Tag: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Sonsio Extends Partnership with IMS, Title Sponsorship of Sonsio Grand Prix 

thepitwindow

From IMS:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, May 10, 2024) – Sonsio Vehicle Protection, an industry-leading provider of vehicle protection and warranty programs, has renewed its multiyear partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway.Sonsio Vehicle Protection will continue as an Official Partner of IMS and the title sponsor of the Sonsio Grand Prix NTT INDYCAR SERIES road course race at the Racing Capital of the World.
“Sonsio shares our commitment to customer service and the fan experience, and we are ready to wave the green flag on the Sonsio Grand Prix,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “We look forward to our continued relationship with Sonsio and partnering together for the Sonsio Grand Prix into the future when the NTT INDYCAR SERIES kicks off the Month of May at IMS.”
Said David Jones, CEO of Sonsio Vehicle Protection: “For over 40 years, Sonsio Vehicle Protection has been committed to ensuring that drivers recognize the dependability of the products we offer through our extensive network of dealers. We not only want consumers to have confidence in Sonsio’s brand, but also in those locations that we partner with to market and service our products. For us, it’s all about fostering partnerships to strengthen that trust. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our continued collaboration with IMS.”
With a comprehensive lineup of vehicle protection plans, Sonsio offers industry-leading programs that cover tire and wheel road hazard protection, appearance protection, parts and labor warranties, mechanical advisory and other critical consumer services. These benefits provide vehicle owners with affordable and valuable coverages to keep their vehicles on the road safely and maximize the resale value by keeping the appearance of their vehicles like-new.
Sonsio Vehicle Protection serves more than 82,000 dealerships, F&I service providers, manufacturers, insurance companies, parts suppliers, retail chains and many independent retailers across all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Importantly, customers recognize Sonsio’s network as the standard for coast-to-coast protection and peace of mind for the services and products sold.
To learn more visit www.sonsio.com.NBC’s live coverage of the Sonsio Grand Prix starts at 3 p.m. ET Saturday, May 11. Live streaming is available via Peacock. Audio coverage is available from the INDYCAR Radio Network on SiriusXM channel 218 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.Visit ims.com to purchase tickets for the Sonsio Grand Prix and for more information on the complete Month of May schedule at IMS.

Good Morning from IMS

thepitwindow

May officially begins now. I am in the DEX Image Media Center on a cool morning. Indycar practice begins in about 45 minutes. I will be out and about after practice checking out what’s new at the track.

On the way to the infield, I noticed new scanners at the gates. Twin poles have replacee the gate that fans have walked through.

Andretti has a merchandise trailer set up in the midway.

From earlier

Race Preview- Sonsio Grand Prix

A Personal Note

Yesterday marked eight years since The Pit Window first posted. I began this column with no real goal in mind. I never thought I would still be writing for this long, and getting media credentials was not even a dream. But here we are. there are so many people to thank for their help along the way, but my muse for the genesis of this little venture are the wonderful writers in my Creative Writing class at the Life Enrichment Center in Tampa. Without them, the first word in this space would have never seen the light of day.

Thank you to all who continue to read.

Race Preview- Sonsio Grand Prix

thepitwindow

Today’s schedule:

7:30 AM – 7:00 PM

GATES OPEN

7:55 AM – 8:25 AM

COOPER TIRES USF2000 QUALIFICATIONS

8:40 AM – 9:10 AM

USF PRO 2000 QUALIFICATIONS

9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

NTT INDYCAR SERIES PRACTICE 1

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM

INDY NXT PRACTICE 1

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

NTT INDYCAR SERIES AUTOGRAPH SESSION

12:10 PM – 12:50 PM

COOPER TIRES USF2000 RACE 1

12:45 PM – 1:15 PM

INDY NXT AUTOGRAPH SESSION

1:10 PM – 2:10 PM

NTT INDYCAR SERIES PRACTICE 2

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

INDY NXT QUALIFICATIONS

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM

USF PRO 2000 RACE 1

4:20 PM – 5:50 PM

NTT INDYCAR SERIES QUALIFICATIONS

6:20 PM – 7:15 PM

INDY NXT RACE #1

It is finally May in Indianapolis today as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opens for the first of three straight weekends of activity leading up to the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500.

The Grand Prix began in 2014 as a way to bolster May attendance numbers. In that regard it has been a success. The race itself generally draws around 40,000 fans. In 2023, it seemed to be the biggest crowd since the inaugural event.

The weekend also provides a showcase for the Road to Indy and Indy NXT.

Back to the Proper Amount of Races

Saturday’s race will be the only time Indycar races on the IMS road course in 2024. Before the pandemic that was the case. In 2020, three road courses were on the schedule. The July 4 race was followed by a double header in October.

From 2021-2023, in addition to the May opener, Indycar raced on the road course as part of the NASCAR Brickyard weekend. Mercifully, those days are over. It was insulting to see Indycar treated like the unwanted guest at a family gathering at its track.

We are now back to one road race and the 500 at IMS. Two races is the proper amount for Indycar here. I hope it stays this way.

Tires and Rain

Apologies to James Taylor. This race comes down to tire strategy and weather. In 2021 Rinus VeeKay won by using the alternate tires on his last stop after Romain Grosjean went to a primary set.

Simon Pagenaud beat Scott Dixon in2019 in one of the best races of this event when Dixon’s tires wore out. Rain was also a factor in that race, which added to the fun.

Rain and tires were both a factor in 2022 when Ciolton Herta went to slicks during an early caution and battled a slippery car through off and on rain showers.

There is a slight chance for rain Saturday afternoon. This could be a fun race.

Qualifying is Key

As on any road course, qualifying up front is important on the IMS road circuit. So far in 2024, qualifying has been a battle between Team Penske and Felix Rosenqvist. I would add Graham Rahal into the mix as well. Rahal won the pole last August, and he has two second place finishes on this track.

I think it is time for Alex Palou to win his first race of the year Saturday. If he does, he has a very good chance to become the third driver to complete the May Sweep.

McLaren Signs Pourchaire For Rest of 2024; Ilott Expected to Drive in 500

thepitwindow

From Arrow McLaren. His rookie oval test this week gave a strong hint. Callum Ilott is still expected to drive the car in the 500.

The release from the team:

ARROW McLAREN 

CONFIRMS POURCHAIRE FOR REMAINDER OF 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES SEASON, ABSENT INDIANAPOLIS 500

Théo Pourchaire will pilot the No. 6 SmartStop Chevrolet on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course

The Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team announced today that Théo Pourchaire will pilot the No. 6 SmartStop Chevrolet in the Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course this weekend. Théo will then return to the track at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, where he will be set to pilot the No. 6 Chevrolet for the duration of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

Théo made his inaugural INDYCAR appearances at Long Beach and Barber Motorsports Park, earning the ‘Biggest Mover’ title in his debut race with an eleventh-place finish.

The 2023 Formula 2 champion can now add ovals to his skillset after a successful test with the Arrow McLaren crew at World Wide Technology Raceway on May 6.

Today the No. 6 SmartStop Arrow McLaren Chevrolet livery will be revealed as it prepares to embark on its first of three on-track appearances across the 2024 season, also present on the streets of Toronto and Portland International Raceway.

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (“SmartStop”), a self-managed and fully integrated self-
storage company, has been an Official Partner with Arrow McLaren since October 2022. The SmartStop livery is highlighted by a distinct light blue that pops in contrast to the iconic papaya, a color which draws a connection between each of the series McLaren Racing competes in. 

The team has not yet announced who will race in the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 but will make that confirmation in due course.

Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren, said:

“We’re excited to continue working with Théo. He proved to be a quick learner, and we believe his skillset and learning mindset will support his development as he gets more comfortable racing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Now, it’s about continuing to grow and turning those learnings into results alongside the No. 6 team.”

Théo Pourchaire, Driver, Arrow McLaren, said:  

“The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has some of the best racing in motorsport, and now I can say that with experience. I’m excited to take on this challenge with Arrow McLaren for the rest of the season. This is a special opportunity, and I am committed to learning and improving as we get on track each race weekend. I’ve enjoyed my first two races with the team, and I know we have plenty of potential in front of us. Of course, I would like to thank Zak, Gavin and Tony, as well as the Sauber F1 Team, for making this all possible.”

Sonsio Grand Prix Fast Facts

thepitwindow

From Indycar. My preview will be posted tomorrow.

  Race weekend: Friday, May 10-Saturday, May 11
Track: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course (clockwise)
Race distance: NTT INDYCAR SERIES 85 laps / 207.3 miles
Push-to-pass parameters: NTT INDYCAR SERIES: 200 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 20 seconds per activation. | INDY NXT by Firestone: 150 seconds of total time with a maximum time of 15 seconds per activation
Firestone tire allotment: NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Five sets primary, four sets alternate to be used during the event weekend. Teams fielding a rookie driver may use one additional set of primary tires. Teams must use one set of primary and one set of new (sticker) alternate tires for at least two laps in the race. 
INDY NXT by Firestone: Four new sets to be used during the doubleheader weekend. Two carryover sets from the Barber event may be used in practice prior to qualifying. 
X: @IMS, @IndyCar, #INDYGP, #INDYCARInstagram: @indianapolismotorspeedway, @INDYCAR, #INDYGP, #INDYCARThreads: @indianapolismotorspeedway, @INDYCAR, #INDYGP, #INDYCARFacebook: @indianapolismotorspeedway, @INDYCAR, #INDYCARTikTok: @indianapolismotorspeedwy, @INDYCAR, #INDYCARYouTube: @IMS, @INDYCAR
Event website: www.ims.com/
INDYCAR website: www.INDYCAR.com
2023 race winners:
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
May: Alex Palou (No. 10 The American Legion Honda)
August: Scott Dixon (No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda)
INDY NXT by Firestone
May: Matteo Nannini (No. 75 Juncos Hollinger Racing)
August: Hunter McElrea (No. 27 Andretti Autosport)
2023 NTT P1 Award winner (NTT INDYCAR SERIES)
:May: Christian Lundgaard (No. 45 Hy-Vee Honda), 1 minute, 9.3321 seconds, 126.643 mph
August: Graham Rahal (No. 15 Code 3 Associates Honda) 1:10.1132, 125.232 mph
2023 INDY NXT by Firestone pole winners:
May: Matteo Nannini (No. 75 Juncos Hollinger Racing) 1:15.3194, 116.576 mph
August: Hunter McElrea (No. 27 Andretti Autosport) 1:15.1216, 116.882 mph
Qualifying records:
NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Will Power, 1:07.7044, 129.687 mph, May 12, 2017 (Set in Round 3 of knockout qualifying)
INDY NXT by Firestone
Ed Jones 1:14.6743, 117.583 mph, May 13, 2016
NBC race telecast: Sonsio Grand Prix, 3 p.m. ET Saturday, May 11, NBC (live). Leigh Diffey is the play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports’ coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, alongside analysts Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe.
Peacock Live Streaming: All NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice sessions and qualifying will stream live on Peacock, NBC’s direct-to-consumer livestreaming product, while the NBC race telecast of the Sonsio Grand Prix will be simulcast on the streaming service.
The INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix doubleheader races will be streamed on Peacock, with practice and qualifying being shown on INDYCAR LIVE.
INDYCAR Radio Network broadcasts: Mark Jaynes is the anchor alongside analyst Davey Hamilton. Jake Query, Nick Yeoman and Chris Denari are the turn announcers. Ryan Myrehn, Michael Young and Alex Wolff are the pit reporters. The Sonsio Grand Prix race (3 p.m. ET Saturday), the INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix doubleheader (6:05 p.m. ET Friday and 12:55 p.m. ET Saturday) and all NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone practices and qualifying sessions air live on network affiliates, SiriusXM 218, racecontrol.indycar.com and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
At-track schedule (all times local):
FRIDAY, MAY 10 (All times are local)
9:30-10:45 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice (75 minutes), Peacock
11:05-11:55 a.m. INDY NXT by Firestone practice, INDYCAR LIVE
1:10-2:10 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice (45 minutes of green flag – limited guarantee), Peacock
2:30-3 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone qualifying, (two groups/12 minutes each), INDYCAR LIVE
4:20 p.m. Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award (three rounds of NTT INDYCAR SERIES knockout qualifications), Peacock
6:15 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 1 “Drivers, start your engines”6:20 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 1 (35 laps/55 minutes), Peacock
SATURDAY, MAY 11
11:15-11:45 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES warmup (30 minutes), Peacock
1:05 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 2 “Drivers, start your engines”1:10 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Indianapolis Grand Prix Race 2 (35 laps/55 minutes), Peacock
3 p.m. NBC on air3:39 p.m. Sonsio Grand Prix “Drivers, start your engines”3:45 p.m. Sonsio Grand Prix (85 laps/207.3 miles), NBC (Live)
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Notes:
The Sonsio Grand Prix will be the 16th INDYCAR SERIES event conducted on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Active race winners expected to compete are Alex Palou, Alexander Rossi, Colton Herta, Rinus VeeKay, Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden and Will PowerFour drivers have competed in every INDYCAR SERIES race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course – Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Will Power, and Graham Rahal. All are entered this weekend.
.ACTIVE RACE WINNERS

Will Power 5 2015, 2017, 2018 (Sonsio Grand Prix); 2020 (Harvest Grand Prix-2); 2021 (Gallagher Grand Prix); 
Scott Dixon 2 2020 (Sonsio Grand Prix); 2023 (Gallagher Grand Prix)
Colton Herta1 2022 (Sonsio Grand Prix)
Josef Newgarden1 2020 (Harvest Grand Prix-1)
Alex Palou 1 2023 (Sonsio Grand Prix)
Alexander Rossi 1 2022 (Gallagher Grand Prix)
Rinus VeeKay 1 2021 (Sonsio Grand Prix)
Five NTT P1 Award winners have won on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course from the pole: Will Power won the 2015, 2017 and 2018 Sonsio Grand Prix and the second Harvest GP race in 2020 from the pole. Simon Pagenaud also won the Sonsio Grand Prix from the pole in 2016.
ACTIVE POLE WINNERS
Will Power 6 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020. 2022 (Sonsio Grand Prix and Harvest Grand Prix-2)
Felix Rosenqvist 2 2019, 2022 (Gallagher Grand Prix)
Graham Rahal 1 2023 (Gallagher Grand Prix)
Christian Lundgaard 1 2023 (Sonsio Grand Prix)
Pato O’Ward 1 2021 (Gallagher Grand Prix)
Romain Grosjean 1 2021 (Sonsio Grand Prix)
Rinus VeeKay 1 2020 (Harvest Grand Prix-1)

Team Penske has eight wins on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020-Race 2, 2020-Race 3, 2021-Race 2). Chip Ganassi has three wins – with Scott Dixon in 2020-Race 1 and 2023-Race 2 and Alex Palou in 2023-Race 1. Andretti Autosport, Ed Carpenter Racing and Arrow McLaren SP are the only other teams to win at the track. Andretti Autosport won the Sonsio Grand Prix with Colton Herta in May 2022 and Gallagher Grand Prix with Alexander Rossi in August, while Ed Carpenter Racing won in 2021-Race 1 with Rinus VeeKay and Arrow McLaren SP won the inaugural race in 2014 with Simon Pagenaud when it was known as Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.


Four NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year contenders – Tom Blomqvist, Linus Lundqvist, Christian Rasmussen and Kyffin Simpson – are entered and will race an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car on the IMS road course for the first time alongside veteran driver Pietro Fittipaldi.
Milestones: 
Scott Dixon will attempt to make his 325th consecutive start, the second-longest streak in INDYCAR SERIES history.

INDY NXT by Firestone Notes:
INDY NXT by Firestone will conduct a doubleheader weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend with a pair of 35-lap races. Jacob Abel claimed his first series win on April 28 at Barber Motorsports Park and sits tied atop the point standings with St. Petersburg winner Nolan Siegel.
The 21-car field for the INDY NXT Indianapolis Grand Prix doubleheader is the largest INDY NXT by Firestone field at Indianapolis Motor Speedway since the 2007 Liberty Challenge doubleheader. There were 25 cars for that event which supported the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
The 2024 season features a deep and talented field with INDY NXT race winners such as Nolan Siegel, Jacob Abel, Louis Foster and Reece Gold joining a promising rookie class that includes Myles Rowe (2023 USF Pro 2000 champ), Callum Hedge (2023 Formula Regionals America champion), Michael d’Orlando (2022 USF2000 champion), and Caio Collet (Formula 3 race winner/Nissan Formula E reserve driver).
Other contenders include returning drivers  Josh Pierson, James Roe and Jamie Chadwick.
For the second consecutive season, INDY NXT by Firestone has added a new team. Miller Vinatieri Motorsports – co-owned by former INDYCAR SERIES competitor Dr. Jack Miller and former NFL standout Adam Vinatieri – debuted at St. Petersburg with driver Jack William Miller.
Group qualifying will decide the starting grid on road and street circuits. Based on the best lap times from the practice session immediately preceding qualifying, the fastest driver in that session will choose which group will compete in the first of the two qualifying sessions. With 12 minutes allotted for each group (with a guarantee of one timed lap), the fastest driver between the two sessions will be awarded pole position with the drivers who finished behind that driver, in order and in that group, occupying the odd-numbered starting positions (3, 5, 7, etc.) for the race and the drivers who finished in order from the other group occupying the even-numbered starting positions (2, 4, 6, etc.). One driver and entrant championship point will be awarded to the fastest car in each qualifying group. 
 

Corvette E-Ray to Pace 108th Indianapolis 500

thepitwindow

Quickest Production and First-Ever Electrified with AWD Corvette To Lead Field

From IMS:

 INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, May 8, 2024) – The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 3LZ coupe – the quickest production Corvette in history – will lead the field to the green flag for the 108th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Designed for year-round performance, the Corvette E-Ray and its electrified All-Wheel Drive (eAWD) capability is up for any challenge, and the exterior and interior of the Corvette E-Ray will be on full display as the car fulfills responsibilities on and off the track.
“We are proud to announce the E-Ray, which is the first electrified and quickest production Corvette ever, will be pacing the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Scott Bell, global Chevrolet vice president.
“As we often say, Chevrolet and INDYCAR share the same spirit of competition and performance-oriented, cutting-edge technology, making E-Ray the perfect fit to pace this year’s race.”
The Corvette E-Ray is the only sports car pairing two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD, making it one like none.
A 6.2L V-8 is complemented by the electric motor that channels an additional 160 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels for 655 combined horsepower.
The addition of the electric drive unit helps the E-Ray achieve incredible acceleration – from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds before breezing through the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. Stealth Mode enables the Corvette E-Ray to drive on electric power for up to 4 miles at speeds up to 45 mph.
The Corvette E-Ray features a host of functional design elements, adding wider fenders, quarter panels and fascias. The result is a sleek, sculpted presence with a number of aerodynamic and performance benefits. Standard ground effects and spoiler contribute further to its aerodynamic prowess, while matching body-color accents provide a refined look.
Arctic white exterior paint and two-tone jet black and natural interior accents, inspired by fighter jets, pair nicely with the Indianapolis 500 logos on the Pace Car. Carbon fiber wheels, with exclusive standard all-season tires, complete the car’s iconic, race-ready look and provide sure-footed performance in a variety of conditions.
“As we anticipate another record-breaking Indianapolis 500, it’s only fitting that the quickest production Corvette will pace the field,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The performance enhancements tested on the track make their way to the street, and the Corvette E-Ray is a prime example of that Chevrolet innovation.”
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 2024 race marks the 35th time for Chevrolet to pace dating back to 1948 and the 21st time overall, since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.
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. 
 

Team Penske Suspensions- A Couple of Thoughts

thepitwindow

It’s a conundrum straight out of Goldilocks. Is this penalty too light? Is this one too harsh? Which solution is just right? Nobody knows

Indycar’s disqualifications of Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin from the St. Pete race were followed this morning by Team Penske suspending four members, including Newgarden’s pit strategist Tim Cindric, for the entire month of May.

The suspended crew members will not be in Indianapolis and have no input on setup or strategy They will have shop access in North Carolina.

At first, I thought that may be the penalties were a bit too light. But, on further reflection, and after reading Marshall Pruett’s excellent interview with Roger Penske, I decided that the suspensions were fair.

According to Penske, there was no willful intent to skirt the rules, but a processing error within the team. In Penske’s mind, what happened did not rise to the level needed for termination. I accept that.

Indycar and Team Penske both gathered information and made decisions. maybe the timing could have been tighter, but to quote Juan Pablo Montoya, “It is what it is.”

Newgarden and Team Penske will have to carry a figurative Scarlet C the rest of this season, but they will let their on-track performance speak for them.

I don’t expect much of a drop in performance from Newgarden or Mclaughlin or Will Power despite the absent personnel on the pit stand.

The next time I talk about this will be in my post season wrap up. The penalties have all been assessed, and they will be served. It’s time to go racing at the greatest racetrack in the world.

Sonsio Grand Prix Schedule- First Look

thepitwindow

Friday, May 10 All times Eastern

9:30-10:45 Indycar Practice 1 Peacock, Indycar Radio

11:05-11:55 Indy NXT Practice

1:10- 2:10 Indycar Practice 2 Peacock, Indycar Radio

2;30-3:00 Indy NXT Qualifying

4:20-5:50 Indycar Qualifying Peacock, Indycar Radio

6:20 Indy NXT Race 1 Peacock, Indycar Radio

Saturday , May 11

11:15-11:45 Indycar Warmup Peacock, Indycar Radio

11:00 Indy NXT Race 2 Peacock, Indycar Radio

3:45 Green flag Sonsio Grand Prix NBC, Peacock, Indycar Radio

Bump Tales: 1954- Bob Scott Stops Short

thepitwindow

Drivers usually like the late afternoon shadows on the front straightaway at IMS. The shade cools the track, leading to faster lap times. On qualifying days, it is sometimes an advantage to go out late.

Sometimes, however the mixture of shadow and light can trick the eye. Such is the sad tale of Bob Scott in 1954.

Scott had competed in the 1952 and 1953 500 starting 25th in his rookie year and 11th in 1953. He had completed just 63 combined laps in the two races, finishing 29th and 31st.

Scott had been bumped on the final day of qualifying for the 1954 race, and time was running short. His good friend, Bob Sweikert, persuaded a car owner to put Scott in his machine. Sweikert then pleaded with fellow competitors in the qualifying line and with AAA officials to allow Scott to move to the head of the line.

Just before the 6 pm deadline, Scott took to the track. His first two laps were in the 138 mph range. Lap three dropped to 136, but his average would still put him in the field. As Scott came off turn 4, he shut off the engine and came into the pits. To his horror, Scott learned he had only completed three laps.

He thought the white flag was the checkered flag because of the shadows and sunlight playing on the front stretch. Scott noticed Sweikert waving at him in a gesture that he interpreted as “You did it!” The combination of mixed signals caused him to shut off the car, satisfied that he had made the race.

Writer Angelo Angelopolous reported that Scott cried for several hours afterwards. Scott was not a wealthy man. He came to the track in 1952 with just $25 to live on for the entire month.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old Scott would not get another chance at the 500. He was killed on July 4 in a racing accident at Darlington.

The link below will take you to the final paragraph of the Angelopolous story about Scott’s misadventure. The writing is eloquent, as is the entire story.

https://indystar.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-news-xcott/146552290