There is a very large crowd at IMS today. The majority of the fans are occupying the penthouse boxes in B and E stands. It took me 30 minutes to park.
Here is the speed chart as we are waiting for the track to reopen.
Mid Day Update
Tag: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Revisited: Bump Tales- Janet Guthrie Hits a Wall Then Knocks Another One Down
Above: Janet Guthrie after qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 in 1977, becoming the first woman to drive in the race. Photo from Indystar archives.
Editor’s note: In honor of Paretta Autosport and their team of mostly women mechanics and engineers, and Simona de Silvestro’ s return to the the Indianapolis 500, I am rerunningthis Bump Tales from 2019.
On May 10, 1977, Janet Guthrie had to be wondering why she had entered the Indianapolis 500. In 1976, she couldn’t get up to speed. A. J. Foyt loaned her one of his backup cars for a shakedown test. She turned laps good enough to make the race. But it was just a test. The car she was assigned wasn’t fast enough.
Now, early in May, 1977, she had hit the wall. Her team, owned by Rolla Vollstedt, repaired the car, but a second weekend qualifying run looked more likely than the upcoming opening day of qualifying. She struggled to get above 179 mph. it would take a speed in the 180s to make the 1977 race.
Reader Marcia Ann Conder shared these two photos of her father, Larry Conder, assisting Guthrie after her crash. Conder was a fireman at IMS for 40 years. Thanks, Marcia, for the photos.
Guthrie earned a degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan and began racing SCCA events in 1963. In 1976 she became the first woman to drive in a NASCAR superspeedway race, finishing 15 in the Charlotte World 600. Earlier in 1977 she entered the Daytona 500 and finished 12th, earning Rookie of the Year honors.
The week after Pole Day was a long one as the team searched for speed. The third day of qualifying passed with Guthrie next in line as the gun went off. She would be first in line on Sunday, Bump Day. The field wasn’t filled yet, so she just had to get in with the best speed possible without the added pressure of beating someone else’s time.
Guthrie qualified easily with an average of 188.403. Her time was the fastest of the day and she would start the race in the middle of row nine. Guthrie said had the car not crashed she could have easily qualified at 191 mph.
Within a year, Janet Guthrie became the first woman to drive in both a NASCAR superspeedway race and the Indianapolis 500.
Her spot in the field presented Tony Hulman with a dilemma. He needed to change the command to start the race. Hulman prefaced the traditional command with, “In company of the first woman to start at Indianapolis,” before “Gentleman start your engines.” In subsequent years, the command, when necessary, became, “Lady(ies) and gentleman, start your engines.”
The race itself was not great for Guthrie. A cranky engine had her making numerous pit stops. She retired on lap 74, finishing 29th. I remember the crowd cheered every time she drove past my section.
Guthrie race in just two more 500s, finishing ninth in 1978. She participated in 11 Indycar races overall with a best finish of 5th at Milwaukee in 1979.. Guthrie also drove a total of 33 NASCAR races. Her best finish was sixth at Bristol in 1977.
Eight other women have driven in the Indianapolis 500 since Guthrie’s rookie year. Danica Patrick is the only one to have led the race.
1977 capped a decade and a half of transitions at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race went from roadsters to all rear engine cars, the front stretch was paved to just a yard of bricks, and speeds began to approach 200 mph. More changes would be coming. It would still take another 14 years before the last driver barrier would be broken.
ESPN will air “Qualified,” a 30 for 30 documentary about Janet Guthrie Tuesday, May 28, at 9 pm EDT.
Fast Friday
Today’s schedule:
Gates Open 10:00am 6:00pm
Indianapolis 500 Practice 12:00pm 6:00pm
Stands open:
B Penthouse (17-25), E Penthouse, E Stand (1-4), Paddock (9-12), Paddock Penthouse (10-20), Tower Terrace (37-42), Tower Terrace ADA
Some parking lots that have been free the first three days of practice ,like Lot 2, are now paid parking lots. Check the map at ims.com.
An extra 85-90 horsepower will push speeds near or slightly above the 230 mark today as teams will work on qualifying setups on the day before qualifying begins. Weather will be a factor as the temperatures will be in the mid to upper 80s the next three days.
The Buzz
Early last week I wrote about how there was no buzz around the 500 this year. That is no longer true. I am now excited and have that nervous race day excitement. It began with the GMR Grand Prix, and turned on fully this Tuesday at the first day of practixce. Just seeing the cars run the oval in May did the trick. It also helped that my good friends, Frank and Nola Proctor, who usually attend the race with me, were here for the first two practice days. Qualifying weekend will ramp up my excitement even more.
Gasoline Alley continues to be virtually empty. It is a bit unnerving to see it like this during May, bu I like being able to move through the garages unimpeded by crowds. I would almost prefer the usual amount of people there. It adds to the feeling of May.
Look for a revisited “Bump Tales” episode in the next couple of hours. Enjoy the speed.
Kanaan Fastest as Speeds Dip; Ferrucci Crashes
Veterans continue to set the pace in practice for the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500. Today was 2013 race winner Tony Kanaan’s turn. Conor Daly led throughout much of the afternoon before Kanaan ran the fast lap of the day. Santino Ferrucci had the third quickest speed before crash in in turn 2 with a little less than two hours left in the six hour session.
Kanaan is running an ovals only program for Chip Ganassi Racing. Jimmie Johnson drives the number 48 car on the road and street courses. The 500 is Kanaan’s third race of the year. He will have one more race, at gateway, in August.
In addition to Ferrucci’s crash, there was a minor incident between Scott McLaughlin and Colton Herta, Herta came out of turn four as cars ahead of him slowed. The Rahal Letterman Lanigan team cars had slowed near the finish line for a team photo op. My understanding is that Rahal did not inform Indycar of their plans, and the other teams were caught by surprise. Herta mad slight contact with the wall and McLaughlin’s car. both cars spent some time in the garage for repairs.
From earlier
https://thepitwindow.blog/2021/05/20/the-never-ending-quest-for-the-fastest-33/
Rahal’s team received a penalty for their actions and the three cars will have to sit out the first 30 minutes of tomorrow’s practice.
Ferrucci was sent IU Methodist for additional imaging on his left leg. Dr. Billows, the chief medical officer of IMS, said Ferrucci was able to put weight on foot. I have just learned that Ferrucci has been released from the hospital but has not been cleared to drive as of yet.
Today’s results:
| RA | CAR NO. | DRIVER | TEAM | ENGINE | FASTEST LAP (mph) | TOTAL LAPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 48 | Tony Kanaan | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 225.341 | 80 |
| 2 | 47 | Conor Daly | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevy | 225.245 | 90 |
| 3 | 45 | Santino Ferrucci | Rahal Letterman Lnigan Racing | Honda | 224.922 | 50 |
| 4 | 2 | Josef Newgarden | Team Penske | Chevy | 224.885 | 121 |
| 5 | 9 | Scott Dixon | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 224.666 | 65 |
| 6 | 21 | Rinus VeeKay | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevy | 224.409 | 96 |
| 7 | 6 | Helio Castroneves | Meyer Shank Racing | Honda | 224.393 | 114 |
| 8 | 8 | Marcus Ericsson | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 224.273 | 89 |
| 9 | 30 | Takuma Sato | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 224.232 | 93 |
| 10 | 26 | Colton Herta | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 223.944 | 104 |
| 11 | 10 | Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda | 223.679 | 125 |
| 12 | 28 | Ryan Hunter-Reay | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 223.548 | 81 |
| 13 | 3 | Scott McLaughlin | Team Penske | Chevy | 223.491 | 60 |
| 14 | 5 | Pato O’Ward | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevy | 223.333 | 64 |
| 15 | 12 | Will Power | Team Penske | Chevy | 223.230 | 82 |
| 16 | 7 | Felix Rosenqvist | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevy | 223.199 | 85 |
| 17 | 60 | Jack Harvey | Meyer Shank Racing | Honda | 223.116 | 91 |
| 18 | 98 | Marco Andretti | Andretti Herta-Haupert w/Marco & Curb-Agajanian | Honda | 222.623 | 123 |
| 19 | 18 | Ed Jones | Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser Sullivan | Honda | 222.604 | 63 |
| 20 | 20 | Ed Carpenter | Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevy | 222.441 | 96 |
| 21 | 27 | Alexander Rossi | Andretti Autosport | Honda | 222.412 | 94 |
| 22 | 86 | Juan Pablo Montoya | Arrow McLaren SP | Chevy | 222.384 | 73 |
| 23 | 22 | Simon Pagenaud | Team Penske | Chevy | 222.364 | 42 |
| 24 | 4 | Dalton Kellett | AJ Foyt Enterprises | Chevy | 221.926 | 71 |
| 25 | 25 | Stefan Wilson | Andretti Autosport | H | 221.804 | 102 |
| 26 | 15 | Graham Rahal | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 221.748 | 70 |
| 27 | 51 | Pietro Fittipaldi | Dale Coyne Racing w/Rick Ware Racing | Honda | 221.602 | 71 |
| 28 | 24 | Sage Karam | Dreyer & Reinbold Racing | Chevy | 221.411 | 86 |
| 29 | 11 | Charlie Kimball | AJ Foyt Enterprises | Chevy | 221.251 | 57 |
| 30 | 1 | JR Hildebrand | AJ Foyt Enterprises | Chevy | 221.173 | 62 |
| 31 | 16 | Simona De Silvestro | Paretta Autosport | Chevy | 220.911 | 81 |
| 32 | 29 | James Hinchcliffe | Andretti Steinbrenner Autosport | Honda | 220.822 | 97 |
| 33 | 59 | Max Chilton | Carlin | Chevy | 220.489 | 61 |
| 34 | 14 | Sebastien Bourdais | AJ Foyt Enterprises | Chevy | 219.876 | 81 |
| 35 | 75 | RC Enerson | Top Gun Racing | Chevy | 217.444 | 50 |
Sloide bar to right for speeds
Tomorrow the cars receive a an 85-90 horsepower addition for qualifying, which should push the top speeds to 230 mph.
Cashless Concessions
All merchandise shops and food concessions at IMS are cashless in 2021. For someone who does not have credit cards, items can still be purchased.
This machine will convert your cash to a debit card to be used at the track. I’m not sure I the card is honored outside of IMS.
After you’ve maxed out your credit cards at the gift shop, this should be your next stop.
The Never Ending Quest for the Fastest 33
Indycar qualifying used to be pretty straightforward. A car and driver qualified, some with a safe speed, others with a speed that put them on shaky ground where they might miss the field. This system worked when the Indianapolis 500 drew upwards of 60 or more entrants. After the split, when the race struggled to get 33 cars, everything changed. Much of the change was out of necessity, and I get that, but I haven’t always agreed with the procedures.
2021 presents a challenge because of the number of entries. 35 is a difficult number to work with. If there were 34 entries, I would say let them all start the race. If there were 36 or more, by all means have a bumping program. I am almost inclined to say let all 35 run on May 30. The complication is in the procedures for Indianapolis 500 qualifying in the rule book.
Per the rulebook, on Saturday the fastest 30 cars are locked into the field, and the three cars in the last row must requalify Sunday along with any cars outside the first 33. With just 35 cars, I don’t think it is fair for the 31st fastest car to be put at risk. that car earned a safe spot based on the number of entries. The 75 minute last chance qualifying session on Sunday could see multiple attempts among the four cars, which I think will be pretty equal this year.
As we saw in 2019, locking in 30 cars pretty much guarantees that the fastest 333 will not start the race. In 2019, a car that did not qualify had a faster average speed than the 30th qualifier. The made for television (streaming?) show hurts the credibility of the field.
From last night
https://thepitwindow.blog/2021/05/11/dixon-leads-on-a-day-that-felt-like-may/
How to fix this? First, don’t lock in cars. Second, allow,say, the six slowest cars to be prepared to defend their spot on Sunday, depending on the number of entries. Third, the 33 fastest cars, regardless of qualifying day, make the race. This might require more time on Sunday, but I have a solution for that as well.
Eliminate the Fast Nine. It is a tired, played out made for TV (streaming?) show. Like interleague play in baseball, its time has come and gone. Give this time to the cars trying to make the grid. Determine the pole sitter the old fashioned way, by the fastest time on Saturday. Then you have a pole winner available all day Sunday for interviews and television time, rather than a quick three minute interview on Sunday.
Put Up or Shut Up
A couple of other changes that are sorely needed. Limit each car to three attempts per day. If you can’t make it in three attempts, you’re probably not going to. having a car limited to three attempts provides more drama.
Finally, eliminate the lane in which a car can make an additional run but keep its previous time if it can’t better the speed. If a car goes out more than must, they must withdraw their time.
I understand it is a hard job to balance all the factors that go into qualifying cars for this very special event. But I think we can get back to a race where we truly have the fastest 33 cars line up on May 30. the current system doesn’t necessarily get us there.
Today at IMS
Thursday’s Schedule:
Gates Open 10:00am 6:00pm
Indianapolis 500 Practice 12:00pm 6:00pm Streaming on Peacock 12-6
Gates open:
Gate 1, Gate 2, Gate 6S, Gate 7 South, Gate 10, Gate 10A
Grandstands open:
B Penthouse (17-25), E Penthouse, E Stand (1-4), Paddock (9-12), Paddock Penthouse (10-20), Tower Terrace (37-42), Tower Terrace ADA
The top of the speed chart had been a mix of veterans and the ypounger drivers, although the =veterans seem to have a bit of an edge. Will that trend continue. Another question that we won’t find an answer to until tomorrow or maybe Saturday- Is Team Penske not showing their hand? Other than Will Power having the fast lap Tuesday, we haven’t heard much from them. In the past, this doesn’t mean much.
I will have another post in a short while up about my thoughts on the qualifying procedures. It’s a column that xcomes around each year, just like Santa Claus.
Ericsson Fastest After First Hour
Marc7s Ericsson has the fastest time as action halted for a track inspection. It has been a busy morning with 34 cars on track.
R C Emerson completed his rookie test thisorning.
The fast six as of 1 pm:
Practice Day 2- Warmer, Drier Day
Juan Pablo Montoya’s car waits to begin practice yesterday.
Today’s schedule:
Gates Open 10:00am 6:00pm
Open Gates: 10 7, 7S, 6S, 2, 1, 4
Open stands- Paddock- a section directly across from the Pagoda; Penthouse B and E; a section in the Tower Terrace near the victory podium. The Pagoda Plaza is open. Concessions limited.
Indianapolis 500 Practice 12:00pm 6:00pm
Streaming on Peacock 12-6
The schedule will be the same for tomorrow and Friday as well.
From last night
Power Leads First Day
Today should be a less disjointed program with the one six hour session. R C Enerson will complete his rookie test beginning at 11 this morning.
It is nice having Juan Pablo Montoya and Helio Castroneves back for the 500. They add to an already strong field.
Sebastien Bourdais will receive a new engine after his mechanical issue and fire yesterday afternoon.
Will Power said he had a big tow on his fast lap, which is usually the case during practice.
Conor Daly had the fastest trap speed of 232 mph.
I will post updates as the day goes on.
Tomorrow a Pit Window tradition continues with my annual steps to fix qualifying. I just know Roger is going to listen to me this time.
Power Leads First Day
Photo: James Black, Indycar
Will Power ran the fastest lap on the opening day of practice for the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500. with a speed of 226.470 late in the afternoon portion of the day. The fist two hours of veteran practice had two rain interruptions in the first hour, and a third stoppage near the end of the session. Practice never restarted. The Rookie and refresher tests, scheduled to begin at noon suffered a two hour delay.
Graham Rahal led the early practice round. Stefan Wilson and J. R. Hildebrand completed their refresher tests. R. C. Enerson still has one phase to complete of his rookie test due to a mechanical issue. Indycar will allow him to finish the test at 11 am tomorrow, ahead of the noon start of the six hour practice period.
Power was asked if he felt casrs would be able to follow more closely and have more opportunities to pass this year. He thinks so
“…as far as stuck in traffic I felt pretty good just running with two or three cars in front. Felt more comfortable than I have for awhile.That was promising, and yeah, I think cooler conditions can make everything feel pretty good. I think when the heat comes it’ll certainly change everything and become harder to follow.I think adding that downforce is certainly going to help theracing. I think you’re going to have one of the old style races where the front three are just swapping positions constantly because you can follow so close now. I think,yeah, it’s good for the fans,” Power answered.
Today’s results:
Rank Car Driver Name C/E/T Session Time Speed Total Laps
1 12 Power, Will D/C/F Practice 2 00:39.7403 226.470 87
2 28 Hunter-Reay, Ryan D/H/F Practice 2 00:39.7578 226.371 55
3 30 Sato, Takuma D/H/F Practice 2 00:39.7998 226.132 76
4 24 Karam, Sage D/C/F Practice 2 00:39.8332 225.942 69
5 47 Daly, Conor D/C/F Practice 2 00:39.8865 225.640 82
6 22 Pagenaud, Simon D/C/F Practice 2 00:39.9592 225.230 81
7 5 O’Ward, Pato D/C/F Practice 2 00:39.9740 225.146 78
8 9 Dixon, Scott D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.0021 224.988 68
9 18 Jones, Ed D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.0621 224.651 77
10 8 Ericsson, Marcus D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.0686 224.615 85
11 48 Kanaan, Tony D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.0725 224.593 68
12 86 Montoya, Juan Pablo D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.1099 224.384 63
13 16 De Silvestro, Simona D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.1373 224.230 81
14 2 Newgarden, Josef D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.1714 224.040 48
15 21 VeeKay, Rinus D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.2158 223.793 82
16 29 Hinchcliffe, James D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.2180 223.780 78
17 7 Rosenqvist, Felix D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.2246 223.744 63
18 20 Carpenter, Ed D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.2377 223.671 69
19 15 Rahal, Graham D/H/F Practice 1 00:40.2776 223.449 82
20 98 Andretti, Marco D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.2980 223.336 73
21 26 Herta, Colton D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.2993 223.329 84
22 06 Castroneves, Helio D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.3480 223.059 63
23 27 Rossi, Alexander D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.3581 223.004 74
24 10 Palou, Alex D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.3792 222.887 71
25 3 McLaughlin, Scott (R) D/C/F Practice 1 00:40.3885 222.836 68
26 11 Kimball, Charlie D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.3938 222.806 36
27 4 Kellett, Dalton D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.4729 222.371 61
28 1 Hildebrand, JR D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.4928 222.262 22
29 45 Ferrucci, Santino D/H/F Practice 1 00:40.5034 222.204 42
30 60 Harvey, Jack D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.5199 222.113 56
31 59 Chilton, Max D/C/F Practice 2 00:40.5606 221.890 70
32 51 Fittipaldi, Pietro (R) D/H/F Practice 2 00:40.7657 220.774 80
33 14 Bourdais, Sebastien D/C/F Practice 1 00:40.8402 220.371 38
34 25 Wilson, Stefan D/H/F Practice 2 00:41.1762 218.573 25
Total Laps for Combined Sessions: 2255
Notes
As wonderful as Saturday was, watching the cars on the oval in mid May was the most welcome sight yet. Everything was as I remembered- the blur of colors whizzing by, the smell of ethanol, the vibration of the fences, the hustle bustle of each team running, stopping, for adjustments, and going out again- and it made me happy. There are even better days to come.
On my walk through Gasoline Alley I noticed two women working on the Paretta Autosport car of Simona De Silvestro. I also saw several other women on crews for other teams. It is a welcome sight and about time Indycar offered opportunities for everyone.
A. J. Foyt Racing did an outstanding job with the throwback livery on J. R. Hildebrand’s car. It is difficult to represent a roadster livery on a rear engine car. This is one of the best I’ve seen.
The Top Gun entry shows a hint of the Johnny Lightning Special, but also reminds me of the Konstant Hot Special.
Tomorrow will see warmer temperatures than today. It should be interesting to see which cqars maintain the day to day consistency despite the weather difference.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 