The Official Blog of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

This week was an exciting one for IMS! Dan Wheldon was here with the 2012 INDYCAR for a few days of testing. It’s always an honor to have Dan at the speedway, but it was an even bigger honor to have him here in the 2012 INDYCAR. The IMS oval has had the rare opportunity of seeing the complete evolution of the INDYCAR race over its famed 2.5 miles – think about how the cars have changed over the years. The sleek 2012 model looked great crossing the yard of bricks.

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?

JR Hildebrand thought he was walking into the Panther Racing garage for just another morning full of meetings, little did he know a huge surprise was in store for him. The conclusion of the 2011 Indy 500 for JR Hildebrand was a rough one, but he never let it show and Panther Racing wanted to reward JR for his professionalism. When John Barnes (Panther Racing co-owner) ran across JR’s dream car in perfect condition, he knew it would be the best way to show his appreciation.

JR has been storing a Trans-Am he got from his dad in high school at the Panther garages. The team told JR they had “fixed it up” and wanted to show it to him. They unveiled the Trans-Am (not in any better condition) to JR and he laughed, realizing it was a joke but still not knowing exactly what was going on.

The "fixed-up" Trans-Am

Just as Hildebrand got a good look at the Trans-Am, the garage door in the back of the shop opened and in came his 1966 Chevelle SS in mint condition. He kept taking off his hat and scratching his head; he seemed to be in disbelief. “This is the greatest thing that has ever happened,” I overheard him say.

JR checks out his new Chevelle

After JR had a chance to sit in the driver seat and get a feel for his new bright red dream, he spoke on the surprise and his Indy 500 experience. He explained that he finds it “silly” that he has received so much attention for his behavior because no matter the outcome of the Indy 500 he would have carried himself the same way. At the same time, he is happy for the positive impact it has had for the team and the National Guard. “This is the coolest thing ever,” he said about his new Chevelle.

What’s your dream car?

Ok, it is a job, a hectic job sometimes at that, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. As Director of Photography for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the INDYCAR Series through the years, I have seen countless races, travelled the world and got to do many things in my career. I’ve met many people from all walks of life from movie personalities, the sports world and world leaders.

Some stand outs are Presidents Ronald Reagan (whom I was named after) and Jimmy Carter (before he was President), Ex-Beatle George Harrison who was contemplating coming to Indy to be on my staff for 1994, Arnold Palmer (who chipped golf balls over my head as he filmed a Pennzoil Commercial here at Indy), Mohammad Ali, Payton Manning, Medal of Honor winner, Col. Bruce Crandall (who waved the Green Flag at the Indianapolis 500 this year) and countless others.

I’ve walked through the pits with Joe Walsh, guitarist for the Eagles, been hit with the green flag at the start of the race by Jack Nicholson (and the one rule I tell the honorary starters before the start of each race is “…don’t hit the photographer!!!”).

I will have to give the year 2003 a nod as one of my most memorable years. 1st in April, I rode the 2 seat Indy Car with Ed Carpenter driving, around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Then, a couple of months later, I was allowed to drive a Competition class rail dragster for 6 passes at Muncie Dragway 1/8th mile strip (yes, at speed). Then a test at Indianapolis Raceway Park (it was still called that then) for the Indy Racing Experience in a single seat Indy Car.

Then, at the 2nd Texas race, I was afforded a chance to ride in the Klein Tool Stunt Plane on a practice run doing all of the stunts they do, prior to the pre-race show. The pilot would not let me bring a camera in case I passed out (which I did not). It was the time of my life and I didn’t get sick or dizzy!!! All in all, a great year.

Who says you can’t have fun at your job?

Indy 500 weekend is officially here (yes, I start my weekends on Thursday) and I don’t know about you but I’m ready to get this party started! While the race may not be until Sunday, there’s plenty of action to check out between now and then. Here’s a rundown of the events on my schedule. You’ll also find information about each event as well as their Twitter handle if available and of course you can follow my weekend on Twitter too (@lesalina)!

Where will you be?

Thursday, May 26

Jocktails at the 500 / Jocktails After-party

7 pm – 10 pm Invite Only Event

10 pm – 3 am After-party, open to the public

Jocktails at the 500 will feature some of the biggest names related to the Indy 500, and other local celebrities using their star power to raise money for this year’s beneficiary, Racing for Cancer (www.racingforcancer.org). 100% of the tips raised from the event will be donated to the organization. While the event may be by invite only, the after-party is open to all and will be hosted by yours truly!

Info: Jocktails Celebrity After-party Hosted by Leslie Bailey, Blu Lounge, 240 S. Meridian St.
Indianapolis. Visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jocktails/131277730281798?v=info for more information.

Follow this event on Twitter: @Jocktails, @RacingForCancer

Friday, May 27 – Carb Day

Firestone Freedom 100

12 pm

One happy Carb Day fan

Don’t miss the 9^th Freedom 100 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This is your chance to witness the future stars of IndyCar in action! And it’s only 40 laps which means you’ll have plenty of time to get to the rest of the Carb Day activities.

Info: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Miler Lite Carb Day Tickets: $20

Follow this event on Twitter: @IndyCar

Miller Lite Carb Day Concert featuring Staind with Special Guests Papa Roach

3:30 pm

Remember them? This concert is free with Carb Day admission so get your beer and prepare for a flashback to the 90’s. Grab yourself a beer and enjoy! (Please drink responsibly. Nobody likes that guy at a concert.)

Info: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Miller Lite Card Day Tickets:$20

Saturday, May 28

IPL 500 Festival Parade

12 pm

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper leads the two-mile procession of floats, marching bands and all 33 competing drivers. Fun for the whole family! If you’re not purchasing reserved seats, make sure to arrive early to get a good spot as you will be joining more than 300,000 spectators for this 54 year tradition.

Info: Pennsylvania and North Streets, Reserved seats are $14.50; $18 and $32. Visit http://www.500festival.com/parade/ for more information.

Follow this event on Twitter: @500Festival

FANtasy 500 Race Party

9 pm – 3 am

The 4^th annual FANtasty Race Party will be hosted by television personality Catt Sadler, recording artist and actress Christina Milian, and CNN’s ‘Morning Express’ host Carlos Diaz. Held at the historic Columbia Club on Monument circle, this event is sure to be the hottest party of the night.

Info: The Columbia Club, 121 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN, Tickets: $75 General Admission/$100 Moet VIP Lounge. Visit http://www.fantasy500party.com/ for more information.

Sunday, May 29 – Race Day

The Centennial Indianapolis 500

12 pm

The green flag drops

Celebrate one hundred years of history on the track as 33 drivers race for the checkered flag. Personally, I’m looking forward to the Hot Wheels Fearless at the 500 World Record Jump Attempt at 10:40 am and watching the National Anthem performed by David Foster, Seal & Kelly Clarkson during the pre-race festivities, but nothing – I mean nothing, beats the sound of those famous words and hearing the engines roar.

Info: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tickets: $30 and up. Visit http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com for more information.

Follow this event on Twitter: @IMS

On Bump Day the Indianapolis Motor Speedway remembered Charles Wilson, friend, life coach to youth and full-on racer. Charles, the president of Nexgeneracers, an organization founded to assist youngsters to learn all aspects of motorsports – driving, mechanics and business – passed away on April 8 after a spirited battle with cancer.

Jonathan, Kyaire, and Matthew - Nexgeneracers

In attendance were Charles’ mother Patsy Wilson and his aunt and uncle Helen and Thurman Henderson. Also, a host of his students, members of Nexgeneracers, and IMS board member Jack Snyder. Rodney Reid,  the President of Nexgeneracers, presided over the gathering which included friends and community leaders. Snyder read a proclamation declaring that IMS will place a commemorative brick with Charles’ name in the Speedway’s plaza behind the famed pagoda in appreciation for his contributions to auto racing and to the lives of young people.

Nexgeneracers Organization

At the conclusion of the memorial, legendary Indy 500 driver Willy T. Ribbs spoke to the gathering to tell the young drivers that their dream was within their grasp – but only through hard work and persistence. Ribbs spoke of his own determination and how he focused on his goals to overcome obstacles and realize tremendous success. During his career he competed in Indy-style racing through six full seasons in addition to several races in NASCAR Sprint Cup. He won six races in Trans-Am sports car road racing competition and was UK Formula Ford champion early in his career.

The day served as an opportunity for the IMS to connect with an up and coming pool of racing talent. Indianapolis should get to know the Nexgeneracers.

Willy T. Ribbs waves the green flag on Bump Day

Casey Mears, left, and Roger Mears

As the eldest member and leader of the famed “Mears Gang,” Roger Mears took a unique path to the Indianapolis 500.

He actually followed his younger brother, Rick, to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In fact, Rick – who is 5 years younger than Roger — had already competed in four Indy 500s and scored one victory before Roger made the starting lineup for the 1982 500 Mile Race.

“Rick came over to Indy cars and did very, very well, and that opened the door for me,” Roger said. “I was actually headed toward stock cars and off-road at the time. I feel very fortunate that I did get the opportunity to run there for a few years. I’m a little disappointed I didn’t get to run as long or as much as I would like, but I did what I could and did what I had to work with.”

The “Mears Gang” was among the best off-road racers that ever drove through the desert, and after the 1983 CART season, Roger had the opportunity to return to off-road where he continued an impressive career.

“Some opportunities opened up for me to go off-road full time, and I felt I had a better shot at making a full-time career out of it, which I did,” Roger said. “I rode the off-road wave that took off in the early 1980s and rode it into the 1990s and had the time of my life.”

Roger Mears’ career included stock car racing in the Bakersfield, Calif., area in addition to off-road racing. Rick was a noted off-road race but branched out to Formula Fords and Super Vee racing in the 1970s. That opened the way for Rick to head into Indy-style racing.

“We raced every weekend to have fun and we just loved doing it, and all of a sudden it turned into a career, which was a dream come true for all of us,” Roger said.

[More]

On the corner of Broome and Hudson in New York City, less than 36 hours before the first official practice session of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season, is not exactly the place race fans would expect to find a gathering of Indianapolis 500 race winners, rookies of the year, vintage race cars, the IndyCar Experience two-seaters and executives from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the IZOD IndyCar Series and PVH (IZOD’s parent company). But on the evening of March 23, The Classic Car Club in lower Manhattan was a gathering spot for a national media kick-off celebration the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.

Event location: Classic Car Club

The event included some of the top producers, assignment editors and reporters in the country (in addition to a few representatives of global media outlets) representing non-endemic (meaning, not sports, racing or automotive) media. The purpose of the event was to introduce the Indianapolis 500, its drivers, its storylines and its pageantry (especially around the historically significant 100th anniversary) to media that would extend the reach of our brands (Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the IZOD IndyCar Series).

From an Indianapolis 500 fan’s point of view, the evening featured plenty of content to satisfy. Drivers (Mario Andretti, Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe and Simona De Silvestro) mingled with media and posed for pictures with those in attendance. Four race cars from the 50s and 60s, as well as today’s Dallara and two IndyCar two-seaters, were on display. There were dozens of images of the stars and significant moments of the past century at the Indianapolis 500 and videos playing on various walls and screens throughout the warehouse-like facility. It was the perfect after-work gathering for Indianapolis 500 fans.

But this unique blend of history and hip, stars and stories, art and action, was designed to pique the interest of the media in attendance and establish that the Indianapolis 500 is not just another race or, for that matter, another sports story. The Indianapolis 500 is an iconic lifestyle event that possesses an infinite number of stories, most of which are stories of human interest, not just a story to be told on the world’s sports pages.

ABC IZOD IndyCar Series announcer Vince Welch kicked the program off for the evening and introduced Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president & CEO Jeff Belskus, who hammered home the significance of the Indianapolis 500 and its position as the global steward and leadership responsibility in racing, the automotive world and the entertainment community over the last 100 years. Belskus transition to INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard by saying the Indianapolis 500 would place significant emphasis on new transportation technology as it entered the next century and noted that the 2011 Emerging Tech Day on Saturday, May 7 at Indianapolis was the beginning to ensure that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway remains a true automotive proving ground.

ABC IZOD IndyCar Series announcer Vince Welch, with, from left, Indianapolis 500 veterans Mario Andretti, Helio Castroneves, Ryan Briscoe and Simona de Silvestro.

Bernard talked about the core goals of the IZOD IndyCar series and its focus on fans and value, while noting that the new 2012 car continued to take strides forward and would soon off the drawing board and on display for fans, teams and drivers to get an up-close view of the future of the IZOD IndyCar Series. He also expressed excitement around the start of the 2011 season and the many new story lines that would develop.

Mike Kelly, PVH executive vice president for marketing, focused his messaging directly at the many lifestyle and business media that were in attendance. Kelly minced no words when he said there was no sports property that generated as much value and access for a brand as the IZOD IndyCar Series, while expressing the many boardroom reasons to participate in the sport. Kelly also talked of his first visit to Indianapolis and how he was instantly hooked because of the robust opportunities the sport presents to reach customers, build brand awareness and increase sales, all supported by the compelling storyline of INDYCAR and the “500.” Kelly also previewed some of the new INDYCAR-themed IZOD and Honda television advertisements.

Each driver then talked about what Indianapolis meant to them and provided a perspective of why it was so special. Each driver admitted, without reservation, that they would trade any championship for an opportunity to drink milk in victory lane at Indianapolis.

Andretti was asked what he was thinking about on his wild flip during a test drive in Tony Kanaan’s Indy car in 2003 at Indianapolis. Andretti smiled and simply said, “I was just hoping that there were no vacancies upstairs.” Mario then put in a plug for his longtime relationship with Firestone, saying “I was just happy to have four great Firestone tires to land on.”

Andretti also remembered when he first realized a driver’s accomplishments at Indianapolis resonate far more than other on-track achievements. Andretti said he was invited to go on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in 1965 after he had just won the 1965 IndyCar championship. When he was introduced, there was no mention of the championship. He was introduced as “Mario Andretti, Indianapolis 500 rookie of the year.”

Castroneves spent time talking about how humbled he was to be in the very exclusive company of three-time Indianapolis 500 winners. But he also talked about how he really wanted to join an even more exclusive club of drivers who have won Indy four times. Briscoe broke up Castroneves’ conversation when he said: “You’re too greedy. You’ve got three already. Give some of the rest of us a chance.”

Briscoe focused on what it meant to lead the Indianapolis 500 and how he couldn’t imagine what it might be like to pull into victory lane at Indy. De Silvestro talked about her first experience at Indy in 2010 and how the sport was unique in allowing men and women to compete at the same level, with the same rules. Of the 732 starters in the history of the Indianapolis 500, 725 have been men. De Silvestro appreciates what it means to be one of just seven women to compete, but she said boldly that she wants to be the first female winner.

The evening closed with Belskus offering a toast to the many men and women who have come before to build the foundation for the Indianapolis 500, to the next 100 years of triumph, passion and memories at Indianapolis, but most importantly to an exciting, safe and fast 2011 Indianapolis 500.

The Indianapolis 500 contingency included legendary drivers, officials and dignitaries

For two hours, the media, many of whom might not otherwise have been exposed to the history and future of this great event, were immersed in the Indianapolis 500. By the time the evening ended, most were beyond talking about what they heard and experienced and had moved on to wanting to experience it for themselves, first-hand. It’s now their turn to tell the story of the 100th Indianapolis 500 in their way, through their eyes, from their experiences, to their readers, viewers and listeners.

Mario Andretti at the Indianapolis 500 Centennial Gala

Mario Andretti at the Indianapolis 500 Centennial Gala

Tony and his girlfriend, Carla, at IMS

The special relationship between fans and drivers has been a hallmark of the Indianapolis 500 since the inaugural race in 1911. But it never gets old to learn of a bond formed between a current INDYCAR driver and a passionate follower of the sport.

Tony Laurenzana, 24, from Bedford, Ind., recently shared this story about his history with IMS and his passion for 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon.

***

I grew up at IMS, from 1986 to 1995. My dad was one of the contracted electricians for Moran Electric during that timeframe. I presumably was the first baby in the garages after they were rebuilt in 1986, as I was born in Feburary 1986, but that cannot be confirmed. My dad had an office in the garages, and growing up there for nine years gave me a ton of memories. Meeting drivers, hanging out all day with my mom at the track while dad worked, all developing a passion for auto racing.

I now live in Bedford, Ind. My mom works as a dental assistant down here. The dentist’s daughter married someone within the racing industry, and he knows a ton of drivers in many racing series. They are currently very good friends with Scott and Emma Dixon.

The dentist’s daughter works as a hygienist in her father’s office and was cleaning my teeth in September 2010. In between the suction being in my mouth, we talked about our experiences at IMS. My mom had mentioned to me before that they were guests at the Dixon’s wedding, vice-versa, so I thought it was fun that I knew someone close to a famous race car driver.

Autographed ticket

After the 2008 Indianapolis 500, I purchased the 1/18 scale race-won Dixon car from the IMS Gift Shop. I started using it as a centerpiece for my living room, since I recently bought my house and furnished the living room in IMS memorabilia, past and present.

While at my appointment, the dentist’s daughter mentioned the cool photos I took of Scott’s car during the 2009 Indy 500, and I told her I bought the car, etc. She offered to take the car and have Scott autograph it when he and Emma got back from Homestead in October. She then told me whatever I had, go ahead and give it to her and Scott would sign it. I had my ticket from 2009 with Scott’s image on it, and the lanyard and ticket holder with the Indy 500 logo on it.

Autographed diecast car

Once Scott got back, over dinner he was handed an IMS Gift Shop bag full of those things, and he signed each one. About two weeks later, I received my car, lanyard, ticket holder and ticket — all signed. I rushed out to buy a thank you card, and added a personal message. She delivered it to both Scott and Emma.

Before this I really wasn’t much of a fan of his; I never knew why. I have always liked Dario Franchitti since his days in CART/Champ Car. I can at least say Scott has gained a new fan. He could’ve easily said, “Don’t bother me with that.”

They are still in my living room predominantly displayed for all my guests to see, and a story to tell.

After a few days of shooting for both the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR with the AARWBA Banquet during which Dario Franchitti won the “Jerry Titus Award” for the most votes from the media for the 1st Team, the next evening shooting the “Night at the Museum” function for INDYCAR Ministries which was a fun event.  Tuesday’s State of IndyCar was an all-day shoot with images of the drivers and owners prior to the event, photos of the event itself AND photos of the reception afterwards.

Randy Bernard and Jeff Belskus at the State of IndyCar

Yesterday I travelled to the Millionair Terminal to shoot the send-off for the Indianapolis 500 Centennial Tour with drivers from INDYCAR as well as former drivers like Mario Andretti, Johnny Rutherford and Al Unser Jr going to Europe and the Middle East Military bases to entertain and salute the troops protecting our freedom.  Photos taken at these and other events will go on our IMS and INDYCAR web sites as well as the media sites for use on other web sites around the world.  Not many days go by when I am not asked to shoot some function, dignitary or display pertinent to the happening in and around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or INDYCAR.

Indy 500 Centennial Tour Send-Off

Taking the two-seater to the troops

We have 4.5 + million images, most of which need to be converted to digital, and my staff here in the Hall of Fame 2nd floor offices are busy scanning.  In the past few weeks, we have had the announcement of the new commemorative stamp depicting the 1911 Indy 500 winner, the Marmon Wasp, the Lego replica of the Indianapolis 500 track complete with streakers in the infield, the new satellite team of Ganassi Racing with Graham Rahal and Charlie Kimball as the drivers had their announcement here and of course the Santa Claus visit last month.  For us in Photo, there is never an “off season” and I for one am glad of it.