INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Speedway, Indiana

“Racing Capital Of TheWorld”

First in a series of three reports

A number of firsts will take place on August 23rd. The Indianapolis 500 will be run on 8/23. First 500 in 104 events not held in May over the Memorial Day weekend. First event under the new leadership and ownership of Roger Penske. First time the race has been postponed due to a world-wide pandemic of COVID-19 virus. And lastly, first time the race will be run without spectators.

Racing was suspended during World Wars I and II. This will be the 104th running of the 500. No fans will flock to Indianapolis, no festival parade, no concerts, no ‘Snake Pit’, no autograph sessions, nothing to mirror events of the past except the race itself. This was all done to protect spectators and competitors from spreading the virus. Tradition is everything at Indy. Hopefully in 2021 events will return to normal.

It is estimated only 1600+- people will be inside the Speedway when the race starts. This track seats some 235,000! These people will be drivers, crew members, car owners, medical teams, rescue crews, media who will broadcast on television and radio and support personnel from IMS and INDYCAR. Add team spotters, security, observers, scorers and technical inspection personnel. No concessions will be open, no restroom attendants, no parking lot attendants, no ticket takers, no one but essential personnel. I’m sure this will be an eerie feeling for those few who are inside.

The race will be telecast live on NBC everywhere, no areas blacked out. Qualifying will also be live, with additional practice sessions available on NBC Gold, which is a pay to view feature you must subscribe. Refer to the IMS website for up-to-date schedules.

No less than 8 previous 500 winners will try and repeat! Only multiple winner – 3 time winner Helio Castroneves, with Team Penske– will bid for his 4th win. That 4th win has only been accomplished 3 other times with A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Sr and Rick Mears. Castroneves won races in 2001, 2002 and 2009. 

Other winners will attempt to qualify. Scott Dixon, current series points leader (2008); Simon Pagenaud, last year’s winner; Takuma Sato (2017); Will Power (2018); Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014); Alexander Rossi (2016); Tony Kanaan (2013). These champions account for 10 Indianapolis 500 wins, a 9.7% of ALL Indianapolis 500 races run!

Another driver to note is Spaniard Fernando Alonso, 2 time world champion (2005 and 2006). He failed to qualify for the race last year, but lead a number of laps in 2018 before his car failed near the end. Just celebrating his 40th birthday, but should be a driver watch.

PRACTICE: Drivers acquire a great deal of information during the 3 days of practice that will make them comfortable with their ride as they push the limits of speed and control. Practice time is so important for all drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the track. A few of the rookies haven’t raced on an oval, let alone at some 220 mph! You will probably have cars that will be by themselves on the track simulating qualifying laps. At other times, running in traffic, learning what the car can do under all circumstances.

Three days of practice is to help make the car comfortable for the driver and give the crew time to make adjustments and get used to working as a unit. Practice is essential to all teams and drivers to get as much speed from the machine as possible with safety. The drivers may push the car to the limit, seeing exactly how the it behaves. There may be spins, crashes and some hold your breath moments, but all a part of the scenario.

Practice will open Wed., 8/12, which is a day shorter than in 2019. Speeds typically increase daily to a frenzy on Friday, 8/14, also known as “Fast Friday.” Bragging rights of quick speeds are important and intimidating going into qualifying on Saturday.

Next in the series will be on qualifying. Just as a reminder, the race is 200 laps. Exactly 500 miles. No green/white/checker unless that’s the way it works out. No stage racing, no stage points, no overtime, everything is decided at Lap 200. The 200th lap might be under yellow flag conditions, but the race will be declared over. You win or lose, the 200^th lap tells the story of finishing order. Final series will be on the race.