Tag: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Race Preview

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We have arrived at the most exciting time of the year. A strong field will, weather permitting, take the green flag Sunday for the 108th Indianapolis 500. At least a third of the field has a chance to win. Several variables were in play before the dreaded R word entered the picture. Will we see the engine issues that appeared in qualifying? Both Chevy and Honda have changed engines at a rapid rate this season. Will tire degradation be sufficient to make for a good race? Are six rookies a cause for concern?

It has been a long time since the series has seen such a plague of engine issues. Chevrolet had at least six problems with plenum fires in qualifying runs. Honda changed a car’s engine at the slightest hint of trouble. In all as of Saturday, the two OEMs switched more than a dozen powerplants.

Reliability could be what determines a driver’s fate on race day. Late race drama could be in the offing.

From last night

Carb Day- Weather, Schedule, Notes

Tires

In a media availability on Monday, Colton Herta said that the tire degradation was similar to last year, and possibly a little less. I hope there is enough wear to provide for some good racing, especially on the final stint. I have a feeling someone might gamble on a long stint, if they believe rain is coming. The strategy would turn the race into a fuel saving exercise as well. Ugh.

Rookies

Six Indianapolis 500 rookies-Kyle Larson, Christian Rasmussen, Linus Lundqvist, Marcus Armstrong, Tom Blomqvist, and Kyffin Simpson-will start their first 500. This is about as talented a rookie class as we have seen at IMS. How will they fare? In 2022, nearly all the first year drivers were involved in incidents. I don’t think that will happen Sunday, but I expect a couple of these drivers to have issues on track.

Red Flag

The rule I want- if the red flag isn’t wet, don’t wave it.

What will happen- Indycar seems determined to have a green flag finish. As we saw last year, this is a dangerous policy which leads to more accidents.

I hope the latest caution is around lap 172, so there is no reason for a controversial finish like 2023.

I would even take a rain shortened race over a finish like last year.

Weather-or Not?

There will be no decision on delays or postponements until Sunday. I understand the reason for this. Indycar and IMS want to run the race on its appointed day if at all possible. Please be patient as officials decide what to do. Theer are a lot of moving parts to a postponement for the series, their broadcast partners, and also the fans.

We have been spoiled with 17 straight races without weather interference. Historically, we are part due for a messy race day. I sincerely hope it won’t be as bad as 2004 or the disastrous 1973.

The Winner

Assuming the race goes full distance without interruption, even if it is Monday, I like Alexander Rossi to get his second victory. He has been racy all week, and he nearly broke up the Penske front row party. His teammate Pato O’Ward is my second choice. Among the Hondas, the Andretti duo of Colton Herta and Kyle Kirkwood have the best chance. They have been very fast in race trim.

Carb Day- Weather, Schedule, Notes

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From @Indycar_Wxman

From IMS

Friday, May 24 
 INDIANAPOLIS) – Information about 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Miller Lite Carb Day track activity Friday, May 24 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

SCHEDULE (All times local):
 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Public Gates Open
11 a.m-1 p.m.: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Final Practice
2:30-4 p.m.: One Stop to Start Pit Stop Challenge
2 p.m.: Concert Gates Open
3 p.m.: Miller Lite Carb Day Concert (George Thorogood & The Delaware Destroyers, Gin Blossoms, Kid Quill)
TICKETS: General Admission tickets are $50. 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 (8 a.m.-6 p.m.): Gate 1, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 6S, Gate 6N, Gate 6B, Gate 7 South, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 9, Gate 10, Gate 10A, Gate 11, Gate 11A, Gate 12
PARKING: Limited free parking is located in Lot 7 (North 40) and Lot 7 (North 40) for ADA. Paid parking is $20 in Lot 1B, Lot 2, Lot 3G and Main Gate, and $75 in Gate 1, while supplies last. Paid ADA parking is $20 in Lot 3P, Lot 2 and Hulman Lot. Paid motorcycle parking is $20 in South Carousel lot. Bicycle parking is located outside Gate 1, Gate 6 and Gate 9.
CASHLESS OPERATIONS: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a cashless facility. Fans should be prepared to complete their ticket, credentials, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease during their 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.

Notes

Simon Pagenaud will drive Gil de Ferran’s 2003 winning car in an honor lap Sunday morning. It will be nice to see Simon in a car again. The last French born winner honoring the French born winner before him.

We may hear about whether the blackout will be lifted tomorrow.

Doug Boles told Fox 59 that IMS will wait as long as possible before postponing the race. Every effort will be made to get the race in on Sunday. Boles also emphasized that customer safety during severe weather is the top priority.

NTT, NTT DATA Roar into Indy 500 with New Simulation Technology, AI-Powered Fan Experience 

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From NTT and IMS


 INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, May 23, 2024) – NTT, a leading global technology and business solutions provider, and NTT DATA are unveiling new simulation technology at this year’s Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The technology lets users, for the first time, fully experience the sensations of driving an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car the way professionals do.NTT is the parent company of NTT DATA, and they serve together as Official Technology Partner of INDYCAR, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR Brickyard weekend.
Race Like the Pros
This year, a new racing demonstration will leverage “Embodied Knowledge” technology from NTT Research and the vast data NTT and INDYCAR have captured throughout their multiyear collaboration. “Embodied Knowledge” powers simulators that blend physical sensations with digital innovation, allowing users to precisely experience a track as driven by a professional driver. This includes steering wheel resistance, vibrations and forces exerted on pedals, shifting gears, tire traction as they overtake a competitor and more.
NTT “Embodied Knowledge” technology is used in medical surgery training and coaching and fan experiences in sports. Future applications include employee training across retail, education and manufacturing, as well as enabling AI robots to learn how to move and react the way humans do to perform tasks from restocking shelves to in-home caregiving. The effort is part of the more than $16 billion NTT invests each year in research and development, uncovering innovations that have commercial impact for their customers.
“NTT DATA has pushed the boundaries of how technology can impact motorsports, helping us tap into vast amounts of data in advanced and productive ways,” said Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation, which owns INDYCAR and IMS.
“Their impact can be felt across our enterprise, where NTT Smart Venue Technology has vastly improved the fan experience at IMS and real-time data from race control fuels our INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.”Said Eric Clark, CEO, NTT DATA, North America:
“Every day, we work with the world’s leading enterprises in healthcare, financial services, insurance, manufacturing, public sector and other vital sectors, yet few organizations produce as much real-time data and analytics as the INDYCAR racing teams and venues of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Partnering with INDYCAR helps us explore and pressure test our offerings in real-time intense settings. We use those learnings to help our clients transform their businesses, improve sustainability, leverage AI, enhance customer experiences and expand their internal capacity for innovation.”
SMART Venues Improves the Fan Experience
Fans at the Indianapolis 500 or other events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway can experience NTT DATA Smart Venue technology, sustainability solutions and live race data at the Pagoda command displays. For example, AI-enabled optical detection technologies improve security and traffic flow, and when combined with digital ticketing, provide real-time and future prediction wait times at the event gates and concessions. This allows fans at the world’s largest single-day sporting event to move through the venue as safely and efficiently as possible.
Data-Driven Racing Insights
Remote fans of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES can also tap into the INDYCAR app for real-time, data-driven racing insights that include live scoring, in-car cameras and driver-to-team radio communications. Fans can get in on the action, from pit strategies to predictions of race winners.
The app is available for download from the iOS App Store and Google Play.
To learn more about the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, visit https://us.nttdata.com/en/about-us/content/ntt-indycar-series.

Indianapolis 500 Fans Encouraged To Arrive Early, ‘Plan Ahead’ with IMS.com

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From IMS. Editor- Rain gear highly recommended.

  Public Gates Open at 6 a.m. ET on Race Day, Sunday, May 26

INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 22, 2024) – With the massive crowd expected for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, fans should plan ahead and arrive early.
To ensure a smooth entry into the facility, fans are encouraged to arrive earlier than usual, even as early as 6 a.m. when gates open. This is the best way to ensure a smooth and quicker entry into the facility with time to visit activations and be in seats for the green flag.
Race fans are encouraged to “Plan Ahead” through IMS.com/PlanAhead, an interactive web page that serves as a home base for fans headed to the track this weekend.
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 and use 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.
IMS is offering a whole morning of thrills and entertainment for ticketholders looking to beat traffic and avoid longer lines by coming to the track early. Gates open at 6 a.m. following the traditional infield blast.
Many enjoyable opportunities are available to fans right as the gates open or shortly after, including:
Enhanced Rule the Road Fan Midway Experience Open at 6 a.m.
This year’s Rule the Road Fan Midway features several exciting, fan-friendly activities. The Midway will open at 6 a.m. and be available for enjoyment until the green flag flies to start “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
”Shopping and Food
Exclusive and commemorative 108th Running attire will go fast, so don’t miss out! Grab breakfast at one of the many concession stands open throughout the facility, and then shop for family and friends while supplies last. Retail and food options are available at 6 a.m.
Epic Pre-Race, Be in Your Seat for It!
This year’s pre-race festivities for the Indianapolis 500 are a carefully organized and choreographed show that will entertain race fans at any moment they are in their seats. It will feature a fantastic flyover by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, military tributes, former Indy 500 winner and historic race car laps around the famed 2.5-mile oval, the heartfelt singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” by Jim Cornelison, the national anthem sung by Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum singer-songwriter and actress Jordin Sparks, “God Bless America” performed by former “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips and so much more.
***Additionally, all Speedway patrons should be aware of the following facility information and regulations to ensure a successful day at the track:

Cashless OperationsIMS is a cashless facility. Please be prepared to complete ticket, credentials, parking, concession and merchandise purchases with ease 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.
Cooling/Water Stations
With temperatures expected to approach 80 on Race Day, IMS will have cooling buses located in the infield on the corner of Fifth Street and Hulman Boulevard, Seventh Street and Hulman Boulevard, B Stand near Gate 1 and Northwest Vista in Turn 4. Misting stations will be located in the Midway, Pagoda Plaza, concert area inside Turn 3, west of the IU Emergency Medical Center in the infield, outside Turn 1 and outside Turn 4 between the Northwest Vista and J Stand. There will also be six water bottle filling stations located throughout the facility on Race Day in each of the four turns, as well as behind Tower Terrace and in the Garage Area.

Public Parking
Parking for the Indianapolis 500 is sold out, including ADA and motorcycle parking. All IMS exterior parking lots open at 5 a.m. on Race Morning, while interior lots open at 6 a.m.

Bike to the 500 and Bike Parking
IMS and Bike Indianapolis have collaborated to offer race fans a safe and healthy way to commute to the track on Race Day. The commute starts at the AMP at 16 Tech and follows a police escort to the racetrack, where cyclists will then park outside the famed Gate 1. Race fans can register for Bike to the 500 here. Bike parking is available for all cyclists at Gates 1, 6 and 9

.Rideshare Location
Race fans who are not planning to park at the racetrack should consider using a rideshare program, such as Uber or Lyft, when traveling to or from the facility on Indianapolis 500 Race Day. Guests using rideshare services like Uber, Lyft or taxis will be dropped off at the corner of 10th and Polco Streets. Guests also will be picked up at this location after the race.The Race Day IMS shuttle program is sold out. Shuttle services pick up and drop off from Indianapolis International Airport or at Gate Ten Events and Parking, located across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium. Guests who already purchased shuttle passes will be dropped off and picked up from the Main Gate parking lot on Race Day.

Pedestrian Gate Entry
Public pedestrian gates open are: Gate 1, Gate 1B.1, Gate 1C, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 4, Gate 5N, Gate 5B, Gate 6N, Gate 6S, Gate 6B, Gate 7S, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 7N Gate 9, Gate 10, Gate 10A, Gate 11A, Gate 11B, Gate 11C, Gate 12.Security screening detection devices are installed at all pedestrian gates.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 walk through the gate and enter the facility.

Digital Tickets
Race fans who order tickets in advance may select their delivery method at checkout. Digital tickets can be accessed on their smart phone’s web browser or by saving the digital ticket to their mobile device’s wallet. Fans are encouraged to ensure the brightness on their smart phone is turned up before approaching the gate for a seamless scanning of their digital ticket. Race fans are also encouraged to visit the IMS Digital Ticket guide to manage their digital tickets and enhance their at-track experience.

Weekend Street Parking
Race Weekend event parking restrictions in the Town of Speedway will be enforced during the Indianapolis 500. No parking will be allowed on the south and east sides of any street bound by 25th Street on the north, Georgetown Road on the east, Lynhurst Drive on the west and Crawfordsville Road on the south from 6 p.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Sunday. Additionally, race fans will not be able to park on Main Street in Speedway between 10th Street and 16th Street on Race Day starting at midnight.Parking will also be restricted in other areas of the Town of Speedway on Indianapolis 500 Race Weekend from 6 p.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Sunday along several neighborhood streets. Local streets impacted by street parking can be found here.

Road Closures
Race fans should be aware of multiple road closures before making their way to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Race Day. Those include:Speedway Police Department will close Georgetown Road south of 25th Street at 5 a.m. on Race Day to all vehicular traffic. Guests accustomed to driving a vehicle through Gate 7 should enter through Gate 2 or Gate 10. Local residents are encouraged to make provisions for the temporary traffic restriction. Georgetown Road will remain closed until approximately one hour after conclusion of the race.Speedway Police Department will also close 16th Street between Olin Avenue and the roundabout from approximately noon until the end of the race. Additionally, 16th Street will not be accessible from Polco Street, as it will be blocked at 10th Street.Traffic traveling east on Crawfordsville Road from the west will be turned around at the 16th Street roundabout. Traffic traveling west on 16th Street from downtown will be diverted south on Olin Avenue.

Additional Resources and Information
Drivers can learn the locations of work zones and highway restrictions by calling INDOT’s TrafficWise at 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or viewing an online map here or visiting @TrafficWise on X.No coolers larger than 18 inches by 15 inches by 15 inches can be brought into the facility, which will be strictly enforced. Fans will be allowed to bring one cooler and one standard backpack or book bag per person. Coolers are allowed inside the Snake Pit gates.For more information regarding access to IMS, visit IMS.com. For additional information, follow on Twitter the Indiana State Police @IndStatePolice, the Speedway Police Department @SpeedwayPD or listen to radio stations WFNI-FM 107.5/WFNI-AM 1070 or WIBC-FM 93.1.The Speedway Police Department can be reached for non-emergency services by dialing 311 on a cell phone. The goal of 311 is to provide an easy-to-remember number for non-emergency services while freeing up 911 lines for timely emergency response. 

Stories on the Door

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Artwork adorns the garage of the former Formula 1 garages at IMS. There some very creative works by local artists, and they help brighten up a plain stretch of concrete behind the pit grandstands.

One door, the one closest to he gasoline Alley walkway which enters the pits, is a montage of photographs depicting the race’s history. No one reading this should be surprised that this is my favorite door.

I spent a lot of time looking at the individual photos, which are placed randomly. I’m not saying I’m old, but I remembered too many of them firsthand.

My primitive computer skills do not allow me to home in on individual scenes, but I was able to split the photo of the door into two segments.

Enlarge the photos to get a better look.

Top left- he Master Control Tower, which replaced the second pagoda in 1957. Top right-Larry Bisceglia, who arrived at IMS on May 1 every year for more than 40 years.

Bottom row, second from left- Mickey Thompson’s first speedway car. My brother and I went to the track in late fall and watched from E stand as this car tested for the first time.

Middle above the word “Greatest”= the old Gasoline Alley banner. next to that- viewing scaffolds, popular until banned after 1960. Next -Janet Guthrie.

Top row, second from right- the start, probably in the early 60s.

Middle- two photos of fans and their cars. In the second one- did someone hide in the trunk and get in?

Bottom row-far left the old scoreboard that was in turns 1 and 4.I really liked these boards. The race was much easier to follow than it is today on the video boards.

Bottom row second from tight- A jubilant Wilbur Shaw in Victory Lane. I believe it is 1940.

I love the way the door blended old and new, and the way the photos of different eras sit next to each other. I plan to spend more time studying this door Friday and Saturday.

Doug, after the race, I’m in the market for a new garage door. Name your price.

Baseball Legend Ken Griffey Jr. To Drive Pace Car at 108th Indianapolis 500

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From IMS:

One of the Most Prolific Home Run Hitters in Baseball History
To Lead NTT INDYCAR SERIES Field to Green

INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, May 20, 2024) – Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ken Griffey Jr. has been named honorary Pace Car driver for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 26.

Griffey will drive the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and lead the field of 33 drivers to the start of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

“Driving the Pace Car and leading the field to start the Indy 500 is one of the coolest experiences,” Griffey said. “I came to the track a few years ago as a photographer and look forward to seeing the race from a different perspective.”

Known as “Junior” and “The Kid,” Griffey played 22 years as an outfielder in the Major League Baseball (MLB). He spent the majority of his career with the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, with a short stint with the Chicago White Sox.

The first overall pick in the 1987 draft and a 13-time All-Star, Griffey is one of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history. His 630 home runs rank as the seventh-most in MLB history. Griffey was also an exceptional defender and won 10 Gold Glove Awards in center field. He is tied for the record of most consecutive games with a home run (eight, with Don Mattingly and Dale Long).

One of only 31 players in baseball history to have appeared in major league games in four different calendar decades, Griffey was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. He received 99.32 percent of the vote, breaking pitcher Tom Seaver’s record of 98.84 percent, which had stood for 24 years. He also was inducted into both the Mariners Hall of Fame and the Reds Hall of Fame.

“Every baseball fan knows Ken Griffey Jr.,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Two legends will come together as Griffey hops into the Corvette E-Ray to lead the field at the Racing Capital of the World.”

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 and since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.

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.

Newgarden Fastest in Monday Practice

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Josef Newgarden edged ahead of Coltn Herta in the second half of Monday’s post-qualifying practice session with a lap at 226.238 mph. Herta was just 16 thousandths pf a second behind.

The two hour tune-up ran without incident on track, although there were some pit issues with stalls and what looked like an airgun problem on Ryan Hunter-Reay’s car.

Colton Herta
Pato O’Ward

Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward talked about their day afterwards.

Herta doesn’t think the tire degradation will be much different from last year’s race. O’Ward expressed concern that his car is slow, and the team can’t figure out why. He is worried about performing in the race if the car doesn’t improve.

Notes

It’s kind of bittersweet when Monday practice ends. The track is closed for three days. after on track activity for nearly a week straight, it’s hard to wait until Friday. I find it even harder during the years when the race is on May 26 or earlier. It feels as if We are getting gypped out of part of our May.

I’m still scratching my head over the fact that Will Power has never won the pole for the 500. What a weird mark on his resume should he retire without one.

Qualifications Wrap Up- Indy’s Newest Hero Isn’t in the Race

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Photo: Nolan Siegel talks about his day.

It is not very often that the star of qualifications weekend doesn’t make the race. But on Sunday, Nolan Siegel showed what a true racer is. After a serious crash on Friday which destroyed his car, the Dale Coyne team went to a backup car- one they use for road courses.

The speed was never there, but yesterday the car improved enough to where it could possibly compete in the Last Chance Qualifying. Thanks to a mistake by Marcus Ericsson on his first run, Siegel had a chance.

Ericsson bumped Siegel with less than three minutes to go, and the rookie then went on track to attempt to regain his position. After a first lap that was not good enough to make the field, Siegel crashed at the exit of turn 1 and will not race next Sunday.

When the week began, I had doubts about Siegel even being entered in the race, but I, along with many fans, came away from the track yesterday with nothing but respect for Siegel.

He told the media Sunday afternoon, “I was going to go home because I went flat and did everything I could do. I wasn’t going to go home
because I lifted, so here I am.”

“…we’ve had a difficult couple of days, and we pulled through it as a team. The maturity. We did everything we possibly could. I feel like we
maximized the runs today. Yeah, I mean, that’s all you can
do,” Siegel concluded.

Siegel will be back, and he will make the race, likely next year

If there is a Spirit of Indy Award, Nolan Siegel would be the 2024 recipient.

A Near Costly Mistake

Marcus Ericsson lifted at after crossing the line to complete his third lap on his qualifying run, resulting in a lap of 195 mph for lap 4. His first three laps would have easily put him in the field.

It appears he miscounted the laps. With the pressure he was facing, it is understandable that he was so focused on having a good run that the lap count was not on his mind.

Ericsson is in good company, however. Wilbur Shaw miscounted qualifying laps once and slowed on his final lap thinking he was done. Fortunately, his crew got him to not complete the last lap. Under the format then, once a car finished its run, there was no going again in the same car.

Rahal Struggles

RLL struggled for speed at IMS for the second year in a row. Christian Lundgaard is the fastest on the team in 28th. Pietro Fittipaldi starts 30th, and Graham Rahal brings up the rear of the field.

Rahal is the only starter to average les than 230 mph.

The team seemed to make progress last year after the 500, but it appears their speedway program is mired in the same spot as 2023. I hope the team can find an answer for next year. It is painful to see Graham struggling at IMS.

Legge Finds Speed

With all the buzz surrounding the other three cars trying to make the field yesterday, Katherine Legge almost quietly went out and posted the fastest speed in the Last Chance round.

Her average of 230.092 was her fastest time of the week. Between her effort and the wiork to get Siegel on the grid, the Dale coyne teamdeserves praise for their hard work.

The Starting Lineup