Tag: Indianapolis 500

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:

500 News: Livery, Sponsor, and Driver Announcements

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Karherine Legge r4turns for4 the 108th running of the indianqapolis 500 with Dale Coyne Racing. Legge will drive car 51 with sponsorship from e.l.f.., a cosmetics company. Legge drive for Coyne in 2007.

The livery for Conor Daly’s car was revealed yesterday. Sponsored by Polkadot, a blockchain company.

According to the press release, “Polkadot is positioned to serve as the powerful, secure core of Web3. (Its) decentralized governance places the community at the center of decision-making processes; every holder of the Polkadot token (DOT) has a voice towards shaping the platform’s future direction.”

My technological illiteracy is such that I’ll just say I’m happy that they are sponsoring Conor and leave it at thtat.

Marco Andretti’s livery also occurred yesterday. The 98 car has sponsorship from Mapei.

Coming up- a practice update at the end of the veterans session and a story on PREMA joining Indycar.

IMS Testing, Day 1

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The schedule with revised times:

Today and tomorrow are the only days teams have to prepare for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 before practice officially begins May 14.

Rookie Orientation: Simpson, Rasmussen, Siegel (Larson, Blomqvist, Lundqvist, Armstrong completed in Oct)

Phase 1: 10 laps between 205-210 mph

Phase 2: 15 laps at 210-215

Phase 3: 15 laps 215 mph+

Veteran Refresher: Andretti, Fittipaldi, Legge

Have to do Phases 2 and 3

I assume the gates will open early as well, but I have no confirmation of that.

The weather looks sketchy today and tomorrow, so keep an eye on the skies as you head out to IMS.

Parking and seating information Note- Check gate opening time for today. Perhaps Doug Boles will demonstrate the proper way to scale a fence on a video should you arrive early.

I am interested in seeing how Kyle Larson does in traffic with the veterans. Should the three remaining rookies pass their tests in the allotted time, there will be seven rookies running in the afternoon.

Honda has had a Speedway power advantage the past few years. Has Chevy finally caught them? I’m not sure if these two days will tell us everything, but we may get a hint.

I will be at the track and provide updates all day. I also have several bits f news to catch up on.

Wednesday Test Schedule Revised

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Due to approaching inclement weather, Indycar has made a slight adjustment to tomorrow’s test times. Thursday’s schedule remains the same for now.

Arrow McLaren has confirmed that Callum Ilott will fill in for David Malukas for the test.

From earlier:

Dark Skies, Bright Hearts

From Indycar:

NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers and teams will participate from 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, April 10 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, April 11 on the famed 2.5-mile oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Open Test is being conducted in advance of the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 26.

After an install lap for all cars from 9-9:05 a.m., veterans will take to the oval from 9:05-11 a.m. Wednesday, with the Rookie Orientation Program and refresher tests from 11 a.m-1 p.m. All eligible participants will be permitted on track from 1-6:30 p.m. Thursday’s testing is open to all drivers eligible for participation.

NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams, drivers scheduled to participate:

AJ Foyt Racing: Santino Ferrucci, Sting Ray Robb

Andretti Global: Marco Andretti, Marcus Ericsson, Colton Herta, Kyle Kirkwood

Arrow McLaren: Kyle Larson, Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi, TBA

Chip Ganassi Racing: Marcus Armstrong, Scott Dixon, Linus Lundqvist, Alex Palou, Kyffin Simpson

Dale Coyne Racing: Katherine Legge, Nolan Siegel

Dreyer & Reinbold Racing/Cusick Motorsports: Conor Daly, Ryan Hunter-Reay

Ed Carpenter Racing: Ed Carpenter, Christian Rasmussen, Rinus VeeKay

Juncos Hollinger Racing: Agustin Canapino, Romain Grosjean

Meyer Shank Racing: Tom Blomqvist, Helio Castroneves, Felix Rosenqvist

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: Pietro Fittipaldi, Christian Lundgaard, Graham Rahal, Takuma Sato

Team Penske: Scott McLaughlin, Josef Newgarden, Will Power

The sessions will be streamed live on Peacock

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST Presented as 500 Festival Event Vehicle 

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From IMS. This is certainly… a choice.

 INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, April 2, 2024) – Thirty-five identical 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST trucks were staged on the main straightaway April 2 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a clear sign the Month of May is around the corner.
A longtime tradition, the “Festival Event Vehicles” have reminded Indianapolis-area residents of the upcoming Indianapolis 500 since the 1960s. The unique fleet of trucks will turn heads and capture attention throughout the state in the lead-up to the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
Presenting the trucks were J. Douglas Boles, IMS president; Pat Merna, 500 Festival vice president, strategic partnerships; Mike Boatright, 500 Festival board chair; and Mike Quinn, Chevrolet Indianapolis district sales manager.
\The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RST 4WD Crew Cab is powered by a 6.2-liter V-8 and boasts 420 horsepower and a 10-speed automatic transmission. With body-color bumpers, center grille bars and door handles and dual active exhaust with sport mode, the Festival Event Vehicle is designed for those who seek adrenaline and action.
Built by fellow Hoosiers at the Fort Wayne Assembly plant, these trucks are ready to hit the streets with Radiant Red Tintcoat exterior, Jet Black leather interior, 22-inch high-gloss Black-painted aluminum wheels and custom Indianapolis 500 graphics.
“The tradition of providing Festival Event Vehicles is a hallmark in the countdown to the Month of May and the Indianapolis 500,” Quinn said.
“Seeing these Silverados on the road throughout Central Indiana will embody the passion Chevrolet, IMS and the 500 Festival have for the Indianapolis 500.”The 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 26.
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.

Rock Legends George Thorogood & The Destroyers To Headline Miller Lite Carb Day Concert May 24 at IMS 

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From IMS. I guess Taylor Swift was busy that day.


 Special Guest Gin Blossoms To Open; Full Day of Entertainment Includes Kid Quill

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, March 19, 2024) – George Thorogood & The Destroyers, who have been rocking together for more than five decades, will headline the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert on Friday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as part of a full day of on- and off-track action and entertainment.
George Thorogood & The Destroyers will be joined by special guest Gin Blossoms, who will open the show. The Carb Day concert gates will open at 2 p.m. this year, allowing for additional entertainment, including Indianapolis recording artist Kid Quill.Tickets are on sale now at IMS.com, by calling 317-492-6700 or by visiting the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building.
All general admission, concert pit and VIP Deck concert tickets include admission to the concert and to on-track activities that day at IMS, which include the final practice for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the INDYCAR Pit Stop Challenge.
“Carb Day is the unofficial start to summer and the kickoff to race weekend for many of our fans; they take the day off from work and spend it at IMS,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “From on-track action like the final practice and Pit Stop Challenge to hip DJs and cool rock concerts, it’s a day like no other at the Racing Capital of the World. George Thorogood & The Destroyers, as well as Gin Blossoms and Kid Quill, are a great addition to a full day of entertainment.”
George Thorogood & The Destroyers got their start on a small bandstand in Lane Hall at The University of Delaware on the evening of Dec. 1, 1973. Though the three-piece band – consisting of a guitarist, a drummer and their rhythm guitarist – had barely rehearsed, guitarist George Thorogood and drummer Jeff Simon had been bashing out covers of songs they loved – including “No Particular Place To Go,” “Madison Blues” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” – in suburban Wilmington, Delaware, basements since they were teens.
The Lane Hall audience was wary at first.
“Then it was like somebody flipped a switch,” Simon said. “Everybody hit the dance floor all at once.”
Five decades, 15 million albums and more than 8,000 performances later, few bands can still rock the house like George Thorogood & Destroyers. And for Thorogood, Simon, and longtime Destroyers Bill Blough, Jim Suhler and Buddy Leach, their Bad All Over The World – 50 Years of Rock Tour is a celebration like no other.Gin Blossoms have undoubtedly left their mark on the rock music map. The Grammy-nominated band’s fusion of melodic rock, pop, folk and country elements has helped pave the way for the modern rock of today.
Boasting record sales of over 10 million, fans around the world are very familiar with Gin Blossoms’ five-time platinum breakthrough album, “New Miserable Experience,” containing gems like “Until I Fall Away,” “Found Out About You,” “Hey Jealousy” and “Allison Road.”Those hit tracks were followed by the Empire Records platinum soundtrack hit, “Til I Hear It From You.”
In 1996, the singles “Follow You Down” and “As Long As It Matters” hit the radio again in a huge way, making their “Congratulations I’m Sorry” record another platinum success. Their latest release, 2018’s “Mixed Reality,” shares that same timeless feel, packed with 15 songs.
Kid Quill’s sound is a hybrid of hip-hop, pop and alternative. He has grown a core fan base from touring throughout the early stages of his career. Over recent years, he’s performed at festivals such as Firefly, Electric Forest, Breakaway and Lollapalooza, where he broke the record for highest attendance at the BMI Stage.
As an independent artist, Kid Quill has amassed more than 200 million streams, became a global ambassador for the Indiana Pacers and was selected for Soundcloud’s First On Soundcloud Class of 2021. He will release new music leading up to his highly anticipated upcoming album scheduled for spring 2024.
Miller Lite Carb Day general admission tickets start at just $45. A limited number of concert pit package upgrades that include general admission are available for $75. A very limited supply of exclusive VIP platform tickets also is available for $275, including concert pit access, snacks, two complimentary drinks and dedicated bars.
Ticket prices will increase as the concert draws closer, so fans are encouraged to buy now.
The 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 26. Tickets are on sale at IMS.com or by calling or visiting the IMS Ticket Office.