Latest news with #DougBoles
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Really difficult moment': Doug Boles is hopeful after Indy 500 penalties, controversies
Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar Series president Doug Boles and three drivers sent to the back of the Indianapolis 500 finishing order focused on the future at Monday night's victory banquet. Boles said the controversies over the previous week — including the penalties assessed to two Team Penske cars post-qualifying — strengthened his faith in those in the paddock. Advertisement "Unfortunately, I've had to have some difficult conversations with those great teams and those great people, including last night and this morning," he said. "It's a really difficult moment for all of us. But I think it's a moment we can use to move forward." Boles said he offered Callum Ilott, Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson the chance to skip the banquet, but they showed up. Those drivers' cars failed post-race inspection and were penalized. Ilott had finished 12th but is shown 33rd; Kirkwood, from sixth to 32nd; and Ericsson from second to 31st. Boles ended his speech on a hopeful note, noting the strong TV ratings and reserved seating sellout. Advertisement "We're going to go in the right direction," he said. "If you're on board with us, you're going to have a great ride. If you're not on board with us, you better get going because we're just going up." Race earnings, total purse: How much money did Alex Palou win in the Indy 500? Ilott, who drives for Prema Racing, said he heard about his penalty midday Monday: "I was at brunch, and it was ruined, unfortunately." Ericsson and Kirkwood drive for Andretti Global. Eventual winner Alex Palou passed Ericsson with 14 laps remaining, and Kirkwood had improved 17 places from his starting spot of 23rd. Advertisement "It's been an emotional 24 hours, to say the least," said Ericsson, who was gutted on Sunday. The 2022 race winner also finished second in 2023, so he knows Indy 500 close calls. "We had an incredible car. I thought I had the best race car I've ever had," Kirkwood said. "This team is built on sportsmanship and integrity, and we'll do everything right in the future." Monday's penalties come a little more than a week after the cars of Josef Newgarden and Will Power were sent from the Fast 12 to the back row of the starting grid for tech violations. After the post-race penalties, Newgarden placed 22nd and Power finished 16th. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IndyCar president addresses Indy 500 penalties, controversies
Indianapolis Star
a day ago
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
IndyCar working to implement partial scanning into tech inspection process
DETROIT — With the assistance of Chip Ganassi Racing, Andretti Global, A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Arrow McLaren and Dallara, IndyCar president Doug Boles said the series has begun to explore a partial scanning process for its tech inspection process that will "advance" IndyCar's ability to ensure all cars are competing on a level playing field. A week ago, in the wake of Team Penske's pair of Indianapolis 500 pre-Fast 12 tech inspection failures and the ensuing firestorm of penalties, firings and paddock-wide controversy, Boles was asked whether implementing scanning in IndyCar's pre- and post-session tech inspection process, something that both IMSA and NASCAR use, could offer an easy fix to ensure something like Penske's out-of-compliance attenuators that have existed for well over a year wouldn't get missed. At the time, the series president said that due to the fact the cars in use have been made over such a long period of time, it might prove ineffective until a new car came online in 2027 at the earliest. Boles said Friday that IndyCar in recent days made progress in at least a partial-scanning process the series hopes to validate over a couple more races the rest of this season. "(Chip Ganassi Racing, Andretti Global, A.J. Foyt Enterprises and Arrow McLaren) provided their Indianapolis 500 cars for us to use this week for scanning verification. This was extra work for their crews after a very busy weekend, and Iappreciate their support," Boles said. "We learned quite a bit in the exercise and are targeting at least two more events this year where we can validate the process and our learnings and continue to advance our technical inspection process in the future." Additionally, Boles noted that IndyCar had had "productive dialogue" with Andretti Global and Prema Racing in the wake of the post-race tech inspection penalties levied against both teams less than 24 hours after the completion of the 500. Andretti's Nos. 27 (Kyle Kirkwood) and 28 (Marcus Ericsson) cars that finished sixth and second were found to have modified the Dallara-supplied Energy Management System covers and cover-to-A-arm mounting points with unapproved spacers and parts. Prema's No. 90 car (Callum Ilott) was found post-race to have a left side front wing endplate that didn't reach minimum height. Prema noted immediately on Monday that it accepted the penalties, while Andretti Global triggered a review process this week before saying Friday that it accepted IndyCar's penalties "after careful analysis with IndyCar" and wouldn't pursue any further review or appeals. Along with the cars being shifted to the back of the finishing order for the 500 (31st through 33rd) and seeing their prize money and championship points from the event shift to correspond with their final finishing spots, each of the three penalized cars were fined $100,000, and team managers on the cars were suspended for the Detroit Grand Prix. Insider: Indy 500 broadcast hit 17-year high. What comes next is important for IndyCar's growth In his Friday statement, Boles thanked both teams for sharing in "transparent and open conversations regarding how the mistakes were made."
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
Verizon Dominates Indy 500 Data Connectivity
INDIANAPOLIS, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 2025 Indianapolis 500 race set a new milestone for data usage and connection at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on the Verizon network. In just one day, inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a total of 172 terabytes (TB) of data was used on the Verizon network, more than we've ever seen on the network at this race and one of the highest data usage events Verizon has ever recorded. 'Connecting a city's worth of fans at the Indy 500, with more unique users than the Super Bowl had attendees, is a massive undertaking, putting unprecedented demand on wireless networks. We had more data running on our network than any previous NFL draft, and nearly twice the data of any Super Bowl in recorded history. The work and skill that goes into setting up a network to keep hundreds of thousands of people connected in one place is an incredible achievement. It's the dedication from our teams that ensures our customers don't have to worry about their phones during this event, no matter the scope,' said Andy Brady, President of Verizon Great Lakes. 'The unprecedented data usage we witnessed during the 2025 Indy 500 highlights the incredible passion and engagement of our fans,' said Doug Boles, President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 'The ability for fans to share their experiences in real-time through Verizon's robust network significantly enhances the event's atmosphere and global reach. This level of connectivity is crucial for modern sports experiences, and we're thrilled to partner with Verizon to deliver it.' The data doesn't just speak for itself; it shouts. Verizon's network experienced an extraordinary surge at the 2025 Indy 500, with 5G Ultrawideband (UW) playing a dominant role. To put 172 TB into context, that's equivalent to more than 57 million digital photos (3 MB average). Here are the amazing results: Explosive 5G Growth: A staggering 74.6% leap in 5G UW volume of 61 TB inside the track over last year's race (43 TB), revealing how fans are embracing the speed and capacity of 5G. A staggering 74.6% leap in 5G UW volume of 61 TB inside the track over last year's race (43 TB), revealing how fans are embracing the speed and capacity of 5G. Surging Overall Traffic: A massive 48.5% increase in total combined 4G and 5G UW data volume inside IMS, proving the network's capability to handle the intense demand. A massive 48.5% increase in total combined 4G and 5G UW data volume inside IMS, proving the network's capability to handle the intense demand. High fan engagement: 15 TB of the 61 TB used inside the track was uploaded data, highlighting the high levels of fans sharing in real time. 15 TB of the 61 TB used inside the track was uploaded data, highlighting the high levels of fans sharing in real time. Surrounding Network Impact: Outside the track, more than 111 TB of data volume was used on the network, showing the event's broader impact. Outside the track, more than 111 TB of data volume was used on the network, showing the event's broader impact. Combined Volume Growth: The combined data volume inside and outside the venue was nearly 172 TB – a 35% increase from last year's race day, demonstrating substantial year-over-year growth. The key driver behind this data explosion was this year's commercial activation of 5G Standalone at the IMS, allowing fans to easily upload videos and share their experiences in real time, further enhancing the fan experience. 'This record breaking amount of traffic really highlights the rapid growth of 5G and how it's truly built to handle massive events like the Indy 500. The data capacity of the Verizon network is unmatched,' said Brady. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon's world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit or find a retail location at VERIZON'S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit Media contact: Jeff Kew [email protected] (234) 350-7883
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Ratings Increased To 7.01 Million Viewers For Indianapolis 500 On FOX
Indy 500 winner Alex Palou isn't the only one with cause to celebrate as this year's Indianapolis ... More 500 will be the most-watched motorsports event on American television in 2025. INDIANAPOLIS – For just the third time in the last three decades, Sunday's Indianapolis 500 will be the most watched motorsports event on American television as 7.01 million viewers tuned into the FOX broadcast with a peak of 8.5 million for the climactic ending from 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. By comparison, 6.4 million viewers watched February's Daytona 500, also on FOX. The only other times the Indy 500 has received a higher rating than the Daytona 500 was in 1995 and 2021. It was also the most-watched Indianapolis 500 in 17 years (7,245,000 viewers in 2008). This is the first year all IndyCar Series races are broadcast on FOX including the Indianapolis 500. The network has aggressively promoted the NTT IndyCar Series and interest level in this form of racing appears to be on the rise. It was also the first time since the 100th Indianapolis 500 in 2016 that all grandstand seats were sold out. Indianapolis Motor Speedway President and IndyCar Series President Doug Boles announced the attendance at 350,000 spectators during Monday night's Indianapolis 500 Victory Celebration at the JW Marriott Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. The Indianapolis 500 purse record was broken for the fourth year in a row for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, with first-time winner Alex Palou of Chip Ganassi Racing earning $3.8 million from a total purse of $20,283,000. This is the largest purse in the century-plus history of 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing' on the heels of four consecutive record-breaking years. This year's average payout for NTT IndyCar Series drivers was $596,500, which also exceeds last year's average of $543,000. In 2024, the Indianapolis 500 purse was $18,456,000, and the year's winner payout was $4.3 million, which included a $440,000 roll-over bonus from BorgWarner for earning back-to-back wins. In 2023, the Indianapolis 500 purse was $17,021,500, and the winner earned $3.7 million. In 2022, the Indianapolis 500 purse was $16,000,200, and the winner earned $3.1 million. Prior to 2022, the largest Indianapolis 500 purse was $14.4 million for the 2008 Indianapolis 500. 'The Indianapolis 500 is the greatest race in the world, and winning this race makes history in more ways than one,' Boles said. 'The Month of May featured a grandstand sellout crowd and intense on-track action. Alex Palou adds Indianapolis 500 winner to his long list of growing achievements and takes home the largest purse in Indianapolis 500 history. There's no better way to end an epic month.' Pole-winner Robert Shwartzman of Prema Racing earned Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honors for his performance during the Month of May. Shwartzman earned a $50,000 bonus for being named Rookie of the Year, adding to a total take-home prize of $327,300. The Indianapolis 500 purse consists of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NTT IndyCar Series awards, plus other designated and special awards. Purse awards are presented annually at the Victory Celebration, held this year at the JW Marriott in downtown Indianapolis Monday night. 2025 Indianapolis 500 Prize Money
USA Today
6 days ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 unveiled as 109th Indianapolis 500 pace car
2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 unveiled as 109th Indianapolis 500 pace car Show Caption Hide Caption Check out the 2025 Pace Car for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 The 2025 Pace Car for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is unveiled Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at IMS. The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 can reach a top speed of 233 mph, making it the fastest car ever made in America by an auto manufacturer. This year's selection marks Chevy's 36th Indy 500 pace car and the 22nd Corvette. Michael Strahan finally has his ride. The Pro Football Hall of Fame member, two-time Daytime Emmy Award winner and honorary pace car driver for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 will drive Chevrolet's 2025 Corvette ZR1 to pace the field of 33 to the green flag next month, sitting behind the wheel of the fastest car ever made in America by an auto manufacturer — capable of top speeds of 233 mph. The Corvette ZR1 delivers 1,064 horsepower from its 5.5L twin-turbo V8 engine, the most powerful V8 engine ever produced in the U.S. by an auto manufacturer. For its pace car duties, the ZR1 comes with the carbon aero package, including dive planes on the front bumper, underbody aero strakes and a rear wing that helps create more than 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speeds. This year's pace car can go from zero to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds and hit a quarter-mile in 9.6 seconds at 150 mph as the quickest Corvette ever. Michael Strahan: Fox NFL analyst named 2025 Indy 500 pace car driver This year's pace car will sport an arctic white exterior and jet black interior. This year's emerald green and gold Indy 500 logo inspired the car's racing stripes and additional exterior design elements, pairing with carbon fiber wheels. 'As we anticipate another record-breaking Indianapolis 500, it's only fitting that record-breaking Corvette will pace the field,' IMS president Doug Boles said. 'The performance of the Corvette ZR1 is second to none and is a prime example of that Chevrolet innovation.' This year's Indy 500 marks the 36th time a Chevrolet car has paced the Indy 500, dating back to 1948, and it marks the Corvette's 22nd time being used as the pace car. History: Indy 500 pace car drivers through the years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway All-time list of Indy 500 pace car drivers 2025: Michael Strahan: Former NFL player, television host and Fox NFL analyst 2024: Ken Griffey Jr: Baseball Hall of Famer 2023: Tyrese Halliburton: Pacers player 2022: Sarah Fisher: Former race car driver 2021: Danica Patrick: Former race car driver 2020: Mark Reuss: President of General Motors 2019: Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Former race car driver 2018: Victor Oladipo: Pacers player 2017: Jeffrey Dean Morgan: Actor 2016: Roger Penske: Racing team owner, businessman 2015: Jeff Gordon: Race car driver 2014: Dario Franchitti: Race car driver 2013: Jim Harbaugh: NFL player, NFL and college coach 2012: Guy Fierei: Celebrity chef 2011: A.J. Foyt (Mari Hulman George passenger): Former race car driver 2010: Robin Roberts: Broadcaster, morning show host 2009: Josh Duhamel: Actor 2008: Emerson Fittipaldi: Race car driver 2007: Patrick Dempsey: Actor 2006: Lance Armstrong: Former professional bicycle racer 2005: General Colin Powell: U.S. Secretary of State, chairman joint chiefs of staff 2004: Morgan Freeman: Actor 2003: Herb Fishel: General Motors' racing executive director 2002: Jim Caviezel: Actor 2001: Elaine Irwin Mellencamp: Supermodel 2000: Anthony Edwards: Actor 1999: Jay Leno: Comedian, Tonight Show host 1998: Parnelli Jones: Former race car driver 1997: Johnny Rutherford: Race car driver 1996: Bob Lutz: Automotive executive 1995: Jim Perkins: Automotive executive 1994: Parnelli Jones: Race car driver 1993: Jim Perkins: Automotive executive 1992: Bobby Unser: Race car driver 1991: Carroll Shelby: Race car driver, designer 1990: Jim Perkins: Automotive executive 1989: Bobby Unser: Race car driver 1988: Chuck Yeager: Test pilot, Air Force general 1987: Carroll Shelby: Race car driver, designer 1986: Check Yeager: Test pilot, Air Force general 1985: James Garner: Actor 1984: John Callies: Automotive executive 1983: Duke Nalon: Race car driver 1982: Jim Rathmann: Race car driver 1981: Duke Nalon: Race car driver 1980: Johnnie Parsons: Race car driver 1979: Jackie Stewart: Race car driver 1978: Jim Rathmann: Race car driver 1977: James Garner: Actor 1976: Marty Robbins: Country music singer, NASCAR driver 1975: James Garner: Actor 1974: Jim Rathmann: Race car driver 1973: Jim Rathmann: Race car driver 1972: Jim Rathmann: Race car driver 1971: Eldon Palmer: Indianapolis-area car dealer 1970: Rodger Ward: Race car driver 1969: Jim Rathmann: Race car driver 1968: William Clay Ford Sr.: Executive chairman of Ford motors 1967: Mauri Rose: Race car driver 1966: Benson Ford: Automotive executive 1965: P.M. Buckminster: Automotive executive 1964: Benson Ford: Automotive executive 1963: Sam Hanks: Race car driver 1962: Sam Hanks: Race car driver 1961: Sam Hanks: Race car driver 1960: Sam Hanks: Race car driver 1959: Sam Hanks: Race car driver 1958: Sam Hanks: Race car driver 1957: F.C. Reith: Automotive executive 1956: L.I. Woolson: Automotive executive 1955: Thomas H. Keating: Automotive executive 1954: William C. Newburg: Automotive executive 1953: William Clay Ford Sr.: Automotive executive 1952: P.O. Peterson: Automotive executive 1951: David A. Wallace: Automotive executive 1950: Benson Ford: Automotive executive 1949: Wilbur Shaw: Race car driver, president of IMS 1948: Wilbur Shaw: Race car driver, president of IMS 1947: George W. Mason: Automotive executive 1946: Henry Ford II: Automotive executive 1941: A.B. Couture 1940: Harry Hartz: 1939: Charles Chayne: Automotive executive 1938: Stuart Baits: Race car designer 1937: Ralph DePalma: Race car driver 1936: Tommy Milton: Race car driver 1935: Harry Mack: Automotive executive 1934: Willard 'Big Boy' Radar: Long distance test driver 1933: Byron Foy 1932: Edsel Ford 1931: Willard 'Big Boy' Radar: Long distance test driver 1930: Wade Morton: Race car driver 1929: George Hunt 1928: Joe Dawson: Race car driver 1927: Willard 'Big Boy' Radar: Long distance test driver 1926: Louis Chevrolet: Race car driver, founder of Chevrolet 1925: Eddie Rickenbacker: Race car driver, owner of IMS 1924: Lew Pettijohn: Test driver 1923: Fred Duesenberg: Founder of Duesenberg 1922: Barney Oldfield: Race car driver 1921: Harry C. Stutz: Founder of Stutz 1920: Barney Oldfield: Race car driver 1919: Jess G. Vincent: Engine designer 1916: Frank E. Smith 1915: Carl Fisher: Created IMS 1914: Carl Fisher: Created IMS 1913: Carl Fisher: Created IMS 1912: Carl Fisher: Created IMS 1911: Carl Fisher: Created IMS
