Tag: Indianapolis 500

107th 500- A Clash of Generations

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As we await the start of practice day one for the Indianapolis 500, here is a look at some of the stories to follow.

Generations Collide

On one end of the spectrum, the field has 48 year old Tony Kanaan and Helio Castroneves, 44 year old Takuma Sato, and three drivers in ntheir early 40s- Scott dixon, Will Power, and Simon Pagenaud.

At the other end we have 21 year okd Davibd Malukas, 24 year old Pato O’Ward, and 22 year old Kyle Kirkwood. The middle group of drivers range inage from 25- 39.

Marco Andretti is the only driver who is a descendant of a former driver. The third generation driverb only runs the 500 these days, but I think we’re close to a 500 without an Andretti soon.

Brazilian Farewell?

Tony Kanaan will be racing for the fnal time May 28. Helio Castroneves may be back next year, if only for this race. Drivers from Brazil have been a big part of Indycar and the 500 for more than 20 years. They have given us many great memories and they have eight 500 victories- Helio has 4, Emerson Fittipaldi 2, Kanaan and Gil de Ferran one each.

Will Andretti and Penske Return to Form?

Andretti Autosport and Team Penske are looking to get back to their winning ways at IMS. Andretto’s last 500 win was in 2017 with Takuma Sato. Penske last visitied Victory Lane in 2019 with Simon Pagenaud.

Both teams have been less competeitive the last three years. Andretti and Penske teams have gotten off tom a strong startnthis season. Josef Newgarden was fastest inn the IMS open test in April.

A stronger showing by these two teams will add more intrigue to the month.

Who Gets Left Out?

One car and driver will go home after qualifying ends May 22. I would prefer all cars get in the race this year. Bumping one car simply isn’t worth it. But once again, no one asked me to set the rules.

Who is likely to be sitting on the sidelines? I would look at the one offs first. Katherine Legge, Marco Andretti, and R. C. Enerson would be my first three picks.

I would not be surprised if a series regular misses the race either. Will Power almost missed the race in 2021.

Back Again

Katherine Legge returns to IMS for the first time in 10 years. I’m glad she is back, but it is a shame that she hasn’t had a chance to race in the 500 more.Legge is a good driver who g=has been hampered by a lack of quality equipment.

2014 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay is back with Dreyer and Reinbold Racing. He has been out of a car for two years. How long will it take him to get back up to speed? D&R usually come to IMS with decent cars. Hunter-Reay may be a dark horse.

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500 Practice Begins

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Good morning race fans!

Today’s schedule: All Times Eastern

8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Public Gates Open

9:15-11:15 a.m.: Practice, Veterans

1-3 p.m.: Practice, Rookie Orientation Program & Refresher Tests

3-6 p.m.: Practice, All Cars

HONORARY STARTER: Purdue University head football coach Ryan Walters, 9 a.m.

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

PUBLIC GATES OPEN (8 a.m.-6 p.m.): Gate 1, Gate 2, Gate 4, Gate 6S, Gate 7, Gate 7S, Gate 10, Gate 10A and 11A.

PARKING: Free parking is located in Turn 3 and Lot 7 (North 40), in the South Carousel Lot for motorcycle parking and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Lot for ADA parking.

CASHLESS OPERATIONS: All IMS concession stands and merchandise locations are cashless this year. 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 throughout the facility. These funds can be spent inside the venue, outside the venue, online or anywhere in the world where Mastercard/Visa debit cards are accepted. Parking and gate locations.

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY MUSEUM HOURS: (8 a.m.-5 p.m.): Admission is $15 for adults, $14 for guests over the age of 62 and $8 for guests ages 6-15. Free Museum shuttles will run during IMS gate hours between the Museum and the corner of 6th Street and Hulman Boulevard in the Speedway’s infield. Museum guests must possess an event ticket or credential to the Indianapolis 500 Practice days and purchase a Museum admission ticket at the Museum to visit. Visitors should park in open IMS parking lots and use the 6th Street and Hulman Boulevard shuttles to access the Museum.

Nine Former Winners, Seven Series Champs Ready To Start ‘500’ Preparation  

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From IMS. I will have my preview up tomorrow morning.

Note: Bronze badges are good for pit access tomorrow, May 16, only. They are not valid for pit entry on May 22.

. INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, May 15, 2023) – The time has come for the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to embark on a legacy-defining month as preparations get underway for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 28. There are 34 entries set to contest the 33 starting spots for this year’s edition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” including nine former winners. Marcus Ericsson delivered a composed performance last year by fending off a late charge by Pato O’Ward of Arrow McLaren to claim his maiden “500” win, which gave team owner Chip Ganassi his fifth victory in the race as a sole team owner. 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), Tony Kanaan (2013), Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014), Alexander Rossi (2016), Will Power (2018) and Simon Pagenaud (2019). 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 May 30, 2021, in the No. 06 AutoNation/Sirius XM Honda fielded by Meyer Shank Racing. A record-breaking fifth would put Castroneves alone at the top with most victories. Additionally, Castroneves and Kanaan are both 48 years old, and a victory by either would make them 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.

Ericsson has a chance to become the first back-to-back winner since Castroneves accomplished the feat in 2001 and 2002. If Ericsson secures a repeat win, he would earn a bonus of $420,000 courtesy of BorgWarner, the namesake of the Indy 500 trophy. That amount is more than the entire yearly purse up to and including the 50th anniversary of the “500” in 1961, which paid out $397,910. The field payout jumped to $425,652 in 1962.

The field includes seven past INDYCAR SERIES champions: Dixon, Hunter-Reay, Kanaan, Josef Newgarden, Pagenaud, Alex Palou and Power. Katherine Legge makes her long-awaited return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway this month, having last raced in the Indianapolis 500 in 2013. A two-time starter of the historic race, she will drive a one-off entry as the fourth car for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Simona de Silvestro was the last female to drive in the race, in 2021.

There will be four drivers competing for top rookie honors, featuring multiple Argentina touring car champion Agustín Canapino, along with last year’s INDY NXT by Firestone race winners Benjamin Pedersen and Sting Ray Robb. RC Enerson, who narrowly missed making the field of 33 in 2021, is back for another run but this time with Abel Motorsports, an INDY NXT by Firestone team making its first attempt at the “500.”

Practice opens Tuesday, May 16 and runs through Friday, May 19. PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21, followed by a two-hour practice Monday, May 22. The traditional final practice, two hours again this year on Miller Lite Carb Day, will be held Friday, May 26.

Live Race Day coverage begins on NBC, Telemundo Deportes on Universo and the INDYCAR Radio Network at 11 a.m. (ET), with the green flag set for 12:45 p.m.

2023 ENTRY BREAKDOWN:
Winners (9): Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Tony Kanaan, Simon Pagenaud, Will Power, Alexander Rossi, Takuma Sato

Rookies (4): Agustín Canapino, RC Enerson, Benjamin Pedersen, Sting Ray Robb U.S. drivers (13): Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter, Conor Daly, RC Enerson, Santino Ferrucci, Colton Herta, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Kyle Kirkwood, David Malukas, Josef Newgarden, Graham Rahal, Sting Ray Robb, Alexander Rossi

International drivers (21, from 14 countries): Agustín Canapino, Helio Castroneves, Devlin DeFrancesco, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Romain Grosjean, Jack Harvey, Callum Ilott, Tony Kanaan, Katherine Legge, Christian Lundgaard, Scott McLaughlin, Pato O’Ward, Simon Pagenaud, Alex Palou, Benjamin Pedersen, Will Power, Felix Rosenqvist, Takuma Sato, Rinus VeeKay, Stefan Wilson

Engines (34): Honda 17, Chevrolet 17 (all cars use Dallara chassis and Firestone tires)

Qualifying Week Schedule- 107th Indianapolis 500

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All Times Eastern All sessions on Peacock;. NBC 2-4 pm Sunday

Tuesday

9-11:15 am: Pracice for veterans and cars who have passed rookie/regresher tests

1-3 pm: Enerson Refresher

3-6 pm: All All cars

Wedneday -Friday

12-6 pm: Practice

Saturday

8:30-9:30 am: Practice (2 groups)

11-5:50 pm: Qualsifying (Positons 13-30 locked in)

Sunday

11:30-1:30 pm: Shootout Practice

2-3 pm: Fast 12 (Positons 7-12 locked in)

4-6 pm: Last Row/Fast 6 (Positons 31-33 and 1-6 determined)

Corvette Hardtop Will Pace 107th 500

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From IMS

Corvette Z06 Hardtop Convertible
To Pace 107th Indianapolis 500  

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, May 9, 2023) – For the first time in the storied history of this iconic car model, a hardtop convertible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will lead the field to the green flag for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 28 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The exterior and interior of the Corvette Z06 convertible will be on full display as the car fulfills responsibilities on and off the track.This is the first generation of Corvette Z06 to offer a hardtop convertible, greatly expanding the convertible’s ability to serve on track at any speed and provide open roof comfort on the street.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 2023 race marks the 34th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 20th time overall and since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.

“As we celebrate the rich history of the Corvette Pace Car at IMS, it’s amazing to see the evolution of these cars on and off the track,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The hardtop convertible on the 2023 Corvette Z06 is just another example of the Chevrolet innovation that translates from track to street.”

Red Mist Metallic exterior paint and two-tone Jet Black and Sky Cool Gray with Torch Red accents on the interior pair nicely with the Indianapolis 500 logos. Spider-design forged aluminum wheels finished in Tech Bronze complete the car’s iconic, race-ready look.The 2023 Corvette Z06 is set apart by its beating heart, the 5.5L LT6 which creates 670 horsepower, making it the highest-horsepower naturally aspirated V-8 ever to ever hit the market in any production car.

All that power will be held to the track with the Carbon Aero package, providing 734 pounds of downforce at 186 mph, more than any other Corvette.In its 70-year history, Corvette has become synonymous with American sports cars, and the Z06 is the definition of America’s supercar. It’s authentic, optimistic, proud, young at heart and ingenious – values synonymous with both the Indy 500 and Chevrolet.

“We are honored to be pacing the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 with the Corvette Z06 convertible,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “Chevrolet and INDYCAR share the same spirit of competition, and we are proud Z06 will lead the pack across the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

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 with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. 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. 
 

1963- Jones Fends Off Rear Engine Challenge

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Editor’s note: The Pit Window celebrates its 7th birthday today. I am humbled and grateful for your continued support and readership. Thank you.

The early 60s were a time of transition at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Cars flirted with laps under one minute. Rear engine cars began to appear, and while some dismissed them as a fad, it soon became apparent that the future had arrived.The front engine roadster would have just two more years of glory, then fade into the shadows of history.

Parnelli Jones came to Indianapolis in 1961. He started fifth and finished 12th. In 1962 Jones was the first driver to turn an official lap at more than 150 miles per hour. He started on the pole and ran away fron the field until his brakes failed. Somehow, he briught the car home seventh after leading 120 laps. His pit crew used tires to stop the car on his pit stops.

In 1963, Jones broke the track qualifying record he had set the year before with a 151.2 mph lap.

Lotus brought two Ford powered rear engine cars driven by Jim Clark and Dan Gurney.They started fifth and 12th.

In the race, Jones and Jim Hurtubise battled for the lead early. Jones took control and led until his first pit stop. Clark took the lead until his only stop. Jones was again in front and stayed there until the checkered flag. He led 167 laps.

Parnelli Jones in his 1963 winning car

Late in the race, a crack appeared in the oil tank of Jones’ car, and oil began to qppeart on the track. Lotus boss Colin Chapman demanded that Jones be black flagged. J. C. Agajanian, Jones’ car owner, argued that the crack was above the oil level. No flag was thrown.

The oil on track cost Roger McCluskey third place as he spun with two laps to go. Clark, who finished second, decidenot to pursue Jones hard because of how slippery the track had become.

Parnelli Jones had another shot to win the500 in 1967. He drove a turbine powered car. Jones started sixth, but moved to the lead on lap one. He would lead 171 laps. On lap 196 a $6 bearing failed, and the car came to a halt in turn four. 1967 was his last 500.

A front engine roadster had just one more victory, with A. J. Foyt in1964. The mass switch to rear engine cars began in 1965, and the front engine machines disappeared completely five years later.

1953-Vukovich Dominates

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After falling just nine laps short of victory in 1952, Bill Vukovich finished the job this time on the hottest day in 500 history to date. Vukovich led 195 laps starting from pole. Sam Hanks led three laps, and Fred Agabashian and Jim Rathmann each led a lap. Vukovich took the lead for good on lap 54.

Had Vukovich won in 1952, the year ending in a 3 would have produced a multiple winner for the third staright time. Tommy Milton won his second 500 in 1923 and Louis Meyer won his second in 1933.

While the race seemed easy for Vukovich- he and runner-up Art Cross were the only drivers who did not use a rellief driver in the 90 degree heat- winning the pole was not. A heavy rain began while he was on his qualification run. Vukovich completed the four laps and still won the pole.

Bill Vukovich celebrates his pole in the rain.

The race featured just two former winner, Johnnie Parsons and BillmHolland. It was Holland’s first 500 since his suspension for driing in non sanctioned races. Six future winners started the race- Bob Sweikert, Pat Flaherty Jimmy Bryan, Rodger Ward, Jim Rathmann, and Sam Hanks.

Gene Hartley did not have a good race. He crashed on lap 53, then took over as a relief driver and crashed again.

Driver Carl Scarborough collapsed from the heat during a pit stop on lap 70.He later died.

1953 saw the debut of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. Previously, Mutual Broadcasting would brak induring the day with 15 minutes summaries as the race progressed.

Bill Vukovich ajnd the Fuel Injection Special won two concsecutive 500s

Vukovich won again in 1954 and was fatally injured while leading the 1955 race. It is intersting to speculate what might have been. He could have been not only the first four time winner, but the first arguably only man to win more than two consecutive 500s.

Simplified Screening at IMS

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From Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

Epic Month of May at IMS Set for Green Flag  

Racing Capital of the World Ready To Welcome Fans from Across the Globe

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 4, 2023) – It’s May in Indianapolis, and that means it’s time to start preparing for your trip to racing’s most-famed venue: Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Gates will be open to fans 12 days throughout the action-packed and exhilarating Month of May for practice, qualifying, concerts, race days and more.

“The Month of May at the Racing Capital of the World is full of can’t-miss track activity featuring the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the many time-honored traditions and pageantry our fans love,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Ticket sales are strong, and we’re expecting large crowds again this year as we show the world what it truly means when we say, “This is May.”


”As always Race fans are encouraged to“PlanAhead” through IMS.com/PlanAhead, an interactive web page that serves as a home base for fans headed to the track. 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 on iOS or Android and use the 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.

Fans will notice one addition to the safety and security measures in place this year. New security screening detection devices have been added to all pedestrian gates.

“With hundreds of thousands of fans walking through the gates of IMS throughout the Month of May, our goal is to continue to provide a secure, safe and very welcoming environment at IMS, while doing our best to ensure a smooth entry with minimal impact to our fans,” Boles said. “As always, our fans help make this possible by planning ahead and arriving early so they don’t miss any of the pre-race action that takes place long before the green flag waves.”

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 walking through the gate and enter the facility. Since its introduction in 2021, the CEIA-manufactured OPENGATE system has become the choice for pedestrian entry screening at hundreds of facilities, including professional and collegiate sports facilities and theme parks.

IMS has retained GXC Inc. to place this innovative technology and pair it with an entry process designed for least-encumbered pedestrian movement.

Certain items remain prohibited at IMS, including weapons. In addition, glass containers, bikes, golf carts and illegal drugs also are not allowed. Coolers and bags will be checked for both size and contents at each pedestrian gate. All coolers must be no larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches in size. Additional gate regulation information is available at ims.com/gate-regulations.

While the additional screening is a simple process, fans are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to allow time to park and patiently make their way in through the gates. Gates will open at 7:30 a.m. for the GMR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 13 and at 6 a.m. for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 28. To check the gate hours for other days in May, visit IMS.com.