| NINTH GMR GRAND PRIX PUBLIC SCHEDULE (All times local, subject to change; all on-track activity on IMS road course) FRIDAY, May 13 (General admission $20) 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 8-8:30 a.m. USF2000 Qualifying 8:45-9:15 a.m. Indy Pro 2000 Qualifying 9:30-10:30 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1 (45 minutes) 10:45-11:30 a.m. Indy Lights Practice 1 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. USF2000 Race 1 12:45-1:45 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 2 (45 minutes) 2-2:30 p.m. Indy Lights Qualifying 2:45-3:35 p.m. Indy Pro 2000 Race 1 4-5:15 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES NTT P1 Award Qualifying 5:35-6:30 p.m. Indy Lights Race 1 (35 laps or 55 minutes) SATURDAY, May 14 (General Admission $40; Reserved Seats Start at $41) 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.Public Gates Open8:05-8:50 a.m.USF2000 Race 29:10-10 a.m.Indy Pro 2000 Race 210:30-11 a.m.NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warmup11:15-11:55 a.m.USF2000 Race 312:10-1 p.m.Indy Pro 2000 Race 31:20-2:15 p.m.Indy Lights Race 2 (35 laps or 55 minutes)2:40-3:05 p.m.Silver/Bronze Badge Grid Walk3:30 p.m.Ninth GMR Grand Prix (85 laps)5:45 p.m.GMR Grand Prix Post-Race Track Invasion106th INDIANAPOLIS 500 presented by Gainbridge PUBLIC SCHEDULE (All times local, subject to change; all on-track activity on IMS oval) TUESDAY, May 17 (General Admission $15) 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 9-11 a.m. Veteran Practice 1-3 p.m. Rookie Orientation Program, Veteran Refresher Tests 3-6 p.m. Open Practice WEDNESDAY, May 18-THURSDAY, May 19 (General Admission $15) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open Noon-6 p.m. Open Practice FRIDAY, May 20 – FAST FRIDAY (General Admission $15 )10 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open Noon-6 p.m. Open Practice 6:15 p.m. Qualifications Draw SATURDAY, May 21 – PPG Presents ARMED FORCES QUALIFYING (General Admission $20) 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 9-10:30 a.m. Pre-Qualifying Practice (Two groups) Noon-5:50 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying (Setting positions 13-33 or 13-30 if there are more than 33 entries) SUNDAY, May 22 – PPG Presents ARMED FORCES QUALIFYING (General Admission $20) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Last Chance Practice* 12:30-2 p.m. Top 12 Practice 2-3 p.m. Last Chance Qualifying (Positions 31-33)* 4 p.m. Top 12 Qualifying 5:10 p.m. Firestone Fast Six Qualifying for NTT P1 Award 5:40 p.m. NTT P1 Award Presentation * — if necessary MONDAY, May 23 (General Admission $15; Infield Access Only for Fans) 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Public Gates Open (Gates 2, 4, 6S, 7, 7S only )Noon-2 p.m. Open Practice TUESDAY, May 24-THURSDAY, May 26 No track activity FRIDAY, May 27 – MILLER LITE CARB DAY (General Admission $40) 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Final Practice 2:30-4 p.m. INDYCAR Pit Stop Challenge 4-6 p.m. Miller Lite Carb Day Concert, Turn 3 infield SATURDAY, May 28 – LEGENDS DAY presented by Firestone (General Admission $10) 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Public Gates Open 9-10 a.m. Full Field Driver Autograph Session, Pagoda Plaza 10:30 a.m. Public Drivers’ Meeting, Tower Terrace Noon-1:30 p.m. AES 500 Festival Parade, downtown Indianapolis 7 p.m. Firestone Legends Day Concert, TCU Amphitheater in White River State Park, downtown Indianapolis SUNDAY, May 29 – RACE DAY (General Admission $50; Reserved Seats Start at $55 )6 a.m.-4 p.m. Public Gates Open 7 a.m. Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light Gates Open, Turn 3 infield 12:45 p.m.106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge (200 laps) |
Tag: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
IMS Releases May Schedule
The month of May schedule is announced in the following IMS press release. It looks like things are back to normal.
From IMS:
| Month of May Schedule Packed with Action, Excitement on IMS Oval, Road Course |
| INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, April 27, 2022) – It’s almost time to come Back Home Again.The Month of May will return to its normal schedule at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with full seating capacity, including the traditional lineup of on-track and off-track activities surrounding the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 29 and the GMR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 14. Fans can enjoy 11 days of on-track activity on the IMS road course and the historic, 2.5-mile oval. Action on the road course for the GMR Grand Prix will start Friday, May 13, with practice for the Indianapolis 500 starting Tuesday, May 17 on the oval. NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers will line up to take the green flag for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” at 12:45 p.m. (ET) Sunday, May 29 on the historic, 2.5-mile oval (live on NBC, Telemundo Deportes on Universo, INDYCAR Radio Network). The ninth GMR Grand Prix will kick off the Month of May at IMS at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11 on the 14-turn, 2.439-mile road course (live on NBC, Peacock Premium, INDYCAR Radio Network). Helio Castroneves will capture the attention of the sporting world as he tries to follow his emotional, record-tying fourth Indianapolis 500 victory in 2021 with a fifth win, elevating him above A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears as the most successful Indy 500 driver. On the road course, Team Penske will look to continue its hot start to the 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season – it has won the first three races – with its sixth GMR Grand Prix victory. “We have looked forward to a ‘normal’ Month of May for more than two years, and we can’t wait to see all of our loyal fans at the Racing Capital of the World,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “But as anyone who has attended even one Indianapolis 500 or GMR Grand Prix knows, there is nothing ordinary about this magical time of the year at IMS. It’s so special, with action, excitement and memories every single day. We truly welcome everyone back home again.” Among the highlights of the Month of May at IMS is an exciting new format for PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22. After Day One of qualifying from noon-5:50 p.m. (ET) Saturday, May 21, Day Two will include two rounds of qualification attempts to decide the first four rows, including pole position. Starting in reverse order of speeds based on Day One, each of the top 12 drivers will have a guaranteed attempt to post a traditional four-lap qualifying time starting at 4 p.m. The fastest six will advance to the Firestone Fast Six at 5:10 p.m. to determine positions one through six and compete for the NTT P1 Award for pole. The slowest six will fill out starting positions seven through 12 according to their recorded time. In the Firestone Fast Six, each entrant is again guaranteed one attempt and will qualify in reverse order based on their Top 12 qualification results. The fastest wins pole position, which includes a $100,000 prize, with the remaining five drivers filling out the remainder of the first two rows. A post-qualifying practice from noon-2 p.m. Monday, May 23 will give fans another opportunity to see NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers hone setups in traffic before Race Day. Miller Lite Carb Day will feature the final practice before Race Day, with cars on track from 11 a.m-1 p.m. Friday, May 27. The popular INDYCAR Pit Crew Challenge also returns after a two-year hiatus, rewarding the fastest crews in the sport and putting their talent in the spotlight from 2:30-4 p.m. Month of May action will start on the IMS road course with the GMR Grand Prix, with two full days of on-track action open to the public Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14 featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, Indy Pro 2000 Championship Presented by Cooper Tires and the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship. The GMR Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14. Only two drivers have swept this event and the Indy 500 in the same year – Will Power in 2018 and Simon Pagenaud in 2019. A great variety of live music also will complement the exciting on-track action throughout Race Weekend. Rock’s ultimate supergroup Kings of Chaos and legendary Grammy Award winner Rick Springfield will co-headline the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert on Friday, May 27. Legendary funk and R&B band Morris Day and the Time will open the concert, followed by Springfield and Kings of Chaos. The show starts at 3:30 p.m. on the Miller Lite Stage inside Turn 3 of the IMS oval, a new location this year. Country music superstar Dierks Bentley will headline the Firestone Legends Day Concert on Saturday, May 28. Special guests Ashley McBryde and Dillon Carmichael will open the show, which begins at 7 p.m. (ET) at the TCU Amphitheater in White River State Park, further expanding the celebration of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” into downtown Indianapolis. Superstar DJ and producer Martin Garrix will headline a stellar lineup of global electronic music artists at the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light on Sunday, May 29. deadmau5, Galantis, Steve Aoki and Yellow Claw also will perform at the Race Day concert during the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Performances begin at 8:15 a.m. in the infield adjacent to Turn 3 of the IMS oval. Tickets are on sale now at IMS.com for the ninth GMR Grand Prix and 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. All fans 15 and under are admitted free for general admission with an accompanying paying adult. There is no free admission for reserved seats on Race Day for the Indianapolis 500 or GMR Grand Prix. NINTH GMR GRAND PRIX PUBLIC SCHEDULE (All times local, subject to change; all on-track activity on IMS road course) FRIDAY, May 13 (General admission $20) 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 8-8:30 a.m. USF2000 Qualifying 8:45-9:15 a.m. Indy Pro 2000 Qualifying 9:30-10:30 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1 (45 minutes) 10:45-11:30 a.m. Indy Lights Practice 1 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. USF2000 Race 1 12:45-1:45 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 2 (45 minutes) 2-2:30 p.m. Indy Lights Qualifying 2:45-3:35 p.m. Indy Pro 2000 Race 1 4-5:15 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES NTT P1 Award Qualifying 5:35-6:30 p.m. Indy Lights Race 1 (35 laps or 55 minutes) SATURDAY, May 14 (General Admission $40; Reserved Seats Start at $41) 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 8:05-8:50 a.m. USF2000 Race 2 9:10-10 a.m. Indy Pro 2000 Race 2 10:30-11 a.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warmup 11:15-11:55 a.m. USF2000 Race 3 12:10-1 p.m. Indy Pro 2000 Race 3 1:20-2:15 p.m. Indy Lights Race 2 (35 laps or 55 minutes) 2:40-3:05 p.m. Silver/Bronze Badge Grid Walk 3:30 p.m. Ninth GMR Grand Prix (85 laps) 5:45 p.m. GMR Grand Prix Post-Race Track Invasion 106th INDIANAPOLIS 500 presented by Gainbridge PUBLIC SCHEDULE (All times local, subject to change; all on-track activity on IMS oval) TUESDAY, May 17 (General Admission $15) 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 9-11 a.m. Veteran Practice 1-3 p.m. Rookie Orientation Program, Veteran Refresher Tests 3-6 p.m. Open Practice WEDNESDAY, May 18-THURSDAY, May 19 (General Admission $15) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open Noon-6 p.m. Open Practice FRIDAY, May 20 – FAST FRIDAY (General Admission $15) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open Noon-6 p.m. Open Practice 6:15 p.m. Qualifications Draw SATURDAY, May 21 – PPG Presents ARMED FORCES QUALIFYING (General Admission $20) 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 9-10:30 a.m. Pre-Qualifying Practice (Two groups) Noon-5:50 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying (Setting positions 13-33 or 13-30 if there are more than 33 entries) SUNDAY, May 22 – PPG Presents ARMED FORCES QUALIFYING (General Admission $20) 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Last Chance Practice* 12:30-2 p.m. Top 12 Practice 2-3 p.m. Last Chance Qualifying (Positions 31-33)* 4 p.m. Top 12 Qualifying 5:10 p.m. Firestone Fast Six Qualifying for NTT P1 Award 5:40 p.m. NTT P1 Award Presentation * — if necessary MONDAY, May 23 (General Admission $15; Infield Access Only for Fans) 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Public Gates Open (Gates 2, 4, 6S, 7, 7S only) Noon-2 p.m. Open Practice TUESDAY, May 24-THURSDAY, May 26 No track activity FRIDAY, May 27 – MILLER LITE CARB DAY (General Admission $40) 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Public Gates Open 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Final Practice 2:30-4 p.m. INDYCAR Pit Stop Challenge 4-6 p.m. Miller Lite Carb Day Concert, Turn 3 infield SATURDAY, May 28 – LEGENDS DAY presented by Firestone (General Admission $10) 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Public Gates Open 9-10 a.m. Full Field Driver Autograph Session, Pagoda Plaza 10:30 a.m. Public Drivers’ Meeting, Tower Terrace Noon-1:30 p.m. AES 500 Festival Parade, downtown Indianapolis 7 p.m. Firestone Legends Day Concert, TCU Amphitheater in White River State Park, downtown Indianapolis SUNDAY, May 29 – RACE DAY (General Admission $50; Reserved Seats Start at $55) 6 a.m.-4 p.m. Public Gates Open 7 a.m. Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light Gates Open, Turn 3 infield 12:45 p.m. 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge (200 laps) |
And Then There was One
Photo: Ed Carpenter celebrates winning one of his three poles for the Indianapolis 500
There were four. There were three. There are two. Eventually there will be one, and I would be okay with that. I am talking about qualifying days. Granted, we no longer need four days to qualify 33 cars Up until the early 1960s, when speeds were under150 mph, each car took about ten minutes on track to complete a qualification run. Today a car gets in its out lap, warmup lap, four timed circuits and a cool down lap in about six minutes.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced its format for qualifying for the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500. The basics of the past few years are there. The three cars on the last row on Saturday must defend their spots on Sunday against any cars that ranked 34th or lower the first day. The fastest qualifiers from Saturday run for the pole on Sunday.
The final two hours on Sunday, 4-6 PM, will be on NBC
The one change in wording I like involves the last row shootout. If there are only 33 entries, which should be the case this year, there is no last chance qualifying.
At the other end of the field, however, I’m not sold on the idea. The Fast Nine is gone. Instead, the 12 quickest cars from Saturday will each make a run in a 45 minute period. The fastest six advance to another round of four lap runs within a 30 minute time period.
I get why they are doing this- Sunday content is desperately needed. The cars in these two rounds get national television time- six cars get two appearances on camera. I might be happier with this except for a new twist from the Fast Nine concept. In the Fast Nine, each driver had just one attempt. It was dramatic. There was no margin for error. A driver makes a slight bobble in a turn and loses a chance at the front row.
The new wording says each car is “Guaranteed” one attempt. Multiple attempts are possible if time permits. I think this cheapens the pole. I would prefer that they kept the one shot only format. The release did not specify if cars could wait before making their first run and try to run out the clock on another car looking to make a second run.
Each of the fastest 12 Saturday drivers will get points for making the Sunday round based on the second day results. The pole winner gets 12 points nd each subsequent position receives one point less. I have never been a fan of qualifying points except for the single point for pole that is awarded in every other race during the season. If you have read this blog long enough, you know I’m not a fan of the current points system overall.
The money for winning the pole remains at $100,000 The amount hasn’t changed in nearly 50 years. In 2022 a driver must make three qualification runs to earn the pole, yet he receives the same amount of money as a driver in 1983 took home for just one qualifying run. The prize money needs to increase for the pole by a lot.
With no last row/bumping sessions on Sunday, the published schedule has a Fast 12 practice which ends at 2 pm. Qualifying doesn’t begin until 4 pm, leaving a two hour gap. Since the final two rounds are on NBC, the program probably can’t be moved up.
What to Do?
I appreciate IMS attempting to make Sunday’s schedule more full. The new format still is vulnerable to gaps when there are only 33 entries. I realize the unintended hole was caused by television time slots. What if qualifying was just one day?
Qualify on Saturday. Go to 7 pm if necessary. There will be plenty of daylight left. The schedule would look like this:
8:30 AM- 10:30 AM Practice 2 groups
!1:00 AM- 5:45 PM Qualifying positions 10-33 set
6:15 PM-7:00 PM Fast Nine shootout, one attempt per car.
Sunday could be the practice day which is now held on Monday. It could also serve as the rain date if weather interferes with Saturday’s schedule.
An alternate proposal is to make Saturday (Speedy Saturday?) a practice day and use the above schedule on Sunday.
The advantage of finishing qualifying on Saturday is having the pole winner available on Sunday to appear on NBC during game breaks and Sunday morning shows.
The series and the speedway have struggled to make qualifying more appealing over the last several years. I hope they can settle on a concept that works well, makes everybody happy, and brings back larger crowds. Attendance has been up, but constant and radical format changes confuse the fans. I am interested in hearing your suggestions. Please feel free to comment, and please keep it civil.
IMS Revises, Expands Qualifying Format
The Qualifying format has been changed and Sunday’s front of the field program has expanded. IU have thoughts which I will get to tomorrow. here is the IMS announcement. I will post the qualifying format graphic in a few minutes.
| Qualifying Procedure Expanded for 106th Indianapolis 500 Additional Round To Establish First Four Rows, Decide Pole Position INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, April 26, 2022) – The most pressure-filled four laps in racing have become even more challenging for those looking to qualify well and win the pole position for the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. INDYCAR officials have announced adjustments to PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22, which sets the field for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on Sunday, May 29 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. SEE: Qualifying Format Graphic After Day One of qualifying from noon-5:50 p.m. (ET) Saturday, May 21, Day Two will include two rounds of qualification attempts to decide the first four rows, including pole position. Starting in reverse order of speeds based on Day One, each of the top 12 drivers will have a guaranteed attempt to post a traditional four-lap qualifying time starting at 4 p.m. The fastest six will advance to the Firestone Fast Six at 5:10 p.m. to determine positions one through six and compete for the NTT P1 Award for pole. The slowest six will fill out starting positions seven through 12 according to their recorded time. In the Firestone Fast Six, each entrant is again guaranteed one attempt and will qualify in reverse order based on their Top 12 qualification results. The fastest wins pole position, which includes a $100,000 prize, with the remaining five drivers filling out the remainder of the first two rows. “We have an incredibly deep field heading into this year’s Indianapolis 500,” said INDYCAR President Jay Frye. “The timing is right to implement a new and dramatic way to expand one of the most intense weekends on our calendar. Winning pole position for the ‘500’ is an incredible feat, and with this new format, it will be even more challenging.” 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship points will be awarded for those who advance to the Top 12 qualifying session. The Indy 500 pole winner will receive 12 points, the second fastest will receive 11, and points awarded will decrease by one-point increments down to 12th fastest (one point). “Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend always is special,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said “This format will give our fans even more opportunities to see INDYCAR’S world-class drivers compete on racing’s biggest stage. While winning the race is the ultimate prize, capturing pole position for the ‘500’ is one of motorsports’ most prestigious honors and almost a race within a race. I cannot wait to see this expanded format on the final Sunday before Race Day.” A Last Chance Qualifying session for spots 31-33 is scheduled from 2-3 p.m. (ET) Sunday, May 22 if there are more than 33 entries competing for a spot in the world’s most prestigious auto race. Each entry is guaranteed one attempt and can make multiple attempts until time expires. If multiple attempts are made, previous times are withdrawn, and the fastest non-qualified car assumes the 33rd spot. PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying Schedule (All times ET, subject to change): Saturday, May 219-10:30 a.m.: Pre-Qualifying Practice: Peacock Premium, INDYCAR Radio Network Noon-5:50 p.m.: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying: Setting positions 13-33 (or 13-30 if more than 33 entries) Peacock Premium, INDYCAR Radio Network Sunday, May 22 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Last Chance Practice (If necessary): Peacock Premium, INDYCAR Radio Network 12:30-2 p.m.: Top 12 Practice: Peacock Premium, INDYCAR Radio Network 2-3 p.m.: Last Chance Qualifying: (Positions 31-33, if necessary) Peacock Premium, INDYCAR Radio Network 4 p.m.: Indianapolis 500 Top 12 Qualifying: NBC, INDYCAR Radio Network 5:10 p.m.: Firestone Fast Six: NBC, INDYCAR Radio Network 5:40 p.m.: NTT P1 Award Presentation: NBC, INDYCAR Radio Network A practice session for all 33 Indianapolis 500 starters is scheduled for noon-2 p.m. Monday, May 23, with live coverage on Peacock Premium and the INDYCAR Radio Network. Fans will be permitted in the infield only. Gates 2, 4, 6S, 7 and 7S will be open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Bronze and silver badges will be honored for gate admission and corresponding garage and pit access. Live coverage of the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge starts at 11 a.m. Sunday, May 29 on NBC, Peacock Premium, Telemundo Deportes on Universo and the INDYCAR Radio Network. The full Month of May schedule will be announced later. The 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season continues Sunday, May 1 at Barber Motorsports Park for the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst. Race coverage begins at 1 p.m. on NBC, with INDYCAR Radio Network coverage available at 12:30 p.m. |
It’s Not Easy Being Green
Indycar and IMS set forth an environmental initiative last weekend. The plan is bold and there area lot of admirable things in it. many oft he initiatives involve behind the scenes steps the series and tracks are taking. Firestone tires will arrive at venues in electric vehicles. Team transporters will will renewable diesel. A new tire which will eventually replace the current alternate tire, made from a more renewable plant than rubber, will debut at the Indianapolis 500 pit stop competition and have its race debut at Nashville, the home of Bridgestone.
IMS has already switched to LED lighting and has taken steps to reduce water usage. Food concessions will donate extra food to Gleaners’ Food Bank and serve food in recyclable containers.
The speedway will also offer fans to buy carbon offsets and will also buy offsets to reduce its carbon footprint.
The plan is bold, but what will the fans see? How effective will these steps be? What wasn’t mentioned and should have been? I think there should be more tangible environmental effort
I am not sure how carbon offsets work, but from what I read, the money mainly goes to long term projects like reforestation. A person uses carbon for an activity, and buys into a project to replace trees. This is a very long term replenishment. I would rather see something with a more immediate effect. I have nothing against offsets, but they really don’t immediately replace the current consumprion.
Mark Miles said that recycling containers would be more visible at the speedway. It’s about time. The past few years they have been hard to find. I mostly saw the blue receptacles near the F1 garages on the south end. When I attended the Toronto race, the organizers had sets of three waste containers as unit generously scattered throughout the track area. One was for trash, one for recyclables, and a third for compost material. Food was served in mostly biodegradable containers.
Miles also mentioned the Bike to the 500 program. It is a nice idea for those ho are able to do this. Nothing was said about reestablishing the buses from the airport or downtown. Mass transportation in alternative fueled vehicles might be the most effective step the track could take. Reducing the number of cars at the speedway and surrounding area. would help a lot.
IMS is putting in an electric charging station for the tire delivery trucks. Why not put in a few for people who have electric vehicles and drive them to the track? There are speedway-owned lots outside the track which would be a good spot for these units.
Hosting an event with close to a half million people and vehicles in a concentrated area makes a large carbon footprint no matter what steps are taken. Indycar and IMS have taken a few steps to reduce the environmental impact. I hope they are planning to add more measures over time.
Penske Entertainment Announces Next Phase of Transformational Sustainability Initiatives
From Penske Entertainment. Follow up commentary tomorrow:
| Indy 500 Continues To Set Industry-Leading Pace on Environmental Impact Firestone To Introduce New Race Tire with Sustainable Natural Rubber at Indy 500 Carb Day INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, April 22, 2022) – Penske Entertainment announced a robust and innovative lineup of environmental impact initiatives this afternoon, aiming to dramatically reduce the carbon footprint for this year’s Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and significantly boost sustainability efforts within the sport of INDYCAR. These steps are the latest and most comprehensive elements of a long-term strategy for the organization that has been developed over the last two years. The announcements made today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway DEX Imaging Media Center coincided with wider efforts across the nation and globe to celebrate Earth Day on Friday, April 22. They were unveiled in partnership with Firestone, Shell and additional corporate partners, which have worked with IMS and INDYCAR on a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the venue and sport. “This will be the most sustainable Indy 500 in our 100-plus year history,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President & CEO Mark Miles said. “Moreover, through excellent coordination and teamwork with partners who are true innovators in this field, we’re moving INDYCAR toward industry leadership when it comes to environmental awareness and impact.” Month of May – Fueling Progress & Building Toward a Greener Future Longtime series partner and tire supplier Firestone will play a key role in efforts surrounding the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and throughout the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Firestone is a trailblazer in the charge for alternative and renewable sources of natural rubber and will debut a new and eco-friendly tire this May. The Firestone Firehawk guayule race tire will be used for the first-time during Miller Lite Carb Day’s INDYCAR Pit Stop Challenge and will make its competition debut as the alternate race tire in August at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. It is partially composed of a new sustainable natural rubber derived from the guayule shrub, which requires less reharvesting than traditional sources of rubber .“It will take partnership and collaboration to combat the impacts of global climate change, and we are proud to partner with Penske, INDYCAR and IMS to advance the future of sustainable mobility,” said Nizar Trigui, chief technology officer and group president, Solutions Businesses, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. “The introduction of guayule natural rubber to America’s preeminent open-wheel racing series speaks to the confidence we have in the technology and its promise as a scalable, sustainable and domestic raw material.” Firestone, IMS, the state of Indiana and veteran motorsports partner Shell also announced today that all race tires being supplied for Indy 500 practice, qualifications and Race Day will be delivered to the “Racing Capital of the World” from their Central Indiana warehouse using the Freightliner eCascadia from Penske Truck Leasing’s fleet of electric vehicles. To assist with the effort, a 150kW, high-power electric charger is being installed on the IMS grounds, in coordination with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Shell Recharge Solutions. The EV charging station is manufactured by BTC Power (Broadband TelCom Power, Inc.).“We’re working every day to make sure Indiana is a leader when it comes to renewable energy solutions,” Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “I can’t think of a better way to show our commitment to cleaner energy than by putting it on display during the largest sporting event in the world.” The Indianapolis Motor Speedway also will take significant steps toward cleaner energy consumption and a lowered carbon footprint across the Month of May. Like in 2021, all electricity consumed throughout the facility in May will continue being purchased via 100 percent renewable energy credits. In addition, IMS has teamed up with Shell and climate technology company CHOOOSE on the implementation of a new customer program that allows fans to offset their travel footprint through a nominal contribution to the GreenTrees reforestation project. IMS also will offset its entire operational carbon footprint during the Month of May through its contributions to GreenTrees, a vital effort that restores natural habitats in more than 1 million acres across seven states in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. “At Shell, we aim to provide more and cleaner energy solutions in a responsible manner – in a way that balances short- and long-term interests,” explained Dani Silva, Shell vice president of Enterprise Accounts. “We are very pleased to be a part of Penske Entertainment Corp.’s efforts in increasing the sustainability of motorsports and the off-track potential it also enables.” Other initiatives of note during the Month of May include:Increased waste diversion efforts throughout the facility with expanded recycling and food recovery programs. Legends, the official IMS retail partner, will open a fully sustainable store inside an electric truck. All items sold in the truck will be reusable or designed from recycled plastic bottles. Last year, the Indy 500 was certified at the Silver level by the Council for Responsible Sport after achieving 37 social and environmental standards of good practice. The venue implemented facility upgrades to increase both energy and water-use efficiency, calculated a robust greenhouse gas emissions inventory and enhanced its “Bike to the 500” program. IMS is working toward becoming the first sports facility in the world to become a Responsible Sport Certified venue. INDYCAR’s Sustainable Path ForwardAlongside work with Firestone on expanded use of the guayule natural rubber, INDYCAR also announced today that starting with the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear in June, all 26 NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars will be transported by trucks that are fueled by renewable diesel, which significantly reduces travel-related emissions. “The NTT INDYCAR SERIES and its partners are continually evaluating ways to lower our footprint and create a more sustainable future,” said INDYCAR President Jay Frye. “We’re looking forward to using renewable diesel in our transporters beginning in June and expect to have several more important initiatives to unveil in the near future.” This year’s Indianapolis 500 at the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway takes place on Sunday, May 29 on NBC, Telemundo Deportes on Universo and the INDYCAR Radio Network. The schedule for the 17-race NTT INDYCAR SERIES season can be found here and is available to fans to watch across NBC Sports platforms. |
Newgarden Leads Day 2
The sun escaped its cloud prison and the Indycar series team got in a four hour practice at IMS today. The session saw cars running in groups and practicing passing. Teams ran together to get a feel for the draft..
Just two caution periods for track inspections interrupted today’s practice period.
Josef Newgarden led today’s session with lap at 229.519 mph. Takuma Sato also had a lap over 229 mph, just 0.0157 seconds slower. The next five drivers had speeds in the 228 mph range.
Newgarden has won the last two races and feels good about his chances in the 500. After the test ended, he told the media<
“I can’t deny things feel really good on the 2 car. They’re just progressing. It’s not like two steps forward, two steps back, or vice versa. I feel like it’s going forward every single time, and we’re just getting better.
We’ve been on a good trajectory at the moment. I don’t want to see it flatten too much; I want to see it go the other way. I feel confident with what we’ve got, feel good at showing up anywhere. Being at Team Penske makes that easier. I always feel confident in our group.”
Unlike Wednesday’s string of yellows for incidents, today was issue free. Drivers completed 3,267 laps. Marcus Ericsson completed he most laps, 148.
The top 10 had three Chevys and seven Hondas. All five cars from Chip Ganassi Racing were in the top 10. Tony Kanaan was the fastest from the team at third place with a lap of 228.767.
Helio Castroneves did not run today. He is uninjured, but his car was not repaired in time from yesterday’s crash.
Notes
Marco Andretti was the only Andretti Autosport driver in the top 15 in sixth place. Romain Grosjean finished 16th. Alexander Rossi was 23rd and Colton Herta was 28th. Puzzling results for a team that used to be really good at IMS.
Sato was not driving the car he will drive in the 500 this week. The team did not want to risk damage to their speedway car.
Santino Ferrucci showed some speed . he finished twelfth today but was in the top 10 for a good chunk of the session. I don’t understand why he doesn’t have a full time ride.
Callum Ilott again led the pure rookies. Keep an eye on him next month.
Will Power pointed out at the end of the day that today’s results mean nothing for qualifying. The cars ran without their qualifying boost, and qualifying is one car on track, not several that can give the trailing car a tow.
“You need (extra boost for qualifying), with everyone going on single runs on exactly the same fuel load with no draft, all that. That’s the only way you’ll know,” Power said.
Thanks for following along these two days. It was great to be back at IMS with cars running on the oval.
Today’s time sheet
Mixed Feelings on a Lost Tradition
Photo: Matt Kryger, Indystar
Balloons will no longer fill the race day sky over IMS after the singing of “(Back Home Again in) Indiana,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced earlier this week that the traditional balloon spectacle is “indefinitely paused.” The spectacle which inspired Wonder Bread is no more.
A speedway spokesperson said the “pause” is a result of environmental and wildlife concerns. Penske Entertainment will have a news conference tomorrow afternoon to announce key sustainability initiatives. The balloon halt is likely na part of that. The balloons haven’t been released on Race Day since 2019. the last two years the launches were cancelled as part of the Speedway’s COVID protocols.
I have mixed feelings about not seeing the balloons. It is one of the things I really look forward to in the pre-race ceremonies. Seeing the balloons means the command to start engines is just seconds away. The balloons were a fitting ending to the song, celebrating the fact that we have alln gathered again for the Memorial Day Classic.
On the other hand, I do recognize the environmental issue that balloons cause. I am glad the track is taking steps to be good corporate citizens. There are other environmental issues associated with the race that can’t be avoided, like vehicles and waste material.
The bigger issue I have is with the erosion of tradition. Over the years, traditions relating toi the 500 have disappeared or changed beyond recognition. Practice for the race used to begin May 1. Now there are four days of practice before qualifying. Qualifying itself has gone through numerous changes in the 105 year history of the event.
Some have suggested alternatives like hot air balloons or tethered balloons that can be popped after the race starts. I like those ideas, but I think it would take a long time for either one to gain acceptance. I don’t care for the speedway’s plan for a second flyover. That seems like an empty gesture with no real feeling of joy like the balloons deliver.
Pre race ceremonies as a whole have undergone a transformation over the last 60 years. There was not an invocation before 1974, when the race was moved to Sunday. The pre race used to be a tight 20 minute affair with just the national anthem, “Indiana”, and Taps. I am nt a fan of the extended pre race that we have now. I find it too long and drawn out.
Over time, everyone’s feeling about the balloons will subside. After Jim Cornelison belts out the last note of the word home, no one will be complaining about the lack of balloons. It will be time to go racing.
Test Day 2- Track Drying, Warm-up Lane Fix?
Greetings from a cloudy wet Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Track drying is underway at the moment.
Today’s schedule:
10 AM Eastern- 4 PM Eastern Testing for all cars
Streaming available on Peacock.
I ran into Doug Boles on my way to the media center. He said the warmup lane sealant was applied the day after the track sealant last October. Last night IMS worked on the problem area. One thing they did was drag 18- pound tires to help create grip. Before any cars run today, the track, Firestone, and Indycar will discuss the situation and decide if it is safe.
The track is quite wet right now. I anticipate a delay in the start of practice.
Helio Castroneves will not be on track today. He is fine, but his car will not be ready after yesterday afternoon’s incident.
Thew temperature is supposed to reach the mid to upper 60s this afternoon with a hint of some sun. Sun and wind would really help dry the track right now.
The time sheet from yesterday afternoon:
More than 1,500 laps were run through the three sessions on Wednesday. Look for track activity updates on The Pit Window on Facebook and @tutorindie on Twitter.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 