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2017 Indianapolis 500

Andretti Autosport Adds Jack Harvey for 5th Indy 500 Entry

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Jack Harvey was named by Andretti Autosport to drive its No. 50 Honda in the 2017 Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a partnership with longtime team sponsor AutoNation.

Harvey, winner of 2015 Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires races on both the IMS road course and oval, will make his Verizon IndyCar Series debut as the fifth Andretti Autosport Indy 500 entry alongside full-season drivers Marco Andretti, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Alexander Rossi and Takuma Sato.

“To get my first opportunity to drive with Andretti Autosport is a dream come true because everybody knows what a great team they are,” he added. “There’s nobody that has a better opportunity than what I’ve got. I think a lot of the regular-season drivers would like to have this also.”

Harvey, who turns 24 on April 15, finished second in the Indy Lights championship in both 2014 and ’15, winning a total of six races. Michael Andretti, CEO of Andretti Autosport, recognized Harvey’s talent and believes he’ll be competitive in the fifth team entry. Andretti also pointed out that it was his rookie driver, Rossi, who won last year’s historic 100th Indy 500.

“We feel very confident that Jack’s going to be able to do a good job for us, contribute to the effort of the other four cars. … I think he has a shot at winning at least rookie of the year, outside chance at winning the race. We saw a rookie won there last year, right? You never know.”

SOURCE: INDYCAR

AJ Foyt Racing Adds Zach Veach for Indianapolis 500

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The Indy Women in Tech Championship presented by Guggenheim announced it will be the primary sponsor for AJ Foyt Racing’s No. 40 Chevrolet to be driven by Zach Veach at this year’s 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500.

The IWiT Championship will debut at IMS’ Brickyard Crossing Golf Course Sept. 4 – 9, 2017. The official LPGA tournament will feature 144 of the LPGA’s top talent in a three-day stroke-play event (Sept. 7 – 9, 2017) vying for a $2 million purse. The course features four holes inside the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“To compete in the Indianapolis 500 is a dream I’ve had since I was four years old, so when the opportunity came about to join AJ Foyt Racing with the support of the IWiT Championship and Guggenheim, I was ecstatic,” said Veach. “A lot of great people helped me to follow my dream, so I’m thrilled to be part of this program that strives to advance career opportunities for women in the field of science and technology.”

“Coming to Indy with A.J. Foyt’s team is very special to me,” the 22-year-old Ohioan added. “I am counting the days to when I can take my first laps in the IWiT Championship Chevrolet around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at speed!”

“We are happy to have another great entry for the 101st Indianapolis 500,” said Larry Foyt, president of AJ Foyt Racing. “Zach Veach is one of those drivers who has proven he deserves the opportunity by winning through the Mazda Road to Indy series, and he has put in massive effort to get to this level. The IWiT Championship is a great event for the Indianapolis community, and we are proud to help promote this event and welcome the LPGA back to Indianapolis.”

The addition of Veach brings AJ Foyt Racing’s total to three entries in this year’s Indy 500. The team is fielding ABC Supply Chevrolets for Carlos Munoz and Conor Daly for the entire Verizon IndyCar Series.

This year marks A.J. Foyt’s 60th straight Indianapolis 500 as a participant and the 40th anniversary of his then record-setting fourth Indianapolis 500 triumph, hence the No. 40 on Veach’s car. At 82, the Houstonian is still passionate about his sport and likes his team’s chances with its stable of young drivers including the rookie Veach, whom he met recently.

“I think Zach has the talent and determination it takes to make it in this sport,” said Foyt, who has a record 67 IndyCar victories. “I like his attitude and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

SOURCE: AJ Foyt Racing

Steak ‘n Shake 2017 Carb Night Burger Bash to take Place May 26

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“This year’s Steak ‘n Shake Carb Night Burger Bash will be the biggest and best yet,” said Curt Cavin, INDYCAR’s Vice President of Communications. “This event provides an unparalleled IndyCar fan experience with great drivers, world-class entertainment and fantastic food – there is no better way to get ready for Indy 500 weekend. After traditional Carb Day activities conclude at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we invite all fans to make their way downtown for this outstanding, free event.”

Appearances by Verizon IndyCar Series drivers and Big Machine Records artist Trent Harmon highlight the return of the Steak ‘n Shake Carb Night Burger Bash, a signature Friday night celebration as part of Indianapolis 500 weekend festivities.

The free, family-oriented event on May 26, 2017 at Pan Am Plaza in downtown Indianapolis includes a live show hosted by Burger Bash founder Curt Cavin and NBCSN broadcaster Kevin Lee, with appearances from the men and women who will be driving in the 101st running of the Indianapolis 500. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the show beginning at 6 p.m.

This year’s Steak ‘n Shake Burger Bash looks to build off last year’s fun, where a majority of the 33 Indianapolis 500 drivers, including “Dancing With the Stars” runner-up James Hinchcliffe, appeared on stage. Harmon, who last year won the 15th and final “American Idol” season, will perform in Indianapolis for the first time.

The Burger Bash was created in 2008 with the goal of bringing the stars of the Verizon IndyCar Series closer to the fans during the 500 weekend, and it has become one of the best opportunities to see and hear from the drivers. Over the years, the event built around Steakburgers and milkshakes has raised more than $200,000 for local charities.

Indianapolis-based Steak ‘n Shake, home of the Original Steakburger, returns as the primary sponsor of the event. Attendees will be able to enjoy Steak ‘n Shake’s famous Steakburgers and fries, as well as hand-scooped milkshakes during the event.

“Steak ‘n Shake and IndyCar are both proud to call Indianapolis home, so we couldn’t think of a better event to be involved with during one of the most exciting weekends of the year in Indy,” said Jim Flaniken, Sr. Vice President, Marketing at Steak ‘n Shake.

Harmon will perform his hit single, “There’s A Girl,” as well as other fan favorites from his Big Machine Records’ album, set to debut later this year.

“I couldn’t be more excited about headlining the 10th annual Steak ‘n Shake Carb Night Burger Bash,” Harmon said. “It’s a thrill and an honor to perform at one of the premier events during the Indy 500 weekend. I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for IndyCar fans in May.”

Proceeds from the purchase of food and auction items will benefit Basic Needs, Simple Solutions, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit focused on providing people’s basic needs.

Flaniken added: “Burger Bash exemplifies the best of Indianapolis coming together for a good cause and a great time.”

See: facebook.com/CurtCavinsCarbNightBurgerBash

SOURCE: Steak ‘n Shake

Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertibles Presented as 500 Festival Event Cars

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A longtime Indianapolis 500 tradition was continued today between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Chevrolet when 101 identical 2017 Camaro SS convertibles were staged for delivery on the main straightaway of IMS.

The 500 Festival car presentation ceremony included 50 Camaros to IMS and 51 Camaros to the Indianapolis-area Chevrolet dealers. The 500 Festival Camaro SS’s presented to the dealers will be available for immediate purchase.

The “Festival Event Cars” have reminded Indianapolis-area residents of the upcoming Indianapolis 500 since the 1960s, and this year’s fleet of unique Camaros again will turn heads as they are driven around Central Indiana.

“The sight of 500 Festival cars on the streets of Indianapolis and beyond is a sure sign the Month of May is right around the corner,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “Our friends at Chevrolet once again have delivered a fleet of beautiful Chevrolet Camaro SS convertibles that will build even more anticipation with fans for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500.”

SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Dale Coyne Enters Pippa Mann into Indy 500 for Fifth Straight Year

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Pippa Mann is returning to Dale Coyne Racing for a fifth consecutive year to pilot the team’s third entry in the 101st Indianapolis 500. Mann will be back behind the wheel of the #63 Dale Coyne Racing Honda as she looks to make her sixth start at the famed 2.5-mile superspeedway.

The British driver will once again be paired with engineer Rob Ridgely. Ridgely was Mann’s engineer when she scored her best IndyCar Series finish in 2015 (13th), as well as her best Indy 500 result (18th) last year.

“I’m very happy to be rejoining Dale Coyne Racing for my fifth consecutive year with the team at the 101st Indy 500,” expressed Mann. “Dale has invested heavily in the team over the winter, and it’s an exciting time to be part of his organization. I’m looking forward to working with the same familiar faces from my 2016 campaign, like my race engineer Rob Ridgely, as well as working with the new members of the team, including my new teammates Sebastien (Bourdais) and Ed (Jones). I’m thrilled to be getting back on the race track this May for my sixth Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

As she’s done for the past four consecutive years, Mann will continue to raise awareness for the Get Involved Campaign alongside her racing program. This year, the campaign that raises money for Susan G. Komen® is partnering with Auction Cause, a premier cause marketing agency, that will run the auction on eBay for Charity. The campaign will launch May 1 and close the week following the Indy 500. The funds raised will be used to support Komen’s global breast cancer research and community-based programs throughout the U.S.

“I’m also excited about the link up with Auction Cause and eBay for Charity this May,” added Mann. “They have so much experience running online campaigns, I feel like it’s a huge step for me, and for the Get Involved Campaign to partner with them. This new format has allowed me to reach out to more drivers, get them involved with more signed items, and I’m hoping we’re able to reach more race fans, and raise even more money for Susan G. Komen than we have ever done before.”

In the past two years, the campaign has raised over $135, 000. Items available in the 2017 auction will include 1:18 die-casts and artwork signed by various drivers, Mann’s race worn, pink helmet and suit, a karting night at Speedway Indoor Karting, as well as the popular ‘Turn the cockpit pink’ option where names of people are placed in the cockpit to honor the memories of loved ones lost, or those who are fighting or who have fought cancer.

“It’s always a pleasure to have Pippa on board for the Indy 500 and to help promote the Get Involved Campaign, raising funds for Susan G. Komen,” shared Team Owner Dale Coyne. “Pippa works hard every year to put together this program and to race in the Indy 500. With her perseverance and enthusiasm for our sport, it’s only fitting that we continue this relationship that started five years ago.”

SOURCE: Dale Coyne Racing

IPL Extends Sponsorship of 500 Festival Parade Through 2018

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The 500 Festival has announced that Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) has renewed its sponsorship of the 500 Festival Parade through 2018.

“Few events embody the spirit and pride found in those who live here in Central Indiana quite like the IPL 500 Festival Parade, and I’m proud to say we have been part of the tradition since the very beginning,” said Rafael Sanchez, IPL President & CEO. “This is an iconic event that powers the excitement and momentum of the Indianapolis 500, and through our continued partnership with the 500 Festival we are honored to Accelerate the American Spirit here in Central Indiana for more years to come.”

The 2017 IPL 500 Festival Parade marks the 61st Parade. It will be held on Saturday, May 27 in downtown Indianapolis. IPL has been a float sponsor for the event since its inception in 1957.

PrimeSport, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Expand Partnership, Launch IMS Ticket Exchange

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PrimeSport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced the launch of the Official Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Exchange.  PrimeSport will host and manage the only official resale marketplace where race fans can buy and sell 100-percent guaranteed tickets to the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil.

The 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 28 at IMS.

“We’re pleased to offer a safe, secure marketplace for our fans to buy and sell tickets for the 101st Indianapolis 500,” said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. “PrimeSport sets the standard for dependable, secure service in the ticket resale marketplace, and the Official IMS Ticket Exchange will provide another fully authorized option for fans seeking official tickets to ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'”

As the Official IMS Ticket Exchange, PrimeSport has created a secure, approved resale marketplace for fans to buy and sell tickets. Ticket holders unable to attend the Indianapolis 500 can post tickets for sale on PrimeSport’s official exchange site. Fans can feel safe while purchasing tickets, as PrimeSport ensures the security and authenticity of every transaction. Most importantly, fans who use the Official IMS Ticket Exchange will not lose their seniority or the option to renew their tickets during the annual renewal period.

PrimeSport is also the Official Fan Travel Provider for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, offering travel packages to the Indianapolis 500 and other races during the season. Official travel packages typically include hotel accommodations, pre-race hospitality, souvenirs, tickets and more! Each package is customizable and can be fit to specific needs.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and help them launch their first ever official ticket exchange in 2017,” said PrimeSport senior vice president Michael Huber. “Our priority is always to help deliver the best possible experience to race fans and now we can help fans buy and sell their tickets in a secure, official environment.”

For more information on the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Exchange, visit PrimeSport.com.

SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Best Super Bowl LI Commercial

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Pirates, Johnny Depp & Johnny Cash. What else can you ask for?!

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales hits theaters May 26, 2017 (Carb Day). I can’t think of a better way to kick off Indy 500 weekend!

500 Festival Launches 2017 500 Gives Back Grant Program

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The 500 Festival announced the 500 Gives Back grant program for 2017. This program is geared toward supporting Indiana community organizations that offer life-enriching events, activities and programs, while also celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500. Originally an element of the 100thRunning of the Indy 500 Host Committee structure, this specific program is a carryover to future years of community support.

As we approach the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500, the 500 Gives Back Program strives to create a lasting legacy within Indiana by lifting up organizations that heighten civic pride, create cultural connections, foster social engagement and stimulate education.

“The 100th Running Host Committee gifted our entire state with a renewed appreciation for the Indy 500 as a powerful platform for community engagement and enrichment,” said Hulman Motorsports Vice President of Events Allison Melangton. “I’m thrilled the 500 Gives Back Grant Program will return in 2017 and am thankful for the collaboration of the 500 Festival in providing this opportunity to so many worthy organizations.”

The 500 Festival will offer $33,000 in grants with maximum individual endorsements of $7,000 with the potential to accelerate new or existing events or programs that focus on the following:

  • a positive impact on the community
  • stimulate education
  • provide leadership
  • heighten civic pride
  • create cultural connection
  • foster social engagement

The deadline to submit grant applications is 11:59 pm ET, Feb. 28. To view the application, click here.

“The 500 Gives Back Program is designed to provide community organizations funding for direct connections relevant to our mission, the spirit of the Indy 500 and month of May activities,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “We can’t wait to continue this program which began as a 100th Running Host Committee initiative.”

To learn more about 500 Festival’s events and programs, please visit www.500festival.com.

SOURCE: 500 Festival

Keith Urban to Headline Firestone Legends Day Concert on May 27

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Four-time Grammy winner Keith Urban will headline the annual Firestone Legends Day Concert on Saturday, May 27, the day before the 101st Indy 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil. Tickets go on-sale Monday, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. with a pre-sale for current 2017 IMS ticketholders taking place at an earlier date.

Urban’s songs have reached the top of the charts 21 times, most recently with current smash hit “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Urban has recorded eight studio albums and is the first male Country artist to debut atop the all-genre charts in the U.S., Canada and Australia. He’s won both a People’s Choice Award and an American Music Award and has been nominated for a Golden Globe. He’s also won eleven Academy of Country Music Awards, has had five consecutive platinum or multi-platinum albums and is a member of the famed Grand Ole Opry.

“Firestone Legends Day has become an awesome way to celebrate the night before the Indianapolis 500 each year and having Keith Urban headline this year’s concert is going to be fantastic,” said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “Keith’s many chart-topping Billboard hits, along with his appreciation for racing, will give thousands of spectators a can’t miss show to help celebrate the 101st Indy 500 Race Weekend.”

“The Firestone Legends Day concert has become a much anticipated Indianapolis 500 tradition, and we are excited to partner with the Speedway to bring superstar Keith Urban to the IMS stage,” said Philip Dobbs, chief marketing officer, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “This event gives us the perfect platform to showcase the hard work and trusted dependability that make up the Firestone brand, and it allows us to connect with passionate country music fans in an engaging way.”

Dustin Lynch and Clayton Anderson will be special guests and fill out the full lineup.

General admission tickets for the concert start at $40 and access to the Firestone Concert Pit near the front of the stage is set for $75. Prices will increase closer to the concert date. For tickets and additional information, please visit www.ims.com or call (800) 822-INDY. Children 3 and under are free to the concert.