2014 Indy 500

Practice is underway so a thread is in order! Time for the greatest race of the year (to an old midwestern racing fan at least).

not much going on today given yesterday's race, but a few guys have logged some laps so far.

here's some pics:

Townsend Bell decorated his locker, and Helio is running a retro tribute to the old Penske "yellow submarine" colors, including a Rick Mears themed helmet! very cool.
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Helios car looks great! Going to have to get that model.....

 

I was hoping someone was going break up the Penske times. Viso did well in Hinchtown's #27, I wonder if there are any spare cars left to enter. Anything to keep a true bubble day...

 

Can't wait to get down there, who's going?

Last year was my first year to the brickyard and ended up in victory lane with this guy .
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nice!

haven't been since 2010. need to get back there...

 

The GF and I were discussing going this year but probably won't be happening.

 

I will be at the "500" for my 49th consecutive year.

 

impressive!

 

John - he is a very nice person - I've met several Indy drivers and I honestly feel they are better ambassadors to the sport then NASCAR drivers - more down to earth - just my opinion

 

I am going! it will be my first time, but very excited to be finally getting to see the big one. On a side note, do I want to be taking in Carb day and legends day, to those of you who know these things??

 

Carb day I would do, final practice for the Indycars, pit stop competition, and the Indy Lights race which is usually pretty exciting.

Legends day is just a money grab by the speedway IMO. no on-track activity (that I'm aware of).

make sure you check out the speedway museum, a lot of cool stuff in there.

 

Me too! 2010 was my 1st and only time!

Wow ... 49th time! You're a lucky guy!

 

Hawksworth (my favorite rookie) stuffed his car today

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNePkaxNorY]Jack Hawksworth crash 2014 Indy 500 practice - YouTube[/ame]

 

Unfortunate to see. He was awesome to watch during the GP.

 

Ok Thanks for the advice!

 

I agree and most are quite personable in a more relaxed atmosphere. I didn't talk to Tony last year at the '500', just a quick congrats in VC since he was kinda busy lol. When they come to Milwaukee for Indyfest there is a block party & car show downtown on that Fri and the drivers are just hanging out & chilling with every on else. Michael signed parts of Andrea's race kart, JR Hilde and I had a long talk about our Trans Ams and plans for his, Hinch was in my kart, Tristin Vautier and Andrea's brother were glued together for most of the time. Fun times with them!

 

Hell, you know AJ is gonna bring three...

 

Fixing up Hawksworth's 98 car Thursday after Wednesday's accident.



The graphics wrap guys doing their magic.



Nice work on the wrap.



Marco's car in the tech lane.





Tony K's car in the garage.




Townsend Bell and crew looking dapper in their team caps.



Cip G. The yellow shirt just stopped his entourage and was refusing to let them enter the garage because he did not have the proper orange wrist band. Mr G leaned into his ear and wispered what I can only guess, and they all laughed and security said come right on thru Chip!






Simon Pagenaud 77 catching a tow back to the garage.

 

Cars today and through the race will get extra "boost", making them faster, could see a 230 lap. I dont see any reason for this, why not just have the same hp for the month. Also, bump day will not happen, imo, because there are only 33 cars.

 

Chip Ganassi is the ultimate "cool guy", even after Dario went into the fence here, he had time for some quick banter and a few pictures...

Houston Grand Prix

Don't rag on the Yellow Shirts, they are volunteers (and often, the guys who won WW2!).

One of my Top Shelf mementoes is one of those Yellow Caps.
But mine came off a pretty young girl..
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Your in for a wonderful time Alan!
This is Jim Neighbors last time singing Indiana

 

..since I have the iPhone plugged in, the out take!
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THAT is a milestone, as was the retirement of Tom Carnegie.....

 

I think all the volunteers went to a Chamber of Commerce course this year. Even the car parkers. Nearly everyone of them I've passed this month says, "Welcome to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!" And, "Thanks for coming, hope you had a good time and got some great pictures!"

Sure is different than back when all they did was blow whistles. (and whatever they did to get you a yellow cap)

 

We always made sure to 'include' the nearest gate yellow shirt in lunch. Amazing the number of people we could get into those old garages! Pile them on the golfcart and drive through at full speed, pit access too.