Thursday, March 27, 2014

We Should Have Waited

If you've hung around here for any length of time, you know we have a simmering bromance with Dario Franchitti—living Indycar legend and most accomplished driver of his time. Opinion. 

But honoring his legacy by inviting him to wheel the pace car at this year's Indianapolis 500 is too soon. Should he have the opportunity? Absolutely. But a year down the line...or two.

It feels many are still reconciling the abrupt end to Dario's career, in their minds, and, in fact, he is still healing from his injuries.

For an honor to come this early smacks of—dare I say—pity. Waiting a wee bit puts everyone in the "right" mindset and, perhaps, makes a celebration of Dario a larger, more impactful event.

So, will I blow it out for D in May? Damn straight.

—Chris 

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The Big Bang Theory

We're believers. 

Everyone likes getting a deal and, in this writer's opinion, there's none better than that offered by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis in May.

What you'll receive: 
3 days unapologetically crammed, start to finish, with Verizon IndyCar Series and Mazda Road to Indy goodness. One formula giving way to another in a near-seamless ballet. 

schedule courtesy of indianapolismotorspeedway.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014

This Day is FREE and Open to the Public
9 am - Gates Open - IMS

10 am - 10:45 am - Verizon IndyCar Series Practice - Track

11 am - 11:45 am - USF2000 Practice - Track

12 pm - 12:45 pm - Pro Mazda Practice - Track

1 pm - 1:45 pm - Indy Lights Practice - Track

2 pm - 2:45 pm - Verizon IndyCar Series Practice - Track

3 pm - 3:30 pm - USF2000 Practice - Track

3:45 pm - 4:15 pm - Pro Mazda Practice - Track

4:30 pm - 5:15 pm - Indy Lights Practice - Track

5:30 pm - Celebration of Automobiles Track Laps - Track

6:30 pm - Gates Close - IMS

Friday, May 9, 2014
9 am - Gates Open - IMS

10 am - 10:45 am - Verizon IndyCar Series Practice - Track

11 am - 11:45 am - USF2000 Qualifying - Track

12 pm - 12:45 pm - Pro Mazda Qualifying - Track

1 pm - 1:45 pm - Indy Lights Qualifying - Track

2 pm - 3:10 pm - Verizon IndyCar Series Qualifying - Track

3:30 pm - USF2000 Race #1 - Track

4:30 pm - Pro Mazda Race #1 - Track

5:30 pm - Indy Lights Race #1 - Track

6:30 pm - Gates Close - IMS

6:45 pm - Rev Indy - IMS

Saturday, May 10, 2014

7 am - Gates Open - IMS

7 am - 6:00 pm - Celebration of Automobiles - Pagoda Plaza

10 am - Indy Lights Warm Up - Track

10 am - 2:00 pm - IMS Kids Zone Open - IMS

11 am - USF2000 Race #2 - Track

12:10 pm - Pro Mazda Race #2 - Track

1:30 pm - Indy Lights Race #2 - Track

2:45 pm - Verizon IndyCar Series Pre-Race Festivities - Track

3:30 pm - Inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis - Track

6 pm - Gates Close - IMS

What you'll pay: 
Uh, nothing for Thursday—it's FREE. That's right. Friday general admission is just $20. Saturday—race day—only $25. 

Sure, you can spend more, if that's what balloons your tires, but the point is, you don't have to to have a fantastic time—and be a part of history. Full deets on tickets here.

ATTENTION PARENTS. Class is in session:

Children 12 and under will receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2014 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder. Any individual, regardless of age, must have a ticket for a Reserved Seating area.

Well, I'll be darned.

Racing, and that includes simply watching it, can be pricey. If you like getting the most bang for your fandom buck, sure seems like the #GPofIndy has some explosive potential.

—Chris