IMS Grandstands Stay Empty as the Race Goes On

August 4, 2020 thepitwindow

In the end, it came down to a decision to save lives. I didn’t expect the announcement this soon, but it is better for fans who have travel and lodging reservations to cancel. It will be sad to see empty stands while activities leading up to the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 move along at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway the next two weeks. Today’s decision to run all track sessions, including the race without fans is sending shock waves through the Indycar fan community.

The postponement of Mid Ohio and the moving back of opening day by 24 hours led me to suspect something bigger was coming. While I halfway expected the announcement of no fans at the race, a total ban on fans for practice and qualifying came as a shock. Practice day crowds are quite small and distancing would be easy. On qualifying days the crowds are larger, but nothing approaching Race Day. Carb day was the one day other than race Day that concerned me crowd wise.

COVID cases in Marion County have been going up. The have tripled since mid June and have increased the past two weeks. I think IMS and Indycar are erring on the side of safety. Yes, they had a plan which was approved by state and local health officials. It is an excellent plan, very thorough and well thought out. i have no doubt IMS would execute the plan well. The one thing that troubled me was the enforcement of fan requirements. I wonder if that is the component which made the track decide that having fans was too big a risk.

The decision is a huge financial blow to IMS, Indycar, and the teams. How many of the smaller teams will still be in business next year, or even be able to finish the season? Will the purse for the 500 be diminished? It will be a struggle to get 33 cars this year, and it may be a struggle to reach that number for the next couple of years.

Here is the full statement from IMS:

Update from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

August 04, 2020 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway today issued the following statement:

“It is with great regret that we announce the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place on Aug. 23 without fans. This tough decision was made following careful consideration and extensive consultation with state and city leadership.

“As dedicated as we were to running the race this year with 25 percent attendance at our large outdoor facility, even with meaningful and careful precautions implemented by the city and state, the COVID-19 trends in Marion County and Indiana have worsened. Since our June 26 announcement, the number of cases in Marion County has tripled while the positivity rate has doubled. We said from the beginning of the pandemic we would put the health and safety of our community first, and while hosting spectators at a limited capacity with our robust plan in place was appropriate in late June, it is not the right path forward based on the current environment.

“We encourage Hoosiers to continue making smart decisions and following the advice of our public health officials so we can help get Indiana back on track.

“Penske Corporation made a long-term investment to be the steward of this legendary facility. While we were very excited to showcase the investments and enhancements we have made in the guest experience, we know we have reached the right decision. As much as Roger Penske and everyone associated with the ‘500’ wanted to race with fans this year, we ultimately reached this conclusion in partnership with the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis.

“Our commitment to the Speedway is unwavering, and we will continue to invest in the Racing Capital of the World. We encourage everyone to watch this year’s race on NBC, and we look forward to welcoming our loyal fans back to ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ on May 30th of 2021.”

Further Information from IMS

All on-track activity during the month of August, including practice and qualifications, will be closed to the general public.
Individuals who still have tickets to this year’s Indy 500 will be credited for the 2021 Indianapolis 500 and will retain their seniority and their originally assigned seats.
The first Indy 500 practice will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a full schedule available on IMS.com.
All of the action from IMS can be viewed via NBC Sports Gold, NBCSN or NBC. Visit IMS.com or INDYCAR.com for a comprehensive streaming and broadcast schedule.
The 104th Running of the Indy 500 will take place Sunday, Aug. 23, with national coverage beginning on NBC at 1 p.m. ET.
Local Central Indiana coverage of the race will be available on NBC affiliate WTHR.
Broadcast coverage of qualifications on Saturday, Aug. 15 begins on NBC at 3 p.m. ET.
Sunday, Aug. 16 broadcast coverage of Pole Day begins on NBC at 1 p.m. ET.

Opening Day Moved

August 3, 2020 thepitwindow

Practice for the 104th running of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will begin on Wednesday, August 12, rather than Tuesday, August 11. No official reason for the move has been given, but Wednesday will be split between veterans and rookie orientation/refresher sessions.

In effect, Thursday will be the only full practice day before Fast Friday.

The move is likely a cost saving move for the track and the teams. It may also be an attempt to allow more time to have 33 entries. My count comes up a couple short of a full field right now. If this year has taught us anything, it is to be prepared for things to change. I think this may not be the only change we see before the 23rd.

Please check on the day of your track visit just to make sure things are scheduled as you thought.

Controversy- a 500 Tradition

July 31, 2020 thepitwindow

I used to officiate high school basketball. After a game, my partner and I would say, ” We must have had a good game because both sides were mad at us.” If we apply that standard to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, they are doing a great job. At least two entities have issues with the track. Controversy is nothing new to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It even predates the 500 mile race at the track. There was the original, deadly surface which caused several fatal accidents, followed by the somewhat controversial finish of the first race in 1911, qualifying controversies, and more arguments about the finishing order of certain races, notably 1981 and 2002. This is not new, but it is more about what happens off the track.

IU Health, the Speedway’s medical partner, issued a statement asking the track to hold the race with no fans. Their plea comes after IMS produced what I think is a thorough and comprehensive plane for fan safety which has the approval of the Marion County Health Department and state medical officials. The track responded with a strongly worded rebuttal.

IMS requested input from IU Health and received no response. I would think if you are investing sponsorship in a place that asks for input, you should give it, rather than wait until a plan comes out and then take issue with the contents. IU Health actually seems more concerned with the activities outside the track- fans going to restaurants, staying in hotels, and shopping. The speedway has no control over what the fans do outside the track. Businesses have plans in place which I hope will mitigate any spread of the virus.

While I am not a fan of running the race at all this year, I understand why Roger Penske feels the need to have it. I get why he wants to have fans. Like everyone else, i made my choice about attending. I agree that IU Health has a point, but where were they when the plan was being put together? Their statement seems like a blindside attack. I wonder how this issue will affect their partnership with IMS in the future.

Fickle Fans

When the Speedway asked ticket holders to state their preferences about reassigned tickets or credits, some fans had a difficult decision. Some decided to skip this year’s race while others requested the maximum number of tickets allowed.

There was a period of tension while those that chose to keep their seats waited to see if they would receive their full allotment and if their new seats were close to their original places.

That phase soon was replaced by relief upon learning that their order had been fulfilled, many for the maximum number they requested. As fans began receiving tickets this week, the joy has turned to some grumbling. I saw one person on Facebook complain about the spacing and stating their intent to sit with their friends anyway. The fan practically dared the track to enforce the seat assignments. If they feel that way about their seats, are they feeling that way about the mask requirement too?

From what I have seen and heard of the seating plan, it is well done. There is plenty of space between groups of assigned seats. I don’t know why people are complaining about getting seats when tickets are limited to a small percentage of capacity. If you are unhappy with your seats, stay home and watch the race on television. But first, turn in your tickets so that someone else who wants to go has a chance.

I’m not worried about IMS weathering this storm. It has gone through much worse. Remember 1964 and 1973?

I will wait until next year when with luck and hopefully a vaccine we can enjoy the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500 on its proper date of May 30.

August Tickets, Test Drives, ECR’s New Engineer

July 29, 2020 thepitwindow

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has sent out new tickets with modified seat assignments. The ticket for the scheduled August 23 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 is different from the original tickets for May 24. The new ticket has a shot of Simon Pagenaud standing on his car after winning last year’s race. Sadly, Norman did not make the photo again. I was disappointed he wasn’t on the original release. I hoped a second chance wold allow him the opportunity. The photography is amazing.

Jimmie Johnson Test Drive

After two failed tries, seven time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson finally got his dream drive in an Indycar yesterday. Johnson’s first scheduled test at barber was cancelled when Indycar shut down at the beginning of the pandemic. His second scheduled test day didn’t happen because Johnson had tested positive for COVID-19 just a few days ahead of the test.

Johnson turned about 120 laps in Felix Rosenqvist’s car and impressed five time Indycar champion Scott Dixon and Ganassi team manager Mike Hull. Both felt Johnson could fit right into Indycar and be competitive.

Johnson has said he has no interest in driving in the Indianapolis 500, but he seems to be changing his mind. the aeroscreen might be ther thing that persuades him. I look for Johnson to run more than one road course race in Indycar next year. The 500 may wait until 2022, but we’ll see.

I think it would be an amazing crossover if the master of one racing discipline gave Indycar more than a one-off attempt. We are starting to see more drivers try different disciplines as they did in the 50s and 60s. I would like to see different series coordinate their schedules more to accommodate more crossovers.

Pearn to Engineer Daly’s Car for 500

Cole Pearn will be the engineer on Conor Daly’s number 47 entry in the Indianapolis 500. Pearn had stepped away from racing in 2019 after helping Martin Truex and Furniture Row Racing win the 2017 NASCAR championship. I have heard a lot of praise for his skills.

I don’t know much about him, but he worked with Pete Craik, the engineer for Ed Carpenter’s number 20 car at Furniture Row. Their former relationship should help Daly. I still think this is a huge leap for his first Indycar venture. On the plus side, the Carpenter are usually strong at Indianapolis.

A Dark September

After the double header at World Wide Technology Raceway, Indycar has the entire month of September off. How does the series stay relevant for 32 days between races?

In my weekly call with Roger (kidding!) I will offer a few suggestions:

Announce the elusive third OEM
Lay out the final configuration for the new 2.4 engine, including whether a hybrid component is included.
Unveil the new chassis.
Present the 2021 Indycar schedule.
Announce the 2021 schedule of events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Purchase Iowa Speedway.

You’re welcome, Roger and Mark.

Indianapolis 500 Schedule-Some New Times, More Than 7 Hours on NBC

July 27, 2020July 27, 2020 thepitwindow

First, my condolences to the family of Maurice Petty, who died Saturday at age 81. The master engine builder and brother of Richard Petty was a cornerstone of racing in the 60s. It has been a tough few days in the auto racing world with the loss of Chuck Hulse and Ralph Liguori as well.

The time schedule for every day of Indianapolis 500 activity is out. NBC will more than seven hours of track time including the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500. NBC will qualifying on Saturday, August 15, from 3-5 pm ET, and the network returns Sunday for the last row shootout beginning at 1 pm. The Fast Nine follows on NBC from 1:45-2:30. The rest of qualifying can be seen on either NBC Gold or NBCSN.

Opening Day Tuesday August 11, is a short day. Veterans practice from 11-1, and Rookie Orientation runs from 1-4. Wednesday through Friday practice times have changed from the traditional times. Practice runs from 12:30-5:30 each day.

The track is open to the public every day, but only at 25% capacity. The only day I see this as a possible issue is Carb Day. Many fans who have chosen not to attend the race may be coming out on the Friday before the race as their only chance to see the field of 33 on track.

Tuesday Aug. 11

11-1 pm – Veterans Practice NBC Gold

1-4 pm – Rookie Orientation/Veterans Refresher Programs NBC Gold

Wednesday Aug. 12 – Friday Aug. 14

12:30-5:30 pm – Practice NBC Gold

Saturday Aug. 15

8:30-9:30 am – Practice NBC Gold

11-6 pm – Quals (NBC Gold coverage 11-3, NBC 3-5, NBCSN 5-6

Sunday Aug. 16

10-10:30 am – Last chance practice NBC Gold

10:30-11 am – Fast Nine practice NBC Gold

12:30-1:45 pm – Last Row Shootout (NBC at 1 pm)

1:45-2:30 pm – Fast Nine Shootout NBC

4:15-6 pm – Practice NBCSN

Friday Aug. 21 (Carb Day)

11-1 pm – Final practice NBCSN

Sunday Aug. 23 (Race Day)

2:30 pm – 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500 NBC

Qualifying Still Needs to be Fixed

The series and the Speedway are sending mixed messages with the qualifying format. Last year the 25 guaranteed spots argument was laid to rest, but what about the fastest 33? It is difficult if not impossible to get the Fastest 33 if drivers are going to be locked in on Saturday. In 2019, Fernando Alonso didn’t make the race, but his time was faster than the 30th qualifier, who was deemed safe. I don’t necessarily have an issue with a last chance qualifying on Sunday, but the cars involved should be able to defend after they are bumped. The slowest car in the entire field Saturday should be in jeopardy and have a chance to defend itself Sunday as well. This is the only way to have the Fastest 33 in the current climate.

Time for the extra runs can be made available by eliminating the Fast Nine. Like inter-league play in baseball and the slam dunk contest at the NBA All-Star Game, this is a concept that has outlived its usefulness. There can be plenty of drama in a pole fight late Saturday afternoon. I thought Conor Daly winning the pole at Iowa last Friday was pretty dramatic.

Let’s Play Two!

We could see two more double headers added to the season schedule. There likely will be no racing on the west coast this year. Mid Ohio news trickled out yesterday, and Gateway may announce today. The Harvest Classic at IMS may also end being pluralized.

I remain skeptical of St. Pete running. The season finale may be at IMS.

IMS Plans for the 500: Local TV, Mandatory Masks, Cancelled Events

July 22, 2020 thepitwindow

As expected, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has done a thorough job preparing a plan to run this year’s Indianapolis 500 in the safest manner possible. An 88 page outline released this morning provides details of how different the 104th running will look. Some highlights:

The race will be broadcast live on local television. This year will be only the fourth time the race has been televised live locally. The last time was in 2016 for the 100th running. The local broadcast is consistent with the speedway’s rationale in 2016- all available tickets have been sold.

All fans will have their temperature taken at the entrances. if a fan has a temperature above 100.4 degrees, that individual will go to a secondary screening station to undergo further testing. The high temperature does not necessarily mean that fan will be excluded from the event. Fans with temperatures below the threshold will receive a colored wristband to wear for the day. Iowa Speedway also used this procedure.

Masks are mandatory. Fans will be given a mask and hand sanitizer as they enter the grounds. The masks are mandatory at all times while inside the venue except for when eating or drinking. Doug Boles said there will be progressive enforcement by guest services staff, starting with reminders. Boles said the Speedway is prepared ask a fan to leave for not complying with what they think is a reasonable request.

Concession stands will have mostly prepackaged foods. There will not be functioning water fountains or misting stations. For people who normally get food at the track, this is the year to begin bringing your own.

Events surrounding the race which won’t take place include Legends day, the 500 Festival Parade, and the Last Row Party. The Victory Banquet will be closed to fans. I assume a credit will be issued to those fans who have tickets.

Bronze badge holders will still have access to Gasoline Alley on practice and qualifying days. Boles said the track sold a limited number this year so that crowding should not be an issue. I would have preferred that this access not be allowed. I would be fine if the Bronze badge were only good for grounds admission.

On Race Day the time fans can be on pit lane will be limited, and on track access is limited to team and race personnel.

Fans who have kept their tickets but change their mind after reviewing this plan can still get a credit for 2021.

Boles does not see a problem with crowd size on practice or qualifying days. Seating areas on those days will be marked for distancing. Some areas have been closed on practice and qualifying days in the past. it sounds as if just more sections or stands might be closed.

Mark Miles said the plan has been approved by Dr. Virginia Cain, Health Director for Marion County. He said that the plan may be adjusted if the health metrics change. Indiana requires events which plan to have more than 250 attendees to submit a safety plan.

Dr. Ed Racht, Chief medical officer of Global Medical Services, explained the science behind the Speedway’s plan. Since IMS is an outdoor venue, the virus is 19 times less likely to spread than at an indoor arena or concert hall. He stated that there is more understanding of the virus and its transmission, and the application of strict criteria can help slow the spread of the disease. Racht emphasized the importance of face coverings.

The entire 88 page plan is available for download at indianapolismotorspeedway.com

IMS is doing everything possible to see that the 500 is run this year. A drastic change in cases in Marion County could still derail all of their planning. I really don’t have any objection to anything I heard today. I like that the blackout was lifted and lifted early, I like that face mask wearing will be enforced, and I think their distancing plan is feasible. It appears they have taken some of the ideas from Iowa Speedway and built them to scale. I wonder if IMS will have chalk circles on the viewing mounds.

Whether to go or stay home is an individual choice. If you read this and have turned in your tickets, you can purchase a new ticket through this Friday.

Indianapolis 500: 25% Attendance

July 21, 2020 thepitwindow

A release from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this afternoon announced that the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 will have attendance limited to 25% of capacity. Approximately 90,000 fans can witness the race in person. Ticket sales will end Friday, July 24. The safety plan will be made public tomorrow. I will have more thoughts tomorrow. My first reaction is that 90,000 is still too large a crowd regardless of the spacing. The first United States Grand Prix at the speedway hosted a crowd approximately that size.

The full release is at the link below:

https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2020/07/21/25-percent-attendance-anticipated-masks-to-be-mandatory?startrow=1

Decision Day

July 6, 2020July 7, 2020 thepitwindow1 Comment

Number 54 will have to wait. I have agonized over this decision since IMS announced its ticket plan for the postponed Indianapolis 500. After talking to my friends last night, who aren’t going, I have decided to join them on the sidelines. Earlier i received some advice from a medical professional whom I trust. If attendance had been limited to people from Indiana, I might have leaned more toward going to the race. My concern is fans from the petri dish states like Florida, Texas, and California who might be attending.

I have gone to the last 22 500s. the last time I missed the race was 1997. I have endured extreme cold, tornadoes, and scorching heat to watch this most grand of all races. This year I feel is something much more dangerous than any of those perils. It will be okay. If the television blackout remains in place, i will travel to another city to watch the race live. If it is lifted, i will watch from my home.

I will still attend practice days and maybe qualifying. Carb Day is iffy right now. The Speedway is requesting people in my age group not attend, but it now seems more younger people are contracting the virus. Maybe they should be encouraged not to attend as well.

I have thought that businesses were re-opening too soon, and this is not the year for an event like the 500 to take place with fans. I miss all sports like crazy, but I can wait. We are starting to see athletes contract the disease even when they are in a somewhat controlled environment.

I am looking forward the 2021 Indianapolis 500 on the traditional May 30 date next year. It still might be the 104th running.

REMINDER: If you have a ticket for the 500, today is the last day to inform the speedway of your intentions. You will not lose your seats for next year or your ticket seniority.

Alonso’s Entry for the Indianapolis 500

June 30, 2020 thepitwindow

Arrow McLaren SP and Fernando Alonso revealed the two time Formula 1 champion’s car for the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 this morning. It’s a different look for Alonso, with only the mirrors in the McLaren papaya orange.

The car is sponsored by Ruoff Mortgage, which was the sponsor on Takuma Sato’s 2017 winning 500 car.

A couple more views