behind him.
“I’m just trying to learn all that and process all that and knowing what I can do in the car to cope with that. I’m just trying to figure out any bit of racecraft today, which I know is tough. Just get notes in my head and all that.”
2008 Indy 500 winner and six-time series champion Scott Dixon was third at 226.346 in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, followed by reigning series champion and teammate Alex Palou at 226.201 in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
Colton Herta rounded out the top five at 225.907 in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda. Herta was the only driver among the top five to turn his best lap in the brief afternoon session before testing was washed out.
All three veterans requiring refresher tests – Marco Andretti, Pietro Fittipaldi and Katherine Legge – completed that program. Christian Rasmussen, Kyffin Simpson and Nolan Siegel each finished the three-phase Rookie Orientation Program.
The 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 26. Practice opens Tuesday, May 14, with PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19. 
 

Test Day 2 at IMS-Rain Will Reign

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Photo of Kyle Larson by Kyle McInnes

Good morning from rain soaked Indianapolis. Rain through most of the night continues currently, and the forecast calls for constant rain with chances above 55% all day.

I will venture to IMS and try to gather some information this morning, then see where the day goes from there.

Friday could be a makeup day, but that is doubtful since teams need to start preparing for Long Beach.

I’m disappointed we may not see any on track action today, but I would [refer getting all the rainy weather done in April and have a totally dry May.

I will keep you updated through Xwitter and The Pit Window Facebook page.

Newgarden Tops Morning Session

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@023 500 winner Josef Newgarden lead the morning session of the open test at IMS on a cool day interrupted by raindrops several times. Rookie orientation had a brief weather dely. ALl rookies have completed the program, and Katherine Legge needed some time in the afternoon session to complete her refresher. All 34 cars are cleared to participate the rest of the day and tomorrow, weather permitting.

Biggest surprise of the morning was Kyle Larson posting the second fastest time., ).42 seconds behind Newgarden.

Notes

David Malukas will not drive at Long Beach. Arrow McLaren has not announced his replacement, but many believe it will be theo Pourchaire.

Rain is falling at the moment and no track drying is taking place. We may be done for the day.

Results: