Danica, Danica, Danica

Finally, Danica Patrick has signed an agreement with Andretti-Green Racing! I’m not a DP or AGR fan so the speculation and self-generated hype was irritating to say the least. One time I did get upset—when it was reported that Tony Stewart was going to field a team for her.

Following the same routine of other drivers nearing the end of their contract, Danica went investigated a jump to another team or NASCAR. The media as usual jumped on it. According to Robin Miller on Speed Channel’s Wind Tunnel, she asked Tony Stewart a “laundry list” of questions. That became Stewart-Haas Racing fielding an ARCA car, NASCAR truck and Nationwide car for her—with the help of Jr. Earnhardt and Kevin Harvick! That was the report that upset me.

When asked earlier in the summer about Danica going to NASCAR, I had remarked that Tony Stewart would put her right in the wall. I believed she would go through the same indoctrination that Earnhardt, Sr., served on him.

Eddie Gossage Gets What He Wants

The official reason is that the promoter at Milwaukee hasn't fulfilled his business obligations from this season. Also Texas Motor Speedway already has a NASCAR truck race on their schedule and it could continue to be a good support race to the IndyCar Series. But isn't the real reason that the IndyCar Series’ 2010 schedule was adjusted this past week was to please Eddie Gossage, the venerable promoter at that track?

Gossage wasn't too happy when what had become the "modern era" tradition of heading to Texas after Indianapolis was replaced in recent years with the old-time tradition of heading up the highway to Milwaukee. His disappointment was understood; the momentum of the Indy 500 and its national attention is a track promoter's dream to increase ticket sales. His advertisements in Texas incorporated Indy 500 action to stimulate last-minute sales. A week off between Indy and Texas would only serve to inhibit that momentum.

So the IndyCar Series agreed this week to move the Texas race for June 2010 to the week immediately following Memorial Day--an open spot left by Milwaukee's demise.

Gossage unabashedly promoted TMS as the track that helped build the IndyCar Series on billboards in Indianapolis this past May. He's right. Look at the list of closest finishes and you'll see TMS noted several times. That sort of excitement has been promoted by the league so they couldn’t deny the facts. It was the other card Gossage had up his sleeve to get what he wanted.

Those in the Midwest having spent a month at IMS, if possible, need a rest--for themselves and their pocketbook. Taking the series to another part of the U.S. and riding the momentum of the series' biggest race is simply logical for the league, as well as TMS. Ticket revenue and the fan base have the potential to increase for both entities. Texas weather a week earlier also provides for cooler days for fans and teams.

Texas Motor Speedway is one of the finest facilities on the circuit and that should not be ignored. Losing the second race there after several seasons was a slap to the league. But TMS made more money with NASCAR events, a fact that could not be successfully defended by the IRL.

However, if the IndyCar Series pleases Gossage with this schedule change, perhaps returning that second race to the Texas schedule can be the trade-off. Afterall, it provides some of the best racing on the circuit at a facility where every seat is a good one. It would simply be one hand continuing to wash the other--and then counting the money. (For oval track fans, another such race would be welcomed, too.)

Gates Open at IMS

The gates are open at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend. However, a local television station reported that finding Hoosier fans on the grounds for the second MotoGP was almost impossible. On the other hand, the reporter found people from around the nation and the world.

Are Hoosier fans only interested in racing on four wheels? Or has the traditional concentration at IMS, and therefore the local media, on open-wheel and stock car racing prevented Midwesterners from following motorcycle racing? That concentration is understood following the debacle of the original motorcycle racing at the Speedway—before bricks and paving was applied to the legendary racetrack.

Fallout Continues

Get Well Wishes

Will Power
Nelson Phillippe
Vitor Meira
TK

Running to the Danger

Chris Denali
Chris Economaki

Danica Deal Done?

Motorola headquarters near Chicago
Chicagoland Speedway
AGR split

Season Winding Down; Excitement Winding Up

Sarah's pink car at Homestead

Danica & AGR

Hunter-Reay

Sonoma

IMS Radio Network

IMS Survey of Race Fans

Humpy Wheeler's consulting group?
specific to BY
yellow shirts, parking, concessions

Kentucky & Mid-Ohio Reviews

Ed Carpenter
Paul Tracy
Milka Duno
Sarah Fisher

Season Winding Up

Summer is coming to an end and the IndyCar racing season is winding up for a finish in Homestead, FL. Today Curt Cavin of the Indianapolis Star provides an overview of the part-time rides and team plans as the season ends. Read it for yourself at:
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090808/SPORTS0107/908080426/1052/SPORTS01?source=nletter-sports

A note he makes, that wasn’t made in yesterday’s post, is that Doornbos ran with HVM Racing in the Champ Car World Series. Hopefully, his run with Newman/Haas/Lanigan wasn’t simply to provide time for HVM to find sponsorship for a second car. If Doornbos had been guaranteed the HVM ride, undoubtedly his past successes with HVM and this past season with N/H/L were used to support that sales pitch.

Silly season—the musical chair routine of drivers at season-end—seems to have been going on all season. How many different teams has Paul Tracy driven for this season? Jacque Lazier has popped up in a ride from time to time, as has Stanton Barrett. The constant changes must play havoc with teams trying to determine setups and personal driving styles, let alone the switches from short to long ovals and road courses.

Hopefully, what silly season will give fans and teams is a list of solid rides before 2010. Seeing Sarah Fisher obtain sponsorship for a full season, as well as full-time rides for Tracy, Lazier and Will Power, would be a positive.

What Happened to Doornbos?

The Indianapolis Star has reported that Robert Doornbos, the Dutch driver, will move to HVM Racing this weekend at the IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Oriol Servia, who has driven with the team in the past, will assume the ride.

At first, the story seemed to be a simple exchange of drivers for a road course race, which often happens. However, the article indicated that Doornbos will be driving for another team. The HVM Website announced that Doornbos will be their second driver through the 2010 season.

What happened? Doornbos’ record of three top 10 finishes in 12 races seems good for a rookie driver. Granted he had had his mishaps; all rookie drivers do. At Indianapolis, Arie Luyendyk was serving as his driver coach. Had that continued?

Servia, on the other hand, would like to have a deal for more than one race, the Star article adds. Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing seems to have some big decisions to make in the next few weeks.

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090806/SPORTS0107/908060397/1052/SPORTS01?source=nletter-sports

www.newman-haas.com
www.hvm-racing.com

Traditions Schmaditions

Milwaukee Mile--AJ

Ovals promised by original IRL manifest

TK Afire--Literally

TK has suffered yet another accident during this dismal year for the AGR team. The patriachial member of the four-car stable...

Speedway Saga Continues

TG posts at Vision
Sponsors???

Danica-mania During Brickyard 400

She's permeated NASCAR.

Joie, Joie, Joie

Various articles and opinions

Will Tony be back to run the Speedway? Too much for Belskus, too?

Thoughts About Toronto

Gene Simmons
ovals, fan perspective
expenses, wind tunnels, road surfaces, turning left and right

Tony George's Plan for IRL & IMS

change on board

Wonderful Watkins Glen End

Dale Coyne 25 years
Notes

ABC & ESPN Vs. Versus

Bob Jenkins
Better coverage
LinkedIn group
Dean Ellis

Tony George Out at IMS

Ed Carpenter
Josie

Hope Humpy Provides Consistency

Will Power & Penske

Notes from RIR

USAC at RIR

Will Power back to track in two weeks.

Penske first DNF since 2007.

Will Humpy Bring Change to Marketing?

According to the Indianapolis Star, H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler's family business...

Andretti-Green Having Problems

Danica
Marco
TK
HM???

Iowa 250 Final Notes

Rusty Wallace?

What Humpy Had to Say

George’s Business Problems

On Wind Tunnel Sunday evening, H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler provided some more insight into his recent visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The former CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., said he hadn’t been able to attend the Indianapolis 500 in the past due to his former job. It was the first time in 40 years he had had the opportunity.

As to his working with the Indy Racing League, he “may help them do some things”, as he is a friend of Tony George, IRL chief. According to Wheeler, “Tony will get this thing straightened out.” The “thing” he refers to is the Hulman-George family’s edict to Tony to reorganize the family businesses to make money.

He also shared that during his tenure at Charlotte he called Tony every race day (Indianapolis 500 and annual 600-mile race at Charlotte).

NASCAR versus IndyCar
When asked about Danica Patrick joining the NASCAR ranks, Wheeler referred to inviting Janet Guthrie, the first female to drive in the Indianapolis 500, to Charlotte for the World 600 in 1976. “There is nothing worse than an empty seat,” he believes. At the time, they were “killing us up at Indy”. But when Guthrie came to race, the promoter sold more tickets than ever. His belief is that Patrick can bring more revenue to the sport, too.

Patrick has brought notoriety to the Indy Racing League since joining the driver ranks. Her current contract negotiations put that added publicity in peril. Stock car racing has changed and a one-time appearance/promotion would be unlikely. Any move to NASCAR would be more long-term or permanent and perhaps detrimental to the IRL.

More Business Decisions
While Patrick decides whether to join another series, cost-cutting moves have been made and continue for the IRL. Earlier this year, the Indianapolis Star reported several jobs were eliminated at IMS. Laura George’s position was in that layoff. The wife of Tony George was noticeably absent from the family introductions at the Indianapolis 500 banquet. In past years, she has been recognized there and in the race program as an executive staff member.

A more recent move to save expenses was reported on Wind Tunnel. The second car team at Vision Racing, owned by members of the Tony George family, was shut down due to the Hulman-George family’s edict to increase finances. So was Vision really a league team rather than solely an entity of Tony’s family and a means for furthering Ed Carpenter’s racing career? That sheds more light on the pick up of Ryan Hunter-Reay following the end of his ride at Rahal-Letterman Racing, doesn’t it?

According to pit reporter Brienne Pedigo on the ABC broadcast of the race from Iowa Speedway, Ryan Hunter-Reay, former driver of the Vision #21, has been “loaned” to Foyt Racing. RHR said that he had been “enjoying his time with Foyt Racing” and he seemed happier than he had been in May. However, an early race crash ended his initial run with Foyt.

Footnote
IZOD, the clothing supplier for the league, was noted as the victory lane sponsor on the ABC Broadcast. The company had sponsored the #21 at Indy. Despite the announcement, a pizza company was noticeably advertised on the winner’s circle signage. Has IZOD been the sponsor on past broadcasts? Was it a shift of money due to the end of the car sponsorship? The teams regularly in the series have their sponsorships tied up for the season, unlike at Indy where teams come only for a piece of the high-dollar purse. Adding another car to a team is obviously cost-prohibitive, too, making another car sponsorship doubtful.

Tidbits from Iowa Race

The Iowa Corn Indy 250 on Sunday provided some interesting tidbits:

■ After contact with Scott Dixon’s car, the Mazak sponsorship on Helio Castroneves’ car’s front wing was very visible when the end piece went flying across the track. Mazak Corporation is the manufacturing, sales and support division in North America of the leading international machine tool builder, Yamazaki Mazak Corporation of Japan. Headquarters of the division are in Florence, KY, and, according to their Website, recently expanded.

■ Seeing Dad’s Root Beer as the major sponsor of the #24 driven by Mike Conway for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing on Father’s Day was refreshing—no pun intended. Dad’s was unveiled as a sponsor last year at Chicagoland. The root beer brand originated in Chicago and is now headquartered in Jasper, IN.

■ Mike Conway’s major sponsor at the Indy 500 was Purex. The team, however, was shown on Indianapolis television making or attempting to concoct root beer floats with Dad’s Root Beer late one day in their garage. John Andretti, a teammate for the race, was not as adept at making floats as Mike or female team member Milka Duno for the associate sponsor.

■ Milka Duno wasn’t entered at Iowa. According to Scott Goodyear, who had spoken to team owner Robbie Buhl before the ABC broadcast, she will not be participating but in a few more races.

■ A newer D&R teammate, Tomas Scheckter, took quite a chance early in the race acquiring six positions by outrunning the field on the high side. For spectators, it appeared a dangerous move—and not unusual for the aggressive and risk-taking driver—until the fact that the rain-soaked track didn’t have marbles in the high line at that time of the race was realized. How many teams has TS driven for in his IndyCar career? He drove for Dale Coyne Racing for the most recent Indianapolis 500 after finding sponsorship.

■ Dan Wheldon led the race for eight laps. He was the only one outside the three big teams (Penske, Ganassi and Andretti-Green) to lead a lap. He may be the only one able to give them a run for the money. Kudos to the driver for always mentioning lessons he’s learned from the National Guardsmen, his sponsor, during interviews. It’s a unique but seemingly heartfelt way to mention the sponsorship.

■ Target Chip Ganassi Racing cars painted a color other than the usual red and white have always gone on to victory circle—until Dario Franchitti and the neon green TomTom car failed to win at Texas. Today he changed the tradition—he won on the second attempt with the car. It was also his second attempt and win at Iowa.

Other notes:
■ Good timing—the IndyCar race ended in time for race fans to also see the NASCAR race.
■ In a TNT interview, Dan Gurney shared that moving from a lightweight open-wheel car to a stock car was a challenge—like going from a waterbug skimming a liquid surface and changing direction in nanoseconds to trying to drive an aircraft carrier and waiting for a response.
■ Was that Pat Sullivan, known for announcing at IndyCar and USAC races, on the public address system at the NASCAR race?
■ Former IndyCar driver Tony Stewart is still atop the NASCAR driver standings. The IndyStar reported this past week that TS is considering a third car for his team as a result of successes so far this year. Danica?

They Did It Again!

Danica Hits Crew Member; Marco Crashes

The Iowa race weekend began with a report that Danica Patrick had again hit a person in the pit area. The #7 left rear tie changer was unable to participate in the race although reported to be all right. In the incident the man was trapped between the racecar and pit wall. A former, experienced crew member replaced the injured tire changer for the Iowa race.

What other driver has recently hit someone in the pits—not once but twice? The first time was attributed to the man not paying attention to pit activity.

Marco Andretti crashed his car in qualifications. The team prepped his backup car, which had been run at Texas Motor Speedway last week, as a replacement. A two-lap “installation” run was allowed to ensure the car was properly operating. That seemed unusual, especially for a car that was run last week. Wonder what the reasoning was?

Marco lucked out on the qualification attempt, however, because rain and water seepage on the track caused the grid to be set by entrant points when qualifications were cancelled. That placed him at 8th position. Would a driver that doesn’t win and continues to crash still be employed if not a member of the family team? Is his contract adjusted accordingly?

Race observers were waiting to see what would happen at Iowa following the incident between Patrick and the younger Andretti at Texas. The #26 car was faster but Patrick refused to allow a pass for her teammate to advance in the race for several laps. During the past week, team members have spoken about the event and according to Michael Andretti, team co-owner and race strategist for Patrick, on ESPN/ABC Sports, “She won’t do it again.”

Let’s hope she or another driver doesn’t hit a person in the pits again, too.

Promotion of Ethanol

Explosion in Illinois

When the Indy Racing League changed to ethanol as its fuel, it was due much in part to the efforts of now-deceased IndyCar driver Paul Dana. Use of ethanol, first as a small percentage of engine fuel and then as the only fuel, became an important selling point for the league as a supporter of American commerce. Understandably, the switch from American ethanol to ethanol produced by a Brazilian company led to a brouhaha of sorts before the 2009 race season began. The ensuing schedule prevented the change from becoming a huge issue—except for Rahal Letterman Racing and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

The Iowa Corn Indy 250 in Newton has traditionally been a platform to promote ethanol and American agriculture. The president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association gave the starting command before this year’s 250-lap race. He noted the drivers were turning over “corn-fed ethanol engines”.

However, prior to the race in not-so-far-away Rockford, IL, a train derailed and an explosion of the railcar contents—ethanol—resulted in a death. A woman sitting in her car at the railroad crossing was killed in the explosion. Others in the car were reported to have run from the scene to safety.

One of the positives noted by the IRL about the switch to straight ethanol last year was that the fuel was safer than methanol. The ability to fight a methanol fire is hampered by not being able to readily see it. Conversely, recall the pit fire that Vitor Meira endured at the Indy 500; flames were very much visible.

The explosion in Illinois, however, reiterates that mishandling of ethanol and accidents involving the fuel can be very dangerous. Although easier to see and react to, the fact is that ethanol fires, too, can be life-threatening for participants and bystanders.

Should the ICGA president have gone ahead with his promotion of ethanol in the starting command with the recent death? Should he have promoted another consumer product? Or simply promoted American-grown corn?

Humpy Wheeler to Appear on Wind Tunnel

Next Sunday night former Lowe’s Motor Speedway president and general manager H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler will be the guest on Speed Channel’s Wind Tunnel. You may recall that Wheeler, a well-known race promoter, was a visitor to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500 last month.

Wheeler was asked if he would be willing to help the IRL as he is no longer involved at Charlotte. He answered that he would.

The regular board meeting of the Hulman-George family followed the May 24 race. President and Chief Executive Officer Tony Hulman George was reported to have been asked to resign during that meeting. Chairperson Mari Hulman George, Tony’s mother, later made a statement that the CEO had been asked to develop a plan to concentrate on the Indy Racing League. Other board members are Tony George’s sisters as the Speedway and other associated entities are privately held by the family.

So who invited Humpy to the Speedway? That and other questions may be sent via e-mail to windtunnel@speedtv.com for next week’s broadcast.


06.15.2009

Hunter-Reay Joins Foyt Racing

The Indianapolis Star reported during the past week that Ryan Hunter-Reay had joined Foyt Racing, owned by four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, Jr. He will replace Vitor Meira, who sustained injuries in a wild crash during the recent Indy 500.

On Speed’s Wind Tunnel the reason reported for Hunter-Reay’s availability was that Vision Racing has suspended the operations of the #21 team. Hunter-Reay carried the Izod/William Rast sponsorships. The former, a Phillips-Van Heusen company, provides the official apparel for the IndyCar Series, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Firestone Indy Lights. The latter is a jeans company co-owned by entertainer Justin Timberlake.

Hunter-Reay joined Vision, owned by Hulman George family members, early this year when Rahal-Letterman Racing could not secure sponsorship to maintain his seat there. The car had been sponsored by an American ethanol association in 2008, which league replaced as the official fuel supplier with a Brazilian entity.

During the local telecast of the 500 Festival Parade in May, Derek Daley noted that Hunter-Reay is engaged to driver Robby Gordon’s sister Becky.

Gordon has driven for Foyt in past Indy 500s. The car owner is also known to be very close to the Hulman George family. The two associations may have provided a path to the seat for the Indy 500’s 2008 Rookie-of-the-Year.

Twenty-plus years ago it was referred to as being one of the Good Ol’ Boys or calling in a favor. Today it’s called networking. Whatever it’s called, the system typically honors meritorious efforts and RHR has proven he deserves a ride.

Hunter-Reay was noticeably unhappy during May. In addition, his qualification for the 500-mile race was the result of a last-minute Bump Day struggle that placed him 33rd in the starting field. Finally, his sophomore effort at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ended in a pit road crash with only 19 laps completed.

Although he advanced in both the Milwaukee and Texas races, he didn’t make the top 10in either event. Foyt’s recent history doesn’t promise any better results but it will keep him in the league.

Izod seemed to be building an advertising campaign around the good-looking, American driver prior to RLR’s announcement that they were not participating in the 2009 IndyCar Series season. Was Hunter-Reay picked up by Vision Racing to maintain the Izod sponsorship? What has happened to the car sponsorship since Milwaukee?

The Indy Racing League’s switch to Brazilian ethanol for race fuel incensed many American farm organizations, including the Indiana Farm Bureau, prior to the season. Was it the reason why RLR lost their sponsorship and caused the young driver to become a journeyman?

Tony Kanaan Gets Haircut?

It's short again--Tony Kanaan's hair. While serving as a driver analyst during the weeks of Indianapolis 500 coverage for Indy's WRTV (http://www.indychannel.com/), the running gag was that he would not cut his hair until he won. However, in an interview a few days after the race and his unexpected crash, his hair had obviously been cut.

And what happened to the Chia Pet? A planter that surprisingly looked like TK was started during the coverage with reports given of growth progress during broadcasts.


05.24.2009

Firestone Ad Provides New Song Lyrics

A clever play on the well-known lyrics to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” provided the basis of an advertisement by Firestone Tires honoring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on ABC's Indianapolis 500 race telecast:

Take me out to the Brickyard,
Take me out with the crowds.
Buy me some earplugs and a checkered cap.
I don’t care if we ever get back!

Take me out to the Brickyard,
Take me out where it’s loud.
This place has a history that stirs the soul--
A hundred-year drama that never gets old.

Let me root, root, root over the engines’ roar,
Let me cheer every driver and car!
For it’s 300, 400, 500 miles
‘Round the old Brickyard!

The visuals that accompany the musical tribute provide insight to the heritage and experience of time spent at the famed oval.


05.22.2009

Carb Day Burger Bash

The second annual Carb Day Nite Burger Bash was held at the 96th Street Steakburgers on Indianapolis' northside. Attendees were from many states, including Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas, and Australia. Curt Cavin's event to raise money for select charities with the help of WIBC broadcast partner Kevin Lee provided lots of racing insider information to fans.

Dan Wheldon appeared to answer audience questions and pose for photographs. He brought along several National Guard promotional items, such as hats, shirts and posters. Scott Dixon had come to last year's Bash and, of course, won the 2008 Indianapolis 500. Dan shared that he was ready to come as soon as Curt, also a sports writer for the Indianapolis Star, asked him hoping the event provided the same luck.

Sharing of racing knowledge and information was outstanding but the auction of racing memorabilia and raffle, which raised over $500, provided a true window into the fiber of racing fans. A racing helmet autographed by approximately 20 of the 2009 drivers went for $900; the winning bidder gave the helmet to a boy in the audience. Another time a pair of tickets went to a man who had never attended a 500. Another instance was a pair of front-stretch tickets given to a woman who wanted to go but hadn't purchased tickets. Even Curt got into the spirit of giving by adding $50 to a bid for a two-seater ride at IMS for a woman who truly wanted the experience.

Bryant Heating and Cooling, long-time Indy 500 sponsor, provided an air conditioner for the raffle and the several pairs of tickets.

The eatery, besides providing a location and closing their drive-thru during the event, donated funds from the sales of shakes to the charities.

If you are in Indianapolis next year on Carb Day or a local race fan, be sure to attend this fun and worthy event.

Drink Venom?

A large guy outside the confines of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was offering passersby a sample of the energy drink sponsoring Marco Andretti’s car on Carburetion Day. The product, called Venom, he promised would be a help to fans walking the distance to the main gate a couple of blocks away and spending the day.

For a marketer, the question seems to be, “Why would anyone in their right mind drink venom?” It seems the opposite of his promise would result from such an intake.

05.15.2009

Golden Wings: Larry Rice

A 1978 co-rookie of the year of the Indianapolis 500, Larry Rice succumbed to cancer on May 13 at age 63 in Brownsburg, IN. Many knew him as an ESPN broadcaster. Thursday Night Thunder with Gary Lee and other racing shows introduced the quiet, unassuming man to millions. In recent years, race fans "across the pond" enjoyed his color analysis of Indy Racing League events through ESPN's international broadcasts, also with Gary Lee.

Most "months of May" found Larry walking the garage area at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, not looking for a ride but soaking up the atmosphere and gathering information for broadcasts and his own enjoyment. The former educator tried to learn all he could about the sport's history, personalities and technology. He shared what he learned with other afficianodos and especially enjoyed the funny stories and anecdotes that seem to permeate the fraternity.

His other appearance in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing was in 1979. The 1973 United States Auto Club midget champ and 1977 and 1981 USAC Silver Crown champion also raced sprints during his career. Following his racing days, he represented an insurance firm specializing in racetrack coverage.

Larry Rice will truly be missed in the racing community, as well as by his wife Bev and sons Robbie and Zach.


05.09.2009

Gary Lee on IMS Public Address

A voice familiar to open-wheel race fans was on the public address system at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during May for the Indianapolis 500. Gary Lee, long-time motorsports broadcaster, was back sharing his love for racing principally through questions-and-answers sessions with former drivers on the Pagoda Plaza and pit road driver interviews during qualifications. Lee previously worked on the PA and IMS Radio Network before his ESPN career took him to international coverage of IndyCar Series events. Indy Racing League races were moved to Versus television coverage this season.

Why was Ralph Sheheen, known for NASCAR broadcasting, on the PA at IMS during May?


05.09.2009

Chitwood Asks for Input; Spirit of the Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway president, Joie Chitwood, a member of the legendary auto thrill show entertainment family, participated in a question-and-answer session at Pagoda Plaza on Saturday, May 9, emceed by Kevin Lee of the IMS Radio Network. Besides answering several questions from the audience, he shared that he appreciates input from race fans concerning events and facilities at the track in an effort to constantly improve. Although he offered no e-mail address, fans can contact the Speedway through "Contact Us" at the bottom of the Website www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

Spirit of the Speedway
He also related a story of being at a table hosted by renowned racecar owner Andy Granatelli at an event years ago in downtown Indianapolis. Granatelli asked that everyone share something about IMS. Grandson of Tony Hulman (the owner attributed with saving the Speedway) and current CEO, Tony George said, "Its spirit touches all who enter."


05.08.2009

Fast Friday Females

The final hour of practice or Happy Hour on Fast Friday, the final day of practice prior to Pole Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was spent on track by the three females qualifying for the 2009 Indy 500: Milka Duno, Sarah Fisher and Danica Patrick. The trio spent several laps on the legendary 2-1/2-mile oval until Vision Racing teammates Ed Carpenter and Ryan Hunter-Reay joined them.


05.03.2009

Balloons at IMS

A series of hot-air balloon races and displays preceded this year's Indianapolis 500 pre-race activities. The events were planned to commemorate the original source of entertainment at the 2-1/2-mile oval. The first race involved balloons in 1909.

The story goes that one of the original track owners, Carl Fisher, was aboard a balloon as the group of racers descended into Tennessee amid gunshots from surprised farmers. No casualties were reported. Balloons were used during the Civil War of the 1860s but evidently not in that part of the Volunteer State.

The longest distance achieved during the 1909 balloon race was to Alabama--not quite the 500-mile distance that would later bring fame to the track.

2009 Version
Five to ten thousand spectators were estimated to have attended festivities during the first weekend of May. Originally mentioned early in the year in the Indianapolis newspaper, little promotion nearer the event date was provided to the general public. Track management is said to be considering repeating the event in 2010.

Imagine the crowds at and near the Speedway if full-fledged marketing is employed. Crowds for the balloon glow and race at the Indiana State Fairgrounds prior to the state fair are believed to be small, not due to the lack of promotion, but rather the timing early in the morning and on weekdays. Spectators are estimated at 300,000 for the Labor Day fireworks in downtown Indy and could potentially be the same for an IMS balloon-race production.