Night-before Nuggets

I had a full-fledged post going, and it was tentatively titled, "33 1/3." It was to go on at intestinal-turning length about how having exactly one-third of this year's Indianapolis 500 field as Americans is the perfect balance between domestic and import. But, AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT.

It's the night before The Big Show, so let's get on with some random musings, shall we?

Right.

We're doing our part. My fellow Social Media Garage grease monkeys and I "interviewed" the director of Turbo, yesterday. Nice man. Anywho, I make a point to say there's an incredible buzz in the IndyCar community about his new animated film about a snail that dreams of racing in the Indianapolis 500. His response: "Oh, really? Great!"

MOTHER.

Look, I've been pounding the idea that the tide about this movie needs to swing back toward IndyCar for it to do us any good. The fact David Soren had no idea we've been pimping Turbo, like we have, is certainly disappointing, but we're doing the right thing and it's all we can do. Frowny face. Keep on keeping on.   

Tha-tha-tha-thrilla... You lingering Paul Tracy fans--"Hi, I'm Chris, and I'm a PT fan"--he is at The Speedway, working the Canadian telly broadcast. Good to see him in the environs, regardless of the circumstances. By the way: Their broadcast stage is at the exit of turn 4 on the inside. Cool location, though, I'll prolly never see shots from it.

Peace and quiet. Made mention of it on Twitter, but worth stating, again. IMS on Legends Day is a joy--a crazy dichotomy in comparison to the day before, Carb Day. Unrestrained debauchery is (thankfully) replaced with a refreshing dose of measured reverence for the Indy 500. A great day just to wander and soak in the magic. If you haven't made it to one, make it a point.

Write it down. Number 8, Ryan Briscoe, is your 2013 Indianapolis 500 champion. Yeah, he starts 23rd. Yeah, it's a Honda. Yeah, it's a one-off, but he's capable. I made the prediction at the start of May and I'm sticking to it.

The only way to start race day. 9:30 in the Social Media Garage, of course. Steph Wallcraft, of More Front Wing fame, is pulling together an informal tweetup to kick off race day and provide us all a chance to connect before the month ends, way too soon. Simply, if you're on the grounds, no reason not to be there. Hope to see you.

Can you hear me, now? It's always difficult for me to get tweets out on race day, so you may get a well-earned day off--or not. Stay tuned. 

Early to bed... Tomorrow begins early--like, tonight, to be exact. I've heard arrival times anywhere from 4:00 am to 6:00, depending. SIMMER. This is not a complaint. Just a testament to the deep-seated love folks have for this venerable event.  

Go for a drive. If you can appreciate grand, vintage architecture, take a spin up Indianapolis' Meridian St. Just beautiful, and long--the homes just keep going.

Pay homage to Thr3e Wise Men. Located in Indy's trendy Broad Ripple district, 3WM is a micro brewery and eatery. House-made brews and tasty sandwiches and pizza. Nod to Steve Wittich and his better half, Liz for the intoxicating tip. 

More than just a job. If you don't think Mr. Randy Bernard was emotionally invested in the IZOD IndyCar Series, check out his last few tweets. What exec trods back to the execution grounds, just because he cares? And keeps his former employer's name in his Twitter handle? Not dredging up an argument, just saying...

Monster Bash. Curt Cavin tweeted, today, that in its 6-year existence, the Carb Night Burger Bash has raised nearly $100,000 for charity. STRONG. On top of that, it's become a must if your in town on Indy 500 Friday. Proper recognition to Mr. Johnny Rutherford, Scott Dixon, Alex Tagliani, Conor Daly, and Pippa Mann for showing up, last night, to give the fans a little bit of payback.

That's quite enough. This was supposed to be short.

Look. Whether your at home or at the track, tomorrow, just have a great day. If it's not an awesome race, I'll eat my hat. The most wonderful time of year doesn't come around often enough, so savor every moment.

Thanks for reading and following.

--Chris

A Message from IMS

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 

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."  

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  

Notes from the Cathedral of Speed: Opening Day

Not much to say, really.

You've waited a year...it's opening day...just GET HERE, if you can.

Not lucky enough to be in the vicinity?

Engage on Twitter...watch online...soak it all in.

The quest for victory in the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500 starts NOW.

--Chris

When in Doubt, Touch Home

¹home noun \ˈhōm\ 

3 a: a familiar or usual setting : congenial environment

 

Everyone needs a home, even when they're not at home. Consider the Social Media Garage that home away from home, while you're visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this May.

 

Meeting up with friends? Set a date for the SMG. Centrally located on the Pagoda Plaza, it's a breeze to access and a natural location to connect.

 

Want to have a little fun in between other activities? The SMG is the answer: Interactive Facebook & Twitter contests, racing simulators, and more.

 

Want to get up close and personal with the drivers? Helio, Pippa Mann, Wade Cunningham, Gordon, Stewart, and Johnson have all appeared at the SMG.

 

Want to catch a little shade? The SMG... You get the point!

 

It just makes sense that the Social Media Garage is the centerpiece of your activities at IMS.

 

Back and better than ever. After successfully spinning off the smash, inaugural 2012 Indianapolis 500 SMG into Super Weekend and MotoGP weekend franchises, the 2013 Social Media Garage is destined to be the best yet. List of stuff to do, below. Full deets on the official Social Media Garage web page. 

 

• Interactive Facebook & Twitter Contests
• Exclusive Interviews with the biggest drivers
• Test your knowledge with Trivia to win prizes
• Take laps at IMS on our Racing Simulators
• Bloggers and VIP's on location
• Tweet us and watch your feeds live and more!

NEW VIP's in the house. This joker returns, along with my bud, Eric Hall (@Erock_in_Indy anotherindycarblog.com). But here's where it gets interesting. Wiseacre, @nascarcasm--along with his 40,000 Twitter followers--joins the fray. Plus, Kelsey Minier (@KelseyUSA #SteelOvaryNation) & Amy Woedl (@OpenWheelMom openwheelmom's Blog) bring a fresh, female perspective.

Of note: The Social Media Garage is FREE, and despite some folks' understanding, the #SMGarage is not in the IndyCar garage area. No special pass or badge necessary--it's as easy to access as an Indy Dog.

Special thanks to IMS and the SMG luminaries for inviting us to participate, again. It's an honor and a privilege.
    
Here's what to do next: Hit up the SMG link at the top of our homepage, tune up your smartphone, and head out to the greatest race course on the planet, beginning May 11th.

See you in the Social Media Garage!

--Chris

Notes from the Social Media Garage, Legends Day edition

This'll be short, 'cause I know that's how you like it.

Let's get right to it--random stuff:

• My contention: Grass roots fans--those into sprints, midgets, and silver crown WILL follow their driver--a Clauson, Carpenter--into IndyCar. Let's take advantage of it.
• Pizza Hut thin crust rawks.
• Marshall Pruett called me a "good man," today. I like that.
• I will destroy my second can of sunscreen tomorrow.
• Lucas Oil Raceway is ginormous.
• One man's opinion says tomorrow's Indianapolis 500 Mile Race will be...ahem...EPIC.
• Currently listening to WMVY.com--awesome.
• The gubment is still predicting 95 big ones, tomorrow. Please take precautions.
• Everyone should meet Pippa Mann.
• Meeting Helio freaked me out.
• Currently milking (See what I did there?) a Great Lakes Commodore Perry IPA. Wish they were located in Cincy, not Cleveland.
• If you're on the grounds, you NEED to stop by the Social Media Garage. Lots going on.
• Flat-out rooting for Mike (Andretti), tomorrow. He (quietly) does a shit-load for the sustainability of IndyCar. Can you say every rung of the Mazda ladder?
• Unquantifiable thanks to the Mrs. for allowing me to be absent, mentally and physically.
• Blown away every day that nearly 1,000 peeps actually choose to listen to me. LOL. Thanks!
• This isn't as short as I intended. 
• The IndyCar fandom sweet spot is in the middle... my opinion.
• Morning will come too soon, but I don't give a flying @#$%&! It's the Indy 500 and I'll rest when I'm taking my eternal dirt nap.
• The Social Media Garage should make a triumphant return, next year--better than ever. 
• The Carb Night Burger Bash is awesome, and all those involved should be commended for doing it.
• Briefly met Lindy Thackston, yesterday. Lovely.
• HUGE thank you to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for allowing me to be a part of the Social Media Garage.  
• Immeasurable thanks to my dad for introducing me to American open-wheel racing.

K. I think we're done here, yeah?

One last thought. Everyone within the sound of my voice, please have a safe and ridiculously awesome day, tomorrow.

Let's do this.

--Chris

Catch a Rising Star

The hot shoes at the Indy 500 have to come from somewhere, and what's cooler than being able to say, "I knew them when?"

Here's the skinny: Saturday, the night before the '500', there's a race called "The Night Before The '500'" (somebody was ON IT).

Held at Lucas Oil Raceway, it's a jam-packed night of racing featuring the USAC Midget Series and two—count them—two rungs of the IZOD IndyCar Series' Mazda Road to Indy ladder system: USF2000 and Star Mazda.

Just some of the names expected to participate: Blackstock (Reba's son), Brabham, McIntosh (Shannon), Pigot, Veach, De Phillippi, Freiberg, Karam, and more.

If you're in Naptown for the 5-hundy, anyway, no reason why you can't swing by LOR and get to know the future stars of IndyCar—while they'll still give you the time of day. I KID.

Ticket information here. Schedule here.

See you there!

—Chris

Don't panic! Play it cool...

IndyStar

Yeah, it'll be balmy over the weekend for the '500' festivities, but it ain't a thing over what it was like back in the other century, when peeps rolled up to IMS in covered wagons and ate hardtack and drank each other's sweat.

Don't be frightened away by a sun-splashed day in May—just use your noggin. The three keys to survival enjoying yourself, this weekend:

1. Hydrate
2. Hydrate
3. Hydrate

And if you need more advice than that, here are some words to live by from IMS VP of Communications, Doug Boles, courtesy of the Indy Star. Even more here.

Look. Seriously. Get out there, but be smart. DON'T make me tell you my dad's "lemonade story."

Heart you guys.

—Chris

P.S.  Got some advice of your own for ways to beat the heat? Please drop them in the comments section.

Tune in to Trackside

Time for a new pic, boys

After a long day serving The Man at the mine, there's no better way to wind down while simultaneously getting revved up for Sunday's 96th running of the "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" than an hour with Curt Kevin & Kevin Lee.

So. Come 7:00 ET, cozy up to the wireless (1070 The Fan AM) or log on to the information super highway (1070TheFan.com), and soak up the '500' goodness.

It only comes 'round once a year, so carpe diem!

—Chris  

IMS honors YOU with your own day at the Speedway

Right. Many of you within the sound of my voice live in the shadow of the greatest 560 acres on the planet. "Jea-lous." I digress.

That means you're busy, Wednesday. You'll be honored, as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway rolls out the proverbial red carpet for you, and as many peeps as you can scare up, on 500 Festival Community Day.

Why you won't want to miss it. For a pitiful 8 bones, in advance, 10, at the door (little ones under 6, FREE, BTW) you get ALL this:

• Take a lap around the speedway in YOUR OWN ride
• Tour Pit Lane 
• Take in the sights of the official timing and scoring area in the Pagoda 
• Grab an autograph from your favorite Indy 500 drivers
• Plus—wait for it—you receive FREE admission to the world-renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum®

A blast for the kiddos. Check the deets here. Schedule of events, shown below. And, hey. The Social Media Garage door will be open, so pull in and take a load off. 

Tell The Man who's boss—get out there. It's your day at the Speedway!

—Chris

500 Festival Community Day Event Schedule:

9 a.m.:

Public gates open

Public Track Laps Begin – Gate 10 at 30^th Street

Garage open to public

Spray Tattoos – Racing Zone

IZOD IndyCar Display – Racing Zone

IZOD IndyCar Garages Open – Gasoline Alley

IZOD IndyCar Safety Equipment on Display – Garage 8

Little Racers Track – Racing Zone

Suite Tours Begin – Gasoline Alley

Tech Bay Open – Gasoline Alley

Timing and Scoring Tours (15 min) – Pagoda

National Indy 500 Collectors Club- Legends Row

Indiana National Guard Obstacle Course – Kids’ Zone

10 a.m.:

IndyCar Series Pit Stop Practice Starts- Garage Area

11 a.m.:

500 Festival Community Day Trading Pin Distribution – Retail Photo Shop

Autograph Session with Firestone Indy Lights Drivers in front of Legends Row Begins (Rain Location – Base of the Pagoda)

Noon:  

Media Pit Stop Competition Starts- Pit Lane

IndyCar Series Pit Stop Practice Concludes

Autograph Session with Firestone Indy Lights Drivers in front of Legends Row Concludes

12:30 p.m.:

Autograph Session #1 Wristband Distribution (Pink) Begins – MotoGP Garage 36

1 p.m.:

Road to Indy Driver Q&A Session Begins – Coke Stage

Media Pit Stop Competition Concludes                 

1:30 p.m.

Indy 500 Driver Group #1Autograph Session in the Plaza Starts

Autograph Session #1 Wristband Distribution (Pink) Concludes – MotoGP Garage 36

Road to Indy Driver Q&A Session Concludes 

2 p.m.: 

Autograph Session #2 Wristband Distribution (Green) Begins – MotoGP Garage 36

2:30 p.m.

Indy 500 Driver Group #1 Autograph Session in the Plaza Concludes

3 p.m.  

Indy 500 Driver Group #2 Autograph Session in the Plaza Starts

Autograph Session #2 Wristband Distribution (Green) Concludes

3:30 p.m.:

Autograph Session #3 Wristband Distribution (Blue) Begins – MotoGP Garage 36

4 p.m.  

Indy 500 Driver Group #2 Autograph Session in the Plaza Concludes

4:30 p.m.:

Indy 500 Driver Group #3 Autograph Session in the Plaza Starts

Autograph Session #3 Wristband Distribution (Blue) Concludes – MotoGP Garage 36

                                                               

5:30 p.m.:

Indy 500 Driver Group #3 Autograph Session in the Plaza Concludes
                                                                                                                                                                                                           

6 p.m.  

Vintage Car Display Concludes – Pit Lane

All-day events shut down

Public gates close

**All scheduling is subject to change.

#kaBOOM POLE DAY

[I hear bagpipes] Good morning from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Social Media Garage.

Toss the sand bags overboard, 'cause it's about to get REAL up in here. A few key times:

• 8:00 am Practice
• 11:00 am Qualifications
• NBC Sports Network also fires up at 11:00

Let's do this.

--Chris

Notes from the Cathedral of Speed: Day 2

Typically I'm in bed by now, so adjust your expectations accordingly, please. Random stuff. HIT IT.

• I'm old...
• WHOA. How 'bout that Marco? Amurika!
• I stood 5' from Wade Cunningham, today, and watched him fish a mic cord out of his fly for what seemed like an eternity.
• Not sure @TheMiniChad really exists
• I'm currently nursing a Sierra Nevada Torpedo. BOOM.
• EVERYONE I've met over my first two days at the Speedway is kick-ass awesome.
• Shout-out to Chris Sheridan of IndySoup.com
• I reckon TJ Patrick likes open-wheel better than stawk caars. At the track, again, today.
• First day in the Social Media Garage--a delight. Wonderful people, all. And Cassie Conklin and her crew are taking good care of us.
• $3 for a Sharpie?
• I'm stalking The Race Girl, Brie Rentz, and Wade Cunningham. I better introduce myself--it's getting a little creepy.
• The Speedway needs a little spruce up.
• Donald Davidson looked me square in the eye, today. A brush with greatness.
• Tomorrow will be awesome--no matter what happens.
• I hunt and peck.
• I believe an American has his best shot at winning the Indianapolis 500 since Sam did it in 2006.
• AA is on a comeback at IMS.
• "Got a feeling" about the race.
• The alarm will go off too early in the a.m.--but I don't care.
• You humble me that your reading this.

I think we're done here. Let's chat again, tomorrow, shall we?

Night-night, race fans.

--Chris

On Opening Day

It's the moment you've all been waiting for... Tomorrow at 10:00 am, the door rolls up on the first-ever Indianapolis Motor Speedway Social Media Garage (Tag it: #SMGarage).

Two words: Get there. Whatever it takes. Located just south of the Pagoda in the Pagoda Plaza, it's a never ending tweetup, plus contests, exclusive driver interviews, and more thrown in for good measure.

Schedule, below. Tzit. I hope (expect) to see you there!

--Chris

Notes from the Cathedral of Speed: Day 1

Po-po could pinch me any minute for BUI, so if there's a sudden interruption in service...
I can BS a little bit, but no bull. Today was as good a day as this dude can have. Wandering the grounds at IMS--by myself--on a day when there aren't too many peeps there is simply magic for me. K. Nuff said.

Right. Let's get to it. Random observations from a hack blogger:

• If you hit the Speedway before Memorial Day, be sure to visit the Lids shop, just south of the Pagoda. Lots of rad (heart you JR) stuff.
• Met my first bona fide IndyCar driver (in recent history, let's say), today: Pippa Mann. Lovely, in every respect. And if '500' drives were awarded on sheer want, top of the pylon, baby. BTW: proper recognition to her for pounding the pavement...er...concrete and not sitting at home waiting for "the call."
• Hope you like the random, captionless Twitter pics, 'cause that's how we roll.
• Good for (barefoot) Lady Kate. Now, baby steps.
• Elaine Irwin is still magnificently beautiful. Suck it, Jay.
• And the award for having an entire brigade's-worth of peeps make up their crew goes to--wait for it--Panther Racing. O-M-G.
• Male or female, I'm in love with the mystery person manning Fan Force United's (Sound more like a football [soccer] team?) Twitter account. Badass working the keys, right there. And I WILL meet you, whoever you are!
• Touchy, touch-screen, DROID keyboard is forcing me to tweet less. You're welcome.
• Josef... Cockiness catching up to him? Won't judge.
• If you're a new follower or reader, you ROCK. And thanks.
• Everyone's taller on TV.
• Saw Mr. Tony George DE-nied entry to pit lane, because he didn't have his creds on him. AWKWARD. He did NOT say, "Do you know who I am?!" He consoled himself by doing an about face back to the garage area and chatting up Mr. Roger Penske.
• The #SMGarage is sadly quiet, now, but you, me, and the boys are going to LIGHT. IT. UP.
• Funny moment: James Hinchcliffe enters his pit area, and a handful of his boys say, "Hey, Hinch," and point to their imaginary wrist watches. Chuckles all around. For the record, he was chatting up the fans, but I think he might have been late, regardless. :) He's won his boys over, and his personality is contagious, obviously. 
• Met up with @SteveWittich. Canuck, good guy, and knows his shit. Give him a follow.
• Also made the acquaintance of one @CurtisBoggs (Wearing a Sage Karam "T." BAM.) and two of my new roomies in the Social Media Garage: Eric Hall (@Erock_in_Indy) and Mark Wilkinson (@NewTrackRecord). Fine gents, all. Look forward to spending more time with them.

Uh... I think we're done here.

Thanks for reading, friends. Until we meet again--soon.

--Chris

Revealed: Connect with IMS and the '500' the way you never have before

Props to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway--one of the sporting world's oldest institutions embracing something as newfangled as the Social Media Garage.

What the hell is it? Why, I'm glad you asked. Full deets can be found on the official Social Media Garage web page, but here's the gist: Located just south of the IMS Pagoda, in the Formula 1 garages, it's a place for fans (read: you) to connect with other like-minded peeps; participate in interactive Facebook, Twitter, and SMS contests; get exclusive access to driver interviews; and much, much more. 

Hey, one other note: it's FREE--and an absolute must if you're on the IMS grounds virtually anytime during the qualifying and race weekends. Look at it this way. No need to wait for a tweetup to pop up--there's always one happening in the Social Media Garage!

By the way: If it's an enticement, we'll be there! Along with a gaggle of other fine gents that blog it up for the love of the IZOD IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis 500. Shout-out to them here: Eric Hall (@Erock_in_Indy anotherindycarblog.com)...Zachary Houghton (@indycaradvocate indycaradvocate.com)...Mike Knapp (@15daysinmay 15daysinmay.com)...Mark Wilkinson (@NewTrackRecord newtrackrecord.com).

Special thanks to IMS and the SMG Crew for the invite to participate--a surprise and sincere honor.
    
Right. What to do next: Hit up the SMG link at the top of our homepage, tune up the smartphone, and head out to the greatest race course on the planet, early and often.

See you in the Social Media Garage!

--Chris