| Mind Games with Danica feat. Marco |
| May 2018 News |
The 42nd Mini-Marathon
May 5 - It was a beautiful day for thousands of
people to run the annual 13.1 mile race.
May 5 - It was a beautiful day for thousands of
people to run the annual 13.1 mile race.
| RACE NEWS & VIEWS |
| Most recent news is at bottom of page. |
Daniel Mesfun, a 30 year-old from East
Africa, won the men's division with a
time of 1:03.27
Africa, won the men's division with a
time of 1:03.27
Dayna Pidhoresky, a 31-year-old
Canadian, was the female winner
with a time of 1:12.45
Canadian, was the female winner
with a time of 1:12.45
James Senbeta, a 31 year-old
American from Philadelphia,
won the wheelchair division.
American from Philadelphia,
won the wheelchair division.
Fittipaldi sustained a compound fracture of his lower left
leg and a broken right ankle in the accident.
He underwent surgery in hospital in Liege last night and
was subsequently moved out of intensive care this
morning. Fittipaldi is expected to remain in hospital in
Belgium for several days.
Fittipaldi's father, Gugu da Cruz, has stated that his son
could be ready to resume his twin programmes in Indy
Car and Super Formula in eight weeks.
Who will drive the Dale Coyne Racing’s No. 19 Paysafe
Honda for next week’s INDYCAR Grand Prix and the
May 27 Indianapolis 500, which Fittipaldi was slated to
race, is not known.
On a positive note, Fernando Alonso tasted victory for
the first time in five years, winning the 6-hour race along
side teammates Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima
in the No. 8 TS050 Hybrid. Also, ex-IndyCar driver
Mike Conway finished in 2nd in the other Toyota Hybrid.
leg and a broken right ankle in the accident.
He underwent surgery in hospital in Liege last night and
was subsequently moved out of intensive care this
morning. Fittipaldi is expected to remain in hospital in
Belgium for several days.
Fittipaldi's father, Gugu da Cruz, has stated that his son
could be ready to resume his twin programmes in Indy
Car and Super Formula in eight weeks.
Who will drive the Dale Coyne Racing’s No. 19 Paysafe
Honda for next week’s INDYCAR Grand Prix and the
May 27 Indianapolis 500, which Fittipaldi was slated to
race, is not known.
On a positive note, Fernando Alonso tasted victory for
the first time in five years, winning the 6-hour race along
side teammates Sébastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima
in the No. 8 TS050 Hybrid. Also, ex-IndyCar driver
Mike Conway finished in 2nd in the other Toyota Hybrid.
Fittipaldi Will Miss Indy
May 5 - IndyCar Series rookie Pietro Fittipaldi has been
hospitalized following a crash in LMP qualifying for the 6
Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
Fittipaldi, who made his IndyCar debut at Phoenix in
April, was competing in the FIA World Endurance
Championship event’s top class with DragonSpeed.
The 21-year-old Brazilian - one of two IndyCar drivers
on the sports car grid in Belgium alongside Tony Kanaan
- sustained non-life-threatening leg injuries after his No.10
BR1 left the track at high speed and made contact at
Raidillon.
He remained conscious and was attended to immediately
by the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Medical Services and
FIA Medical Delegate Jacques Tropenat. After he was
extracted from the car, Fittipaldi was transported by air to
CHR de la Citadelle in Liege, Belgium.
May 5 - IndyCar Series rookie Pietro Fittipaldi has been
hospitalized following a crash in LMP qualifying for the 6
Hours of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
Fittipaldi, who made his IndyCar debut at Phoenix in
April, was competing in the FIA World Endurance
Championship event’s top class with DragonSpeed.
The 21-year-old Brazilian - one of two IndyCar drivers
on the sports car grid in Belgium alongside Tony Kanaan
- sustained non-life-threatening leg injuries after his No.10
BR1 left the track at high speed and made contact at
Raidillon.
He remained conscious and was attended to immediately
by the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps Medical Services and
FIA Medical Delegate Jacques Tropenat. After he was
extracted from the car, Fittipaldi was transported by air to
CHR de la Citadelle in Liege, Belgium.
Melo Will Race in Grand Prix
May 5 - The injured Pietro Fittipaldi has been splitting
driving duties for the Dale Coyne Racing No. 19 Paysafe
Honda with Zachary de Melo. Fittipaldi was supposed to
run both races at Indy this month.
Melo will be filling in for Fittipaldi in this week's IndyCar
Grand Prix.
However, Coyne has not yet said who will pilot the car in
the Indy 500 May 27th.
May 5 - The injured Pietro Fittipaldi has been splitting
driving duties for the Dale Coyne Racing No. 19 Paysafe
Honda with Zachary de Melo. Fittipaldi was supposed to
run both races at Indy this month.
Melo will be filling in for Fittipaldi in this week's IndyCar
Grand Prix.
However, Coyne has not yet said who will pilot the car in
the Indy 500 May 27th.
| Pietro Fittipaldi |
| Zachary de Melo |
IndyCar Grand Prix Qualifying
May 11 - Will Power’s record at the IndyCar Grand Prix
has been perfect when he’s started the race from the pole
position.
The Team Penske driver won the race from the first
starting position in 2015 and 2017, and looks to do it again
Saturday after earning the Pole Positioin in knockout
qualifying today for the fifth annual IndyCar race on the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
In the Fast Six – the last of three qualifying rounds –
Power’s final lap of 1 minute, 9.8182 seconds (125.761
mph) in the No. 12 Chevrolet edged Schmidt Peterson
Motorsports rookie Robert Wickens by less than a tenth
of a second for top honors.
In doing so, Power earned the 51st pole of his IndyCar
career to break a tie with Helio Castroneves for third
place on the all-time list. Mario Andretti is the all-time
leader with 67 pole positions. (A.J. Foyt had 53 poles.)
Twenty-four cars will take the green flag in Saturday’s
85-lap race, with live coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. ET
on ABC.
May 11 - Will Power’s record at the IndyCar Grand Prix
has been perfect when he’s started the race from the pole
position.
The Team Penske driver won the race from the first
starting position in 2015 and 2017, and looks to do it again
Saturday after earning the Pole Positioin in knockout
qualifying today for the fifth annual IndyCar race on the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
In the Fast Six – the last of three qualifying rounds –
Power’s final lap of 1 minute, 9.8182 seconds (125.761
mph) in the No. 12 Chevrolet edged Schmidt Peterson
Motorsports rookie Robert Wickens by less than a tenth
of a second for top honors.
In doing so, Power earned the 51st pole of his IndyCar
career to break a tie with Helio Castroneves for third
place on the all-time list. Mario Andretti is the all-time
leader with 67 pole positions. (A.J. Foyt had 53 poles.)
Twenty-four cars will take the green flag in Saturday’s
85-lap race, with live coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. ET
on ABC.
| Will Power with family after winning Pole for tomorrow's Grand Prix. |
| INDY 500 NEWS |
IndyCar Grand Prix
May 12 - Will Power has yet to win an Indianapolis 500
in 10 tries, but he burnished his status as the master of the
IMS road course by winning the INDYCAR Grand Prix
for the third time.
But this was no parade for Power, who dueled in the
middle stretches of the race with rookie Robert Wickens,
and again in the final laps saving fuel and attempting to
maintain a slim gap on master fuel miser Scott Dixon.
“I’ve never driven so hard for an entire race. I was 100
percent the entire time,” said Power, who crossed the
finish line 2.2443 seconds ahead of Dixon.
“I’m exhausted.”
Power led 56 of 85 laps. He ceded the lead on a Lap 20
pit sequence and saw Wickens build as much as 4.5-
second lead on alternate red Firestone tires that provide
more grip and therefore speed as Power utilized Firestone
standard blacks, which maintain their durability longer.
Wickens took primary tires after a Lap 41 stop, and
Power alternates, using them with his push-to-pass to
execute a pass for the lead on the outside coming out of
Turn 1 on Lap 51. Wickens made a bid through the first
two turn sequences, but Power repulsed him to run off
again.
Power appeared on a glide pattern for victory until team
mate Josef Newgarden spun off Turn 12 attempting to
pass Sebastien Bourdais for third on Lap 56. The full-
course caution put the entire field on the same tire and fuel
program, and Dixon third on the restart with 25 laps left.
Dixon passed Wickens for second but never seriously
challenged Power.
May 12 - Will Power has yet to win an Indianapolis 500
in 10 tries, but he burnished his status as the master of the
IMS road course by winning the INDYCAR Grand Prix
for the third time.
But this was no parade for Power, who dueled in the
middle stretches of the race with rookie Robert Wickens,
and again in the final laps saving fuel and attempting to
maintain a slim gap on master fuel miser Scott Dixon.
“I’ve never driven so hard for an entire race. I was 100
percent the entire time,” said Power, who crossed the
finish line 2.2443 seconds ahead of Dixon.
“I’m exhausted.”
Power led 56 of 85 laps. He ceded the lead on a Lap 20
pit sequence and saw Wickens build as much as 4.5-
second lead on alternate red Firestone tires that provide
more grip and therefore speed as Power utilized Firestone
standard blacks, which maintain their durability longer.
Wickens took primary tires after a Lap 41 stop, and
Power alternates, using them with his push-to-pass to
execute a pass for the lead on the outside coming out of
Turn 1 on Lap 51. Wickens made a bid through the first
two turn sequences, but Power repulsed him to run off
again.
Power appeared on a glide pattern for victory until team
mate Josef Newgarden spun off Turn 12 attempting to
pass Sebastien Bourdais for third on Lap 56. The full-
course caution put the entire field on the same tire and fuel
program, and Dixon third on the restart with 25 laps left.
Dixon passed Wickens for second but never seriously
challenged Power.
| Tuesday May 15th DAY 1 Rookie Orientation and Practice |
Thor To Wave Green Flag
Avenger, God of Thunder and TAG Heuer
brand ambassador The Mighty Thor will serve
as honorary starter for the 102nd Running of
the Indianapolis 500, waving the green flag on
Sunday, May 27 at the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway.
Thor was recently seen preventing the end of
the universe. He has been a protector of the
planet Earth since 1970.
"I am very excited for the Indy 500 this year,"
the Asgardian said. "As a TAG Heuer
ambassador and motorsport fan, it's an
incredible honor to wave the green flag. It is
going to be an exciting moment, and I am
happy to be here with TAG Heuer. Praise
Oden!"
Avenger, God of Thunder and TAG Heuer
brand ambassador The Mighty Thor will serve
as honorary starter for the 102nd Running of
the Indianapolis 500, waving the green flag on
Sunday, May 27 at the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway.
Thor was recently seen preventing the end of
the universe. He has been a protector of the
planet Earth since 1970.
"I am very excited for the Indy 500 this year,"
the Asgardian said. "As a TAG Heuer
ambassador and motorsport fan, it's an
incredible honor to wave the green flag. It is
going to be an exciting moment, and I am
happy to be here with TAG Heuer. Praise
Oden!"
National Anthem
Multiple Grammy Award-winning superstar Kelly Clarkson
will perform the national anthem before the start of the
Indianapolis 500.
Clarkson will sing on Race Day in the traditional spot before
the 33 drivers are called to their cars in front of the largest
single-day spectator sporting event crowd in the world.
Clarkson, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, first rose to fame
in 2002 as the winner of the inaugural season of "American
Idol." She has grown to become one of the most popular
artists of any era, with more than 100 No. 1 singles on all
Billboard charts and total worldwide sales of more than 25
million albums and 36 million singles.
She has won three Grammy Awards, four American Music
Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Academy of
Country Music Awards, two American Country Awards and
one Country Music Association Award.
This will be the second time Clarkson has performed the
anthem before the Indianapolis 500, as she also sang in 2011
with Seal while accompanied on piano by David Foster.
Multiple Grammy Award-winning superstar Kelly Clarkson
will perform the national anthem before the start of the
Indianapolis 500.
Clarkson will sing on Race Day in the traditional spot before
the 33 drivers are called to their cars in front of the largest
single-day spectator sporting event crowd in the world.
Clarkson, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, first rose to fame
in 2002 as the winner of the inaugural season of "American
Idol." She has grown to become one of the most popular
artists of any era, with more than 100 No. 1 singles on all
Billboard charts and total worldwide sales of more than 25
million albums and 36 million singles.
She has won three Grammy Awards, four American Music
Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, two Academy of
Country Music Awards, two American Country Awards and
one Country Music Association Award.
This will be the second time Clarkson has performed the
anthem before the Indianapolis 500, as she also sang in 2011
with Seal while accompanied on piano by David Foster.
| Kelly Clarkson |
This week’s four scheduled days of practice lead up to
qualifying for the 102nd running of
“The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”
on Saturday and Sunday
Simon Pagenaud ran the fastest lap of the day during
the 2-hour morning session with an average speed of
225.787 mph.
In between the two open practices, a two-hour session
allowed Dale Coyne Racing’s Zachary De Melo to
complete his Indy 500 rookie orientation program. He
filled in for injured Pietro Fittipaldi at the IndyCar
Grand Prix last weekend and has been selected to fill his
shoes at the Indy 500 as well. Also, James Davison,
Oriol Servia and Stefan Wilson finished their refresher
programs.
The day also featured the official return to IndyCar racing
for Danica Patrick, who’s looking to end her racing
career in the Indianapolis 500.
Patrick ran 91 laps and was 20th on the overall speed
chart with a lap of 222.728 mph.
Helio Castroneves likewise made his official return to
the IMS oval. After 20 years driving Indy cars for a living,
the 43-year-old Brazilian moved full time to Team
Penske’s new sports car program this season, but is back
this month in search of a record-tying fourth Indy 500
triumph.
“We started right away with a good pace,” Castroneves
said. “Good job (by) everyone, running issue-free. We still
have a long way to go, but it was a very base test with the
new car actually, with traffic and everything. Looking
forward to another day tomorrow, so we continue to work
and pursue that right result.”
Patrick’s teammate, ECR owner/driver Ed Carpenter,
logged the fastest lap of the day without benefit of a tow
from a car in front, 221.564 mph.
Practice was stopped briefly for rain and a track inspection
but there were no incidents.
In total, 2,261 laps were turned by the 34 drivers without
incident. Practice was stopped twice for a total of 71
minutes for light rain and lightning at the track.
qualifying for the 102nd running of
“The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”
on Saturday and Sunday
Simon Pagenaud ran the fastest lap of the day during
the 2-hour morning session with an average speed of
225.787 mph.
In between the two open practices, a two-hour session
allowed Dale Coyne Racing’s Zachary De Melo to
complete his Indy 500 rookie orientation program. He
filled in for injured Pietro Fittipaldi at the IndyCar
Grand Prix last weekend and has been selected to fill his
shoes at the Indy 500 as well. Also, James Davison,
Oriol Servia and Stefan Wilson finished their refresher
programs.
The day also featured the official return to IndyCar racing
for Danica Patrick, who’s looking to end her racing
career in the Indianapolis 500.
Patrick ran 91 laps and was 20th on the overall speed
chart with a lap of 222.728 mph.
Helio Castroneves likewise made his official return to
the IMS oval. After 20 years driving Indy cars for a living,
the 43-year-old Brazilian moved full time to Team
Penske’s new sports car program this season, but is back
this month in search of a record-tying fourth Indy 500
triumph.
“We started right away with a good pace,” Castroneves
said. “Good job (by) everyone, running issue-free. We still
have a long way to go, but it was a very base test with the
new car actually, with traffic and everything. Looking
forward to another day tomorrow, so we continue to work
and pursue that right result.”
Patrick’s teammate, ECR owner/driver Ed Carpenter,
logged the fastest lap of the day without benefit of a tow
from a car in front, 221.564 mph.
Practice was stopped briefly for rain and a track inspection
but there were no incidents.
In total, 2,261 laps were turned by the 34 drivers without
incident. Practice was stopped twice for a total of 71
minutes for light rain and lightning at the track.
| Simon Pagenaud |
| Danica Patrick |
| Simon Pagenaud and Jordan King go off |
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 25
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 25
Simon Pagenaud
Marco Andretti
Graham Rahal
Marco Andretti
Helio Castroneves
Ed Carpenter
Sage Karam
Tony Kanaan
Marco Andretti
Graham Rahal
Marco Andretti
Helio Castroneves
Ed Carpenter
Sage Karam
Tony Kanaan
225.787 mph
227.053 mph
226.047 mph
231.802 mph
228.919 mph
230.088 mph
226.461 mph
227.791 mph
227.053 mph
226.047 mph
231.802 mph
228.919 mph
230.088 mph
226.461 mph
227.791 mph
Date
Driver
Speed
| FASTEST LAP SPEED IN PRACTICE |
May 17
May 18
May 21
May 18
May 21
JR Hildebrand
James Davison
Robert Wickens
James Davison
Robert Wickens
Brushed N ShortChute wall.
Hit T2 wall hard
Slammed into T2 wall
Hit T2 wall hard
Slammed into T2 wall
| TRACK MISHAPS THIS MONTH (not including Grand Prix) |
He's Ok
knee, cleared
He's Ok
knee, cleared
He's Ok
| Wendnesday May 16th DAY 2 Practice |
Marco Andretti was fastest in today’s seven-hour session, turning a 227.053-mph lap in the No. 98 car.
All of the fast laps were completed with the aid of the aerodynamic tow from leading cars in a group.
The best lap of the day recorded without a tow went to Tony Kanaan, at 223.048 mph in the No. 14 car.
The best lap of the day recorded without a tow went to Tony Kanaan, at 223.048 mph in the No. 14 car.
The weather was nice today at the speedway.
All 35 entered drivers saw track time today, running a total of 3,349 laps without incident.
Fifteen drivers turned more than 100 laps each, led by James Hinchcliffe with 129 in the No. 5 car.
All 35 entered drivers saw track time today, running a total of 3,349 laps without incident.
Fifteen drivers turned more than 100 laps each, led by James Hinchcliffe with 129 in the No. 5 car.
DRIVERS FASTER THAN 225 MPH TODAY
| With Danica's neon green paintjob, I'll have to wear sunglasses even if it's cloudy. |
Indiana Pacer Will Drive Pace Car
May 17 - Victor Oladipo, who blossomed into an NBA
All-Star in his first season with the Indiana Pacers, will
drive the 2019 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car and lead the field
of 33 drivers to the start of the Indianapolis 500.
The arrival in Indiana was a popular homecoming for
Oladipo, who produced an outstanding college career and
was a fan favorite for three seasons at Indiana University
from 2010-13.
During his college career at IU, Oladipo was a consensus
first-team All-American in his final season with the
Hoosiers in 2012-13. He was selected second overall in
the NBA Draft in 2013 by the Orlando Magic.
"This is a tremendous honor for me," Oladipo said. "I'm
so thankful Indiana continues to embrace me, from
Indiana University to the Pacers and now the
Indianapolis 500, the greatest race in the world. I would
like to thank Chevrolet, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
and the Pacers for allowing me this once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. Excited is a huge understatement to how I
feel about this. I can't wait."
May 17 - Victor Oladipo, who blossomed into an NBA
All-Star in his first season with the Indiana Pacers, will
drive the 2019 Corvette ZR1 Pace Car and lead the field
of 33 drivers to the start of the Indianapolis 500.
The arrival in Indiana was a popular homecoming for
Oladipo, who produced an outstanding college career and
was a fan favorite for three seasons at Indiana University
from 2010-13.
During his college career at IU, Oladipo was a consensus
first-team All-American in his final season with the
Hoosiers in 2012-13. He was selected second overall in
the NBA Draft in 2013 by the Orlando Magic.
"This is a tremendous honor for me," Oladipo said. "I'm
so thankful Indiana continues to embrace me, from
Indiana University to the Pacers and now the
Indianapolis 500, the greatest race in the world. I would
like to thank Chevrolet, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
and the Pacers for allowing me this once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity. Excited is a huge understatement to how I
feel about this. I can't wait."
| Thursday May 17th DAY 3 Practice |
Pietro Fittipaldi showed up at the speedway today in a
wheelchair. His broken left leg and right ankle prevents
him from competing in his first Indy 500. He hopes to be
back in a Dale Coyne Racing Indy car at Mid-Ohio at the
end of July.
wheelchair. His broken left leg and right ankle prevents
him from competing in his first Indy 500. He hopes to be
back in a Dale Coyne Racing Indy car at Mid-Ohio at the
end of July.
Graham Rahal was fastest today at 226.047 mph. His
teammate, reigning Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato had
a bad day and said the car was very difficult to handle in
traffic and the car was creating a lot of drag.
Rahal said, "There's a common misconception that this
car has less downforce and less drag. It doesn't here.
This is the only package, the speedway package, is
draggier than the Honda package from last year. Both
packages from last year."
Rahal suggested that because of the added drag, he thinks
qualifying speeds — even with the added power boost on
Fast Friday — will drop off from last year. Rahal
speculated speeds could top out at around 228 or 229
mph whereas last year, Scott Dixon won the pole with a
top speed in excess of 232 mph.
"That drag is what kills the speed, " Rahal explained.
"When we're talking about more drag, we're talking
about 60 pounds, which is 6 mph. The only way you
make up for that is horsepower nowadays.
"I do think there's going to be a lot of people very close
together (in qualifying). I think from one end to the other
end, one mile an hour could make 15 positions, which
has never happened at this place."
teammate, reigning Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato had
a bad day and said the car was very difficult to handle in
traffic and the car was creating a lot of drag.
Rahal said, "There's a common misconception that this
car has less downforce and less drag. It doesn't here.
This is the only package, the speedway package, is
draggier than the Honda package from last year. Both
packages from last year."
Rahal suggested that because of the added drag, he thinks
qualifying speeds — even with the added power boost on
Fast Friday — will drop off from last year. Rahal
speculated speeds could top out at around 228 or 229
mph whereas last year, Scott Dixon won the pole with a
top speed in excess of 232 mph.
"That drag is what kills the speed, " Rahal explained.
"When we're talking about more drag, we're talking
about 60 pounds, which is 6 mph. The only way you
make up for that is horsepower nowadays.
"I do think there's going to be a lot of people very close
together (in qualifying). I think from one end to the other
end, one mile an hour could make 15 positions, which
has never happened at this place."
| Friday May 18th DAY 4 FAST FRIDAY - Practice |
With added boost pressure allowed today on Fast Friday and
for the upcoming qualifying, drivers exceeded 231 mph
during today's practice. Marco Andretti was fastest with a
lap of 231.802 mph in the No. 98. It earned the Andretti
Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian driver a $10,000 check
from Harding Group for turning the top lap in Fast Friday
practice.
for the upcoming qualifying, drivers exceeded 231 mph
during today's practice. Marco Andretti was fastest with a
lap of 231.802 mph in the No. 98. It earned the Andretti
Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian driver a $10,000 check
from Harding Group for turning the top lap in Fast Friday
practice.
James Davison lost control of his No. 33 machine, spun
out and slammed into a wall in Turn 2 during Indy 500
practice Friday.
After being cleared by IndyCar medical personnel,
Davison reported that he and his team (A.J. Foyt and
Byrd-Hollinger-Belardi) elected to go an extra step in
trimming the car in order to try and find more speed.
"We had to try something," Davison said. "We were
32nd quickest, so right on the bubble. We're not going
to go faster standing there looking at it, so no regrets
there."
The car's tub is ok, but the gearbox is mangled.
out and slammed into a wall in Turn 2 during Indy 500
practice Friday.
After being cleared by IndyCar medical personnel,
Davison reported that he and his team (A.J. Foyt and
Byrd-Hollinger-Belardi) elected to go an extra step in
trimming the car in order to try and find more speed.
"We had to try something," Davison said. "We were
32nd quickest, so right on the bubble. We're not going
to go faster standing there looking at it, so no regrets
there."
The car's tub is ok, but the gearbox is mangled.
While top speeds were accomplished by drivers taking
advantage of the draft of cars in front, the all-important
no-tow list saw a jump in speeds today too – led by a
trio of Team Penske drivers.
Will Power topped the no-tow chart at 229.780 mph in
the No. 12 Penske Chevrolet. Teammate Josef
Newgarden went 228.994 mph in the No. 1 Penske
Chevrolet. Simon Pagenaud went 228.857 mph in the
No. 22 Penske Chevrolet. Helio Castroneves was 11th
with a no-tow speed of 227.895 mph.
advantage of the draft of cars in front, the all-important
no-tow list saw a jump in speeds today too – led by a
trio of Team Penske drivers.
Will Power topped the no-tow chart at 229.780 mph in
the No. 12 Penske Chevrolet. Teammate Josef
Newgarden went 228.994 mph in the No. 1 Penske
Chevrolet. Simon Pagenaud went 228.857 mph in the
No. 22 Penske Chevrolet. Helio Castroneves was 11th
with a no-tow speed of 227.895 mph.
Scott Dixon is joined by Tony Kanaan and others during
his early morning bike ride around the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway.
his early morning bike ride around the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway.
Ex-Indiana Governor and current Vice-President of the
United States Mike Pence stopped by the speedway today.
United States Mike Pence stopped by the speedway today.
Robert Wickens, the Verizon IndyCar rookie who has
impressed in his first five races, was second fastest with
a lap of 231.732 mph in the No. 6 Lucas Oil Honda for
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.
impressed in his first five races, was second fastest with
a lap of 231.732 mph in the No. 6 Lucas Oil Honda for
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.
| Saturday May 19th DAY 5 BUMP DAY - 1st Day of Time Trials |
Ten drivers qualified this morning, and then it began
raining at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 11:52 a.m.
Helio Castroneves was the fastest with a four-lap
average speed of 228.919 mph.
James Hinchcliffe was next in line for when the rain stops
and the track is dried.
raining at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 11:52 a.m.
Helio Castroneves was the fastest with a four-lap
average speed of 228.919 mph.
James Hinchcliffe was next in line for when the rain stops
and the track is dried.
Today people would rejoice while others cried. Some
drivers did both as thing unfolded at the speedway.
In the end, Indianapolis 500 fan favorites James
Hinchcliffe and Pippa Mann didn't qualify for this year's
race, both victims to Bump Day.
There was all kinds of jockeying along pit road in the final
hour of qualifying, some drivers to get into the field and
others to try to reach the Fast Nine.
Said Hinchcliffe: "We came with high hopes. We knew
we didn't have Fast Nine speed, but we thought we'd be
in the show. ... You gotta take your lumps here
sometimes."
Hinchcliffe qualified for the pole two years ago, and that
came one year after he was almost killed in a practice
crash.
Mann has been one of the strong advocates for women in
racing and improved her Indy 500 finishing position each
of the past four years.
drivers did both as thing unfolded at the speedway.
In the end, Indianapolis 500 fan favorites James
Hinchcliffe and Pippa Mann didn't qualify for this year's
race, both victims to Bump Day.
There was all kinds of jockeying along pit road in the final
hour of qualifying, some drivers to get into the field and
others to try to reach the Fast Nine.
Said Hinchcliffe: "We came with high hopes. We knew
we didn't have Fast Nine speed, but we thought we'd be
in the show. ... You gotta take your lumps here
sometimes."
Hinchcliffe qualified for the pole two years ago, and that
came one year after he was almost killed in a practice
crash.
Mann has been one of the strong advocates for women in
racing and improved her Indy 500 finishing position each
of the past four years.
Team Penske have three of the top four positions heading
into Sunday's shootout (Helio Castroneves first, Simon
Pagenaud third, Will Power fourth.) Only Ed Carpenter in
second broke up the Penske Party.
into Sunday's shootout (Helio Castroneves first, Simon
Pagenaud third, Will Power fourth.) Only Ed Carpenter in
second broke up the Penske Party.
Danica Patrick, in her final career race, sneaked into the
Fast Nine in ninth at 227.610 mph.
Said Patrick: "I was doing 208 (mph) in testing the first
day (on track), and I thought, 'I may not be able to do
this.' I'm definitely relieved."
Fast Nine in ninth at 227.610 mph.
Said Patrick: "I was doing 208 (mph) in testing the first
day (on track), and I thought, 'I may not be able to do
this.' I'm definitely relieved."
Conor Daly is excited to make the field after getting
bumped and having to make a second attempt.
bumped and having to make a second attempt.
Natalie Murdock, a Purdue sophomore from Fishers,
was selected as 2018 500 Festival Queen Scholar.
She is one of 33 young women who were selected for the
2018 500 Festival Princess Program. The 33 princesses
serve as ambassadors for the 500 Festival.
The 2018 500 Festival Princesses represent 14 Indiana
colleges and universities and 21 cities and towns across
the state. With a cumulative grade point average of 3.72,
this year’s 500 Festival Princesses were selected from
hundreds of applicants based on communication skills,
academic performance and community involvement.
was selected as 2018 500 Festival Queen Scholar.
She is one of 33 young women who were selected for the
2018 500 Festival Princess Program. The 33 princesses
serve as ambassadors for the 500 Festival.
The 2018 500 Festival Princesses represent 14 Indiana
colleges and universities and 21 cities and towns across
the state. With a cumulative grade point average of 3.72,
this year’s 500 Festival Princesses were selected from
hundreds of applicants based on communication skills,
academic performance and community involvement.
| Hinch gets hugs after failing to get into the 500. |
The following drivers were the fastest 9 drivers today.
They will qualify again tomorrow to determine the
starting order for the first three rows in the Indy 500.
They will qualify again tomorrow to determine the
starting order for the first three rows in the Indy 500.
| THE FAST NINE |
Helio Castroneves
Ed Carpenter
Simone Pagenaud
Will Power
Sebastien Bourdais
Spencer Pigot
Josef Newgarden
Scott Dixon
Danica Patrick
Ed Carpenter
Simone Pagenaud
Will Power
Sebastien Bourdais
Spencer Pigot
Josef Newgarden
Scott Dixon
Danica Patrick
Pippa Mann reduced to tears when she does not qualify.
| Sunday May 20th DAY 6 POLE DAY - 2nd Day of Time Trials |
Nice weather on Pole Day allowed everyone
to do their best on the last day of qualifying.
Ed Carpenter won his 3rd Indy 500 pole
with a 4-lap average speed of 229.618 mph.
Carpenter has been racing in IndyCar since
2003. After driving for PDM, Vision, and
Sarah Fisher Racing, he started his own
IndyCar team in 2012. In 2014 he began
only racing on the oval tracks and hires
a driver to race his car on road and street
courses.
Carpenter has won three IndyCar races:
2011 at Kentucky Speedway
2012 at Auto Club Speeeway
2014 at Texas Motor Speedway
to do their best on the last day of qualifying.
Ed Carpenter won his 3rd Indy 500 pole
with a 4-lap average speed of 229.618 mph.
Carpenter has been racing in IndyCar since
2003. After driving for PDM, Vision, and
Sarah Fisher Racing, he started his own
IndyCar team in 2012. In 2014 he began
only racing on the oval tracks and hires
a driver to race his car on road and street
courses.
Carpenter has won three IndyCar races:
2011 at Kentucky Speedway
2012 at Auto Club Speeeway
2014 at Texas Motor Speedway
| Monday May 21st DAY 7 PRACTICE |
Sage Karam was fastest in today's practice going 226.461
mph in the #24 Dreyer & Reinbold Chevy.
mph in the #24 Dreyer & Reinbold Chevy.
Robert Wickens brushed the wall coming out of T2
which caused the car to wiggle, then suddenly veer sharply
right into the outside wall, basically head-on. Wickens was
able to walk away and has been cleared to drive. The car
did not seem to have too much damage and the team has
till Friday to get it repaired.
which caused the car to wiggle, then suddenly veer sharply
right into the outside wall, basically head-on. Wickens was
able to walk away and has been cleared to drive. The car
did not seem to have too much damage and the team has
till Friday to get it repaired.
After failing to get one of their cars qualified over the
weekend, Schmidt Peterson Racing suffered more bad
luck today.
weekend, Schmidt Peterson Racing suffered more bad
luck today.
The variety of souvenirs available in the Indy Speedway gift shops is truly amazing!
One has to wonder though why some items were chosen as gift shop merchandise at the race track.
One has to wonder though why some items were chosen as gift shop merchandise at the race track.
| Refrigerator |
| Cow bell |
| Sled Xmas Tree Ornament |
| Friday May 25th DAY 8 PRACTICE |
Tony Kanaan was fastest in the morning hour's final
practice for the Indycars, where he went 227.791 mph.
There are not a lot cars in this year's Indy Lights, but they
raced competitiviely on the giant IMS oval this afternoon.
Colton Herta, who won both Indy Light races a few
weeks ago on the IMS roadcourse, brought home the win
today too.
practice for the Indycars, where he went 227.791 mph.
There are not a lot cars in this year's Indy Lights, but they
raced competitiviely on the giant IMS oval this afternoon.
Colton Herta, who won both Indy Light races a few
weeks ago on the IMS roadcourse, brought home the win
today too.
While he didn't qualify for the 500, James Hinchcliffe did
get to participate in the afternoon's pit stop competition.
He lost out in the finals to Scott Dixon.
get to participate in the afternoon's pit stop competition.
He lost out in the finals to Scott Dixon.
The Blues Traveler band put on a concert in the 4th turn
infield. They were followed up by the band Train.
infield. They were followed up by the band Train.
| Sunday May 27th DAY 9 INDY 500 Mile Race |
The temperature at Indianapolis Motor Speedway hit 91
degrees early in the afternoon. Those high temperatures,
along with the new aero kits used by cars this season,
appeared to have a significant impact on the race, limiting
passing and making the cars hard to control. Note: many
news reports said this was the hottest race in history. It
was not. The 2010 race saw the temperature hit 95
degrees.
Will Power won the 102nd running of the Indianapolis
500 on Sunday afternoon, giving owner Roger Penske
another victory at the Brickyard.
Team Penske has now won 17 Indianapolis 500s.
It is the first time that the 37–year–old Power, who started
in third, has won the race. Ed Carpenter, who clocked the
fastest qualifying time to win the pole position for the
second time in his career, finished the Indy 500 in second
and Scott Dixon came in third.
Alexander Rossi and Ryan Hunter-Reay rounded out
the top five.
degrees early in the afternoon. Those high temperatures,
along with the new aero kits used by cars this season,
appeared to have a significant impact on the race, limiting
passing and making the cars hard to control. Note: many
news reports said this was the hottest race in history. It
was not. The 2010 race saw the temperature hit 95
degrees.
Will Power won the 102nd running of the Indianapolis
500 on Sunday afternoon, giving owner Roger Penske
another victory at the Brickyard.
Team Penske has now won 17 Indianapolis 500s.
It is the first time that the 37–year–old Power, who started
in third, has won the race. Ed Carpenter, who clocked the
fastest qualifying time to win the pole position for the
second time in his career, finished the Indy 500 in second
and Scott Dixon came in third.
Alexander Rossi and Ryan Hunter-Reay rounded out
the top five.
Power, a native of Australia, took the lead on Lap 197,
after leaders Stefan Wilson and Jack Harvey pitted for
fuel.
Danica Patrick, in the final race of her career, crashed on
lap 68. She finished in 30th.
Takuma Sato, who won the last year's race, crashed on
lap 48 after running into the back of James Davison in
Turn 4. He finished 32nd.
Three–time winner Helio Castroneves also crashed, when
his No. 3 Pennzoil Chevrolet spun outside of Turn 4 on
Lap 145.
after leaders Stefan Wilson and Jack Harvey pitted for
fuel.
Danica Patrick, in the final race of her career, crashed on
lap 68. She finished in 30th.
Takuma Sato, who won the last year's race, crashed on
lap 48 after running into the back of James Davison in
Turn 4. He finished 32nd.
Three–time winner Helio Castroneves also crashed, when
his No. 3 Pennzoil Chevrolet spun outside of Turn 4 on
Lap 145.
