Tag: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

IMS, Purdue Partner for 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Experience

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From IMS:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023) – Purdue University is joining the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as presenting sponsor for Total Solar Eclipse viewing event April 8, 2024, in front of a worldwide audience, further deepening the long-standing history between the two iconic organizations.
The Total Solar Eclipse Event at IMS presented by Purdue University will be one of the nation’s most prominent viewing events for the once-in-a-generation phenomenon. Chosen as one of only a few NASA broadcast sites that day, IMS will draw all eyes to Indianapolis, located in the heart of the path of totality. The exciting day of programming and festivities will feature Boilermaker experts, alumni, students and more during the in-person event and broadcasted across the world.
“Purdue’s support for this event is a perfect fit because of its storied, successful history in space exploration, motorsports and engineering education,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said.
“‘Boiler Up’ will take on a whole new meaning through this partnership as thousands look upward to the sky April 8 for a once-in-a-lifetime event.”
The partnership is a natural extension of Purdue’s long history in motorsports and space. Home to the Cradle of Astronauts and the nation’s only accredited motorsports engineering program, Purdue puts more graduates in space and Gasoline Alley than any other university in Indiana.
“Purdue has a special place in space exploration and at IMS,” said Purdue University President Mung Chiang. “Whether the International Space Station or the Yard of Bricks, Boilermakers are there, persistently pursing their next giant leap. The total solar eclipse is the perfect event to showcase it all, especially in the quarter before the birth of Purdue University in Indianapolis: our capital city’s first top-50 university in America.”
Loral O’Hara became the 27th Purdue astronaut after launching from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Sept. 16 for a six-month stay on the International Space Station. More than 47 space shuttle flights have featured Purdue alumni onboard, and 11 missions have included multiple Boilermakers.
While Purdue’s astronauts may be popular, thousands of fellow alums enable the next giant leaps in space exploration working for NASA or within the private sector.
Between its campuses in Indianapolis and West Lafayette, Purdue has propelled students and graduates to exciting motorsports careers at the highest levels of racing, including NASCAR, INDYCAR and the International Motor Sports Association, as well as with manufacturers, most notably Dallara, a prominent race car builder, and Cummins, a global power technology leader.
Boilermakers are no stranger to victory lane at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as Matt Kuebel and Mike Koenigs (Josef Newgarden, 2023) and Angela Ashmore (Marcus Ericsson, 2022) were key parts of Indianapolis 500-winning teams the last two years.
“Our partnership with IMS is a very natural extension for our brand and offers us the opportunity to share more incredible stories of Boilermakers taking their next giant leaps — in both space and motorsports — as we get closer to April 8, 2024,” said Katie Ellis, director of marketing strategy at Purdue University.
“Purdue’s legacy in space exploration started decades ago, but we have incredible students, faculty and alumni working every day to make world-changing discoveries, so we cannot wait to spotlight them through this partnership.”
This is the first time in 819 years a total solar eclipse has been visible in Indianapolis, and another 129 years will pass before it occurs again. For three minutes and 46 seconds, Indianapolis will experience darkness as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the sun.Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets for the Total Solar Eclipse Event at IMS presented by Purdue University and for more information on event details. 

Sonsio Named Title Sponsor of May Grand Prix Race at IMS 

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 INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023) – Sonsio Vehicle Protection, an industry-leading provider of vehicle protection and warranty programs, announced Nov. 1 a partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) that includes title sponsorship of the May NTT INDYCAR SERIES road course race at the Racing Capital of the World.The Sonsio Grand Prix will take place Saturday, May 11, 2024, on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course at IMS.
“Ensuring our fans have a world-class experience each time they visit the Speedway is our top priority,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Sonsio shares that same commitment to customer service, making them an ideal partner and a welcome addition to the fan experience at IMS.”
Sonsio offers a comprehensive lineup of programs covering 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.
“Going into our 40th year serving the automotive industry, Sonsio Vehicle Protection is proud to be the primary entitlement sponsor of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 11, 2024,” Sonsio Chief Executive Officer David Jones said. “We look forward to building on our successful partnership with INDYCAR and being part of the Month of May at IMS.”
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.Visit www.ims.com for information about tickets to the 2024 Sonsio Grand Prix.

Racing Capital of the World Contributes $1 Billion of Economic Activity to Indiana 

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From IMS:


 New Study Showcases Significant Scale of IMS, 
Indy 500 Fiscal and Workforce Development Impact‘

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023) – A new study by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute provides a comprehensive and detailed look at the $1 billion in annual economic activity generated by events and operations at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Of this total, more than half – $566.4 million – is attributed to the Month of May and the world-famous Indianapolis 500-Mile Race.
SEE: Full Study
“The Racing Capital of the World is a marquee hub for economic development that directly benefits Central Indiana and the Hoosier State, triggering innovative activity and providing jobs and income for thousands of families,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The impact and value of IMS and its contributions to Indiana’s economy are invaluable and fuel us to further prioritize our role as a key driver of progress and impact moving forward.”
The 2023 study addressed the direct and indirect economic contributions made by IMS between June 1, 2022 and May 31, 2023. Included in the analysis were IMS operations; spending by visitors to IMS for events like the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, Brickyard Weekend and other events and activities like the SVRA Invitational and Intercontinental GT Indianapolis 8 Hour, the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course and IMS Museum; and the continued presence and recent growth of INDYCAR race teams and the Dallara facility in the Indianapolis area, which call Indiana home due to the presence of IMS and Penske Entertainment’s headquarters.Notable statistics from the extensive study include:
A contribution of $1.058 billion to the Indiana economy
Brickyard Weekend 2022 accounted for $117.2 million
Month of May 2023 accounted for $566.4 million
Visitors within 100 miles of the Speedway accounted for $86 million
Other events and activities accounted for $375.1 million
Generation of 8,440 direct and indirect full-time equivalent jobs, totaling an estimated $360 million in labor income
The impact of IMS supports local businesses through out-of-town visitor spending at area establishments, including lodging and food. In addition, the resulting tax revenue from employee wages benefits Indiana localities and the state.The last economic impact study was conducted in 2013 and determined that IMS generated more than $510 million annually to the Indiana economy at that time. Over the last decade, the growth has been influenced by additional motorsports events and activities, as well as increased attendance at marquee events.
The growth of race teams and motorsports-related businesses in the area also contributes to the increased impact.
“This study demonstrates the incredible reach of IMS races and entertainment that goes well beyond the Central Indiana region,” said Indiana Public Policy Institute Director Tom Guevara. “We are proud to once again partner with IMS to analyze the economic impact of their iconic events and facilities, which are the result of many more events, more race teams, and more attendance, especially at the world-famous Indianapolis 500.”
Delivering unbiased research and data-driven expert analysis, the IU Public Policy Institute is a collaborative research arm within the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University.

Foster Drives to Top of Tight Griffis Test at IMS

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From Indycar:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Oct. 20, 2023) – If the Chris Griffis Memorial Test is any indication, there won’t be much room between the top drivers in INDY NXT by Firestone during the 2024 season.

Veteran Louis Foster was the quickest driver Friday in the all-day test on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, turning a top lap of 1 minute, 14.8432 seconds in the No. 26 Andretti Global car. British driver Foster finished fourth in the series standings as a rookie in 2023, with two victories.

“Hopefully, we can keep our form like last year into 2024,” Foster said. “Looking forward to the rest of the offseason and doing some more testing so we can improve on what we did today.”

Just .1728 of a second separated the top five drivers in the test on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course that incorporates parts of the iconic IMS oval

.Series veteran Jacob Abel was second at 1:14.9201 in the No. 51 Abel Motorsports machine. 2023 USF Pro 2000 champion Myles Rowe was the quickest of the newcomers, third overall at 1:14.9487 in the No. 99 HMD Motorsports car.2023 INDY NXT by Firestone

Rookie of the Year Nolan Siegel was fourth at 1:14.9918 in the No. 39 HMD Motorsports car.

Brazilian rookie Caio Collet will be a driver to watch after he rounded out the top five at 1:15.0160 in the No. 18 HMD Motorsports machine. Collet has raced the last three seasons in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, with three victories.

Twenty-one drivers – two more than the full-time grid in 2023 for the growing INDYCAR development series – combined to turn 1,145 laps despite wet track conditions in the morning session.

The only major incident occurred in the final 20 minutes of the day when Rowe went off track in Turn 12 and hit the tire barrier near the pit entrance. He was unhurt.

Today’s test is named in memory of Chris Griffis, the team manager of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports who passed away suddenly in September 2011.

The 2024 INDY NXT by Firestone season starts Sunday, March 10 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florid


 

Results:

Final Day of IMS Hybrid Testing

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Today’s Schedule:

9 am-noon: Hybrid testing-Ericsson/Palou (Honda), Malukas/Power (Chevy)
1-5 pm: Hybrid testing- Ericsson/Palou (Honda), Malukas/Power (Chevy)

No interruptions for rookie tests today as Marcus Ericsson and David Malukas get a turn at trying out the new configuration. Both drivers are at new teams in 2024, so this test gives them some seat time with their new situation.

The weather should be good, war with up to a 15% chance of rain.

Sadly, today ends the racing season at IMS.

Make sure to get out to the museum before it closes next month.

Test Day Update: Larson Completes Rookie Test

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Kyle Larson has completed Rookie Orientation with lots of time to spare. He got up to speed in just five laps and had a couple of laps faster than the required range in phase I.

Larson needed 72 laps to complete the 40 lap test. His best speed was 217.898 mph, Larson had a best turn 1 trap speed of 221.187.

“It was hard to go slow,” Larson said.

The Indycar drivers participating in the hybrid testing today spoke to the media during their brake. All had the sense that 2024 will be a learning year. Jay Frye said that the hybrid component is still evolving and will continue to evolve over the next few years.

Will Power likes the options that the drivers will have with the new system.

“You can play with it a lot,” he said.

Power thinks the new piece will not create more speed in 2024.

Will Power

“No, not next year. It’s got more capability, but I think reliability to become creep up on the amount of power that we use. “

Power likes the options the hybrid gives the driver. He said that the deriver can decide how energy to use.

“You can play with that a lot. Actually, I mean, you can have very low power for a short time. Spread that out. You know, I think I’m trying three courses to pretty much get all the way to fifth gear still. Fine, which really are the key areas they need to get the tower a lot of times yeah, that’s all stuff you can really play with. The series can just depends how much they want to utilize.”

Jay Frye told me that he is not sure how fuel mileage will be affected by the hybrid system. The added weight is a factor, but the energy saving may cause mileage to be about the same. He expects the racing to be more competitive.

Hybrids Debut; Blomqvist Hits 220

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Today’s schedule:

9-11am: Hybrid testing- Herta, Palou (Honda), Power, Rossi (Chevy)
11am-2pm: Larson ROP
2-6pm: Hybrid testing-Herta, Palou (Honda), Power, Rossi (Chevy)

Today at IMS the new power era begins. Four cars -two Hondas and two Chevys- will test the new hybrid engine package. I am interested in hearing their reactions after the first session.

NASCAR driver Kyle Larson takes his rookie test at 11 today. many fans have been wanting to see Larson race in the Indianapolis 500 for quite some time.

Rookies Have Successful Day

Yesterday afternoon the three rookies, who all pretty much breezed through their rookie tests in the morning, put in a combined 285 laps of practice. Tom Blomqvist had the fastest lap at 220. 176.

“It’s unbelievable,” Lundqvist said. “With the speeds that you’re going, it feels so fast. With the history and legacy around this place, it just feels magical. Even though the grandstands are empty, I can only imagine what it will feel like when they’re full. Even now it’s very, very special.”

“I’ve enjoyed it a whole lot more than I expected,” Armstrong said. “I’m not saying I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but I think the intensity of it is pretty special and watching (in-car) onboards and on TV is one thing, but actually feeling how the car moves and how the wind affects you and the tiny details of this place – and Texas – has kind of given me so much enjoyment.”

Results:

Time Speed Laps

1 60 Blomqvist, Tom (R) D/H/F 00:40.8764 220.176 90
2 8 Lundqvist, Linus (R) D/H/F 00:41.0015 219.504 102
3 11 Armstrong, Marcus (R) D/H/F 00:41.0487 219.252 93

ROP Midday- All Tests Complete

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Photo:- Tom Blomqvist after his rookie test

The three rookies made quick work of the Rookie Orientation Program on a cool, cloudy morning at IMS. Tom Blomqvist, Marcus Armstrong, and Linus Lundqvist each completed the three phase, 40 lap course by the noon break.

Lundqvist was the first to complete phase II at 11:10, followed by Blomqvist 30 minutes later and Armstrong at 11:45.

The inly issue during the session occurred around 11:30 when Armstrong lost power driving down the front stretch. The problem was quickly resolved, and he completed his test.

Blomqvist deswcribed the test as “..a pretty cool experience.”

He said the car became easier to drive at higher speeds. Blomqvist credited four time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves for helping him get through the morning.

Tom Blomqvist talks with Helio Castroneves after completing his rookie test.

“I grew up watching that guy (Castroneves) climb that fence when I was about seven, eight years old. He’s been giving me some tips. It’s great to be able to pick his brain because you’re limited on tires and time here.”

Blomqvist said the test at Texas helped him prepare for driving at IMS. IMs seemed a lot more natural becaus eof the G load on the body,.

Rookie Day at IMS; Hybrid Testing Thursday and Friday

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Today’s Schedule
10am-noon: ROP

Tom Blomqvist (MSR), Marcus Armstrong (Chip Ganassi Racing) & Linus Lundqvist (Chip Ganassi Racing)

1-5pm: ROP

Blomqvist, Armstrong & Lundqvist ROP

A cool morning will give way to a pleasant afternoon as three rookies take to the oval for Rookie Orientation today. Kyle Larson will have 11 am -2 pm tomorrow allocated for his rookie test.

Weather today calls for a temperature of 50 degrees at 10 am, warming to 62 degrees by noon. Afternoon temperatures will be in the mid to upper 60s.

Tomorow and Friday will be warmer with highs in the middle to upper 70s. Turn 2 viewing mounds are open all three days.