100th Indianapolis 500

hhgregg “Race An Andretti” Was a Blast!

May 15, 2016 by Brian Groce

Each May we have the privilege of doing some pretty cool events related to the Indy 500 and INDYCAR. While we don’t officially kick off the Indy 500 festivities until Monday, today we had the opportunity to head up to hhgregg with the entire family to “Race an Andretti”.

During May we don’t have a lot of time to enjoy the festivities with the kids, and with the demise of IMS “Community Day” last year, that left a hole during the time slots we’re not working the Indy 500. So I have to thank hhgregg & Andretti Autosport for putting this event together.

My kids had a blast at this event, and will be talking about it for years to come. And by the looks of the crowd, I’m sure that they’re not the only ones. These are the type of events that make memories and also make new fans.

As far as the racing side of things goes, the professionals cleaned house. I think I saw maybe one person beat them, and I believe that was by someone who races RC cars a lot.

Even though I didn’t win, I enjoyed myself immensely. And it was quite nice to have an afternoon doing something race related that was relaxing AND with the entire family. For tomorrow we hit the track running.

Gabby Chaves joins Dale Coyne Racing

May 11, 2016 by Naptown Buzz

Dale Coyne Racing has signed Gabby Chaves to pilot its #19 Boy Scouts of America entry at this weekend’s Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis as well as for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

Chaves, who raced for Bryan Herta Autosport last season, won the 2015 Sunoco Rookie of the Year title and was also named Rookie of the Year at the Indianapolis 500 after qualifying as the fastest rookie and finishing 16th.

“What can I say, I’m really excited. It’s been the longest off-season of my life,” expressed Chaves. “Throughout my whole career I’ve always been on the grid in the first race of the season and this has been the first time that I haven’t. I thought I had many deals in place before and for some reason or another it never came through. I’ve been speaking with Dale for years now and I’m excited to get something going with him and the team. I’m just really looking forward to it. With my time out of the car, I’ve really been able to value what it means to me to be in a race car. I can now get back on track and enjoy it even more.

“The Angie’s List Grand Prix was a really good race for me last year. I believe this is where I led my first race lap, I think it was only one lap though but it counts and we were the second or third fastest Honda in qualifying so I’m pretty comfortable around here and I think I can do the job,” added the Columbian.

Chaves will be making his 17th Verizon IndyCar Series start this weekend and his first of 2016. He scored a best finish of ninth last year at the second race at Belle-Isle and placed 15th in the points standings.

The 2014 Indy Lights Champion placed 15th at last year’s Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis.

“We’re very excited to have Gabby join us for the next two races, we’ve been in communication for a long time and it’s all finally come together,” shared Team Owner Dale Coyne “He showed a lot of maturity last season, he was quick, mistake-free and made great decisions behind the wheel that you don’t normally see coming from a rookie. We look forward to seeing what he can do in our #19 car.”

Chaves, along with teammate Conor Daly, will be on track starting at 11:00 am ET Thursday, May 12 for the first practice session.

The fifth round of the Verizon IndyCar Series season will go green on Saturday, May 14 at 3:50pm ET with live television coverage on ABC starting at 3:30pm ET.

Live timing and scoring will be available at racecontrol.Indycar.com for all sessions with live streaming also available during practice and qualifying.

SOURCE: Dale Coyne Racing ♦ PHOTO: Brian Groce

Reserved seating sold out for historic 100th Indianapolis 500

May 6, 2016 by Naptown Buzz

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials celebrated an epic and historic milestone today, announcing that all reserved seating is officially sold out for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. While general admission tickets are still available in the IMS infield, the massive grandstands around the 107-year-old 2.5-mile oval, and all hospitality suites, will be completely filled.

The news was shared this afternoon by IMS leadership on the steps of the Indiana Statehouse, with community leaders including Indiana Governor Mike Pence and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett flanked by the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy.

“Every Indianapolis 500 is special, but the buzz surrounding the 100th Running has been building for nearly a year, ever since the checkered flag fell on the 99th,” said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “Our fans are the best in sports and their incredible support of this year’s race will make it a truly historic day for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'”

Beyond the grandstands, the new Hulman Terrace Club is also sold out and every IMS suite is full. In fact, several large temporary suites will be erected due to remarkably increased demand. All VIP concert tickets are sold and it is expected that the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light will reach capacity for the first time.

Citizens throughout Indiana have embraced the 100th Running for months through community initiatives that have touched all 92 counties. From racing-themed “porch parties” to raising “500” flags to racing-themed artwork placed all around Indianapolis, the spirit of the Indy 500 has been a spectacle in itself.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of major sporting events across the globe,” said Allison Melangton, Senior Vice President of Events for Hulman Motorsports. “But this race has a completely unique ability to inspire pride and passion in its fans. This year, our community has tapped into that passion in so many incredible ways, and it’s simply inspiring to see all of these volunteer driven efforts working hand in hand with IMS and the 500 Festival to build valuable partnerships that enrich lives and push everyone forward.”

Anticipation for the 100th Running has had a positive ripple effect throughout the city, with hotels and restaurants completely booked months earlier than usual due to increased anticipation for Race Weekend.

“The Indy 500 is the kind of iconic event that other cities dream of having,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “And the 100th Running will be the greatest version of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’ But the impact of the race, and of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, go well beyond the massive economic benefits to the city and state in the month of May. Indy’s brand is enhanced throughout the year because of the Indy 500 and IMS.”

With a crowd traveling to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 29 that has not been seen in recent years, longtime fans are encouraged to begin their Race Day routines at least two hours earlier than previous years. All fans will want to arrive early to take advantage of the full 100th Running experience. Highlights include live ESPN SportsCenter tapings in the plaza beginning at8 a.m., an expanded fan midway and increased concession and vending opportunities. Stay tuned for more updates on pre-race events as the 100th Running countdown continues.

Fans are encouraged to visit IMS.com and check IMS social media feeds for updates on all ticketing related information. Remaining Race Weekend experiences are selling fast, and everyone is encouraged to purchase remaining inventory as soon as possible.

SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Indians vs. Louisville Bats May 6-8

May 5, 2016 by Naptown Buzz

FRIDAY, MAY 6, VS. LOUISVILLE, 7:15 PM

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Night

Victory Field joins “The Greatest Spectacular in Racing” celebrates its 100th running of the Indy 500 with a commemorative baseball giveaway to the first 2,500 fans. Presented by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Friday Fireworks

Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show immediately following the game.

SATURDAY, MAY 7, VS. LOUISVILLE, 7:05 PM

Signature Saturday – Ryne Sandberg

If there was a Mount Rushmore of all-time great Chicago Cubs players, Ryne Sandberg would be on it. The first 500 fans receive a special wristband for one (1) autograph from this MLB Hall of Famer. Gates open early at 5 p.m. Click here for more info and click here for a glimpse into Sandberg’s career.

SUNDAY, MAY 8, VS. LOUISVILLE, 1:35 PM

Mother’s Day

(Baseball) diamonds are a mom’s best friend this Mother’s Day as massages, manicures, Gigi’s cupcakes and more await families at Victory Field. Moms and their loved ones need only to sit back, relax and enjoy an afternoon of special promotions, activities, offers and…baseball.

Kids Eat Free

All children 14 and under in attendance may receive a voucher good for a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water with price of admission. Click here for more info. Sundays are also extra special for Indianapolis Indians Knot Hole Kids Club members as they get to run the bases around Victory Field immediately after the game.

For more information please visit indyindians.com.

100th Indy 500 To Include Two Flyovers

May 5, 2016 by Naptown Buzz

This year, as the historic 100th Running of the Indy 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil prepares to celebrate decades or racing innovation, pre-race festivities will take on a similar theme with two special flyovers. The first will feature historical World War II-era military planes while the second will feature state of the art F-18E Superhornets piloted by the U.S. Navy.

“The 30 minutes before the green flag drops are always my favorite time of the year,” said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “This year’s flyovers will be thrilling, and represent the perfect blend of past and present we’re celebrating at the 100th Running of the Indy 500.”

The first flyover will include two planes that saw action during critical World War II missions: a Douglas SBD-5 and P-51 Mustang. It will be carried out in collaboration with the Commemorative Air Force, an organization founded to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States.

The SBD was the only U.S. combat aircraft to fight from the beginning of World War II until the end. Considered the most destructive air weapon of the U.S. Navy, the SBD sank over 300,000 tons of enemy ships, a greater tonnage of Japanese shipping than any other Allied aircraft during the war. In the skies over Pearl Harbor, the SBD was the first American combat aircraft to shoot down a Japanese Zero fighter.

The P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter that saw action during World War II and the Korean War. It was first commissioned in 1940 and has a top speed of 437 mph.

The second flyover will involve a single-pass in a four-plane formation at 300-350 mph. The F-18E is a single-seat variant that deploys on carriers and provides precision air to ground support, along with the ability to protect carriers from any airborne threats. The top speed of navy fighter pilots flying an F-18E is approximately Mach 1.8.

The squadrons carrying out the flyovers – VFA-81 and VAQ-139 – most recently wrapped up a 10-month deployment in the Persian Gulf assisting the fight against ISIS. It was the longest deployment for the two squadrons attached to CAG-17 since the Vietnam War. VFA-81 is based out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, while VAQ-139 comes from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island based in Washington State.

SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

ESPN ‘SportsCenter’ to have major presence at 100th Indy 500

March 31, 2016 by Naptown Buzz

ESPN’s signature news and information program, “SportsCenter,” will have a major and significantly expanded presence at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the week of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race presented by PennGrade Motor Oil in May.

The epic 100th edition of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” will get the green flag live on ABC on May 29, marking the 52nd consecutive year for the network to broadcast the race. ESPN will lead up to its sister network’s race telecast with four live “SportsCenter on the Road” programs originating from IMS, as well as reports airing within other editions of the program. This will be “SportsCenter on the Road’s” first visit to IMS since ESPN launched the initiative in 2015 and will mark the first live “SportsCenter” programming from the Indy 500 in more than a decade.

In addition to previewing the premier race of the Verizon IndyCar Series with drivers, team owners and others, “SportsCenter” programs also will pay tribute to the long history of the Indianapolis 500 with guest appearances by past champions and special features.

“We’re thrilled ‘SportsCenter’ will be on hand to bring millions of viewers across the globe an up-close look at the monumental 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Company, the parent of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “The buildup to the ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ will make for compelling television, showcasing the world-class drivers, intense competition and innovative technology that propel the Verizon IndyCar Series forward.”

“I can’t think of a better place to be than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as we approach race day for the 100th Running of the Indy 500,” said J. Douglas Boles, IMS president. “Our fans are going to love hosting the ‘SportsCenter’ team on site and today’s good news will truly make the month of May even more exciting and unforgettable for everyone.”

The “SportsCenter” presence at the Indianapolis 500 will include two live one-hour programs on race morning, with hosts Matt Barrie and Sara Walsh on a set in the IMS Pagoda Plaza area. The first program will air from 8-9 a.m. ET on ESPN, while the second will air on ESPN from 10 a.m. until ABC’s telecast begins at 11 a.m. Barrie and Walsh will have live reports from IMS during the 9-10 a.m. hour while “SportsCenter” airs on ESPN2.

On May 28, the day before the race, Barrie and Walsh will host a three-hour edition of “SportsCenter on the Road” from IMS beginning at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN. The 6 p.m. ETMay 27 edition of “SportsCenter,” hosted by Lindsay Czarniak, will also air from IMS on ESPN.

In addition to the four live programs, other editions of “SportsCenter” will carry live reports, including segments with Czarniak in the 6 p.m. ET shows on May 25-26. After the race, the winner will have a live interview with “SportsCenter,” and Czarniak will have a “SportsCenter Sunday Conversation” with the winner that will air in the evening editions of the program.

Czarniak also will host the Indianapolis 500 pre-race show on ABC at 11 a.m. ET May 29. “SportsCenter” programming from IMS also will include contributions from ESPN reporters Marty Smith and Ryan McGee and other members of the ABC race coverage team.

“When a sporting event as iconic as the Indianapolis 500 reaches its 100th version, it’s a testament to its appeal, stature and longevity,” said Michael Fountain, ESPN senior coordinating producer, “SportsCenter.” “If there is a major event, ‘SportsCenter’ will be there, and we look forward to bringing the excitement and pageantry of Indy to our viewers.”

ABC’s first Verizon IndyCar Series race broadcast of 2016, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 13, saw a 52 percent ratings increase and 56 percent viewership from a year ago. The final rating was a 0.97 (up from 0.64 in 2015) with 1.391 million viewers tuned in (up from 891,000). It marked the highest viewership for a Verizon IndyCar Series season opener since 2011 and the third-highest non-Indianapolis 500 broadcast since 2012.

ABC will also broadcast the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis from the IMS road course on May 14, Indianapolis 500 qualifying May 21-22 and both races of the Chevrolet Dual in Detroit on June 4-5.

SOURCE: INDYCAR

Countdown to 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 kicks off February 19th

February 10, 2016 by Naptown Buzz

The 100-day countdown to the monumental 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil will kick off with a star-studded and action-packed 24-hour celebration beginning on Feb. 19. From Indianapolis to New York City, fans will celebrate the past, present and future of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and the entire Verizon IndyCar Series.

“The 100th Running of the Indy 500 marks a monumental milestone for our sport and our nation,” Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles said. “Our 100-day countdown celebration will energize fans and build unprecedented anticipation for a truly historic race and a groundbreaking Verizon IndyCar Series season.”

“I can’t wait to celebrate the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500 with our fans for the next 100 Days,” IMS President Doug Boles said. “Feb. 19 will be an exciting and fun beginning to a memorable countdown that will be talked about for years to come. The 100th Running of the Indy 500 will be an unrivaled event that showcases our iconic legacy and sets the stage for an extremely bright future.”

Everything begins at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the late hours of Thursday, Feb. 18, where fans are invited to a community celebration beginning at 9:30 p.m. in the IMS pavilion. Just before midnight, attendees will gather at the Yard of Bricks for a special countdown moment. To learn more about Midnight on the Yard of Bricks, click here.

The next morning, on Friday, Feb. 19, IMS President Doug Boles, Verizon IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Josef Newgarden, Ed Carpenter and Matthew Brabham will join Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson for a proclamation ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse.

The afternoon of Feb. 19 kicks off with a media event celebrating 50 years of Team Penske in racing and the opening of a special exhibit running through November at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum. Four-time Indy 500 champion Rick Mears will be on hand with fellow Team Penske driver and three-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves to mark the occasion.

At 4 p.m., attention will shift to the financial capital of the world, with a special countdown event at the New York Stock Exchange. Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles and BorgWarner CEO James Verrier will take part in closing bell ceremonies alongside the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy.

Celebrations will come to a close that evening at the Crane Bay in downtown Indianapolis with a gathering celebrating the “Pursuit of Progress.” The event will be hosted by ESPN SportsCenter anchor Lindsay Czarniak and will feature four-time Indy 500 champion Rick Mears, Verizon IndyCar Series Driver Marco Andretti and a full roster of guests from the wider sporting world and beyond.