2015 Indy 500

IMS Schedule for Saturday, May 23, 2015

May 23, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

Legends Day Honoring Al Unser presented by Firestone

8 a.m.	Public Gates Open Indianapolis 500 Memorabilia Show Begins Chevrolet Hot Laps Begin, Pace Car & Replica Pace Car
8:30 a.m.	Chevrolet Hot Laps End
8:45 a.m.	Sunoco Rookie of the Year Chat Begins, Pagoda Plaza Stage
9 a.m.	Full Field Autograph Session Begins, Pagoda Plaza Al Unser Autograph Session Begins, Pagoda Plaza Sunoco Rookie of the Year Press Conference Ends
9:30 a.m.	Vintage Race Car Laps Begin
10 a.m.	Full Field Autograph Session Ends, Pagoda Plaza Al Unser Vintage Cars Begin, Pit Lane Yard of Bricks IMS Midway Open
10:15 a.m.	Vintage Race Car Laps End
10:30 a.m.	Drivers Meeting Begins
11 a.m.	Drivers Meeting Ends Al Unser Q&A Begins, Pagoda Plaza Ivy Tech Garage Tours Begin, Garage 35
11:30 a.m.	Al Unser Q&A Ends
Noon	Firestone Pin Distribution Begins, Pagoda Plaza Former Driver Autograph Session A Begins, North Chalet IMS & IndyCar Hot Laps Begin, South Pit Gate
1 p.m.	Concert Gate Opens Firestone Pin Distribution Ends Former Driver Autograph Session A Ends
2 p.m.	Former Driver Autograph Session B Begins, North Chalet IMS & IndyCar Hot Laps End
2:05 p.m.	Chevy Consumer Laps Begin (300 Cars)
2:50 p.m.	Florida Georgia Line Photo Op, Yard of Bricks w/Pace Car
3 p.m.	Frankie Ballard Concert Former Driver Autograph Session B Ends IMS Midway Closes
3:30 p.m.	Frankie Ballard Concert Ends Chevy Consumer Laps End
3:50-4:35 p.m.	Thomas Rhett Concert
4 p.m.	Indianapolis 500 Memorabilia Show Ends
4:35 p.m.	Thomas Rhett Concert Ends
5-6:30 p.m.	Florida Georgia Line Concert
6 p.m.	Public Gates Closed, Concert Ticket Holders Only Through Gates

TICKETS: $10, children 12 and under free. Florida Georgia Line concert tickets sold separately.

PUBLIC GATES OPEN: 8:00 a.m. (local time). Pedestrian gates open are Gates 1, 1B, 2, 3, 4, 6, Media Gate, 7 Vehicle, 7 South Pedestrian, 7 North Pedestrian, 9, 10, 10A, 11A, 12.

STANDS OPEN: A Stand (As needed GA – Sec. 1-4), B Penthouse (As needed GA – Sec 22-25), E Stand (Open-GA), E Penthouse (Open-GA), North Vista Wheelchair (As needed GA, Sec. 21), Northwest Vista (As needed GA, Sec. 1-4), Northwest Vista Deck (Open-GA), Paddock (As needed – GA, Sec. 12-20), Paddock Pressbox (Open-GA), Paddock Penthouse (As needed GA, Sec. 16-28), Pit Road Terrace (Open-GA), South Terrace (Open-GA), Tower Terrace (As needed GA, Sec. 37-45), Tower Terrace Wheelchair (Open-GA), Wheelchair Accessible (Inside-Open GA), Backstretch Mounds (Open-GA), Backstretch Family Mounds (Open-GA), Turn 2 Mounds (Open-GA), Turn 3 Mounds (Open-GA), Gasoline Alley Roof (Open-GA)

MUSEUM HOURS: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for fans 6-15 years old, with children under 5 free. Gate admission to the Indianapolis 500 is not included in Museum admission and must be purchased separately.

2015 Indianapolis 500, May 21st Media Day Photos

May 22, 2015 by Brian Groce

Photos by Amanda Groce and Brian Groce.

IMS Schedule for Carb Day Friday, May 22, 2015

May 21, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

Coors Light Carb Day

8 a.m.	Public Gates Open
8-10:30 a.m.	Bob & Tom Live Show, IndyCar Fan Village
8:30-10 a.m.	Vintage Car Exhibition
9 a.m.	IMS Midway Open
9-10 a.m.	Troy Lee Autograph Signing, Pagoda Plaza
10 a.m.	Pace Car Rides Begin Firestone “Spinner” Pin Distribution Begins, Pagoda Plaza Ivy Tech Garage Tours Begin – Garage 35
11 a.m.	Verizon IndyCar Series Practice Begins Firestone “Spinner” Pin Distribution Ends Ivy Tech Garage Tours Begin – Garage 35
Noon	Verizon IndyCar Series Practice Ends
12:03 p.m.	Clint Brawner Award Ceremony – Pit Lane Yard of Bricks
12:16 p.m.	National Anthem by JAX, 2015 American Idol Contestant
12:30 p.m.	Freedom 100 Indy Lights Race (40 Laps)
2-3:10 p.m.	TAG Heuer Pit Stop Challenge
3:30 p.m.	O.A.R. Concert, Turn 4 Infield Stage
	IMS Midway Closes
4:30 p.m.	38 Special Concert, Turn 4 Infield Stage
5:30 p.m.	Jane’s Addiction Concert, Turn 4 Infield Stage
6 p.m.	Public Gates Close

TICKETS: General admission $30

PUBLIC GATES OPEN: 8 a.m. (local time). Pedestrian gates open are Gates 1, 1B, 2, 3, 4, 6, Media Gate, 7 Vehicle, 7 South Pedestrian, 7 North Pedestrian, 9, 10, 10A, 11A, 12.

STANDS OPEN: A Stand (As needed GA – Sec. 1-4), B Penthouse (As needed GA – Sec. 22-25), E Stand (Open GA), E Penthouse (Open GA), North Vista Wheelchair (As needed GA, Sec. 21), Northwest Vista (As needed GA, Sec. 1-4), Northwest Vista Deck (Open-GA), Paddock (As needed GA, Sec. 12-20), Paddock Pressbox (Open-GA), Paddock Penthouse (As needed GA, Sec. 9-30), Pit Road Terrace (Open-GA), South Terrace (Open-GA), Tower Terrace (As needed GA, Sec. 37-45), Tower Terrace Wheelchair (Open-GA), Wheelchair Accessible (Open GA), Backstretch Mounds (Open-GA), Backstretch Family Mounds (Open-GA), Turn 2 Mounds (Open-GA), Turn 3 Mounds (Open-GA), Gasoline Alley Roof (Open-GA)

MUSEUM HOURS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for fans 6-15 years old, with children under 5 free. Gate admission to the Indianapolis 500 is not included in Museum admission and must be purchased separately.

IMS Schedule for Thursday, May 21, 2015

May 20, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

Indy Lights Practice and Freedom 100 Qualifying

8 a.m.	Public Gates Open
9 a.m.-Noon	Indy Lights Practice
1:15-2:15 p.m.	Indy Lights Freedom 100 Qualifying
2:30-4 p.m.	Vintage Car Exhibition
4 p.m.	Public Gates Close

TICKETS: Free admission

PUBLIC GATES OPEN: 8:00 a.m. (local time). Pedestrian gates open are Gates 1B, 2, 4, 6, Media Gate, 7 Vehicle, 7 South Pedestrian, 10, 10A, 12.

STANDS OPEN: North Vista Wheelchair (As needed GA, Sec. 21), Northwest Vista (As needed GA, Sec. 1-4), Northwest Vista Deck (Open-GA), Paddock (As needed GA, Sec. 9-18), Paddock Pressbox (Open-GA), Paddock Penthouse (As needed GA, Sec. 9-30), Pit Road Terrace (Open-GA), South Terrace (Open-GA), Tower Terrace (As needed GA, Sec. 37-42), Tower Terrace Wheelchair (Open-GA), Wheelchair Accessible (Open GA), Backstretch Mounds (Open-GA), Backstretch Family Mounds (Open-GA), Turn 2 Mounds (Open-GA), Turn 3 Mounds (Open-GA), Gasoline Alley Roof (Open-GA)

MUSEUM HOURS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for fans 6-15 years old, with children under 5 free. Gate admission to the Indianapolis 500 is not included in Museum admission and must be purchased separately.

What Position Will Ryan Briscoe start in?

May 20, 2015 by Brian Groce

With reports of Ryan Briscoe filling in for the injured James Hinchcliffe in Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, questions and rumors have been flying around as to what Briscoe’s starting position will be. To determine that, we need to look at a few things, and the 2015 INDYCAR Rulebook.

First, Tristan Vautier qualified the Number 19 car 21st on Sunday. This car will be driven during the race by James Davison, who should be moved to the 33rd position per Rule 8.1.8.6:

8.1.8.6. If after qualifications and prior to the start of a Race, a Car has had its qualifications time, and/or original starting grid position disallowed, INDYCAR shall assign the Car a revised starting grid position at the rear of the starting field based on the following order:

a. Provisional starting Cars;
b. Unapproved Engine change;
c. Technical violations;
d. Competition violation; and
e. Substitute starting Driver.

This would push everyone from 22 to 33 up a position. Since Hinchcliffe qualified 24th on Sunday, that would move him into the 23rd spot.

With Hinchcliffe’s accident on Monday, Rule 8.4.3.9 would kick in:

8.4.3.9. If a Qualified Car is involved in a crash, the Entrant may replace the Qualified Car with another Car and shall start the Race in the Qualified Car’s position. If a Qualified Car is unable to start the Race for any other reason, INDYCAR shall determine if the Entrant is permitted to replace the Qualified Car with another Car and start the Race in the Qualified Car’s position or if the Entrant is required to start the Race from the rear of the starting field.

If Hinchcliffe were cleared to drive, he would be able to do so, in a backup car, in the 23rd position, provided Rule 8.1.8.6 was not violated.

With Ryan Briscoe jumping into the driver’s seat, they violate Rule 8.1.8.6, just as James Davison did so all drivers previously in positions 24 through 32 have moved up one spot and Briscoe moves to the back of the field – but not all the way back. Based on the INDYCAR rulebook, due to entrant points going into the event, Briscoe starts 32nd and Davison 33rd.

IMS Schedule for Wednesday, May 20, 2015

May 19, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

IMS Racing Experience & Fan Track Laps

8 a.m.-4 p.m.	Indy Racing Experience
9 a.m.	Public Gates Open
9 a.m.-Noon	Pit Stop Practice, Gasoline Alley
9 a.m.-4 p.m.	Victory Lap Riding Experience
10:30 a.m.	IMS Bus Tour
12:30 p.m.	IMS Bus Tour
2:30 p.m.	IMS Bus Tour
4 p.m.-7 p.m.	Public Track Laps ($20)
7 p.m.	Public Gates Close

TICKETS: Free admission

PUBLIC GATES OPEN: 9:00 a.m. (local time). Pedestrian gates open are Gates 2, 9A and Media Gate. Gate 10 opens for Public Track Laps staging at 3:45 p.m.

MUSEUM HOURS: 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for fans 6-15 years old, with children under 5 free. Gate admission to the Indianapolis 500 is not included in Museum admission and must be purchased separately.

Jordin Sparks to sing national anthem at 99th Indy 500

May 19, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

Grammy-nominated multi-platinum recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks will sing the national anthem during pre-race ceremonies at the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“We’re looking forward to having Jordin Sparks deliver the national anthem during our pre-race ceremonies,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “We know she’ll be warmly welcomed by our race fans and will deliver an outstanding rendition of the anthem moments before our 33 drivers take the green flag.”

In 2007, Sparks rose to fame after becoming the youngest champion in series’ history to win American Idol at the age of 17. Sparks’ upcoming third studio album titled “Right Here, Right Now” is scheduled for release in Summer 2015.

“The opportunity to sing at the world’s largest one-day sporting event is the thrill of a lifetime,” Sparks said. “I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Sparks is the only American Idol contestant to have her first five singles reach the top 20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts, which also included top-10 singles “Tattoo,” “No Air,” and “Battlefield.” Throughout her career, Sparks has won numerous awards, including an American Music Award, a BET Award, an NAACP Image Award, a People’s Choice Award and two Teen Choice Awards.

During a five-year solo music hiatus, Sparks pursued careers in acting and Broadway, most recently starring along-side the late Whitney Houston in Sparkle in 2012.

In November 2014, Sparks released her first mixtape titled #ByeFelicia, under her new recording deal with “Louder than Life/Red Associated Labels,” a joint deal with Sony Music Entertainment. Off her forthcoming album, Sparks’ lead single “Double Tap” featuring 2 Chainz is currently making the rounds on radio.

Joining a growing list of distinguished “500” anthem singers, Sparks follows in the footsteps of LeAnn Rimes, Kelly Clarkson, Seal, Julianne Hough, Jessica Simpson, Steven Tyler and Jewel in honoring our nation before “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

The 2015 Indianapolis 500 will air on ABC at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, May 24.

2015 Indianapolis 500, May 18th Practice Photos

May 18, 2015 by Brian Groce

Photos by Brian Groce.

IMS Schedule for Monday, May 18, 2015

May 17, 2015 by Naptown Buzz

Indianapolis 500 Practice

8:30 a.m.-Noon	Indy Lights Testing
Noon	Public Gates Open
12:30-4 p.m.	Verizon IndyCar Series Practice
4:30-7 p.m.	Indy Lights Testing
7 p.m.	Public Gates Close

TICKETS: $15, children 12 and under free.

PUBLIC GATES OPEN: Noon (local time). Pedestrian gates open are Gates 1B, 2, 4, Media Gate, 7 Vehicle, 7 South Pedestrian, 9A, 10, 10A, 12.

STANDS OPEN: B Stand (As needed GA – Sec. 22-25), E Stand (Open-GA), North Vista Wheelchair (As needed GA, Sec. 21), Northwest Vista (As needed GA, Sec. 1-4), Northwest Vista Deck (Open-GA), Paddock (As needed GA, Sec. 9-18), Paddock Pressbox (Open-GA), Paddock Penthouse (As needed GA, Sec. 9-30), Pit Road Terrace (Open-GA), South Terrace (Open-GA), Tower Terrace (As needed GA, Sec. 37-42), Tower Terrace Wheelchair (Open-GA), Wheelchair Accessible (Open GA), Backstretch Mounds (Open-GA), Backstretch Family Mounds (Open-GA), Turn 2 Mounds (Open-GA), Turn 3 Mounds (Open-GA), Gasoline Alley Roof (Open-GA)

MUSEUM HOURS: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for fans 6-15 years old, with children under 5 free. Gate admission to the Indianapolis 500 is not included in Museum admission and must be purchased separately.

99th running of the Indianapolis 500 – Starting Grid

May 17, 2015 by Amanda Groce

This weekend was certainly full of twists and turns. Now that the field is set we can focus on 4 turns for 200 laps.

Here’s the starting grid for the 2015 Indianapolis 500:

Row 1: Scott, Dixon, Will Power, Simon Pagenaud

Row 2: Tony Kanaan, Helio Castroneves, Justin Wilson

Row 3: Sebastien Bourdais, Marco Andretti, Josef Newgarden

Row 4: JR Hildebrand, Carlos Munoz, Ed Carpenter

Row 5: Oriol Servia, Charlie Kimball, Juan Pablo Montoya

Row 6: Ryan Hunter-Reay, Graham Rahal, Carlos Huertas

Row 7: Simona de Silvestro, James Jakes, Alex Tagliani

Row 8: Sage Karam, James Hinchcliffe, Conor Daly

Row 9: Townsend Bell, Takuma Sato, Pippa Mann

Row 10: Gabby Chaves, Sebastian Saavedra, Jack Hawksworth

Row 11: Stefano Coletti, Bryan Clauson, James Davison*

This would be based on James Davison being moved to the back for not being the qualifying driver (Tristan Vautier).