Understandably, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway wants you to have a blast taking in the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500.
So... the smart folks at IMS have highlighted a few tools that will enhance your experience, whether you're at the track or enjoying the race from home.
Just hit this link for all the deets >>
—Chris
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Everyone Needs a Rookie to Root For
It's only natural, with the approach of the Indianapolis 500, that the attention of many focuses on those drivers that have achieved the greatest amount of success at the corner of 16th and Georgetown.
This year, four previous winners of the '500' are scheduled to participate: Three-time champions, Helio Castroneves and Dario Franchitti, as well as one-time winners, Scott Dixon and Buddy Lazier.
But at the opposite end of the spectrum, there are some very talented first-time entrants in this year's race that deserve there own measure of recognition.
On the eve of qualifications for the 97th running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," take a moment to meet this year's crop of fast learners--the rookie class of 2013--because everyone needs a rookie to root for. Who's your favorite?
--Chris
A.J. Allmendinger
IZOD Penske Racing #2
Age: 31
Hometown: Los Gatos, CA, USA
The scoop: Allmendinger left a promising career in the ChampCar Indy car series (5 wins) to pursue NASCAR, where he would record 29 top-ten finishes and two pole positions. He's back in Indy cars, on a part-time basis, with his former stock car owner, Roger Penske, in an effort to resurrect his racing career after violating NASCAR's drug policy. Allmendinger continues to race Sprint Cup, part-time.
Conor Daly
ABC Supply A.J. Foyt Racing #41
Age: 21
Hometown: Noblesville, IN, USA
The scoop: Son of former Formula One and Indy car driver, Derek Daly, Conor grew up in the shadow of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He's poised to realize a lifelong dream by qualifying and racing in his hometown event. Daly also aspires to reach Formula One and is competing full-time in the European junior formula, GP3.
Carlos Munoz
Electric Energy Straws Andretti Autosport #26
Age: 21
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
The scoop: After honing his craft in multiple European-based series, Munoz moved to the Firestone Indy Lights series in 2012, finishing 5th in the championship. He is currently leading the 2013 Indy Lights points, notching two wins, thus far. Early signs indicate Munoz is aggressive on the Indy oval and should be fun to watch, going forward.
Tristan Vautier
Lucas Oil Schmidt Peterson Motorsports #55
Age: 23
Hometown: Corenc, France
The scoop: Vautier brings an impressive resume in the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system to this year's '500.' He won the Star Mazda and Firestone Indy Lights championships in successive years and has already shown impressive speed in his rookie year in the IndyCar series. He and his SPM teammate, Simon Pagenaud, comprise two-thirds of IndyCar's three-man "French Connection."
This year, four previous winners of the '500' are scheduled to participate: Three-time champions, Helio Castroneves and Dario Franchitti, as well as one-time winners, Scott Dixon and Buddy Lazier.
But at the opposite end of the spectrum, there are some very talented first-time entrants in this year's race that deserve there own measure of recognition.
On the eve of qualifications for the 97th running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," take a moment to meet this year's crop of fast learners--the rookie class of 2013--because everyone needs a rookie to root for. Who's your favorite?
--Chris
IZOD Penske Racing #2
Age: 31
Hometown: Los Gatos, CA, USA
The scoop: Allmendinger left a promising career in the ChampCar Indy car series (5 wins) to pursue NASCAR, where he would record 29 top-ten finishes and two pole positions. He's back in Indy cars, on a part-time basis, with his former stock car owner, Roger Penske, in an effort to resurrect his racing career after violating NASCAR's drug policy. Allmendinger continues to race Sprint Cup, part-time.
ABC Supply A.J. Foyt Racing #41
Age: 21
Hometown: Noblesville, IN, USA
The scoop: Son of former Formula One and Indy car driver, Derek Daly, Conor grew up in the shadow of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He's poised to realize a lifelong dream by qualifying and racing in his hometown event. Daly also aspires to reach Formula One and is competing full-time in the European junior formula, GP3.
Electric Energy Straws Andretti Autosport #26
Age: 21
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
The scoop: After honing his craft in multiple European-based series, Munoz moved to the Firestone Indy Lights series in 2012, finishing 5th in the championship. He is currently leading the 2013 Indy Lights points, notching two wins, thus far. Early signs indicate Munoz is aggressive on the Indy oval and should be fun to watch, going forward.
Lucas Oil Schmidt Peterson Motorsports #55
Age: 23
Hometown: Corenc, France
The scoop: Vautier brings an impressive resume in the Mazda Road to Indy ladder system to this year's '500.' He won the Star Mazda and Firestone Indy Lights championships in successive years and has already shown impressive speed in his rookie year in the IndyCar series. He and his SPM teammate, Simon Pagenaud, comprise two-thirds of IndyCar's three-man "French Connection."
Thursday, May 16, 2013
70 Hours of Indy 500 Programming on ESPN Classic
New and lasting memories will be made with the running of the 97th Indianapolis 500 on May 26th, but why not get tuned up for this year's race by reliving some of the great moments of the past?
The ESPN Classic network will air 70 hours of Indy 500-related programming, in the coming weeks, beginning on Tuesday May 21--complete schedule, below.
Take time out. Watch and enjoy.
--Chris
The ESPN Classic network will air 70 hours of Indy 500-related programming, in the coming weeks, beginning on Tuesday May 21--complete schedule, below.
Take time out. Watch and enjoy.
--Chris
[ESPN release]
ESPN Classic Off to the Races with Indianapolis 500 Marathon
The ESPN Classic network will get race fans ready for the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 26, with a marathon of programming related to the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Beginning Tuesday, May 21, and continuing through Friday, May 24, ESPN Classic will air 70 hours of Indianapolis 500-related programming, including 60 hours of highlights of past races as well as episodes of the signature ESPN series SportsCentury.
The 2013 edition of the race will air live on ABC beginning at 11 a.m. ET on May 26.
After the race, ESPN Classic will feature more Indianapolis 500 programming on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 28-30, with races airing on their actual anniversary dates.
The schedule (all times Eastern):
Tuesday, May 21
Beginning Tuesday, May 21, and continuing through Friday, May 24, ESPN Classic will air 70 hours of Indianapolis 500-related programming, including 60 hours of highlights of past races as well as episodes of the signature ESPN series SportsCentury.
The 2013 edition of the race will air live on ABC beginning at 11 a.m. ET on May 26.
After the race, ESPN Classic will feature more Indianapolis 500 programming on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 28-30, with races airing on their actual anniversary dates.
The schedule (all times Eastern):
Tuesday, May 21
Midnight -- 1992 Indy 500 (Al Unser Jr-1st win)
2 a.m. -- 1994 Indy 500 (Al Unser Jr-2nd win)
4 a.m. -- 2006 Indy 500 (Sam Hornish Jr)
7 a.m. -- 2000 Indy 500 (Juan Pablo Montoya)
9 a.m. -- SportsCentury: Tony Stewart
10 a.m. -- SportsCentury: Mario Andretti
11 a.m. -- 1977 Indy 500 (AJ Foyt-4th Win)
Noon -- 1989 Indy 500 (Emerson Fittipaldi-1st win)
2 p.m. -- 2011 Indy 500 (Dan Wheldon-2nd win)
4 p.m. -- 2006 Indy 500 (Sam Hornish Jr)
6 p.m. -- 1991 Indy 500 (Rick Mears-4th win)
8 p.m. -- 1999 Indy 500 (Kenny Brack)
10 p.m. -- 2005 Indy 500 (Dan Wheldon-1st win)
Wednesday, May 22
Midnight -- 1967 Indy 500 (AJ Foyt-3rd win)
1 a.m. -- 1977 Indy 500 (AJ Foyt-4th win)
2 a.m. -- 1981 Indy 500 (Bobby Unser-3rd win)
4 a.m. -- 1975 Indy 500 (Bobby Unser-2nd win)
8 a.m. -- SportsCentury: Mario Andretti
9 a.m. -- SportsCentury: AJ Foyt
8 p.m. -- 1992 Indy 500 (Al Unser Jr-1st Win)
Thursday, May 23
Midnight -- 1991 Indy 500 (Rick Mears-4th win)
2 a.m. -- 1988 Indy 500 (Rick Mears-3rd win & 25th Anniv in 2013)
4 a.m. -- 1984 Indy 500 (Rick Mears-2nd win)
7 a.m. -- 2001 Indy 500 (Helio Castroneves-1st win)
9 a.m. -- 2002 Indy 500 (Helio Castroneves-2nd win)
11 a.m. -- 2009 Indy 500 (Helio Castroneves-3rd win)
1 p.m. -- 2007 Indy 500 (Dario Franchitti-1st win)
3 p.m. -- 2010 Indy 500 (Dario Franchitti-2nd win)
5 p.m. -- 2012 Indy 500 (Dario Franchitti-3rd win)
Friday, May 24
Midnight -- 1998 Indy 500 (Eddie Cheever Jr – 15th Anniv on this date)
2 a.m. -- 1979 Indy 500 (Rick Mears-1st win)
3 a.m. -- SportsCentury: Rick Mears
4 a.m. -- 1967 Indy 500 (AJ Foyt-3rd win)
5 a.m. -- 1969 Indy 500 (Mario Andretti)
7 a.m. -- SportsCentury: AJ Foyt
8 a.m. -- SportsCentury: Rick Mears
9 a.m. -- SportsCentury: Al Unser Sr
10 a.m. -- 1978 Indy 500 (Al Unser Sr-2nd win & 35th Anniv in 2013)
Noon -- 2003 Indy 500 (Gil de Ferran – 10th Anniv in 2013)
2 p.m. -- 2008 Indy 500 (Scott Dixon – 5th Anniv in 2013)
4 p.m. -- 1998 Indy 500 (Eddie Cheever Jr – 15th Anniv on this date)
6 p.m. -- 1988 Indy 500 (Rick Mears-3rd win & 25th Anniv on this date)
Tuesday, May 28
35th Anniversary of Al Unser Sr’s third Indy 500 victory in 1978
10 a.m. -- SportsCentury: Al Unser Sr.
11 a.m. ---1978 Indy 500
1 p.m. -- SportsCentury: Al Unser Sr.
2 p.m. -- 1978 Indy 500
4 p.m. -- SportsCentury: Al Unser Sr.
5 p.m. -- 1978 Indy 500
7 p.m. -- SportsCentury: Al Unser Sr.
Wednesday, May 29
25th Anniversary of Rick Mears third Indy 500 victory in 1988
30th Anniversary of Tom Sneva’s victory in 1983
1 a.m. -- SportsCentury: Rick Mears
2 a.m. -- 1988 Indy 500 (Mears)
4 a.m. -- SportsCentury: Rick Mears
9 a.m. -- 1983 Indy 500 (Sneva)
Noon -- 1988 Indy 500 (Mears)
2 p.m. -- SportsCentury: Rick Mears
4 p.m. -- 1983 Indy 500 (Sneva)
6 p.m. -- 1988 Indy 500 (Mears)
8 p.m. -- SportsCentury: Rick Mears
Thursday, May 30
40th Anniversary of Gordon Johncock’s Indy 500 win in 1973 after rain shortened the race to 133 laps
20th Anniversary of Emerson Fittipaldi’s 2nd Indy 500 win in 1993
3 p.m. -- 1973 Indy 500 (Johncock)
5 p.m. -- 1993 Indy 500 (Fittipaldi)
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Notes from the Cathedral of Speed: OCD Meltdown & More
Despite knowing I'll spend hour after hour at the track over the next weeks, I found myself having an internal struggle, at the end of the day, trying to decide whether I should leave or stay.
ABSURD.
But that's what happens. It's occurred more than once. "Should I stay for the last 10 minutes? Maybe just one more sweep of the garage area... A few more minutes in the stands?"
I'm afraid I'm going to miss something--it's crazy. I don't know what else to say. Indianapolis Motor Speedway just does that to you.
That's quite enough about that...
In other news, great day cutting the ribbon on the 2013 Social Media Garage. Connected and reconnected with all kinds of people I never thought I would meet when I dove in to Twitter/"blogging," but it's been a true joy. Can't thank Cassie Conklin and IMS enough for inviting me back. Friendly reminder to please follow @Erock_in_Indy @OpenWheelMom @nascarcasm and @KelseyUSA--kicking out the juicy content like mad men and women.
BTW: Josef Newgarden is a beast--all the way around. No other way to put it. Thanks to him and Pippa Mann for pulling in to the SMG, today. They lit it up.
Hmmm... Got nothin' else--other than this: The best thing? It's only day one. All kinds of theater to play out, in the coming days.
As always, thanks for reading and following. Sincerely hope you guys get even a smidge of the enjoyment from this blather as I get from putting it out there.
Stay tuned...
--Chris
ABSURD.
But that's what happens. It's occurred more than once. "Should I stay for the last 10 minutes? Maybe just one more sweep of the garage area... A few more minutes in the stands?"
I'm afraid I'm going to miss something--it's crazy. I don't know what else to say. Indianapolis Motor Speedway just does that to you.
That's quite enough about that...
In other news, great day cutting the ribbon on the 2013 Social Media Garage. Connected and reconnected with all kinds of people I never thought I would meet when I dove in to Twitter/"blogging," but it's been a true joy. Can't thank Cassie Conklin and IMS enough for inviting me back. Friendly reminder to please follow @Erock_in_Indy @OpenWheelMom @nascarcasm and @KelseyUSA--kicking out the juicy content like mad men and women.
BTW: Josef Newgarden is a beast--all the way around. No other way to put it. Thanks to him and Pippa Mann for pulling in to the SMG, today. They lit it up.
Hmmm... Got nothin' else--other than this: The best thing? It's only day one. All kinds of theater to play out, in the coming days.
As always, thanks for reading and following. Sincerely hope you guys get even a smidge of the enjoyment from this blather as I get from putting it out there.
Stay tuned...
--Chris
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