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101st Indianapolis 500

Sebastien Bourdais discharged from hospital

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Verizon IndyCar Series driver Sebastien Bourdais, injured in a crash May 20 during a qualifying attempt for the 101st Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, was discharged from IU Health Methodist Hospital on Wednesday and has been moved to a local rehabilitation facility.

Bourdais sustained multiple pelvic fractures and a fractured right hip when his No. 18 GEICO Honda crashed into the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2 on the third lap of his qualifications attempt Saturday. The Dale Coyne Racing driver underwent successful surgery that evening at IU Health Methodist Hospital.

“Sebastien is progressing amazingly fast for having pelvis and hip fractures, and considering the severity of the crash,” said orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Scheid, an INDYCAR medical consultant. “He is walking with crutches, in good spirits and feeling good.

“We expect the fractures to heal in around eight weeks and he should be able to start putting weight on the right leg then. Until that time, he can work on rehabilitating his upper body, core strength and range of motion in the hip.”

Bourdais, the 38-year-old four-time Indy car champion, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in his care from the time of the incident.

“I’m obviously really happy to be up on my feet and feeling pretty good about being able to walk on crutches,” Bourdais said. “I’m really thankful to all the people at IU Health Methodist and the Holmatro Safety Team, everybody at INDYCAR and my team, Dale Coyne Racing, for helping me achieve that so early after the crash.

“It’s going to be a bit of a long road ahead,” he added. “I still have six weeks before I can put weight on my right leg and put my foot on the ground, but after that it should be pretty smooth sailing. I’m really looking forward to the day I can get back in the car, and hopefully that will be before the end of the season. I look forward to seeing you guys at the track.”

Public Safety Officials Address Safety Concerns at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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Indianapolis, IN – Indianapolis area public safety officials have received dozens of questions related to security plans prior to, and the day of the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500 Race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 29th. The Speedway Police Department, along with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police wish to make the following statement:

There is a comprehensive security plan in place for pre-race and race day events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Part of a good plan is not sharing specific details that could educate the very element that seeks to do harm. For that reason public safety personnel will not speak about components of our security plan, other than to share that each person visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is part of the security plan by being extra eyes and ears. As always, patrons are encouraged to be vigilant, and as we constantly remind the public; if you “See Something, Say Something.” We would rather investigate a tip that turns out to be false than have a visitor dismiss something unusual and say nothing.

It is law enforcement’s collective goal to ensure each person can safely enjoy the greatest spectacle in racing. For information about what can or cannot be brought into the track please visit http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/fan-info/gate-search-policy.

2017 Indy 500 Practice Day 6 Highlights (Video)

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Indy 500 Practice Day 6 Highlights

Nick Yeoman of the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network has the highlights from a full and active day of practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Pagenaud, Davison, and Chilton Indy 500 End of Day 6 Practice News Conference

Simon Pagenaud, James Davison, and Max Chilton spoke with the media following day 6 of Indy 500 practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Indianapolis 500 Practice – Monday May 22, 2017

  • 12:30pm – 4pm ET – Verizon IndyCar Series Practice
  • 4:30pm – 6pm ET – Indy Lights Testing

Camping World Announced as Primary Sponsor for Scott Dixon

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Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced that four-time Verizon IndyCar Series Champion and Indianapolis 500 Winner Scott Dixon will be sporting the colors of the nation’s largest RV and outdoor retailer, Camping World, on May 28 for the Indianapolis 500.

Upon the announcement, Scott Dixion said, “The Indianapolis 500 is the biggest motor race and the largest spectator sporting event in the world, and I’m very much looking forward to representing a new partner in Camping World this weekend and starting from the pole makes it even more special. I also know the show The Profit very well and am excited to work with Marcus and his team.”

Team Owner Chip Ganassi went on to say,  “After weeks of discussions, we’re proud to partner with Camping World, a brand that is the leader in its industry, and introduce them to our team’s Indy car operation. They have a tremendous sports marketing portfolio, which includes some common ground for us in NASCAR. Having Marcus and Camping World on board with us on the No. 9 car at Indianapolis is very exciting for everyone involved.”

The No. 9 Camping World Honda will roll out in full livery next Friday, May 26 for Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

SOURCE: Chip Ganassi Racing

Hoosier Native Angela Brown To Sing ‘God Bless America’ at 2017 Indy 500

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World-renowned opera singer and Indianapolis native Angela Brown will sing “God Bless America” during pre-race ceremonies for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on Sunday, May 28, a beloved patriotic tradition of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

“Excited doesn’t begin to describe how I feel about singing ‘God Bless America’ at the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500,” Brown said. “Ever since I was a young girl, growing up in Indianapolis, I have dreamed of being a part of this time-honored tradition. I am proud to be able to salute the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. This is truly a dream come true!”

Brown personifies the ideal soprano: sheer vocal power; luxurious finesse and shimmering, high pianissimos. With a charming personality larger than life, she unites opera, pops and gospel in one sensational voice. A featured artist on the two-time Grammy Award-winning recording “Ask Your Mama,” Brown’s international reputation continues to grow.

Her highly successful Metropolitan Opera debut in the title role of “Aida” captured instant attention from international print and broadcast media and catapulted Brown onto the world’s prestigious opera and symphonic stages. Headlines from The New York Times read, “At last an Aida,” and “CBS Weekend News” proclaimed, “The future of opera has arrived!” followed by features on the front page of The New York Times, on CNN, in Oprah Magazine, Essence Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Classical Singer, Reader’s Digest and Psychology Today.

While opera is the main catalyst for her career, Brown’s performance experience includes everything from star hostess on stage to producer and creator of “Opera…from a Sistah’s Point of View,” an inspired show that has gained notoriety for bringing opera to the masses in the form of an edgy, yet educational, concert presentation.

“Angela is a tremendous talent and will sing a fantastic rendition of ‘God Bless America’ for our fans,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles said. “As a Hoosier, she knows just how much the Indy 500 means to all of us, and this performance will be extra special for her.”

SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indy 500 drivers visiting 21 cities in Tuesday Media Tour

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In what has become an annual Indianapolis 500 tradition, the 33 participating drivers will fan out across North America on Tuesday of race week to spread the word about “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

This year, the field for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil is scheduled to visit 21 cities in less than 24 hours. Drivers will meet with local media to discuss the race and partake in activities to increase the already-surging interest in the Indy 500, the world’s largest single-day sporting event set for May 28 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

2008 Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon, who captured the pole position Sunday with an average speed of 232.164 mph in Fast Nine Shootout qualifying, will visit Toronto, where he has won twice in his Indy car career on the streets around Exhibition Place. The Verizon IndyCar Series visits the Canadian city again for the Honda Indy Toronto in July.

Starting on the outside of the front row is reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Alexander Rossi, who will travel to New York City. Joining Rossi will be heralded Indy 500 rookie and two-time Formula One world champion Fernando Alonso, Rossi’s Andretti Autosport teammate and fifth-position Indy 500 qualifier, as well as AJ Foyt Racing driver Conor Daly.

Wrestling legend Ric Flair will join the three drivers in New York City as the official celebrity emcee of the Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light, which will feature EDM artists Zedd and Marshmello, along with support by RL Grime, Action Bronson, Adventure Club and The Trap House in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield on race day.

Pennsylvania natives Marco Andretti and Sage Karam will throw out the first pitch at Citizens Bank Park in front of their home crowd as the Philadelphia Phillies meet the Colorado Rockies in a National League baseball game. Helio Castroneves will bring the INDYCAR Experience street-legal two-seat Indy car to NRG Park to surprise members of the NFL’s Houston Texans with a thrill ride.

Sports fans can catch “Dancing with the Stars” sensation James Hinchcliffe on “SportsCenter” at 9:40 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Tuesday, as the Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver visits ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut.

The full list of the markets to be visited and drivers attending is below:

  • Bristol, Connecticut/ESPN: James Hinchcliffe
  • Buffalo: Graham Rahal
  • Charlotte: Will Power
  • Chicago: Juan Pablo Montoya
  • Columbus: Mikhail Aleshin
  • Dallas-Fort Worth: Tony Kanaan
  • Dayton: Jack Harvey, Zach Veach
  • Denver: Buddy Lazier
  • Detroit: Carlos Munoz, Simon Pagenaud, Spencer Pigot
  • Fort Wayne: Jay Howard, James Davison
  • Houston: Helio Castroneves
  • Louisville: Pippa Mann, Ed Jones
  • Miami-Fort Lauderdale: Oriol Servia, Gabby Chaves, Sebastian Saavedra
  • Milwaukee: Max Chilton, Charlie Kimball
  • New York: Alexander Rossi, Conor Daly, Fernando Alonso
  • Philadelphia: Marco Andretti, Sage Karam
  • St. Louis: Ed Carpenter, Takuma Sato
  • San Francisco: JR Hildebrand
  • Tampa-St. Petersburg: Ryan Hunter-Reay
  • Toronto: Scott Dixon
  • Washington: Josef Newgarden

SOURCE: INDYCAR

Scott Dixon & Dario Franchitti Robbed at Taco Bell, Sponsorship Blown?

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Taco Bell at 3502 W 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222

UPDATE: Monday May 22, 2017, 1:11 PM

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers and robbery detectives, arrest two juveniles after they were believed to be involved in a robbery on city’ northwest side.

On May 21, 2017, just after 9:43 p.m., IMPD officers were called to the 3502 W. 16th Street on a robbery.  The victims (Editor’s note: Scott and Emma Dixon & Dario Franchitti) stated they were waiting in the drive-thru line when they were robbed at gunpoint by two young males.  Officers called for the assistance of Robbery detectives.

When Robbery detectives arrived they began their investigation, the officers viewed the surveillance cameras at the business and were able to observe that prior to the robbery there was a suspicious vehicle on the lot.  The vehicle drove off and the alleged suspects appeared from the same direction, after the robbery the suspects ran toward the same direction of the suspicious vehicle.

Officers on scene of the robbery informed other officers that were in the area of the suspected vehicle description.  Nearly a half hour later officers located the vehicle in question were able to stop the car.   The passenger of the vehicle attempted to flee and was apprehended by a canine.  Officers and robbery detectives conducted a show-up of the alleged suspects and the victim positively identified the passenger.  The driver could not be identified, however, while the detective conducted an interview he admitted to partially being involved and stated where the stolen property could be located.  The two juveniles were arrested one was transported to the Marion County Holding at Eskenazi Hospital and the other was sent to the Juvenile Detention Center.  The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will review the case and make a changing decision.

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SOURCE: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

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According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indy 500 Champions Scott Dixon & Dario Franchitti were robbed at gunpoint around 10 p.m. Sunday night at a Taco Bell near Indianapolis Motor Speedway by two juveniles, ages 14 and 15. The juveniles have been arrested and are in police custody.

Chip Ganassi was quick to chime in.

Theories abound.

Taco Bell was reached for comment but has yet to respond.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.

In the meantime, these two juveniles should be properly corrected by their parents and taught a little respect.

Scott Dixon Captures Third Indy 500 Pole

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Scott Dixon thrilled Indianapolis 500 qualifying fans like they haven’t been in more than two decades, capturing the pole position for the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil with the fastest average speed since 1996.

The four-time Verizon IndyCar Series champion and fourth-winningest driver in Indy car history completed four on-the-edge laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2.5-mile oval at 232.164 mph. The 10-mile run in the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda was the best speed seen at IMS since Arie Luyendyk set the track record of 236.986 mph in second-day qualifying on May 12, 1996.

“It feels fast,” Dixon said. “Any speed (above) 215 or 220 around this place feels really fast, but I think you just block it all out. You’re constantly just trying to feel how the car is, see where you can place it, see if you can improve the next lap. It’s been so intense this weekend just trying to hold on to the car for the four laps. I think that’s where all the focus has been.

“But I think for the Verizon IndyCar Series, it’s cool to see these speeds gradually creeping up. It’s good to see we’ve made a big improvement. I think I did a 227 average last year, so it’s a nice little jump.”

It is Dixon’s third Indy 500 pole position – he won from the front spot in 2008 – and the 26th of his 17-year Indy car career, moving the 36-year-old New Zealander past Paul Tracy and alone into 11th place on the all-time poles list.

The third-fastest driver in first-day qualifying Saturday, Dixon was the seventh of nine to make an attempt in the Fast Nine Shootout under late-afternoon Indiana sunshine today. His first lap of 232.595 mph was also the fastest official lap recorded at IMS since the 1996 Indy 500 race. Luyendyk still holds the single-lap standard, 237.498 mph, also set during his record qualifying run.

Dixon will start on point for the third-fastest field in Indy 500 history, with a 228.400 mph average. Joining him on the front row are Ed Carpenter in the No. 20 Fuzzy’s Vodka Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet and defending Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi in the No. 98 NAPA Auto Parts/Curb Honda.

In the process of taking the top spot, Dixon ended a string of six straight Verizon IndyCar Series race poles won by Team Penske, dating to the 2016 season finale at Sonoma Raceway. It also marked the 88th pole in Indy car history for Chip Ganassi Racing and its fifth at the Indianapolis 500.

Though qualifying points aren’t officially awarded until after the race completion, Dixon has the provisional points lead by 21 over 2016 series champion Simon Pagenaud heading into Indy 500 worth double the normal race points.

“Today, we managed to get it done and we’re starting in the right place,” said Dixon, the 40-time Indy car race winner. “The hard part now is to keep it there.”

SOURCE: INDYCAR

2017 Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Results

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Results of qualifying Sunday for the 2017 Indianapolis 500 Verizon IndyCar Series event on the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with rank, car number in parentheses, driver, aero kit-engine, time and speed in parentheses:

1. (9) Scott Dixon, Honda, 02:35.0630 (232.164)
2. (20) Ed Carpenter, Chevrolet, 02:35.3976 (231.664)
3. (98) Alexander Rossi, Honda, 02:35.5163 (231.487)
4. (26) Takuma Sato, Honda, 02:35.5981 (231.365)
5. (29) Fernando Alonso, Honda, 02:35.6423 (231.300)
6. (21) JR Hildebrand, Chevrolet, 02:35.9191 (230.889)
7. (10) Tony Kanaan, Honda, 02:35.9601 (230.828)
8. (27) Marco Andretti, Honda, 02:36.1998 (230.474)
9. (12) Will Power, Chevrolet, 02:36.3859 (230.200)
10. (28) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Honda, 02:35.5463 (231.442)
11. (19) Ed Jones, Honda, 02:36.1293 (230.578)
12. (16) Oriol Servia, Honda, 02:36.3118 (230.309)
13. (7) Mikhail Aleshin, Honda, 02:36.3377 (230.271)
14. (15) Graham Rahal, Honda, 02:36.3499 (230.253)
15. (8) Max Chilton, Honda, 02:36.4758 (230.068)
16. (83) Charlie Kimball, Honda, 02:36.5514 (229.956)
17. (5) James Hinchcliffe, Honda, 02:36.6169 (229.860)
18. (22) Juan Pablo Montoya, Chevrolet, 02:36.8180 (229.565)
19. (3) Helio Castroneves, Chevrolet, 02:36.8528 (229.515)
20. (77) Jay Howard, Honda, 02:36.9213 (229.414)
21. (24) Sage Karam, Chevrolet, 02:36.9447 (229.380)
22. (2) Josef Newgarden, Chevrolet, 02:37.5488 (228.501)
23. (1) Simon Pagenaud, Chevrolet, 02:37.8303 (228.093)
24. (14) Carlos Munoz, Chevrolet, 02:37.9497 (227.921)
25. (88) Gabby Chaves, Chevrolet, 02:38.6458 (226.921)
26. (4) Conor Daly, Chevrolet, 02:38.9831 (226.439)
27. (50) Jack Harvey, Honda, 02:39.4741 (225.742)
28. (63) Pippa Mann, Honda, 02:39.9944 (225.008)
29. (11) Spencer Pigot, Chevrolet, 02:40.6768 (224.052)
30. (44) Buddy Lazier, Chevrolet, 02:41.1340 (223.417)
31. (17) Sebastian Saavedra, Chevrolet, 02:42.7911 (221.142)
32. (40) Zach Veach, Chevrolet, 02:42.8360 (221.081)
33. (18) James Davison, Honda, no time, (no speed)

SOURCE: INDYCAR