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Indianapolis Star
25-07-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
Kyle Larson eyes another Brickyard 400 win as he returns to IMS hoping 'to do a much better job' than Indy 500
INDIANAPOLIS — Kyle Larson rolled into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at 2:45 a.m. Friday morning after a night of watching his kids rip around a dirt track in Oklahoma, and even then he could feel the magic of the Racing Capital of the World. Larson's last 15 months spent at IMS have been a rollercoaster ride — the lows of a pair of attempts at the double either impacted by weather or a day-ending crash along with the highs of winning his first Brickyard 400 sandwiched in between. The Hendrick Motorsports driver enters Sunday's Crown Jewel race the defending race winner — the product of a little luck and a full head of steam racing through that final stint with no fuel save worries in the world as Larson worked his way from mid-pack to the lead as the final laps ticked away. That experience — the way in which he won and the celebrations that ensued — don't leave him approaching this weekend as the defending Brickyard 400 race winner any different, he said, but the novelty of getting to arrive late last night as the last NASCAR winner on the IMS oval isn't lost on him, either. 'I'm just happy to be back, and hopefully our car is as good again,' Larson said. 'I think it should be as fast, if not better, than it was last year, so hopefully we have good practice and good qualifying and execute a good race on Sunday.' Larson enters this weekend fresh off a result from NASCAR's most recent outing at Dover on Sunday that may not look like much in a vacuum — a fourth-place finish in a year in which Larson has won three times and finished in the top 3 six times — but it marked the No. 5 Chevrolet team's best result in two months – dating back to before Larson's second attempt at the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend. In the five previous races, Larson's crew had finished in the top 10 just once, including a pair of road course finishes at Mexico City and Sonoma outside the top 30 at the checkered flag. Similarly, he entered last year's Brickyard 400 with a run of five races with just a single top 5. 'That was good. Hopefully that's the beginning of things turning around for us,' Larson said of Dover, 'but we'll see.' 'So lucky': North Central grad living dream, from calling Indy 500 to first Brickyard 400 on TV Larson's latest trip to IMS comes on the heels of a crash-heavy Month of May at IMS that included accidents during the April open test, practice and his second Indy 500 — the latter coming on a day where the start of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing had already been delayed, meaning he was going to have to park his car before taking the checkered flag in order to be able to get to Charlotte on time for the Coca-Cola 600. The experience eventually soured the 2021 NASCAR Cup series champion on attempting the double again before he steps away from racing full-time in Cup due to the extremely tight window between the two races the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend and the way in which a little patch of weather can throw a year or more's preparation from dozens of people off-kilter. Katherine Legge: She didn't get a ride for the Indy 500. It led to running 2 NASCAR races at IMS But this weekend, it's clear those emotional scars, at least publicly, don't appear to have lingered as Larson attempts to go back-to-back, which the race's most recent winner prior to Larson, Kevin Harvick, did in 2019-20, before NASCAR's IMS weekend spent three years being held on the IMS road course. 'I always love when I drive in here at night and see the top of the Pagoda and the flags all lit up. It's really cool,' Larson said of his arrival early Friday morning. 'It's great to be back here in Indy, and hopefully back in a stock car I can do a much better job than I did in May. 'It's a privilege to get to run here and race at this facility, and I would love nothing more than to have a good run and hopefully put a bow on the double stuff with another Brickyard 400 win.'
Scoop
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
A Month Of May To Remember For Kiwi Teenager Jacob Douglas
May proved to be a milestone month for Kiwi talent Jacob Douglas, who emerged from the busiest stretch of the USF Pro Championships Presented by Continental Tires firmly in contention for the title. The action-packed month began with a triple-header on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, followed by a mid-season test at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The action concluded with the championship's sole oval race at Indianapolis Raceway Park. In total, Douglas completed more than 1000km of official timed running, covering 430 laps across three circuits. Highlights included his maiden USF Pro 2000 victory at the famed Brickyard and a top ten finish in just his second-ever oval race. 'It was a really busy month with a lot of proud achievements,' said Douglas. 'Standing on the top step of the podium at the Racing Capital of the World is something I'll cherish forever. 'Our pace has been strong all year, and we're consistently running at the front. We were unlucky in two races at Indy where we lost valuable points through no fault of our own, but we've shown we can win and fight for podiums. With the season only at the halfway mark, there's still a lot to play for.' Douglas's maiden win came in Race 2 of the IMS triple-header, less than 24 hours after a mechanical issue denied him a potential victory while he was leading the opening race. Misfortune struck again in Race 3 when he was caught in a Turn 1 incident while fighting for the lead. The team then made a quick turnaround to Mid-Ohio, where Douglas impressed with top-seven finishes in the four sessions he took to the track. At Indianapolis Raceway Park, Douglas delivered another strong performance, starting and finishing inside the top ten in just his second career oval outing. 'In 2022, we ran our first oval race at IRP, starting 17th and finishing 16th in USF2000,' he reflected. 'Three years later, we're battling in the top ten—it's clear we're making real progress.' Off the track, Douglas was also honoured with the prestigious Ian Snellgrove Trophy, awarded to the top graduate of the Elite Motorsport Academy Class of 2024. Academy Trustee David Turner was in Indianapolis to record Douglas's acceptance speech, which was played during the Motorsport New Zealand Awards evening. Douglas, who previously received the Bruce McLaren Trophy for topping camp week, was also invited to announce the Academy's Class of 2025. 'It's a humbling privilege to win the Ian Snellgrove Trophy,' said Douglas. 'The Elite Motorsport Academy has been an incredible experience, helping immensely with both on-track and off-track performance. I've become mentally and physically stronger and a more well-rounded driver because of it. 'Best of luck to the Class of 2025—you're in for the experience of a lifetime.' Douglas returns to the track June 11-12 for a two-day test at Road America, followed by a triple-header at the same venue the following weekend.
Toronto Sun
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Toronto Sun
Indy 500 announces first grandstand sellout since 2016 with 350,000 fans expected for race
Published May 20, 2025 • 3 minute read A wheel flies near a section of grandstand during the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Photo by Jef Richards / USA TODAY Sports The Indianapolis 500 has sold out its grandstands for the first time in nearly a decade, and the local TV blackout that has been in place since 1951 has been lifted so fans in central Indiana will be able to watch the race live. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles said Monday that while its roughly 230,000 grandstand seats had sold out, general admission infield tickets were still available. He expects a crowd of about 350,000 race fans — or about 1 for every 1,000 people living in the U.S. — will be at the track Sunday for the 109th running of 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.' 'From our longest-tenured ticket-holders who have been coming to the Racing Capital of the World for generations to new fans who've recently fallen in love with this iconic event, everyone has contributed to this exciting and historic moment,' Boles wrote in a letter to fans. 'I am grateful for the support and passion you have for this race and this place.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The lifting of the local TV blackout is good news for Fox, which will be broadcasting the race for the first time, as well as NBA fans in central Indiana. Normally, the race would be aired locally after its conclusion Sunday evening, creating a conflict with the Pacers set to host the Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference final the same night. 'Fox Sports is all in on IndyCar, and this is an incredible accomplishment to celebrate with our first Indy 500 broadcast,' Fox Sports chief executive Eric Shanks said. 'As a lifelong fan, I am also personally thrilled to see the grandstands filled on race day and look forward to broadcasting the race live in central Indiana.' The first sellout since the 100th running in 2016 had been imminent with Boles telling fans late last week that few grandstand tickets were still available. And the biggest reason for such fevered anticipation is that storylines abound. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Josef Newgarden will be going for a record third consecutive Indy 500 victory, but now will do it from the rear of the field after his car and that of Team Penske teammate Will Power were found to have an illegally altered piece, resulting in a disqualification from the final rounds of qualifying. Power also will start from the rear of the field. Their other teammate, Scott McLaughlin, will be running a backup car after a hard crash in practice last Sunday. Two-time defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who finished second in 2021 and fifth last year, will be going for his first Indy 500 win. The 28-year-old Spaniard has been dominant in the series this season, winning four of the first five races. Indy 500 rookie Robert Shwartzman, who has dual Israeli and Russian nationality, will start on the pole after a stunning showing by Prema Racing, which likewise is making its 500 debut. The last rookie to qualify on the pole was Teo Fabi in 1983. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Meanwhile, NASCAR star Kyle Larson will be trying for the second time to complete 'the Double' by running all 1,100 laps of the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on the same day. Tony Stewart in 2001 is the only driver to have accomplished it. 'This really is about the fans,' Boles said of the sellout. 'This event has been here for 108 runnings up to this point — the 109th coming up — because of the way fans have embraced it. It is a race, but it's so much more than that. It's an event.' Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Care for a wager? Head to our sports betting section for news and odds. Columnists Toronto Maple Leafs Basketball Canada Other Sports
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Indy 500 announces first grandstand sellout since 2016 with 350,000 expected for the race on Sunday
Robert Shwartzman, of Israel, celebrates after winning the pole position during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Alex Palou, of Spain, drives into the first turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Robert Shwartzman, of Israel, celebrates after winning the pole position during qualifications for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Alex Palou, of Spain, drives into the first turn during practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis 500 has sold out its grandstands for the first time in nearly a decade, and the local TV blackout that has been in place since 1951 has been lifted so fans in central Indiana will be able to watch the race live. Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Doug Boles said Monday that while its roughly 230,000 grandstand seats had sold out, general admission infield tickets were still available. He expects a crowd of about 350,000 race fans — or about 1 for every 1,000 people living in the U.S. — will be at the track Sunday for the 109th running of 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Advertisement 'From our longest-tenured ticket-holders who have been coming to the Racing Capital of the World for generations to new fans who've recently fallen in love with this iconic event, everyone has contributed to this exciting and historic moment,' Boles wrote in a letter to fans. 'I am grateful for the support and passion you have for this race and this place.' The lifting of the local TV blackout is good news for Fox, which will be broadcasting the race for the first time, as well as NBA fans in central Indiana. Normally, the race would be aired locally after its conclusion Sunday evening, creating a conflict with the Pacers set to host the Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference final the same night. 'Fox Sports is all in on IndyCar, and this is an incredible accomplishment to celebrate with our first Indy 500 broadcast,' Fox Sports chief executive Eric Shanks said. 'As a lifelong fan, I am also personally thrilled to see the grandstands filled on race day and look forward to broadcasting the race live in central Indiana.' The first sellout since the 100th running in 2016 had been imminent with Boles telling fans late last week that few grandstand tickets were still available. And the biggest reason for such fevered anticipation is that storylines abound. Advertisement Josef Newgarden will be going for a record third consecutive Indy 500 victory, but now will do it from the rear of the field after his car and that of Team Penske teammate Will Power were found to have an illegally altered piece, resulting in a disqualification from the final rounds of qualifying. Power also will start from the rear of the field. Their other teammate, Scott McLaughlin, will be running a backup car after a hard crash in practice last Sunday. Two-time defending IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who finished second in 2021 and fifth last year, will be going for his first Indy 500 win. The 28-year-old Spaniard has been dominant in the series this season, winning four of the first five races. Indy 500 rookie Robert Shwartzman, who has dual Israeli and Russian nationality, will start on the pole after a stunning showing by Prema Racing, which likewise is making its 500 debut. The last rookie to qualify on the pole was Teo Fabi in 1983. Advertisement Meanwhile, NASCAR star Kyle Larson will be trying for the second time to complete 'the Double' by running all 1,100 laps of the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on the same day. Tony Stewart in 2001 is the only driver to have accomplished it. 'This really is about the fans,' Boles said of the sellout. 'This event has been here for 108 runnings up to this point — the 109th coming up — because of the way fans have embraced it. It is a race, but it's so much more than that. It's an event.' ___ AP auto racing:
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Turtle Wax Becomes Presenting Sponsorship Of Indy 500 ‘Fast Friday'
Turtle Wax and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have teamed up for "Fast Friday" for the Indianapolis ... More 500. 'Fast Friday' at the Indianapolis 500 features some of the slickest race cars with the most colorful paint schemes to hit the track. It made sense for Turtle Wax to get involved with one of the fastest days in racing. The world-renowned brand in car care, announced a multiyear collaboration with Indianapolis Motor Speedway that includes a presenting sponsorship of Fast Friday at the Racing Capital of the World. Fast Friday presented by Turtle Wax will take place on Friday, May 16. It is the final practice and the last opportunity for teams to test and refine their setups before qualifying for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. 'The increased boost levels available on Fast Friday make it one of the most exciting practice days in the lead up the Indianapolis 500,' IndyCar and IMS president J. Douglas Boles said. 'The partnership with Turtle Wax provides a boost to the day for fans and teams alike.' The Turtle Wax story started with the launch of the first-ever bottled car wax in 1944. More than 75 years later, Turtle Wax still captures the attention of the car care industry with a wide range of products for cleaning, shining and protecting vehicles inside and out, including washes, waxes, interior cleaners, and other detailing products. As part of the relationship, Turtle Wax will provide products for the entire fleet of IMS event vehicles. 'We're thrilled about this alliance between two iconic Midwest-based brands—Turtle Wax and Indianapolis Motor Speedway—each with a rich history in the automotive world,' Turtle Wax Chief Marketing Officer Daren Herbert said. 'As part of this collaboration, Turtle Wax products will help maintain the IMS fleet, continuing our legacy of trusted performance related to any vehicle's appearance, so IMS can stay focused on what it does best. 'Simply put: it's a match made in speed and shine, and we're ready to go.' Team Penske's Will Power speeding down the race course during "Fast Friday" before the 2023 Indy 500 ... More at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
