| July 2015 News |
The Rolling Stones Rock IMS
July 4 - IMS hosted a concert on a non-race
weekend for the first time, and it was on July
4th no less.
While there was plenty of free parking off of
30th Street, many people used 16th Street
which resulted in a bad traffic jam that lasted
for hours.
It was reported that there were 50,000 attendees.
Mick Jagger, 72, sang 19 songs. After the
concert there was a fireworks display.
July 4 - IMS hosted a concert on a non-race
weekend for the first time, and it was on July
4th no less.
While there was plenty of free parking off of
30th Street, many people used 16th Street
which resulted in a bad traffic jam that lasted
for hours.
It was reported that there were 50,000 attendees.
Mick Jagger, 72, sang 19 songs. After the
concert there was a fireworks display.
| RACE NEWS & VIEWS |
| Most recent news is at bottom of page. |
Big Wreck During Nascar's Daytona Race
July 5 - The last IndyCar race, which was at Fontana,
generated a lot of talk. The race had 80 passes for the
lead and was one of the best races ever. However, others
were concerned about the safety of pack racing. It was a
race like that one that killed Dan Wheldon.
Coincidentally, Nascar fans and drivers are concerned
about the safety of pack racing at restrictor plate races at
Daytona and Talledega.
Toward the end of the Coke Zero 400, a chain reaction
sent cars crashing all over the place. Austin Dillon
suffered the worst collisions as his car flew into the catch
fence. Debris littered the crowd and fans were injured.
“You knew it was going to be crazy,” Gordon said.
“Right from the start I thought it was a wild race. A lot
of action and crazy stuff going on...We were pushing like
crazy, just wide open.
“It is literally like a video game out there these days,
except for it’s real life. It’s crazy. It’s really crazy. I love
Daytona. This place has been amazing for me. I can’t
believe this is my final race here, but after going through
that experience I’m glad I only have one more restrictor
plate race left.”
After finishing eighth, Ryan Newman’s told USAToday,
“NASCAR got what they wanted. That's the end of it,”
cars getting airborne, unsafe drivers, same old stuff.
They just don't listen. They had an event in 2001.
They've had several events since then. They just don't
pay attention to safety. Simple as that.”
NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing
development officer Steve O’Donnell said no fines will result
from what Newman or anyone else said.
“I disagree with Ryan’s comments,” O’Donnell said. “We’ve
got people up at the R&D Center who that’s all they do is
work on safety each and every day, 24 hours a day, and I’m
proud of the work that they do. But no, there won’t be any
fines forthcoming or anything for the drivers.”
July 5 - The last IndyCar race, which was at Fontana,
generated a lot of talk. The race had 80 passes for the
lead and was one of the best races ever. However, others
were concerned about the safety of pack racing. It was a
race like that one that killed Dan Wheldon.
Coincidentally, Nascar fans and drivers are concerned
about the safety of pack racing at restrictor plate races at
Daytona and Talledega.
Toward the end of the Coke Zero 400, a chain reaction
sent cars crashing all over the place. Austin Dillon
suffered the worst collisions as his car flew into the catch
fence. Debris littered the crowd and fans were injured.
“You knew it was going to be crazy,” Gordon said.
“Right from the start I thought it was a wild race. A lot
of action and crazy stuff going on...We were pushing like
crazy, just wide open.
“It is literally like a video game out there these days,
except for it’s real life. It’s crazy. It’s really crazy. I love
Daytona. This place has been amazing for me. I can’t
believe this is my final race here, but after going through
that experience I’m glad I only have one more restrictor
plate race left.”
After finishing eighth, Ryan Newman’s told USAToday,
“NASCAR got what they wanted. That's the end of it,”
cars getting airborne, unsafe drivers, same old stuff.
They just don't listen. They had an event in 2001.
They've had several events since then. They just don't
pay attention to safety. Simple as that.”
NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing
development officer Steve O’Donnell said no fines will result
from what Newman or anyone else said.
“I disagree with Ryan’s comments,” O’Donnell said. “We’ve
got people up at the R&D Center who that’s all they do is
work on safety each and every day, 24 hours a day, and I’m
proud of the work that they do. But no, there won’t be any
fines forthcoming or anything for the drivers.”
Ronnie Wood
of the Stones
of the Stones
Rolling Stones'
Huge Stage
Huge Stage
| Austin Dillon Flew Into Catch Fence |
| What's Left Of Dillon's Car |
And Now For Something Completely Different...
July 10 - When the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway later this month for the
Crown Royal presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard,
it will be with a new aero package designed to increase the
closeness of the competition on the track.
NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing
development officer Steve O’Donnell outlined the
package Tuesday evening, a “higher drag” setup that will
include a taller spoiler and other tweaks to the bodies of
the Cup cars.
The changes, in theory, will allow cars to “pack up” better
at times and provide more opportunity for passing around
the 2.5-mile oval.
July 10 - When the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway later this month for the
Crown Royal presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard,
it will be with a new aero package designed to increase the
closeness of the competition on the track.
NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing
development officer Steve O’Donnell outlined the
package Tuesday evening, a “higher drag” setup that will
include a taller spoiler and other tweaks to the bodies of
the Cup cars.
The changes, in theory, will allow cars to “pack up” better
at times and provide more opportunity for passing around
the 2.5-mile oval.
Bianchi Loses Battle
July 17 - Marussia Formula One driver Jules Bianchi, 25,
passed away as a result of head injuries sustained during
last October’s rainy Japanese Grand Prix.
Bianchi lost control of his car during the race and slid off
course, colliding with a tractor that was removing the disabled
car of another driver who had run off course at the same
spot. After Bianchi’s crash, the race was red flagged and
declared complete with nine laps remaining.
Bianchi came from a French racing family. He competed in
Formula Renault 2, Formula 3 Euro, GP2 and Formula
Renault 3.5 before becoming a Formula 1 test driver in
2011. He became an F1 driver in 2013.
Bianchi was the first Formula 1 driver to be killed due to
injuries sustained during a Grand Prix since Ayrton
Senna's death in 1994
July 17 - Marussia Formula One driver Jules Bianchi, 25,
passed away as a result of head injuries sustained during
last October’s rainy Japanese Grand Prix.
Bianchi lost control of his car during the race and slid off
course, colliding with a tractor that was removing the disabled
car of another driver who had run off course at the same
spot. After Bianchi’s crash, the race was red flagged and
declared complete with nine laps remaining.
Bianchi came from a French racing family. He competed in
Formula Renault 2, Formula 3 Euro, GP2 and Formula
Renault 3.5 before becoming a Formula 1 test driver in
2011. He became an F1 driver in 2013.
Bianchi was the first Formula 1 driver to be killed due to
injuries sustained during a Grand Prix since Ayrton
Senna's death in 1994
IndyCar On New Monopoly Board
July 17 - Hasbro, the maker of the classic Monopoly board,
has changed the board to celebrate the game's 80th
anniversary.
Indianapolis has scored a spot on the new edition and
features a photo of IndyCars.
The layout of the new Monopoly Here & Now: U.S.
Edition, in order from most to least expensive, is:
Dark blue: Pierre, S.D.; Minneapolis
Green: New York; Virginia Beach, Va.; Los Angeles
Yellow: Chicago, Indianapolis. Charleston, S.C.
Red: Detroit, Boston, Milwaukee
Orange: Cleveland; Asheville, N.C.; Denver
Magenta: Atlanta, Little Rock, Seattle
Light blue: Portsmouth, N.H.; Charlotte, N.C., Dallas
Brown: Waconia, Minn.; Chesapeake, Va.
The edition goes on sale in the fall.
July 17 - Hasbro, the maker of the classic Monopoly board,
has changed the board to celebrate the game's 80th
anniversary.
Indianapolis has scored a spot on the new edition and
features a photo of IndyCars.
The layout of the new Monopoly Here & Now: U.S.
Edition, in order from most to least expensive, is:
Dark blue: Pierre, S.D.; Minneapolis
Green: New York; Virginia Beach, Va.; Los Angeles
Yellow: Chicago, Indianapolis. Charleston, S.C.
Red: Detroit, Boston, Milwaukee
Orange: Cleveland; Asheville, N.C.; Denver
Magenta: Atlanta, Little Rock, Seattle
Light blue: Portsmouth, N.H.; Charlotte, N.C., Dallas
Brown: Waconia, Minn.; Chesapeake, Va.
The edition goes on sale in the fall.
IndyCar At Iowa
July 18 - IndyCar returned to the .9-mile oval track at Iowa
Speedway Saturday night.
Ryan Hunter-Reay's luck changed when he won the race,
after a less than stellar year.
Josef Newgarden's year has continued to be impressive as
he finished 2nd, a half-second behind Hunter-Reay.
Sage Karam captured third place. Ed Carpenter though
disagrees and thinks he should have been penalized for
aggressive driving.
The points leader, Juan Montoya, dropped out early when
he had car trouble that sent him into the wall. Fortunately
for him, rivals Tony Kanaan and Scott Dixon also had
problems, so Montoya leaves Iowa still retaining the points
lead.
In a field of 24 drivers, seven drivers are Americans. Six
Americans finished in the top seven of the race!
July 18 - IndyCar returned to the .9-mile oval track at Iowa
Speedway Saturday night.
Ryan Hunter-Reay's luck changed when he won the race,
after a less than stellar year.
Josef Newgarden's year has continued to be impressive as
he finished 2nd, a half-second behind Hunter-Reay.
Sage Karam captured third place. Ed Carpenter though
disagrees and thinks he should have been penalized for
aggressive driving.
The points leader, Juan Montoya, dropped out early when
he had car trouble that sent him into the wall. Fortunately
for him, rivals Tony Kanaan and Scott Dixon also had
problems, so Montoya leaves Iowa still retaining the points
lead.
In a field of 24 drivers, seven drivers are Americans. Six
Americans finished in the top seven of the race!
New Qualifying For Brickyard 400
July 21 - When the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from July 24-26, it will
not only be with a new rules package but with a new
qualifying format as well.
As a “high drag” setup is being implemented on the cars,
featuring a taller nine-inch splitter among other
aerodynamic tweaks, qualifying is being adjusted so as to
minimize drafting.
After teams take part in an expanded five hours of practice
on Friday, July 24, to work on tuning their cars under the
new package, they will look to survive in Saturday’s new
“knockout” qualifying format. The format will feature two
rounds, with the top 12 advancing to the second round and
a shot at the pole for the Crown Royal Presents the Jeff
Kyle 400 at the Brickyard.
“In addition to the new aero package designed to make the
racing more compelling and the increased practice time,
the change in qualifying adds to what should be an exciting
weekend,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug
Boles said.
July 21 - When the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from July 24-26, it will
not only be with a new rules package but with a new
qualifying format as well.
As a “high drag” setup is being implemented on the cars,
featuring a taller nine-inch splitter among other
aerodynamic tweaks, qualifying is being adjusted so as to
minimize drafting.
After teams take part in an expanded five hours of practice
on Friday, July 24, to work on tuning their cars under the
new package, they will look to survive in Saturday’s new
“knockout” qualifying format. The format will feature two
rounds, with the top 12 advancing to the second round and
a shot at the pole for the Crown Royal Presents the Jeff
Kyle 400 at the Brickyard.
“In addition to the new aero package designed to make the
racing more compelling and the increased practice time,
the change in qualifying adds to what should be an exciting
weekend,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug
Boles said.
The qualifying format, which will be used by the Sprint
Cup Series and XFINITY Series on Saturday, July 25, will
consist of cars taking one timed lap in each round. Each
vehicle will be released in a predetermined time interval
determined by NASCAR, with the first round determined
by a random draw and the final round determined by
slowest to fastest first-round speeds.
The 12 cars in the final round will have their speeds reset
and the round will determine positions 1-12 on the grid,
while positions 13 and beyond will be set from first-round
speeds.
A 10-minute break will be held between the rounds, with
advancing cars allowed to adjust grille tape and use a cool-
down unit.
The new higher-drag package is meant to allow cars to
“pack up” easier, therefore allowing for more passing and
more intrigue for drivers and fans.
Details of Qualifying Rules
Cup Series and XFINITY Series on Saturday, July 25, will
consist of cars taking one timed lap in each round. Each
vehicle will be released in a predetermined time interval
determined by NASCAR, with the first round determined
by a random draw and the final round determined by
slowest to fastest first-round speeds.
The 12 cars in the final round will have their speeds reset
and the round will determine positions 1-12 on the grid,
while positions 13 and beyond will be set from first-round
speeds.
A 10-minute break will be held between the rounds, with
advancing cars allowed to adjust grille tape and use a cool-
down unit.
The new higher-drag package is meant to allow cars to
“pack up” easier, therefore allowing for more passing and
more intrigue for drivers and fans.
Details of Qualifying Rules
Gordon Calls Parade Day in Pittsboro
'One of the Best Days of My Life'
July 23 - Jeff Gordon has felt the love every week
this year in the Sprint Cup Series, with fans turning
out to show appreciation one more time to the four-
time Cup champion who is making this season his
last as a full-time driver.
But nothing compared to Thursday in Gordon’s
teenage home of Pittsboro, Indiana, where an adoring
small town turned out for Jeff Gordon Day.
The day included a parade down Main Street
followed by a presentation at a nearby park, where
Gordon spoke from the heart with a slightly cracking
voice.
“I never would have accomplished what I did without
the town of Pittsboro,” he said. “This, to me, has
been one of the best days of my life.”
Gordon and his family moved to Pittsboro in June
1986 from California, seeking to further the young
racer’s career in an area surrounded by great midget
and sprint car racing. Gordon graduated from
Tri-West High School in 1989, was a full-timer in
the NASCAR Busch Series (now XFINITY Series)
two years later and, in 1994, became the winner of
the inaugural Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway.
The driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet won four more
times at IMS after that, including last year’s
Brickyard in a victory that thrilled his loyal fans.
Some of those fans lined Main Street in Pittsboro on
Thursday, wearing Gordon shirts and waving
homemade signs.
From in front of Big Tuck’s Feed & More, the
Mason Inn and Elegance Boutique, fans watched as
Tri-West’s top athletic teams passed by in the
parade, followed by the guest of honor. Following
Gordon was the No. 24 hauler and two fire engines,
then the celebration moved to Scamahorn Park.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence named Gordon a
Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest civilian
honor. Then Pittsboro Police Chief Christi
Patterson delighted Gordon with an honorary police
badge.
Years ago, when Jeff Gordon Boulevard was named
in Pittsboro, Gordon asked the chief how he could
get a badge. Patterson then presented one on
Thursday.
“I’m glad you’re excited – we need you to cover a
shift on Monday,” she said.
'One of the Best Days of My Life'
July 23 - Jeff Gordon has felt the love every week
this year in the Sprint Cup Series, with fans turning
out to show appreciation one more time to the four-
time Cup champion who is making this season his
last as a full-time driver.
But nothing compared to Thursday in Gordon’s
teenage home of Pittsboro, Indiana, where an adoring
small town turned out for Jeff Gordon Day.
The day included a parade down Main Street
followed by a presentation at a nearby park, where
Gordon spoke from the heart with a slightly cracking
voice.
“I never would have accomplished what I did without
the town of Pittsboro,” he said. “This, to me, has
been one of the best days of my life.”
Gordon and his family moved to Pittsboro in June
1986 from California, seeking to further the young
racer’s career in an area surrounded by great midget
and sprint car racing. Gordon graduated from
Tri-West High School in 1989, was a full-timer in
the NASCAR Busch Series (now XFINITY Series)
two years later and, in 1994, became the winner of
the inaugural Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway.
The driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet won four more
times at IMS after that, including last year’s
Brickyard in a victory that thrilled his loyal fans.
Some of those fans lined Main Street in Pittsboro on
Thursday, wearing Gordon shirts and waving
homemade signs.
From in front of Big Tuck’s Feed & More, the
Mason Inn and Elegance Boutique, fans watched as
Tri-West’s top athletic teams passed by in the
parade, followed by the guest of honor. Following
Gordon was the No. 24 hauler and two fire engines,
then the celebration moved to Scamahorn Park.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence named Gordon a
Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest civilian
honor. Then Pittsboro Police Chief Christi
Patterson delighted Gordon with an honorary police
badge.
Years ago, when Jeff Gordon Boulevard was named
in Pittsboro, Gordon asked the chief how he could
get a badge. Patterson then presented one on
Thursday.
“I’m glad you’re excited – we need you to cover a
shift on Monday,” she said.
Gordon put the badge on his belt and kept it there all
day, and asked how far back citizens’ arrests could
be made, though noting he wasn’t quite innocent in
his younger days either.
Everywhere he turned, Gordon saw former teachers,
friends and even some who helped in his earliest
racing days in town. Jason Love, now the Town
Manager in Pittsboro, once scraped the mud off
Gordon’s sprint cars.
They never forgot Jeff Gordon. On Thursday,
Gordon came home to show his gratitude.
day, and asked how far back citizens’ arrests could
be made, though noting he wasn’t quite innocent in
his younger days either.
Everywhere he turned, Gordon saw former teachers,
friends and even some who helped in his earliest
racing days in town. Jason Love, now the Town
Manager in Pittsboro, once scraped the mud off
Gordon’s sprint cars.
They never forgot Jeff Gordon. On Thursday,
Gordon came home to show his gratitude.
Brickyard 400 Practice
July 24 - Denny Hamlin drove the fastest lap of the
day at 182.208 mph during NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series practice Friday on the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway 2.5-mile oval.
Hamlin posted the day’s quickest speed during the first
of three Sprint Cup practice sessions today in
preparation for the 22nd annual Brickyard 400 on
Sunday.
The second-fastest time of the day, 181.987 mph,
came from Kurt Busch in the third practice session.
July 24 - Denny Hamlin drove the fastest lap of the
day at 182.208 mph during NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series practice Friday on the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway 2.5-mile oval.
Hamlin posted the day’s quickest speed during the first
of three Sprint Cup practice sessions today in
preparation for the 22nd annual Brickyard 400 on
Sunday.
The second-fastest time of the day, 181.987 mph,
came from Kurt Busch in the third practice session.
| BRICKYARD 400 NEWS >>>DAY 1 <<< |
Jimmie Johnson turned the third-fastest lap at
181.796 mph during the first practice session.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove to the fastest speed of the
second practice session with a lap of 181.466 mph.
Jeff Gordon posted his fastest speed of the day of
181.444 mph during the first practice session.
Kyle Busch was fastest overall after two NASCAR
XFINITY Series practice sessions with a top lap speed
of 178.717 mph. Posting the second-fastest speed of
177.845 mph was Paul Menard. Daniel Suarez
produced the third-fastest speed, 176.810 mph.
181.796 mph during the first practice session.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove to the fastest speed of the
second practice session with a lap of 181.466 mph.
Jeff Gordon posted his fastest speed of the day of
181.444 mph during the first practice session.
Kyle Busch was fastest overall after two NASCAR
XFINITY Series practice sessions with a top lap speed
of 178.717 mph. Posting the second-fastest speed of
177.845 mph was Paul Menard. Daniel Suarez
produced the third-fastest speed, 176.810 mph.
| Tony Stewart Garage |
| Sam Hornish Jr |
| Jeff Gordon |
| BRICKYARD 400 NEWS >>>DAY 2 <<< |
Edwards On Pole For Brickyard 400
July 25 - Joe Gibbs Racing's Carl Edwards won the
pole for the Brickyard 400 at the Indy Speedway.
Edwards drove his No. 19 Stanley Toyota to his 15th
career pole and first in 11 races at the IMS with a lap
of 183.464 mph.
In searching for his first win at Indianapolis on Sunday,
Edwards will look to improve upon his best-ever
performance at IMS when he finished as the runner-up
to Jimmie Johnson in 2008.
"After yesterday, this is amazing," Edwards said. "We
started so slow yesterday and we struggled.
"It worked out well. I like this style of qualifying. You
feel like you have all the pressure, and I like that.
"The first round, we weren't the fastest car. I watched
the clouds and the timing worked out pretty well, and I
thought I'm going to be pretty aggressive on this second
one. Plus, Kyle Busch was talking smack about how
he was going to beat me in the second round, so I was
really motivated from that. Then, after going through
Turns 1 and 2, I thought 'This is going to be a really
good lap."'
Joey Logano and David Ragan qualified second and
third behind Edwards - the same top 3 qualifiers as a
week ago at New Hampshire.
"We got a good start," said Logano, who drove his No.
22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford to a lap of 183.139 mph.
"David (Ragan) and I were just laughing up here, saying
it was the same top three cars that started last weekend
in Loudon. Completely different racetrack, completely
different package, the same cars are fast.
"Second always hurts, but it's nice to be up close to the
front. It's going to be a tough race for sure, but we
always want to get that win for Roger (Penske). He's
been trying for years to get that first stock car win here
at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We're going to try
to do what we can to do his best shot at it."
Rounding out the top-10 qualifiers from today's action
were two-time Crown Royal at the Brickyard winner
Tony Stewart (2005-07), Kyle Larson, reigning
NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick, Clint
Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and Jamie
McMurray.
Jimmie Johnson qualified 12th, with five-time
Brickyard 400 winner (1994, '98, '01, '04, '14) Jeff
Gordon, qualifying 19th for his final Sprint Cup race
at Indianapolis.
The 160-lap Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400
at the Brickyard starts Sunday at 3:50 p.m.
July 25 - Joe Gibbs Racing's Carl Edwards won the
pole for the Brickyard 400 at the Indy Speedway.
Edwards drove his No. 19 Stanley Toyota to his 15th
career pole and first in 11 races at the IMS with a lap
of 183.464 mph.
In searching for his first win at Indianapolis on Sunday,
Edwards will look to improve upon his best-ever
performance at IMS when he finished as the runner-up
to Jimmie Johnson in 2008.
"After yesterday, this is amazing," Edwards said. "We
started so slow yesterday and we struggled.
"It worked out well. I like this style of qualifying. You
feel like you have all the pressure, and I like that.
"The first round, we weren't the fastest car. I watched
the clouds and the timing worked out pretty well, and I
thought I'm going to be pretty aggressive on this second
one. Plus, Kyle Busch was talking smack about how
he was going to beat me in the second round, so I was
really motivated from that. Then, after going through
Turns 1 and 2, I thought 'This is going to be a really
good lap."'
Joey Logano and David Ragan qualified second and
third behind Edwards - the same top 3 qualifiers as a
week ago at New Hampshire.
"We got a good start," said Logano, who drove his No.
22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford to a lap of 183.139 mph.
"David (Ragan) and I were just laughing up here, saying
it was the same top three cars that started last weekend
in Loudon. Completely different racetrack, completely
different package, the same cars are fast.
"Second always hurts, but it's nice to be up close to the
front. It's going to be a tough race for sure, but we
always want to get that win for Roger (Penske). He's
been trying for years to get that first stock car win here
at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We're going to try
to do what we can to do his best shot at it."
Rounding out the top-10 qualifiers from today's action
were two-time Crown Royal at the Brickyard winner
Tony Stewart (2005-07), Kyle Larson, reigning
NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick, Clint
Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and Jamie
McMurray.
Jimmie Johnson qualified 12th, with five-time
Brickyard 400 winner (1994, '98, '01, '04, '14) Jeff
Gordon, qualifying 19th for his final Sprint Cup race
at Indianapolis.
The 160-lap Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400
at the Brickyard starts Sunday at 3:50 p.m.
Kyle Busch wins Lilly Diabetes 250
July 25 - Kyle Busch continued his Saturday
domination at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,
catching Ryan Blaney on the last lap for his second
win at the Lilly Diabetes 250.
Blaney led Laps 76-99, but a bobble coming out of
Turn 2 on the last lap after negotiating lapped traffic
allowed Busch, who started on the pole, to dart to the
inside for a pass on the back straight and a win by
.421 of a second.
"I just got close enough to make him mess up and
made him get tight off (Turn) 2 and then I was able
to capitalize underneath him when he lost his
momentum," said Busch, who won his first XFINITY
race at IMS in 2013 and has led 206 of 400 laps in the
four-year history of the event.
"The Monster Energy Camry was the class of the field.
We should've won this thing going away, but I guess we
had to make it exciting. Hopefully it was exciting down
the last lap for the fans."
Blaney took full blame for falling three turns short of
the win.
Daniel Suarez finished third, followed by Paul
Menard, Elliott Sadler Kevin Harvick and Kyle
Larson.
Regan Smith finished eighth and in doing so earned a
$100,000 bonus in the NASCAR XFINITY Series
"Dash 4 Cash" program.
Busch, who qualified ninth for the Brickyard 400, will
attempt to win his third Sprint Cup race in a row and
fourth in his last five starts.
July 25 - Kyle Busch continued his Saturday
domination at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,
catching Ryan Blaney on the last lap for his second
win at the Lilly Diabetes 250.
Blaney led Laps 76-99, but a bobble coming out of
Turn 2 on the last lap after negotiating lapped traffic
allowed Busch, who started on the pole, to dart to the
inside for a pass on the back straight and a win by
.421 of a second.
"I just got close enough to make him mess up and
made him get tight off (Turn) 2 and then I was able
to capitalize underneath him when he lost his
momentum," said Busch, who won his first XFINITY
race at IMS in 2013 and has led 206 of 400 laps in the
four-year history of the event.
"The Monster Energy Camry was the class of the field.
We should've won this thing going away, but I guess we
had to make it exciting. Hopefully it was exciting down
the last lap for the fans."
Blaney took full blame for falling three turns short of
the win.
Daniel Suarez finished third, followed by Paul
Menard, Elliott Sadler Kevin Harvick and Kyle
Larson.
Regan Smith finished eighth and in doing so earned a
$100,000 bonus in the NASCAR XFINITY Series
"Dash 4 Cash" program.
Busch, who qualified ninth for the Brickyard 400, will
attempt to win his third Sprint Cup race in a row and
fourth in his last five starts.
| Carl Edwards |
| XFINITY Lilly Diabetes 250 Race |
Kyle Busch Wins 22nd Brickyard 400
July 26 - Kyle Busch needed four extra laps, but held
off Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick in a green-white
checker finish Sunday to capture his first Brickyard
400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I’m trying to soak it in,” Busch said afterward. “Oh
my gosh, I just can’t believe this run right now. This
car was awesome. I just knew if I could get us out
front, I could drive away.”
Busch has won the past three Sprint Cup races and
four of the last five, as he closes in on 30th-place in
the standings, which would make him Chase eligible.
Having gained 150 points in the last five races, Busch
is 23 points out of 30th place after Sunday’s win.
NBC analyst and former Sprint Cup driver Jeff
Burton said late in Sunday’s telecast that he believed
the injury Busch suffered at the beginning of the
season, which forced him to miss the first 11 races,
may have given him some perspective.
“It must have, I don’t know,” Busch said when asked
about Burton’s observation. “Maybe I found my happy
place. … Nothing better than being in victory lane for
one of the biggest wins of my career here at Indy, and
sweeping the weekend, as well.”
Logano finished second, followed by Harvick, Martin
Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin.
How Kyle Busch won: The victory came down to the
restart on Lap 162. Busch beat Joey Logano into Turn 1
and then held off any bid by Logano to get past in the
final two laps. Harvick got a bad restart, or he may
have been more of a significant factor in the outcome.
Who else had a good race: Logano had hoped to give
team owner Roger Penske his first-ever Brickyard 400
win. “It’s just so frustrating, just so close to winning
here at the Brickyard,” Logano said. “Second hurts. …
Even though she finished 27th, Danica Patrick had a
good day for the most part, including running as high
as fifth and in the top 15 for much of the race before
falling back on the final two restarts on Lap 152 and
162. … After struggling in the last four races, Martin
Truex Jr. got back on track with a strong fourth-place
finish.
July 26 - Kyle Busch needed four extra laps, but held
off Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick in a green-white
checker finish Sunday to capture his first Brickyard
400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I’m trying to soak it in,” Busch said afterward. “Oh
my gosh, I just can’t believe this run right now. This
car was awesome. I just knew if I could get us out
front, I could drive away.”
Busch has won the past three Sprint Cup races and
four of the last five, as he closes in on 30th-place in
the standings, which would make him Chase eligible.
Having gained 150 points in the last five races, Busch
is 23 points out of 30th place after Sunday’s win.
NBC analyst and former Sprint Cup driver Jeff
Burton said late in Sunday’s telecast that he believed
the injury Busch suffered at the beginning of the
season, which forced him to miss the first 11 races,
may have given him some perspective.
“It must have, I don’t know,” Busch said when asked
about Burton’s observation. “Maybe I found my happy
place. … Nothing better than being in victory lane for
one of the biggest wins of my career here at Indy, and
sweeping the weekend, as well.”
Logano finished second, followed by Harvick, Martin
Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin.
How Kyle Busch won: The victory came down to the
restart on Lap 162. Busch beat Joey Logano into Turn 1
and then held off any bid by Logano to get past in the
final two laps. Harvick got a bad restart, or he may
have been more of a significant factor in the outcome.
Who else had a good race: Logano had hoped to give
team owner Roger Penske his first-ever Brickyard 400
win. “It’s just so frustrating, just so close to winning
here at the Brickyard,” Logano said. “Second hurts. …
Even though she finished 27th, Danica Patrick had a
good day for the most part, including running as high
as fifth and in the top 15 for much of the race before
falling back on the final two restarts on Lap 152 and
162. … After struggling in the last four races, Martin
Truex Jr. got back on track with a strong fourth-place
finish.
| BRICKYARD 400 NEWS >>>DAY 3 <<< |
Who had a bad race: Despite all the sentiment and
emotion of this being his last Brickyard 400, Jeff
Gordon would not win a record sixth race at Indy. On
Lap 50,Gordon couldn’t avoid Clint Bowyer and
suffered significant damage to his car. Gordon finished
42nd. … Aric Almirola spun out on Lap 107 and hit the
inside retaining wall after what appeared to be a tire that
went down. Almirola’s car suffered moderate damage
and finished 38th. … Dale Earnhardt Jr. tried to pass
teammate Kasey Kahne on Lap 147, got into the
infield grass on Turn 1, lost control and backed himself
into the wall. Earnhardt finished 22nd.
Notable: This was only the second green-white-
checker finish in Brickyard 400 history, the other being
in 2004. … Pole-sitter Carl Edwards made contact
with Joey Logano with 14 laps to go, sending him
from second place back to 10th and eventually 21st
place with 10 laps remaining. Edwards rallied to finish
13th. … Kevin Harvick was the leader at the halfway
point… Chase Elliott finished 18th in his first career
Brickyard 400. Elliott will replace Jeff Gordon in the
No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet next season.
emotion of this being his last Brickyard 400, Jeff
Gordon would not win a record sixth race at Indy. On
Lap 50,Gordon couldn’t avoid Clint Bowyer and
suffered significant damage to his car. Gordon finished
42nd. … Aric Almirola spun out on Lap 107 and hit the
inside retaining wall after what appeared to be a tire that
went down. Almirola’s car suffered moderate damage
and finished 38th. … Dale Earnhardt Jr. tried to pass
teammate Kasey Kahne on Lap 147, got into the
infield grass on Turn 1, lost control and backed himself
into the wall. Earnhardt finished 22nd.
Notable: This was only the second green-white-
checker finish in Brickyard 400 history, the other being
in 2004. … Pole-sitter Carl Edwards made contact
with Joey Logano with 14 laps to go, sending him
from second place back to 10th and eventually 21st
place with 10 laps remaining. Edwards rallied to finish
13th. … Kevin Harvick was the leader at the halfway
point… Chase Elliott finished 18th in his first career
Brickyard 400. Elliott will replace Jeff Gordon in the
No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet next season.
MotoGP: Forward Racing to miss Indy GP
July 28 - In the aftermath of the arrest and the charges
against Giovanni Cuzari, director and owner of
Forward Racing, the team has focused on limiting the
possible consequences of the situation and will miss the
Indianapolis Grand Prix.
Cuzari is under investigation for tax evasion and other
financial troubles.
Unfortunately, the reaction of the sponsors - the main
source of income of an independent team - was
immediate and resolute. Inevitably, some of them
canceled their existing contracts and interrupted
payments, creating further financial troubles that could
jeopardize the survival of the team.
July 28 - In the aftermath of the arrest and the charges
against Giovanni Cuzari, director and owner of
Forward Racing, the team has focused on limiting the
possible consequences of the situation and will miss the
Indianapolis Grand Prix.
Cuzari is under investigation for tax evasion and other
financial troubles.
Unfortunately, the reaction of the sponsors - the main
source of income of an independent team - was
immediate and resolute. Inevitably, some of them
canceled their existing contracts and interrupted
payments, creating further financial troubles that could
jeopardize the survival of the team.
Forward Racing riders Loris Baz (left) and Stefan
Bradl will miss the Indianapolis Grand Prix.
Bradl will miss the Indianapolis Grand Prix.
