| July 2016 News |
Name Announced for Brickyard 400
July 7 - In just a few short weeks, racing fans
from across the country will flock to Indianapolis
for one of NASCAR’s biggest events of the
summer. And despite being named the winner of
the annual Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name
Here” program, which renames the Brickyard 400
after a deserving hero, retired U.S. Navy Seal
Jason Redman’s name won’t be displayed
around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway
– for good reason.
Redman instead asked that the race bear the name
of the charity he and his wife, Erica, founded. The
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will officially be
referred to as the “Crown Royal presents the
Combat Wounded Coalition 400 at the
Brickyard.”
July 7 - In just a few short weeks, racing fans
from across the country will flock to Indianapolis
for one of NASCAR’s biggest events of the
summer. And despite being named the winner of
the annual Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name
Here” program, which renames the Brickyard 400
after a deserving hero, retired U.S. Navy Seal
Jason Redman’s name won’t be displayed
around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway
– for good reason.
Redman instead asked that the race bear the name
of the charity he and his wife, Erica, founded. The
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will officially be
referred to as the “Crown Royal presents the
Combat Wounded Coalition 400 at the
Brickyard.”
| RACE NEWS & VIEWS |
| Most recent news is at bottom of page. |
“What an amazing and humbling opportunity to have my
organization as the official title of the Brickyard 400. This race
is an icon of NASCAR, Americanism and patriotism,” said
Redman after being named the winner of the 2016 “Your
Hero’s Name Here” program. “I can’t wait to arrive in
Indianapolis and meet the fellow finalists, the awesome race
fans, drivers and crews!”
Redman, of Chesapeake, Virginia, enlisted in the Navy
following high school and served 10 years as an enlisted
SEAL before enrolling at Old Dominion University. After
graduation, Redman was commissioned as a Naval SEAL
Officer. Throughout his career he served five deployments
including two combat deployments.
In 2007, Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine-
gun fire and he was wounded with shots to the face and left
arm. While recovering from his 37 surgeries at Bethesda
Naval Medical Center, Redman wrote and hung a sign on his
door which became a statement and symbol for wounded
warriors everywhere. The original sign on the door now hangs
in the Wounded Ward at the National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda. Redman was honored with the Purple Heart, the
Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Defense Meritorious Service
Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement
Medal, Navy Achievement Medals and two Combat Action
Ribbons.
Following his recovery, Redman founded the non-profit
organizations Combat Wounded Coalition and Wounded Wear
to help combat wounded warriors overcome the wounds of war.
The Combat Wounded Coalition provides free clothing and
clothing modifications to combat wounded warriors. To date,
the Combat Wounded Coalition has helped over 500 wounded
warriors return to daily life after serving.
organization as the official title of the Brickyard 400. This race
is an icon of NASCAR, Americanism and patriotism,” said
Redman after being named the winner of the 2016 “Your
Hero’s Name Here” program. “I can’t wait to arrive in
Indianapolis and meet the fellow finalists, the awesome race
fans, drivers and crews!”
Redman, of Chesapeake, Virginia, enlisted in the Navy
following high school and served 10 years as an enlisted
SEAL before enrolling at Old Dominion University. After
graduation, Redman was commissioned as a Naval SEAL
Officer. Throughout his career he served five deployments
including two combat deployments.
In 2007, Redman’s Assault Team came under heavy machine-
gun fire and he was wounded with shots to the face and left
arm. While recovering from his 37 surgeries at Bethesda
Naval Medical Center, Redman wrote and hung a sign on his
door which became a statement and symbol for wounded
warriors everywhere. The original sign on the door now hangs
in the Wounded Ward at the National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda. Redman was honored with the Purple Heart, the
Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Defense Meritorious Service
Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement
Medal, Navy Achievement Medals and two Combat Action
Ribbons.
Following his recovery, Redman founded the non-profit
organizations Combat Wounded Coalition and Wounded Wear
to help combat wounded warriors overcome the wounds of war.
The Combat Wounded Coalition provides free clothing and
clothing modifications to combat wounded warriors. To date,
the Combat Wounded Coalition has helped over 500 wounded
warriors return to daily life after serving.
Boston Grand Prix Cancelled
July 8 - Fans can finally give up on the long awaited
IndyCar race on the streets of Boston. Boston Grand
Prix, the company trying to create the event has gone
bankrupt claiming almost $9 million in liabilities.
They were unable to fully refund customers who had
already purchased tickets for the race that was to be
held over Labor Day weekend.
Although owed $4.2 million by Boston Grand Prix,
IndyCar stepped in with a million dollars to fully refund
the customers.
"I appreciate IndyCar's willingness to step up for their
fans and help resolve this problem," Massachusetts
Attorney General Maura Healey said in a news release
earlier today. "They've gone above and beyond to be a
productive part of this solution, and their fans will reap
the benefits."
July 8 - Fans can finally give up on the long awaited
IndyCar race on the streets of Boston. Boston Grand
Prix, the company trying to create the event has gone
bankrupt claiming almost $9 million in liabilities.
They were unable to fully refund customers who had
already purchased tickets for the race that was to be
held over Labor Day weekend.
Although owed $4.2 million by Boston Grand Prix,
IndyCar stepped in with a million dollars to fully refund
the customers.
"I appreciate IndyCar's willingness to step up for their
fans and help resolve this problem," Massachusetts
Attorney General Maura Healey said in a news release
earlier today. "They've gone above and beyond to be a
productive part of this solution, and their fans will reap
the benefits."
Formula 1 also ran into problems trying to stage a street
race around NYC.
A Grand Prix in the New York metropolitan area was
announced for the 1983 season, but the race was first
postponed and then canceled. It was also scheduled for
1984 and 1985, but never managed to get off the
ground.
In May 2010, Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone
announced plans to bring a Formula One race to New
York City for the 2012 season. Various sites across
the Hudson river in NJ were proposed and the race
was added to the 2013 F1 calendar. It later got
postponed until 2014.
Permits were secured and a paddock built, but
Ecclestone announced that the 2014 Grand Prix of
America was canceled because the promoters could
not raise the $100 million required for the event
planning.
race around NYC.
A Grand Prix in the New York metropolitan area was
announced for the 1983 season, but the race was first
postponed and then canceled. It was also scheduled for
1984 and 1985, but never managed to get off the
ground.
In May 2010, Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone
announced plans to bring a Formula One race to New
York City for the 2012 season. Various sites across
the Hudson river in NJ were proposed and the race
was added to the 2013 F1 calendar. It later got
postponed until 2014.
Permits were secured and a paddock built, but
Ecclestone announced that the 2014 Grand Prix of
America was canceled because the promoters could
not raise the $100 million required for the event
planning.
Carl Haas Dead at 85
July 8 - Carl Haas, who partnered with Paul Newman
to make one of the most successful IndyCar teams,
Newman/Haas Racing, has died at the age of 86.
Haas and Newman formed one of the best open-wheel
racing teams of all time in the early '80s. Newman died
in 2008 at age 83.
Newman/Haas Racing won the IndyCar Championship:
1984 - Mario Andretti
1991 - Michael Andretti
1993 - Nigel Mansell
2002 - Cristiano da Matta
2004-2007 - Sebastien Bourdais
At the Indianapolis 500, Newman/Haas cars made 30
starts over a 28-year span from 1983-2011, with six
top-5 finishes but also several notable heartbreaks.
In 1985, Mario Andretti led 107 laps but finished second
to the remarkable "spin and win" of Danny Sullivan.
In 1987, Mario led 170 of the first 177 laps but slowed
after Lap 180 with electrical failure.
July 8 - Carl Haas, who partnered with Paul Newman
to make one of the most successful IndyCar teams,
Newman/Haas Racing, has died at the age of 86.
Haas and Newman formed one of the best open-wheel
racing teams of all time in the early '80s. Newman died
in 2008 at age 83.
Newman/Haas Racing won the IndyCar Championship:
1984 - Mario Andretti
1991 - Michael Andretti
1993 - Nigel Mansell
2002 - Cristiano da Matta
2004-2007 - Sebastien Bourdais
At the Indianapolis 500, Newman/Haas cars made 30
starts over a 28-year span from 1983-2011, with six
top-5 finishes but also several notable heartbreaks.
In 1985, Mario Andretti led 107 laps but finished second
to the remarkable "spin and win" of Danny Sullivan.
In 1987, Mario led 170 of the first 177 laps but slowed
after Lap 180 with electrical failure.
Michael Andretti finished second in 1991 after a
memorable late battle with Rick Mears, then in 1992
dominated most of the race with 160 laps led, only to
have a fuel pump break on Lap 189 while leading.
In all, Newman/Haas entries led more than 800 laps at
Indy.
Haas was also a race-car driver in the SCCA in the early
1950s before starting his Carl Haas Automotive Imports
Inc. business in 1960.
memorable late battle with Rick Mears, then in 1992
dominated most of the race with 160 laps led, only to
have a fuel pump break on Lap 189 while leading.
In all, Newman/Haas entries led more than 800 laps at
Indy.
Haas was also a race-car driver in the SCCA in the early
1950s before starting his Carl Haas Automotive Imports
Inc. business in 1960.
| Carl Haas, Michael Andretti, Mario Andretti, Paul Newman in 1992 |
Jeff Gordon Racing in Brickyard 400
July 20 - Jeff Gordon isn't done quite yet at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, even though he
retired last year.
The record five-time champion of NASCAR's
spotlight race at IMS will return to competition on
Sunday, July 24, at the Brickyard 400, filling in for
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt Jr. is sidelined while in NASCAR's
concussion protocol. Gordon, who grew up in nearby
Pittsboro, retired from full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup
competition at the end of the 2015 season. This
weekend, he will drive the No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet
for Hendrick Motorsports.
"We wish the circumstances were different, but we're
thrilled anytime we see Jeff Gordon on the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and know our fans
will love seeing him race again," said Indianapolis
Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles.
"Between Jeff making a return visit and Tony
Stewart making his final Brickyard start, this will be
a legendary weekend for Hoosier race fans at IMS!"
July 20 - Jeff Gordon isn't done quite yet at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, even though he
retired last year.
The record five-time champion of NASCAR's
spotlight race at IMS will return to competition on
Sunday, July 24, at the Brickyard 400, filling in for
Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt Jr. is sidelined while in NASCAR's
concussion protocol. Gordon, who grew up in nearby
Pittsboro, retired from full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup
competition at the end of the 2015 season. This
weekend, he will drive the No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet
for Hendrick Motorsports.
"We wish the circumstances were different, but we're
thrilled anytime we see Jeff Gordon on the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and know our fans
will love seeing him race again," said Indianapolis
Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles.
"Between Jeff making a return visit and Tony
Stewart making his final Brickyard start, this will be
a legendary weekend for Hoosier race fans at IMS!"
| Dale Earnhardt Jr will be turning his keys over for this car to Jeff Gordon |
| Jeff Gordon at Indy Speedway |
Felix Rosenqvist Next To Move Up?
July 21 - Indy Lights driver Felix Rosenqvist was
invited by Chip Ganassi Racing to test their Dallara
Chevrolet IndyCar at Mid-Ohio today. He successfully
completed 93 laps without a mistake, running just a
couple of tenths off the ultimate pace and topping the
times among the rookie drivers present (Jack Harvey,
RC Enerson, Spencer Pigot and Zachary Claman De
Melo.)
”A very good day,” says Rosenqvist. ”I went into this
with an open mind, not quite sure what to expect, and
it was incredible. So much fun. It’s a tough car to drive
with a huge amount of downforce, but I got into it
pretty quickly. I racked up a lot of laps, which was the
main priority, and the pace being that competitive was
a nice bonus. This was the most brutal car I’ve ever
driven."
Rosenqvist won both Indy Lights races for Belardi
Auto Racing last weekend at Toronto. He also won
a race at the beginning of the year in St. Petersburg.
He missed racing in Iowa and Road America to
attend the DTM round at Germany’s Norisring in his
capacity as the official Mercedes-AMG reserve driver.
While in Germany, he competed in round three of the
Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup round at the
Nürburgring, where he and teammate Tristan Vautier
finished in 10th place after starting in 27th.
July 21 - Indy Lights driver Felix Rosenqvist was
invited by Chip Ganassi Racing to test their Dallara
Chevrolet IndyCar at Mid-Ohio today. He successfully
completed 93 laps without a mistake, running just a
couple of tenths off the ultimate pace and topping the
times among the rookie drivers present (Jack Harvey,
RC Enerson, Spencer Pigot and Zachary Claman De
Melo.)
”A very good day,” says Rosenqvist. ”I went into this
with an open mind, not quite sure what to expect, and
it was incredible. So much fun. It’s a tough car to drive
with a huge amount of downforce, but I got into it
pretty quickly. I racked up a lot of laps, which was the
main priority, and the pace being that competitive was
a nice bonus. This was the most brutal car I’ve ever
driven."
Rosenqvist won both Indy Lights races for Belardi
Auto Racing last weekend at Toronto. He also won
a race at the beginning of the year in St. Petersburg.
He missed racing in Iowa and Road America to
attend the DTM round at Germany’s Norisring in his
capacity as the official Mercedes-AMG reserve driver.
While in Germany, he competed in round three of the
Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup round at the
Nürburgring, where he and teammate Tristan Vautier
finished in 10th place after starting in 27th.
| 24 y/o Swedish driver Felix Rosenqvist won the 2015 FIA F3 European Championship. |
BRICKYARD 400
MORNING PRACTICE
July 22 - Jimmie Johnson soared to the top of the
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series leaderboard Friday at
Indianapolis Motor Speedway in an opening practice
that featured the return of Jeff Gordon to
competition.
Johnson pushed the No. 48 Chevrolet to a best lap of
184.185 mph. He'll seek his fifth Indianapolis win in
Sunday's Brickyard 400.
Former Indy pole winner Denny Hamlin was
second-fastest at 182.563 mph, a sizable .434
seconds off Johnson's pace. Casey Mears (180.346
mph), Kevin Harvick (179.845 mph) and Ryan
Newman (179.784 mph) completed the top five in
the 85-minute opening session.
Gordon clocked the ninth-fastest speed, landing a
179.376 mph lap in the Hendrick Motorsports No.
88 Chevrolet.
Tony Stewart , scheduled to make his final Brickyard
start in what's to be his last full-time season, was
eighth-fastest at 179.655 mph in the Stewart-Haas
Racing No. 14 Chevrolet. The native Hoosier will be
vying for his third Brickyard victory in Sunday's
400-miler.
Defending Sprint Cup champion Kyle Busch, also
the defending race winner, was 12th-fastest but
recovered from a spin at the one-hour mark of the
session. Busch's No. 18 Toyota made a prolonged
slide out of Turn 2 after making contact with the
No. 32 Ford of Patrick Carpentier. He was coming
up fast and expected Carpentier to give him room, but
apparently Carpentier did not know he was there.
Carpentier, 44, walked over to Busch's garage stall
later in the session to issue an apology for crowding
his pass attempt. Carpentier was 39th-fastest of the
41 drivers entered during first practice.
MORNING PRACTICE
July 22 - Jimmie Johnson soared to the top of the
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series leaderboard Friday at
Indianapolis Motor Speedway in an opening practice
that featured the return of Jeff Gordon to
competition.
Johnson pushed the No. 48 Chevrolet to a best lap of
184.185 mph. He'll seek his fifth Indianapolis win in
Sunday's Brickyard 400.
Former Indy pole winner Denny Hamlin was
second-fastest at 182.563 mph, a sizable .434
seconds off Johnson's pace. Casey Mears (180.346
mph), Kevin Harvick (179.845 mph) and Ryan
Newman (179.784 mph) completed the top five in
the 85-minute opening session.
Gordon clocked the ninth-fastest speed, landing a
179.376 mph lap in the Hendrick Motorsports No.
88 Chevrolet.
Tony Stewart , scheduled to make his final Brickyard
start in what's to be his last full-time season, was
eighth-fastest at 179.655 mph in the Stewart-Haas
Racing No. 14 Chevrolet. The native Hoosier will be
vying for his third Brickyard victory in Sunday's
400-miler.
Defending Sprint Cup champion Kyle Busch, also
the defending race winner, was 12th-fastest but
recovered from a spin at the one-hour mark of the
session. Busch's No. 18 Toyota made a prolonged
slide out of Turn 2 after making contact with the
No. 32 Ford of Patrick Carpentier. He was coming
up fast and expected Carpentier to give him room, but
apparently Carpentier did not know he was there.
Carpentier, 44, walked over to Busch's garage stall
later in the session to issue an apology for crowding
his pass attempt. Carpentier was 39th-fastest of the
41 drivers entered during first practice.
AFTERNOON PRACTICE
Kyle Busch closed out final NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series practice atop the leaderboard in the afternoon.
Busch, the defending race winner, lapped the track
with a best speed of 184.619 mph as teams made
mock qualifying runs ahead of Saturday's time trials.
It marked an improvement over his 12th-best time
during Friday's opening 85-minute session at the 2.5
mile track.
Former Brickyard winner Kevin Harvick registered
the second-fastest lap, pushing the No. 4 Chevrolet to
a lap of 184.268 mph. Kyle Larson , Ryan Newman
and Carl Edwards completed the top five in the final
practice before Sunday's race.
Jeff Gordon was 25th-fastest in his second stint of
practice with a lap of 180.375 mph.
Tony Stewart was 24th-fastest with a lap at 180.505
mph.
Coors Light Pole Qualifying is tomorrow at 1:45 p.m.
ET (NBCSN). Sunday's race will be the 20th of 36
points-paying races this season.
Kyle Busch closed out final NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series practice atop the leaderboard in the afternoon.
Busch, the defending race winner, lapped the track
with a best speed of 184.619 mph as teams made
mock qualifying runs ahead of Saturday's time trials.
It marked an improvement over his 12th-best time
during Friday's opening 85-minute session at the 2.5
mile track.
Former Brickyard winner Kevin Harvick registered
the second-fastest lap, pushing the No. 4 Chevrolet to
a lap of 184.268 mph. Kyle Larson , Ryan Newman
and Carl Edwards completed the top five in the final
practice before Sunday's race.
Jeff Gordon was 25th-fastest in his second stint of
practice with a lap of 180.375 mph.
Tony Stewart was 24th-fastest with a lap at 180.505
mph.
Coors Light Pole Qualifying is tomorrow at 1:45 p.m.
ET (NBCSN). Sunday's race will be the 20th of 36
points-paying races this season.
| Kyle Busch Set Fastest Lap In Practice |
| Danica Patrick in her garage. Below is her car. |
| The Wood Brothers made Tony Stewart a A.J. Foyt Tribute Helmet for his final race at Indy. Below is Stewart's car. |
| Richard Petty watching his cars. |
| Brad Keselowski |
| Joey Logano's Helmet |
BRICKYARD 400
SPRINT CUP QUALIFYING
July 23 - Kyle Busch, last year’s winner at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will start from the
pole for his title defense on Sunday.
Busch had never qualified better than seventh in 11
previous Sprint Cup starts at IMS, but will lead the
field in the No. 18 Skittles Toyota after a lap of
184.634 mph in Saturday’s knockout qualifying.
His Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Carl Edwards, last
year’s pole winner, will start second in the No. 19
Stanley Toyota.
Tony Stewart of Columbus, Indiana, will make his
final Sprint Cup start at Indy from the third position
in his No. 14 Mobil 1/Chevy Summer Sell Down
Chevrolet. Another Joe Gibbs Toyota, the No. 11
FedEx Express of Denny Hamlin, will start next to
Stewart.
Brad Keselowski was the lone Ford in the top 12,
qualifying fifth.
Jeff Gordon failed to advance into the final 12 that
battled for the Coors Light Pole Award and will start
21st.
SPRINT CUP QUALIFYING
July 23 - Kyle Busch, last year’s winner at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will start from the
pole for his title defense on Sunday.
Busch had never qualified better than seventh in 11
previous Sprint Cup starts at IMS, but will lead the
field in the No. 18 Skittles Toyota after a lap of
184.634 mph in Saturday’s knockout qualifying.
His Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Carl Edwards, last
year’s pole winner, will start second in the No. 19
Stanley Toyota.
Tony Stewart of Columbus, Indiana, will make his
final Sprint Cup start at Indy from the third position
in his No. 14 Mobil 1/Chevy Summer Sell Down
Chevrolet. Another Joe Gibbs Toyota, the No. 11
FedEx Express of Denny Hamlin, will start next to
Stewart.
Brad Keselowski was the lone Ford in the top 12,
qualifying fifth.
Jeff Gordon failed to advance into the final 12 that
battled for the Coors Light Pole Award and will start
21st.
The Brickyard 400 attracts many stars, but I was still
surprised to see Santa Claus arrive to give the opening
benediction before the first Xfinity heat race. With a heat
index of 96 degrees, Santa left his reindeer at the North Pole.
surprised to see Santa Claus arrive to give the opening
benediction before the first Xfinity heat race. With a heat
index of 96 degrees, Santa left his reindeer at the North Pole.
| DASH 4 CASH Explained: NASCAR XFINITY's Dash 4 Cash is held at four race tracks: Bristol, Richmond, Dover and Indianapolis. The prize is $100,000. First, qualifying for the main race takes place. Then two heat races are ran. The grid for the first heat race is made up of the odd number qualifiers and the grid for the second heat race grid is made up of the even numbered qualifiers. The two highest finishing regular Xfinity drivers from both heats will compete for the prize. Which ever of those 4 drivers that finishes the main race in the highest position wins the money. |
LILLY'S DIABETES 250
Kyle Busch was the top qualifier for the Lilly
Diabetes 250.
Busch won the first 20-lap heat race and Erik Jones
won the 2nd 20-lap heat race.
Daniel Suarez, Elliott Sadler, Erik Jones and
Justin Allgaier are eligible for the Dash-4-
Cash in the main race, which is 60 laps.
Even though there were numerous restarts during the
250 race, Busch controlled it all and won the Xfinity
race on old tires.
Justin Allgaier finished 5th and won the Dash 4
Cash.
Kyle Busch was the top qualifier for the Lilly
Diabetes 250.
Busch won the first 20-lap heat race and Erik Jones
won the 2nd 20-lap heat race.
Daniel Suarez, Elliott Sadler, Erik Jones and
Justin Allgaier are eligible for the Dash-4-
Cash in the main race, which is 60 laps.
Even though there were numerous restarts during the
250 race, Busch controlled it all and won the Xfinity
race on old tires.
Justin Allgaier finished 5th and won the Dash 4
Cash.
| There was a Kid Rock concert in the Speedway at the end of the day. |
| Kyle Busch seems to be unstoppable. |
Tony George Is Back
July 25 - Tony George is the new Chairman of the
Board of Hulman & Company, which owns IMS and the
IndyCar Series.
The news came as George was introduced to give the
command to start engines for NASCAR’s Brickyard 400,
an event he brought to IMS in 1994. He also brought
Formula 1 to IMS in 2000.
George said that he was named chair at the board's March
meeting, but this was the first public mention.
July 25 - Tony George is the new Chairman of the
Board of Hulman & Company, which owns IMS and the
IndyCar Series.
The news came as George was introduced to give the
command to start engines for NASCAR’s Brickyard 400,
an event he brought to IMS in 1994. He also brought
Formula 1 to IMS in 2000.
George said that he was named chair at the board's March
meeting, but this was the first public mention.
BRICKYARD 400 RACE
July 24 - The 400-mile NASCAR summer classic at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway turned out to be a record
425-miler, but the winner was never really in doubt.
Kyle Busch survived four late restarts in the last 18 laps
to triumph for the second consecutive year at Indys,
winning the Crown Royal presents the Combat Wounded
Coalition 400 at the Brickyard by 2.126 seconds over Joe
Gibbs Racing teammate Matt Kenseth. He led a record
149 of 170 laps after starting from the pole. The laps he
did not lead were due to pit stops he made while the new
leader stayed out.
Busch is the second driver to win back-to-back NASCAR
Sprint Cup races at Indy, joining Jimmie Johnson
(2008-09).
July 24 - The 400-mile NASCAR summer classic at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway turned out to be a record
425-miler, but the winner was never really in doubt.
Kyle Busch survived four late restarts in the last 18 laps
to triumph for the second consecutive year at Indys,
winning the Crown Royal presents the Combat Wounded
Coalition 400 at the Brickyard by 2.126 seconds over Joe
Gibbs Racing teammate Matt Kenseth. He led a record
149 of 170 laps after starting from the pole. The laps he
did not lead were due to pit stops he made while the new
leader stayed out.
Busch is the second driver to win back-to-back NASCAR
Sprint Cup races at Indy, joining Jimmie Johnson
(2008-09).
George, 56, replaced his mother, Mari Hulman George,
the daughter of Tony Hulman, who purchased the track
in 1945.
George became IMS president in 1990 and was later
named chief executive officer. The Indy Racing League
he founded started racing in 1996.
George was forced out of his leadership positions in 2009.
He rejoined the board of directors in 2013.
the daughter of Tony Hulman, who purchased the track
in 1945.
George became IMS president in 1990 and was later
named chief executive officer. The Indy Racing League
he founded started racing in 1996.
George was forced out of his leadership positions in 2009.
He rejoined the board of directors in 2013.
Kyle Busch's son
Lap 164 - #1 McMurray moves to
inside at end of front straightaway,
tapped by #14 Stewart. #1 McMurray
spins into access road and up track
across Turn 1, collects #31 Newman.
Also collected: #44 Scott, #3 Dillon.
inside at end of front straightaway,
tapped by #14 Stewart. #1 McMurray
spins into access road and up track
across Turn 1, collects #31 Newman.
Also collected: #44 Scott, #3 Dillon.
Through Turn 1
Busch is the first driver in NASCAR history to sweep the
poles and races in both national series in one weekend.
Car owner Joe Gibbs was able to add to his trophy case
with his fifth Brickyard win since 2000. After the 1-2
Toyota finish followed Jimmie Johnson, who came from
a lap down to rally for third. Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny
Hamlin finished fourth and Kyle Larson took fifth.
Tony Stewart finished 11th in his final Brickyard start,
while Jeff Gordon finished 13th. Once the race was
completed, the Hoosiers took one more pace lap around
the track, perhaps for the last time together.
It was a hot day where temperatures reached into the 90s.
poles and races in both national series in one weekend.
Car owner Joe Gibbs was able to add to his trophy case
with his fifth Brickyard win since 2000. After the 1-2
Toyota finish followed Jimmie Johnson, who came from
a lap down to rally for third. Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny
Hamlin finished fourth and Kyle Larson took fifth.
Tony Stewart finished 11th in his final Brickyard start,
while Jeff Gordon finished 13th. Once the race was
completed, the Hoosiers took one more pace lap around
the track, perhaps for the last time together.
It was a hot day where temperatures reached into the 90s.
Kyle Busch Celebrates Win
Pit stops
Green Flag!
Gasoline Alley Cafe
Drivers walk toward the Driver
Introductions.
Introductions.
Stewart and Gordon drive an extra lap
together.
together.
Jeff Gordon in 1994, his first year in
NASCAR Cup
NASCAR Cup
Tony Stewart in 1999, his first
year in NASCAR Cup.
year in NASCAR Cup.
Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon at
their last Brickyard 400
their last Brickyard 400
Mustang Club's 40th Anniversary at IMS
July 29 - Mustang Club of America is celebrating its 40th
anniversary at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with an
exciting lineup of performance cars and track events. The
MCA celebration will be held Sept. 1 – Sept. 4, and will
feature heart-pounding action and excitement for
automotive enthusiasts of all ages from around the globe.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of MCA
at Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said Jeff Mays,
President, Mustang Club of America. “This MCA
celebration will be unbelievable as we honor four decades
of our club’s history. Enthusiasts from across the globe
are planning to attend our larger-than-life event, as we
share personal stories about Ford’s legendary pony car.”
July 29 - Mustang Club of America is celebrating its 40th
anniversary at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with an
exciting lineup of performance cars and track events. The
MCA celebration will be held Sept. 1 – Sept. 4, and will
feature heart-pounding action and excitement for
automotive enthusiasts of all ages from around the globe.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of MCA
at Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said Jeff Mays,
President, Mustang Club of America. “This MCA
celebration will be unbelievable as we honor four decades
of our club’s history. Enthusiasts from across the globe
are planning to attend our larger-than-life event, as we
share personal stories about Ford’s legendary pony car.”
Throughout the weekend, Mustang enthusiasts will have
plenty to feed their appetite including exciting track events
and performance ride-and-drives at Indianapolis Motor
Speedway, vendor booths and demonstrations offering the
latest in performance technology. For those looking for a
little down time, MCA will also have designated car corral
areas for individual MCA chapters, as well as members of
Shelby American Automobile Club and Team Shelby.
In addition to activities throughout the day, attendees are
also encouraged to take part in MCA’s nightly events.
These will include a Night at the Museum on Thursday,
the world’s longest Mustang Parade on Friday and an
MCA banquet on Saturday night featuring special guests
and honorary speakers.
Details continue to be finalized for the event. Information
is continuously updated on a special website -
www.mca40th.com
plenty to feed their appetite including exciting track events
and performance ride-and-drives at Indianapolis Motor
Speedway, vendor booths and demonstrations offering the
latest in performance technology. For those looking for a
little down time, MCA will also have designated car corral
areas for individual MCA chapters, as well as members of
Shelby American Automobile Club and Team Shelby.
In addition to activities throughout the day, attendees are
also encouraged to take part in MCA’s nightly events.
These will include a Night at the Museum on Thursday,
the world’s longest Mustang Parade on Friday and an
MCA banquet on Saturday night featuring special guests
and honorary speakers.
Details continue to be finalized for the event. Information
is continuously updated on a special website -
www.mca40th.com
New IndyCar Driver
July 30 - RC Enerson is stepping up to IndyCar this
weekend as the series returns to Mid-Ohio road course.
He finished 4th in points last year in Indy Lights, his lone
race win was at Mid-Ohio. This year his best result was
3rd, at Phoenix. He also had a 4th and 6th place finish in
Alabama and a 5th in St. Petersburg.
However, by Road America, Enerson was only 7th in the
Indy Light series standings. Deciding he had no chance to
win the championship, he quit the Schmidt Peterson
Motorsport team to save his money and hope for a
chance at IndyCar.
Schmidt Peterson then filed a lawsuit against RC
Enerson and his father's company Team E, citing breach
of contract.
After getting to participate in the informal "young guns"
test at Mid-Ohio last week, he got a 3-race offer from
Dale Coyne Racing this week.
The race paddock was impressed yesterday when he
came out for his first practice and finished 10th fastest and
the 2nd fastest Honda; Graham Rahal was the faster
Honda.
Enerson is 19 years old and hails from New Port Richey,
Florida.
July 30 - RC Enerson is stepping up to IndyCar this
weekend as the series returns to Mid-Ohio road course.
He finished 4th in points last year in Indy Lights, his lone
race win was at Mid-Ohio. This year his best result was
3rd, at Phoenix. He also had a 4th and 6th place finish in
Alabama and a 5th in St. Petersburg.
However, by Road America, Enerson was only 7th in the
Indy Light series standings. Deciding he had no chance to
win the championship, he quit the Schmidt Peterson
Motorsport team to save his money and hope for a
chance at IndyCar.
Schmidt Peterson then filed a lawsuit against RC
Enerson and his father's company Team E, citing breach
of contract.
After getting to participate in the informal "young guns"
test at Mid-Ohio last week, he got a 3-race offer from
Dale Coyne Racing this week.
The race paddock was impressed yesterday when he
came out for his first practice and finished 10th fastest and
the 2nd fastest Honda; Graham Rahal was the faster
Honda.
Enerson is 19 years old and hails from New Port Richey,
Florida.
Target Leaving IndyCar
July 30 - The most enduring relationship between a
sponsor and an IndyCar team will come to an end in
September when Target departs Chip Ganassi Racing's
open-wheel program.
Established in 1990, the partnership between the team,
which renamed itself Target Chip Ganassi Racing in
deference to its primary backer, lasted an unprecedented
27 years.
Together, they've earned 11 IndyCar championships and
four Indy 500 wins, with the most recent title coming in
2015 with Scott Dixon.
It all began with American driver Eddie Cheever who
spent the Eighties racing in Formula 1 and returned home
in 1990 to represent Ganassi and Target in IndyCar.
The road leading to the Minnesota-based company
departing IndyCar was set in motion in 2014 when its
longtime CEO—an avid racing fan and ardent supporter
of TCGR—was replaced. Under its new CEO, Ganassi's
IndyCar budget was slashed as its two-car program was
pared to one Target-sponsored car for Dixon starting in
2014.
Target's livery will appear on Dixon’s entry only for the last
five races of this season.
Ganassi has vowed to keep his four-car IndyCar team
intact and to find a replacement for Target to adorn
Dixon's entry in 2017 and beyond.
Target will continue to sponsor Ganassi’s NASCAR Sprint
Cup Series car currently driven by Kyle Larson.
July 30 - The most enduring relationship between a
sponsor and an IndyCar team will come to an end in
September when Target departs Chip Ganassi Racing's
open-wheel program.
Established in 1990, the partnership between the team,
which renamed itself Target Chip Ganassi Racing in
deference to its primary backer, lasted an unprecedented
27 years.
Together, they've earned 11 IndyCar championships and
four Indy 500 wins, with the most recent title coming in
2015 with Scott Dixon.
It all began with American driver Eddie Cheever who
spent the Eighties racing in Formula 1 and returned home
in 1990 to represent Ganassi and Target in IndyCar.
The road leading to the Minnesota-based company
departing IndyCar was set in motion in 2014 when its
longtime CEO—an avid racing fan and ardent supporter
of TCGR—was replaced. Under its new CEO, Ganassi's
IndyCar budget was slashed as its two-car program was
pared to one Target-sponsored car for Dixon starting in
2014.
Target's livery will appear on Dixon’s entry only for the last
five races of this season.
Ganassi has vowed to keep his four-car IndyCar team
intact and to find a replacement for Target to adorn
Dixon's entry in 2017 and beyond.
Target will continue to sponsor Ganassi’s NASCAR Sprint
Cup Series car currently driven by Kyle Larson.
| RC Enerson at Mid-Ohio 2016 |
| 1990 - Eddie Cheever |
| 1993 - Arie Luyendyk |
| 2010 - Dario Franchitti |
| 2000 - Juan Montoya |
| TARGET LIVERIES THROUGH THE YEARS |
| 1999 - Jimmy Vasser - Superman paint scheme |
Some other IndyCar drivers who have raced under the Target Chip Ganassi banner include Alex Zanardi, Dan Wheldon, Ryan
Briscoe, Tony Kanaan, Michael Andretti, Kenny Brack, Bruno Junqueira and Darren Manning
Briscoe, Tony Kanaan, Michael Andretti, Kenny Brack, Bruno Junqueira and Darren Manning
Bernie and the Kidnapping
July 30 - I was not surprised to hear about a
kidnapping happening in Brazil since it is common
down there.
I was surprised to hear Bernie Ecclestone's
mother-in-law had been kidnapped though. How
could this 85 year old billionaire have a
mother-in-law still alive?!
It turns out that he married a woman 47 years his
junior in 2012. Her mom is just 67. So basically,
this great-grandfather married a woman who is
young enough to be his granddaughter.
His last divorce settlement cost him over a billion
dollars.
There's no fool like an old fool.
Anyway, the kidnappers were caught before they
could collect the $36.5 million ransom and the
hostage was uninjured.
July 30 - I was not surprised to hear about a
kidnapping happening in Brazil since it is common
down there.
I was surprised to hear Bernie Ecclestone's
mother-in-law had been kidnapped though. How
could this 85 year old billionaire have a
mother-in-law still alive?!
It turns out that he married a woman 47 years his
junior in 2012. Her mom is just 67. So basically,
this great-grandfather married a woman who is
young enough to be his granddaughter.
His last divorce settlement cost him over a billion
dollars.
There's no fool like an old fool.
Anyway, the kidnappers were caught before they
could collect the $36.5 million ransom and the
hostage was uninjured.
| Mr & Mrs Ecclestone |
