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Jeffrey Dean Morgan to Drive Pace Car at 101st Indianapolis 500

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Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who has played major roles in hit television series such as “The Walking Dead” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” will drive the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car to lead the starting field of the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil to the green flag Sunday, May 28.

Morgan plays “Negan” in the smash hit AMC series “The Walking Dead,” which returns for its eighth season this fall. He received a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series and an MTV Movie & TV Award for Best Villain in 2017 for the role.

“We’re honored to welcome Jeffrey Dean Morgan to IMS to drive the 2017 Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “He’s used to playing the ultimate villain in ‘The Walking Dead,’ but he’ll be an envied hero to millions of race fans around the world when he gets to lead the field to the green flag of the 101st Indianapolis 500 in such a beautiful Corvette.”

Morgan also endeared himself to audiences with his recurring role as “Denny Duquette” on ABC’s smash hit series “Grey’s Anatomy” and as “Jason Crouse” in the CBS series “The Good Wife.” He also had a notable, recurring television role in the CW drama series “Supernatural.”

He has guest-starred in many popular television series, including “ER,” “JAG,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “Angel,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Sliders,” “The O.C.” and “Monk.”

Since his motion-picture debut in “Uncaged” in 1991, Morgan has appeared in more than 25 feature films. He starred in “Watchmen,” director Zack Snyder’s adaptation of the iconic graphic novel. Other feature credits include “Desierto,” “Batman v. Superman,” “The Resident,” “All Good Things,” “The Losers,” “Taking Woodstock,” “Shanghai,” “Texas Killing Fields” and “The Accidental Husband.”

SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

2017 Indy 500 Schedule for CARB DAY, Friday, May 26th

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Friday, May 26, 2017, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway:

SCHEDULE (All times local)

  • 7 a.m.: Parking Lots Open
  • 7 a.m.-6 p.m.: Administrative Office Open, Credential Office Open, IMS Ticket Office Open
  • 8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Ticket Trackside Office Open, Ticket Remotes Open (Gates 3, 6, 9, 10)
  • 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Credential Trackside Office Open
  • 8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Public Gates Open
  • 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: IMS Midway Open
  • 8-9 a.m.: Historic Race Car Exhibition
  • 9-10 a.m.: Firestone Pin Distribution – Pagoda Plaza
  • 10-10:30 a.m.: Indy Lights Autograph Session – IMS Midway
  • 10:30-10:45 a.m.: Sam Schmidt Arrow Car Laps
  • 10:45 a.m.: Clint Brawner Award Ceremony – Victory Podium
  • 11 a.m.-noon: Verizon IndyCar Series Practice
  • 12:05 p.m.: Indy Lights Driver Introductions
  • 12:15 p.m.: Invocation delivered by Rev. Mike Welch
  • 12:16 p.m.: National anthem performed by Reba McEntire
  • 12:25 p.m.: “Drivers Start Your Engines”
  • 12:30 p.m.: Indy Lights Freedom 100 race – 40 Laps
  • 1:45-3 p.m.: TAG Heuer Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge
  • 2 p.m.: Miller Lite Carb Day Concert Venue Opens
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Barenaked Ladies Concert – Turn 4 Miller Lite Carb Day Stage
  • 4-5:30 p.m.: Hinch “The Mayor on Air” Live Podcast – Garages 35 & 36
  • 5-6:30 p.m.: Steve Miller Band Concert – Turn 4 Miller Lite Carb Day Stage

TICKETS: General Admission – $30. Kids 15 and under free when accompanied by an adult.

PUBLIC GATES OPEN (8 a.m.-6 p.m.): Gate 1, Gate 2, Gate 3, Gate 6, Gate 7S Pedestrian, Gate 7 Vehicle, Gate 9, Gate 10, Gate 10A, Gate 11A, Gate 12

STANDS OPEN:

General Admission ($30) – A Stand, B Penthouse (22-25), Backstretch Family Mounds, E Penthouse, E Stand, Gasoline Alley Roof, Northwest Vista (1-4), Northwest Vista Deck, Northwest Vista Wheelchair (21), Paddock (12-20), Paddock Penthouse (16-28), Paddock Pressbox, Pit Road Terrace, South Terrace, Tower Terrace (37-45), Tower Terrace Wheelchair, Turn 1 Mounds, Turn 3 Mounds, Turn 4 Mounds, Wheelchair Accessible

PARKING LOTS OPEN (7 a.m.): Lot 1B-Paid Daily Parking, Lot 2-Paid Daily Parking, Lot 3G-Paid Daily Parking, Main Gate-Paid Daily Parking, North 40-Limited Free Infield Public Parking, Turn 3-Pre-Paid Purchases ONLY

CAMPING LOTS OPEN: Lot 1A, Lot 1C, Lot 2, Lot 3G, Lot 3P, Lot 4, Lot 4AP, Lot 5, Lot 6, Lot 9

MUSEUM HOURS: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., $10 Adults, $5 Youth (ages 6-15), Free (5 and under)

2017 Indy 500 Parade and Race Day Traffic Patterns

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The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), in conjunction with Speedway Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, announce traffic patterns, closures, and routes for the Indy 500 Parade and Race Day for the 101st Running of the Indianapolis 500! This event will be very closely monitored across all levels of Law Enforcement and Homeland Security.

“The events that unfolded in Manchester, England on Monday night weighs heavy on our hearts and minds. So let me first say that our prayers go out to all who have been affected,” IMPD Chief Roach stated, “Our partners from the Federal level down are doing everything possible to ensure that this will be a fun and safe event for everyone in attendance. We ask that if you see something suspicious or hear someone speaking of carrying out violence, to immediately alert a nearby public safety professional, or dial 911. Individually and collectively we can ensure a safe and great celebration.”

There are expected to be well over 100,000 people visiting Indianapolis for Race Day weekend and the activities that will be taking place to celebrate in the “Racing Capital of the World!” Whether you’re a race, music, parade, or once in a lifetime event fan, Indianapolis has something for you. But there is one thing most of us agree on…we are not fans of traffic. While you won’t be able to move at the pace of one of the finely tuned machines running race day, attached you will find instructions to hopefully keep you and your crew moving.

2017 500 Festival Parade Traffic

The parade closes down the center of downtown beginning at 7 am and ending around 4 pm.

  • We are expecting over 100,000 spectators downtown. The parade begins at 12pm and will last approximately 3 hours.
  • Parking: All parking garages and surface lots will be open along with parking meters All parking meters inside the parade boundaries are restricted.
  • Parade Closure Boundaries
    • North – 16th Street
    • South – Maryland Street
    • East – Delaware Street
    • West – Illinois Street
  • Recommended routes
    • North/ South roads
      • West St.
    • Southbound
      • Capitol
      • East St
    • Northbound
      • New Jersey
      • Delaware (Congested)
      • Illinois (Congested)
    • Eastbound
      • South St.
      • Maryland
    • East and Westbound
      • McCarty
      • South St.
      • 15th St.

2017 Indianapolis 500 Traffic Patterns

All Parking lots at the Speedway are sold out. If you have not already secured parking there will be no Speedway parking available. Plan accordingly.

INBOUND

  • Parking North of the Track
    • 30th Street, Enter southbound from 165 onto Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. and then West on 30th Street.
    • 38th St. west, to Georgetown Road
  • Parking South of the Track
    • 16th Streets from the East. Access 16th Street from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
  • Parking West of the Track
    • 33th St. to Moller,
    • Crawfordsville Rd, East from 1465
    • 10th St. eastbound from 1465 to Lynhurst Dr
    • Rockville Rd, East from 1465 to Lynhurst Dr

Closures

  • Holt Road from Washington to 16th St.
  • 10th Street from White River West Dr. to Lynhurst
  • Polco, from 10th Street to 16th Street

OUTBOUND

One Way Traffic Patterns 

  • 16th St is one way from Gate 2 to Dr. Martin Luther King St. 165 can be accessed by going north or south on Dr. MLK Jr St
  • 30th St. , One way from Gate 10a to 165
  • Lynhurst, from Crawfordsville Rd to 10th St
  • 10th St from Lynhurst to 1465

Dedicated outbound routes 

  • Crawfordsville Rd. one
  • Rockville from Lynhurst to 1465
  • Moller Rd, from 30th St to 38th St.
  • 38th St from 165 to 146S

Closures 

  • Off Ramps closed at 170 and Holt Road during outbound.
  • Off Ramps closed at 1465 and Rockville Road, during outbound.
  • Off Ramps closed at 1465 and 10th Street, during outbound.

2017 500 Race

Traffic Restrictions will be put in place beginning at Sam

  • Holt Rd, 10th St. and Palco will be closed to vehicular traffic.
  • If you have not pre-purchased parking passes you will need to find parking away from the track
  • Best way to the track is
    • 16th St. from downtown. No infield parking without a parking pass
    • 30th St. from 165 to Gate 10
    • Lots west of the track utilize Lynhurst and Georgetown.

2017 Indianapolis 500 Inbound Traffic Patterns

Click to enlarge.

2017 Indianapolis 500 Outbound Traffic Patterns

Click to enlarge.

The IMPD encourages everyone to plan ahead for parking and allow for ample travel time when going to or leaving from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Our Federal, State, and Local partners are looking forward to providing a safe and fun environment, where the only thing you will have to worry about is the checkered flag and not missing the photo finish. Enjoy everything Indianapolis has to offer and be sure to say hello to those that here to serve and protect you! Ladies and gentlemen…start your engines!

SOURCE: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

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