Q: Is there any truth that the late Ayrton Senna had a test run with Penske at the Speedway, back in November 1993?

—Michael Brucker Jr. via email

A: Senna did in fact test with Penske, but it was the week of Christmas 1992 and it took place at Firebird Raceway (a road course) in Phoenix, rather than IMS. The situation was that Senna was not at all happy with his current lot in Formula One and was undecided as to whether or not to stay with McLaren (which he did), especially in view of the fact that Honda would not be returning for 1993. Largely through the efforts of fellow Brazilian Emerson Fittipaldi, Senna showed up at Firebird, and under Emmo’s tutelage, took a number laps in a Marlboro-liveried Penske car.

Not surprisingly, everyone involved was extremely impressed with his runs, and Emmo pushed for Senna to come on as teammate to Paul Tracy and himself, Rick Mears having just announced his retirement at the Penske Christmas party a couple of weeks earlier. There are several minutes of footage of that day available on YouTube, including an interview (in Portuguese) conducted with Senna and Emmo during which time Senna comes over as even a little bashful, the two of them clearly having great affection for each other.

With Nigel Mansell already confirmed as joining Mario Andretti at Newman/Haas and Nelson Piquet expected to return with John Menard (which he did), Emmo was fantasizing that there could be at least five World Champions at Indianapolis in 1993. There would only be four. The next step was to get Senna on an oval, which never happened, and it wasn’t before he was re-signed with McLaren for another year of F1.

In the meantime, longtime Penske engineer Chuck Sprague, who had been somewhat apprehensive as what Senna might be like to work with, was absolutely amazed that he showed up at Firebird as the lone passenger in Fittipaldi’s rental car. No handlers, no entourage, just himself. He was extremely polite, very complimentary about the car and gave tons of feedback after very few laps.

The following day, Senna accompanied the team over for a test on the other side of town at PIR’s oval with Fittipaldi and Tracy, and he paid plenty of attention but declined to take any laps. He shook hands with everyone involved when he left and a year later, Chuck was flabbergasted to receive a Senna Christmas card.

Q: I recently visited a signage business in Indianapolis, located at the southern tip of a road called Gasoline Alley. When I looked at the map, although there are northern sections of this road that bear other names, it might have originally led right up to the track itself? So is there a historical connection between the lower stretch of this road and the track?

—Mel Francis, Oconomowoc, Wis.

A: We know it well, and we’ll hazard a guess that the signage business you visited was Freelance Lettering. Prior to 1985—the year in which that stretch was officially re-named Gasoline Alley—it had always been Roena Street. It did cause some confusion at the time—and since—one having to specify precisely which “Gasoline Alley” was being referenced, that of course, having been the nickname applied to the Garage Area at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway a mile to the north as far back as the 1920s.  And yes, it did lead directly to IMS until quite recently, in spite of it going by three different names during the 1.5-mile trip.

We can remember when the Roena stretch (from Vermont Street down to where it dead-ends into Rockville Road) was pretty much out in the country, much of it being occupied by row upon row of fruits and vegetables and several large greenhouses. The sweeping left- and right-hander just south of Vermont Street where Bob East and Steve Lewis had their operation for several years used to be lined with so much foliage overgrowth that to drive through there was almost as if one was travelling through a winding carwash with the brushes on but no water! That’s all gone now.

A longtime “500″ crew member named Charlie Patterson purchased some property along Roena in 1978, with a view to relocating his driveshaft business there, but after clearing out a bunch of shrubbery, one thing led to another. He began purchasing more and more property and pretty soon was putting up buildings for the purpose of housing race teams, accessory companies and a variety of racing-related businesses. It has been a height of activity for the last 30-odd years, and at the risk of leaving somebody out, we recall at various times over the years Bignotti-Cotter being down there, along with Vince Granatelli, Ron Hemelgarn, Newman/Haas, Riley & Scott, Chris Paulsen’s C & R Racing, several drag racing teams, including Don “The Snake” Prudhomme’s, Herb Porter’s HP Performance (now Speedway Engines run by Rick Long), Rick Hendrick’s IMSA GTP team, Dan Gurney, Jud Phillips, Tony Bettenhausen, PacWest, Jackie Howerton, Steve Lewis and Bob East, Alex Morales and Johnny Capels, Elouisa Garza, Mike Fanning, Frank Weiss, Donnie Ray Everett, Jeff Sinden and Joe Kennedy, Gordon Barrett, Bob Lazier, Adrian Fernandez, Pagan Racing (with John Barnes), HVM Racing (driver Simona de Silvestro), J. J. Yeley, Steve Long, Dan Drinan, Jason Leffler, Bud Kaeding, Joe Devin, Gambler, Earl’s Supply, Van’s Metalcraft and countless others. Over this last winter, Hinchman Uniforms moved in there.

For many years, as you suggest, the journey from IMS down to Gasoline Alley was a direct route, specifically Polco Street running from West 16th Street south to West 10th Street, followed by Grande Avenue from 10th to Vermont Street and finally Roena/Gasoline Alley down to Rockville Road where it dead-ends. Polco and Grande have retained their names, but the very handy direct route to IMS did come to an end a few months ago when the Town of Speedway closed a portion of Grande Avenue in a transaction made with Allison Transmission.

The name Polco, by the way, has an Allison connection. Now approximately 100 years old, the name is derived from using five letters out of “Prest-O-Lite Company,” the firm underwritten in 1904 by Carl Fisher and Jim Allison for about $5,000 and then sold in 1917 to Union Carbide for $9 million!

2012 INDYCAR

Dan had great things to say about the new car, and the testing program this year. “The evolution lately, over the last few tests, has been phenomenal,” Dan says about the new model.

It was great to see the 2012 INDYCAR on our oval, and we can’t wait to see a field of 33 race around the track next May. What do you think of the new model? Thoughts, opinions, concerns?

Turn 1 was full of fans for today’s qualifying session, and now we know why. From this area of the stands you can view the front straight, a variety of turns and the pits. Another perk of Turn 1 is the shade! Although we have perfect weather in the forecast for this weekend, shade is always a nice factor.

Outside of Turn 1

Turn 9 is a reserved area for members of the Corner 9 Club. Anyone who wants to upgrade their Red Bull Indianapolis GP experience can join. An air conditioned suite complete with lounge areas, food and drinks is provided. The Corner 9 stands are just a short walk from the suite and amidst all the action! The view allows you to see multiple bikes speeding around multiple corners at the same time. There’s never a dull moment in Turn 9.

Reserved seats in Turn 9 for Corner 9 Club members

Sitting in Turn 4 of the oval provides a great view as well. Multiple turns that cause the bikes to lean left and then right, the front straight and two big screens allow for a great experience. No shade exists in Turn 4, but the view is worth it! Just remember to bring your sunscreen!

Coming out of Turn 4

Where will you be sitting tomorrow for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? We want to know!

A big crowd for Ben Spies and Oakley

Fans were armed with sharpies, posters, framed pictures and helmets. We knew this would be the appropriate place to find our Fan of the Day, and who better than the first person in line? Jennifer had been waiting in line since noon (the tweet up was at 5pm). She didn’t even leave to eat lunch, she had family and friends deliver food to her.

Jennifer waiting for Ben Spies with her Oakley Batwolf sunglasses

Jennifer has followed Spies through pretty much his entire career. She has watched him race for about 10 years she said, and has even met his mother! She has attended the Red Bull Indianapolis GP every year at Indy and her favorite racing memory was the first time MotoGP came to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Ben finally arrived and the fans cheered for him as he took his seat outside of the Oakley garage. Jennifer was first to get an autograph. The line of fans took their turns getting autographs, shaking hands and wishing Ben good luck this weekend.

Jennifer got to walk away with a free pair of Oakley sunglasses, an autograph from her favorite driver and a great memory! What more could a fan ask for?

Early in the day at Vendor Marketplace

This year I’ve noticed a greater digital influence. As someone that works in the digital arena, this had me intrigued.

Here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we’re thinking of how we can work more closely with our fans at the track. How can we connect with you? How can we listen? How can we share special offers? How can we tell you about the cool stuff that happens? Regardless of your loyalties – Indianapolis 500, Brickyard 400 or Red Bull Indianapolis GP – we want your input, so we can make it a richer experience.

So it seemed fortuitous when I came across the Tissot Tent earlier today – aside from great watches – they also featured QR Codes, Facebook interactions and an augmented reality station, where you can virtually try on a watch. Wow.

Inside Tissot - Nicky Hayden and QR Codes!

Tissot gets racing. They’re involved in NASCAR, associated with Danica Patrick and as you can see above, Nicky Hayden – in action today, tomorrow and Sunday. They also get fans. So much so, that fans can instantly like them on Facebook and enter contests. With a fairly smart phone, you can scan a QR code and get a personalized video of Nicky or Danica or another celebrity. And then there’s the augmented reality thing. Don’t worry, if you’re old school, you can still physically try on a watch. But you really should check out this AR concept. See video below.

The experience in the Tissot Tent got me thinking about some more innovative, tech-focused experiences we could create here on the IMS grounds. I see us headed in that direction.

The e-Tint garage was also an impressive setup. Aside from featuring helmets with their LCD visor technology, they also sported a smart theater-like installation to showcase their technology.

LCD Visor Inserts

I was impressed with the design of the space and the way it easily explained the product – all done through technology. How would you feel about seeing more technology around IMS?

Another garage that seemed to draw people in through the glow of technology was CycleNews.com.

Step right in

3 devices. A flatscreen with a live video feed and 2 tablets with access to their site. It was a simple installation but it placed the entire emphasis on the content and news of their site. I felt like it was perfectly prepared, really bringing to life a 40-year publication in a modern way.

Our stadium is over 100 years now. What are your thoughts on technology in the IMS space? Anything you’d like to see in particular? We’d love to know. After all, we’re always changing.

In the meantime, enjoy the perfect weather this weekend and wander the Vendor Marketplace. If you’re a techy or not – you’ll love it.

Name? Lynda

AKA? Mrs. Dorfmeyer

What riding group are you associated with? I belong to AMA, MSTA, HOG and Ladies of Harley.  I am mostly an independent rider, but support the sport and the industry.

How long have you been riding? On the back…a loooong time. I completed the Abate course here in Indy on 7/27/2003:  so on the front it has been 8 years.

How did you get involved with your organization? My husband Rick is a charter member of the AMA, he also got me involved with the MSTA.  He also introduced me to the world of motorcycle racing…Who knew?  I was always a big race fan…but somehow I missed the motorcycle part????

What are some of your favorite biking events you have traveled to? I have so many….All 3 MotoGP’s at the Brickyard, I probably qualify as an evangelist for that event.  MotoGP in Laguna Seca.  Continental Tire 4 day excursion to the conti-drome and the back roads of Germany.  Bonneville Salt Flats to see my sweetheart set a Land Speed Record on the Rayce Teams (Bloomington Powersports)Project 212  Honda cbr600, that they built in Tim Halsmer garage.  The Tucker Rocky BFD in Ft. Worth, via Colorado and Arizona, the 4000 mile odyssey on the sportster with my sweetheart Rick,  Craig and Jesusa Voris.  Cheraholla skyway in the rain, Arizona 191 (formerly Rte 666) passed a sign that read 20 mph curves, next 60 miles).  Oh yeah… we rode to Washington DC for the 1^st 9/12 Rally….WOW.

Lynda

What was the first bike you owned? Honda Rebel-Circa 1988

What is your dream bike? Whatever I am riding.

What drives you to be a biker? / What is the greatest reward you get from biking? I think I come by it honestly, my grandmother flew fighter planes (the P51) in the WASP (Women’s Air Service Patrol) in WWII.  Her wings are in the Smithsonian in DC.  My wings are on my Harley Davidson and the patches/pins on my vest.

My father was asking me the same question one day while driving down the interstate.  We passed a van with a golden retriever with his head out the window, ears flapping, tongue hangin out…  As we passed that van, I said to my father, ” Do you see that dog?  He replied, Yes…I said “I GET THAT”.  He has commented that he cannot understand how his college educated daughter aspires to be a “biker chick”.  Riding is something I do COMPLETELY for me.  I do not care about what anyone else thinks…that is mine.  The rewards? I have met some unbelievable people, that is THE unexpected gift! Peace, a sense of adventure, the wildness of my youth…Harley says it well…Screw it lets Ride. !!!!

Any great memories of events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or memories of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? My memories of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway go way back.  I come by being an IMS fan honestly also.  My father’s 1^st job was at the Motor Speedway:   he sold newspapers and sno cones when he was 12 or 13 (which we figured was around 1950 or so). He also worked the scoreboard, near the short chute, which consisted of 3 telephone poles  placed in a triangle, with boards joining them.  He had score cards and earphones and was responsible for keeping the crowds informed on the first 5 drivers. I have been coming to the motor speedway for the 500 since I was about 12 or 13 also.  The Brickyard 400, Formula 1 and NOW the Redbull Indianapolis Moto GP! Too many exciting memories to write down!

I had an opportunity to be on the inside while this event was being put together, due to Rick’s friendship with Mel and his employer being Tucker Rocky, one of the  sponsors of the MotoGP.  I can honestly say that I will NEVER forget the first time I saw those guys test riding on the track…I COULD FEEL IT, and HEAR it. There is nothing like watching those bikes live and in person. Then coupled with it being held at IMS the shrine of racing…well it doesn’t get much better.

I think my next fondest memory is being able to see the expression on the people’s faces when I would ask, that first year, “Is this the first time you have ever been to the Brickyard/IMS”? People would light up, grin from ear to ear, and proceed to tell me how long they have wanted to come here, that there is no place like it in the world, and then you put bikes on the track…….well…you get it I am sure….a line from the movie The World’s Fastest Indian comes to mind… “Paying homage to the Gods of Speed”.

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Interested in tickets? Click here.

Name? Tamara

Bike’s name? My bike’s name is Cherry.

What riding group are you associated with? 317 Ryders MC

How long have you been riding? Since 2010

How did you get involved with your organization? My husband, Jimmie “Tic Tac” McMillian, initially joined in 2008. I challenged myself to take the riders course, passed the written test and obtained my motorcycle endorsement.

Tamara

What are some of your favorite biking events you have traveled to? Tail of the Dragon (in Tennessee) and the Cherohala Skyway, in North Carolina, were the most memorable riding trips. They both challenged my endurance, bike handling and riding in colder temperatures.

What was the first bike you owned? Cherry, the bike I currently own- 1998 Honda Shadow Aero – 1100

What is your dream bike? A chromed out Harley Davidson Road King in a girlie-color like orange, tan, or cream.

What drives you to be a biker? / What is the greatest reward you get from biking? As a professional woman, it has been empowering to own and ride my own bike. It takes a lot of courage and skill to ride your own motorcycle. I feel very strong and independent whether I ride 15 minutes or 5 hours. The greatest reward I get is when other women and girls compliment me or give me the thumbs up when I ride. I want to be a symbol of a women mastering a challenging hobby in a feminine way.

Any great memories of events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or memories of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? Moto GP- I have attended all of the MotoGP races in Indianapolis. I love the vendor/bike area the most because I can see the latest bikes, technology and accessories up close. I even took pictures of my “dream bike”.

I enjoyed the Midwest Breakout Ride in April of 2011 that was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was a joy to see all of the bikers and their families from several states appreciate the track and IMS facilities.

Anything else you would like to add? One of the best riding experiences I have is when I ride with my husband. We can ride for hours and talk to each other through our scala riders attached to our helmets as we explore the wonderful roads in our country.

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Interested in tickets? Click here.

Name? LaTanya

AKA? Ms Tan

What riding group are you associated with? 317 Ryders MC

How long have you been riding? New rider, 1 year

How did you get involved with your organization? I was invited to 317 Ryder events, parties, rides, etc. and eventually became a member

LaTanya

What are some of your favorite biking events you have traveled to? PRO convention in Tampa Fl., Spring Breakout ride in Mobile AL

What was the first bike you owned? Kawasaki 636

What is your dream bike? Harley Davidson – Soft Tail

What drives you to be a biker? / What is the greatest reward you get from biking? The excitement and the speed of riding, the greatest reward you get from biking is the freedom you experience on the open road.

Any great memories of events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or memories of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? Riding around the track with my motorcycle club

Anything else you would like to share? Taking ABATE has been a great tool in survival techniques.

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Interested in tickets? Click here.

Name? Jodi

What riding group are you associated with? No particular group per say! I’m the co-host of Steel Horse TV.

How long have you been riding? 4 years

How did you get involved with your organization? I got involved with Steel Horse 5 years ago when I was working for WNDY-TV. I was in charge of selling advertising for the show at the time.

Jodi is the co-host of Steel Horse TV

What are some of your favorite biking events you have traveled to? Biketober Fest in Daytona was a blast but I don’t spend a lot of time at these big events.  I really love interacting with the people and beneficiaries at the local rides that Steel Horse covers.  It would really be hard to name a favorite because they are all for such a great cause!

What was the first bike you owned? 2001 Sportster 1200 Custom

What is your dream bike? Screamin Eagle VROD

Jodi is the co-host of Steel Horse TV

What drives you to be a biker? / What is the greatest reward you get from biking? The freedom to ride!  Throwing all your cares out the window and taking off to see the back roads that we so often miss because we are in such a hurry to get where we are going.  I love riding to get lost!  Eventually you will always run into a road you know but the scenic countryside is a beautiful place to be “lost!”

Any great memories of IMS or the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? I would have to say the first year when we had a hurricane!

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Interested in tickets? Click here.

Before the race I went to the infield. We passed by the Pagoda and noticed a big crowd, so we went to see what was happening. Security blew whistles and one white van after another pulled up through the crowd of people. I saw the majority of the drivers and family members as they walked through the Pagoda to the otherside to prepare for the race. It was amazing to be so close to the drivers.

Grace Ybarra - Scholastic Kid Reporter

Before the race, I watched Desert Storm/Shield Veterans, Mayor Greg Ballard, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire on the winners podium. At the end of the National Anthem there was a US Navy T-45 Goshawk Jet Flyover and hundreds of red, white, and blue balloons were released into the sky. I loved hearing IMS Chairman of the Board, Mary Hulman George, say those famous words “Gentlemen, start your engines.”  I was very excited that Hope Solo, US Women’s Soccer Goalie, came to the Brickyard to drive the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport pace car around for two laps before the start of the race.

When I was walking through the tunnel to get to our seats I put my hand on the top of the tunnel and you could feel the cars drive over your head. Every time the cars passed by your entire body shook. The NASCAR cars are definitely louder than IndyCars.

Once in our seats we watched the cars race around and pit. During the middle of the race Kyle Busch was leaving his pit while his neighbor, Tony Stewart was entering his pit. Kyle drove straight while Tony drove left into him. Both cars were damaged so they entered the pits and both pit crews took out sledgehammers and started beating the car back into shape.   The sledgehammer is definetly something you definitely don’t see in open wheel racing.

I really enjoyed the unique designs on the NASCAR cars.  My favorite car was Kyle Busch’s M&M Car.  Even the tires advertised M&Ms with the multicolored M&Ms in the center of the tires.

Kyle Bush in the pits - Photo by Grace Ybarra

As the race neared the end, it was anybody’s race. After most cars pitted during the last twenty laps it was certainly unclear who was going to win it. When Jeff Gordon entered the pits he was in first place but when he came out of the pits he was in 18^th place. Nothing stopped him though. He sped past 16 drivers and landed himself in second place on the final white flag lap. Paul Menard still stood in front of him.  On turn four Gordon was close enough to catch Menard, although he didn’t pull it off. Menard came zooming across the bricks for his first NASCAR win. He drove his yellow 27 car in circles with smoke filling the air. The last five laps was pure adreneline.

I was glad to see such an exciting finish for my first Brickyard 400.

What was your first Brickyard 400 experience like?