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| MONTH OF MAY - INDIANAPOLIS 500 2011 LIVE UPDATES |
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 UPDATES
COMMUNITY DAY
100th ANNIVERSARY INDIANAPOLIS 500
STARTING LINEUP (revised 5/23)
Wednesday Photos
Wednesday/American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day
Schedule Highlights
$7
Kids 6 and under free
9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Public Track Laps
INDYCAR Fan Village - Flag Lot
Chevrolet Display - East Museum Lot
Spray Tattoos - N Lot
Garage Open to Public - Gasoline Alley
Hot Wheels Downhill Track - Flag Lot
INDYCAR Safety Equipment on Display - Garage 8
Little Racers Track - Flag Lot
Suite Tours - Gasoline Alley
Tech Bay Open - Gasoline Alley
Timing and Scoring Tours (15 min) - Pagoda
National Indy 500 Collectors Club - Legends Row
10:00 AM-12:00 PM - Pit Stop Practice - Garage Area
11:00 AM - 500 Festival Community Day Trading Pin Distribution - Retail
Photo Shop
12:00-12:15 PM - Driver Q & A with Bryan Clauson - Coca Cola Stage
12:00-3:00 PM - Kid's Club Event - Pavilion 1A and B
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Autograph Session with Firestone Indy Lights
Drivers - Legends Row
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Media Pit Stop Competition - Garage Area
12:30 PM - Autograph Session #1 Wristband Distribution - MotoGP Garage
36
12:45 PM - Back Home Again In Indiana Awards Presentation - Coke Stage
1:00-1:30 PM - Mazda Road to Indy Driver Q & A Session - Coca Cola Stage
1:30-2:30 PM - Indy 500 Driver Group #1 Autograph Session - Plaza
2:00 PM - Autograph Session #2 Wristband Distribution - MotoGP Garage
36
3:00-4:00 PM - Indy 500 Driver Group #2 Autograph Session - Plaza
3:30 PM - Autograph Session #3 Wristband Distribution - MotoGP Garage
36
4:30-5:30 PM - Indy 500 Driver Group #3 Autograph Session - Plaza
4:45 pm
Threatening skies continue, but so far, other than a few sprinkles, the "big
weather" has eluded IMS this afternoon. So happy for everyone who
came out to Community Day that they could get a full day of entertainment
and driver interactions in today.
Saw Indy 500 veteran and open-wheel standout Donnie Beechler in the
garage this afternoon (with family). Looks and sounds great! In town for
the Indy Lights action and to also race in the USAC Silver Crown "Hoosier
100" on Friday night at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Observed drivers in all three autograph sessions were much more
interactive with fans that I've seen them in the past. Danica, in particular,
spent quite a bit of time trying to convince a young fan that it was OK to
kiss the bricks at the start/finish line. She explained that when a team
wins the Indy 500, the whole team does it, so it's OK for her to do it (she
did say she's never done it or had the opportunity). Great to see - that little
girl will never forget the day her hero spent that time with her.
Awwww...The cuteness award for the day goes to Tomas Scheckter, who
managed to wrangle a sweet little puppy on his lap during the autograph
session, which set the media off on a frenzy (me included). Let the pup
walk around on the table getting love from driver neighbors Buddy Rice
and highest qualifying rookie JR Hildebrand. Look in today's pics for
some major cuteness!
3:00 pm
Sure...tornado sirens sound, and yours truly heads straight for the glass
enclosed fourth floor of the IMS Media Center - makes sense, eh?
Yes, the sirens sounded, and no one paid any attention to them (as
usual). Wicked winds on the grounds of IMS today, causing havoc with
lots of the kiddie attractions like bouncy houses, tents, etc. A few
sprinkles earlier, but sun is out and it's still hot. With the winds, a big
storm could blow in at any minute though, so I'm hoping everyone stays
safe while their enjoying Community Day. IMS is so prepared for anything,
I'm sure they have plenty of contingency plans to keep the public safe
should an emergency be imminent.
Went to the first autograph session, and was happy to see that Simona de
Silvestro's line was as long (or longer) than the Penske line containing
highly popular Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe. She's
earned a ton of fans this month. See my pics (just uploaded) for her
famous "Mickey Mouse hands" - she's unstoppable, and is continuing to
sign autographs even when it looks nearly impossible with her hands
being wrapped like they are. And she's laughing and joking with
everyone, and being so attentive to the fans (and media wanting to take
pictures). I'm very much a BIG fan of hers, and will be excited to watch her
on Sunday (and the rest of the IndyCar season).
There's nothing that makes me so mad as to see media interviewing
drivers at a FAN EVENT (which happened today). The fans get so little
face-to-face time with the drivers - they deserve every second after waiting
in line all day. The media has their own one-on-one session with each
driver tomorrow afternoon, and they have exclusive access to every driver
throughout the month (pending a cooperative team or PR person). This is
not just in IndyCar racing - I HATE it when NASCAR has their drivers
wheeled around the track to wave to the fans, and inevitably, a TV crew is
on the top drivers' trucks interviewing that driver while the fans are being
ignored. Sometimes that's the closest a ticket-buying fan might get to a
driver, and a stupid TV crew has to steal that precious time away. Grrr...
Off to the second autograph session for more pictures...
1:00 pm
Lots of activity all over the track today for Community Day! Despite the
weather predictions, many fans decided to come out and enjoy getting
into restricted parts of the track - there's still a long line of cars waiting for
their turn to driver their own passenger car on this famed oval.
The Firestone Indy Lights teams are here today unloading into their
garages and getting prepped for practice and qualifying tomorrow for
Friday's Firestone Freedom 100 race.
Of interest to quite a few people, USAC Driver's Champion, Bryan
Clauson, is running in Friday's race for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. He's
got a VERY busy schedule in the next few days. Here today for a Q & A
with him on the Coca-Cola stage, autographs, working with his Indy
Lights team in preparation for tomorrow's practice/qualifying, actually
practicing and qualifying for the Freedom 100 tomorrow then heading to
the Terre Haute Action Track for a USAC Sprint race, back to IMS on Carb
Day (Friday) for the Freedom 100 race, then to the Indiana State
Fairgrounds that night to attempt a double by racing in the USAC Silver
Crown "Hoosier 100" race, racing in the "Night Before the 500" USAC
Midget race at IRP on Saturday, then undoubtedly back to IMS to watch
the 500 on Sunday. Whew!
Indy 500 vet Jeff Simmons is hanging out in the Firestone Indy Lights
garage area this afternoon...rideless in either series (a shame).
Saw USAC star Davey Ray walking through the grounds this afternoon -
he's not racing anything around here this weekend, but will head to Sun
Prairie's Angell Park Speedway on Sunday for a BMARA Midget show.
Sounded VERY interested in trying to find his way into an Indy Lights car
soon!
Three big autograph sessions for qualified Indy 500 drivers are set for this
afternoon - THE draw for this day for thousands of race fans. Let's hope
the weather holds of for the majority of the afternoon.
11:00 am
Community Day at IMS! This is one of my favorite days here during May.
So many activities for families and kids (see above schedule).
Usually we get lucky with the weather on this important day at the track.
Today...not so much. It's sunny and hot right now, but weather badness
is on its way this afternoon, with alerts out already. Heartbreaking, as
there's so many things for families to be entertained by today. And it's
one of the best days for people to get up-close-and-personal with their
favorite qualified driver, as there's a massive autograph session this
afternoon (haven't heard what they'll do if weather prevents the outdoor
session).
Another reason why this day is so fun for fans is that they get to enter the
garage area and have full access to the teams and everything that goes on
in there on a daily basis. Most teams pull their cars out and let kids sit in
them (or take pictures). There's pit stop practice going on right now (so
fun to watch up close). This used to be the only time kids were allowed in
the restricted garage area. However, this year, IMS sold junior bronze
badges allowing kids to be credentialed to enter all month long - great
idea, as it breeds future racing fans.
Lots of pictures to be posted throughout the day - stay tuned...
COMMUNITY DAY
100th ANNIVERSARY INDIANAPOLIS 500
STARTING LINEUP (revised 5/23)
Wednesday Photos
Wednesday/American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day
Schedule Highlights
$7
Kids 6 and under free
9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Public Track Laps
INDYCAR Fan Village - Flag Lot
Chevrolet Display - East Museum Lot
Spray Tattoos - N Lot
Garage Open to Public - Gasoline Alley
Hot Wheels Downhill Track - Flag Lot
INDYCAR Safety Equipment on Display - Garage 8
Little Racers Track - Flag Lot
Suite Tours - Gasoline Alley
Tech Bay Open - Gasoline Alley
Timing and Scoring Tours (15 min) - Pagoda
National Indy 500 Collectors Club - Legends Row
10:00 AM-12:00 PM - Pit Stop Practice - Garage Area
11:00 AM - 500 Festival Community Day Trading Pin Distribution - Retail
Photo Shop
12:00-12:15 PM - Driver Q & A with Bryan Clauson - Coca Cola Stage
12:00-3:00 PM - Kid's Club Event - Pavilion 1A and B
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Autograph Session with Firestone Indy Lights
Drivers - Legends Row
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Media Pit Stop Competition - Garage Area
12:30 PM - Autograph Session #1 Wristband Distribution - MotoGP Garage
36
12:45 PM - Back Home Again In Indiana Awards Presentation - Coke Stage
1:00-1:30 PM - Mazda Road to Indy Driver Q & A Session - Coca Cola Stage
1:30-2:30 PM - Indy 500 Driver Group #1 Autograph Session - Plaza
2:00 PM - Autograph Session #2 Wristband Distribution - MotoGP Garage
36
3:00-4:00 PM - Indy 500 Driver Group #2 Autograph Session - Plaza
3:30 PM - Autograph Session #3 Wristband Distribution - MotoGP Garage
36
4:30-5:30 PM - Indy 500 Driver Group #3 Autograph Session - Plaza
4:45 pm
Threatening skies continue, but so far, other than a few sprinkles, the "big
weather" has eluded IMS this afternoon. So happy for everyone who
came out to Community Day that they could get a full day of entertainment
and driver interactions in today.
Saw Indy 500 veteran and open-wheel standout Donnie Beechler in the
garage this afternoon (with family). Looks and sounds great! In town for
the Indy Lights action and to also race in the USAC Silver Crown "Hoosier
100" on Friday night at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Observed drivers in all three autograph sessions were much more
interactive with fans that I've seen them in the past. Danica, in particular,
spent quite a bit of time trying to convince a young fan that it was OK to
kiss the bricks at the start/finish line. She explained that when a team
wins the Indy 500, the whole team does it, so it's OK for her to do it (she
did say she's never done it or had the opportunity). Great to see - that little
girl will never forget the day her hero spent that time with her.
Awwww...The cuteness award for the day goes to Tomas Scheckter, who
managed to wrangle a sweet little puppy on his lap during the autograph
session, which set the media off on a frenzy (me included). Let the pup
walk around on the table getting love from driver neighbors Buddy Rice
and highest qualifying rookie JR Hildebrand. Look in today's pics for
some major cuteness!
3:00 pm
Sure...tornado sirens sound, and yours truly heads straight for the glass
enclosed fourth floor of the IMS Media Center - makes sense, eh?
Yes, the sirens sounded, and no one paid any attention to them (as
usual). Wicked winds on the grounds of IMS today, causing havoc with
lots of the kiddie attractions like bouncy houses, tents, etc. A few
sprinkles earlier, but sun is out and it's still hot. With the winds, a big
storm could blow in at any minute though, so I'm hoping everyone stays
safe while their enjoying Community Day. IMS is so prepared for anything,
I'm sure they have plenty of contingency plans to keep the public safe
should an emergency be imminent.
Went to the first autograph session, and was happy to see that Simona de
Silvestro's line was as long (or longer) than the Penske line containing
highly popular Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe. She's
earned a ton of fans this month. See my pics (just uploaded) for her
famous "Mickey Mouse hands" - she's unstoppable, and is continuing to
sign autographs even when it looks nearly impossible with her hands
being wrapped like they are. And she's laughing and joking with
everyone, and being so attentive to the fans (and media wanting to take
pictures). I'm very much a BIG fan of hers, and will be excited to watch her
on Sunday (and the rest of the IndyCar season).
There's nothing that makes me so mad as to see media interviewing
drivers at a FAN EVENT (which happened today). The fans get so little
face-to-face time with the drivers - they deserve every second after waiting
in line all day. The media has their own one-on-one session with each
driver tomorrow afternoon, and they have exclusive access to every driver
throughout the month (pending a cooperative team or PR person). This is
not just in IndyCar racing - I HATE it when NASCAR has their drivers
wheeled around the track to wave to the fans, and inevitably, a TV crew is
on the top drivers' trucks interviewing that driver while the fans are being
ignored. Sometimes that's the closest a ticket-buying fan might get to a
driver, and a stupid TV crew has to steal that precious time away. Grrr...
Off to the second autograph session for more pictures...
1:00 pm
Lots of activity all over the track today for Community Day! Despite the
weather predictions, many fans decided to come out and enjoy getting
into restricted parts of the track - there's still a long line of cars waiting for
their turn to driver their own passenger car on this famed oval.
The Firestone Indy Lights teams are here today unloading into their
garages and getting prepped for practice and qualifying tomorrow for
Friday's Firestone Freedom 100 race.
Of interest to quite a few people, USAC Driver's Champion, Bryan
Clauson, is running in Friday's race for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. He's
got a VERY busy schedule in the next few days. Here today for a Q & A
with him on the Coca-Cola stage, autographs, working with his Indy
Lights team in preparation for tomorrow's practice/qualifying, actually
practicing and qualifying for the Freedom 100 tomorrow then heading to
the Terre Haute Action Track for a USAC Sprint race, back to IMS on Carb
Day (Friday) for the Freedom 100 race, then to the Indiana State
Fairgrounds that night to attempt a double by racing in the USAC Silver
Crown "Hoosier 100" race, racing in the "Night Before the 500" USAC
Midget race at IRP on Saturday, then undoubtedly back to IMS to watch
the 500 on Sunday. Whew!
Indy 500 vet Jeff Simmons is hanging out in the Firestone Indy Lights
garage area this afternoon...rideless in either series (a shame).
Saw USAC star Davey Ray walking through the grounds this afternoon -
he's not racing anything around here this weekend, but will head to Sun
Prairie's Angell Park Speedway on Sunday for a BMARA Midget show.
Sounded VERY interested in trying to find his way into an Indy Lights car
soon!
Three big autograph sessions for qualified Indy 500 drivers are set for this
afternoon - THE draw for this day for thousands of race fans. Let's hope
the weather holds of for the majority of the afternoon.
11:00 am
Community Day at IMS! This is one of my favorite days here during May.
So many activities for families and kids (see above schedule).
Usually we get lucky with the weather on this important day at the track.
Today...not so much. It's sunny and hot right now, but weather badness
is on its way this afternoon, with alerts out already. Heartbreaking, as
there's so many things for families to be entertained by today. And it's
one of the best days for people to get up-close-and-personal with their
favorite qualified driver, as there's a massive autograph session this
afternoon (haven't heard what they'll do if weather prevents the outdoor
session).
Another reason why this day is so fun for fans is that they get to enter the
garage area and have full access to the teams and everything that goes on
in there on a daily basis. Most teams pull their cars out and let kids sit in
them (or take pictures). There's pit stop practice going on right now (so
fun to watch up close). This used to be the only time kids were allowed in
the restricted garage area. However, this year, IMS sold junior bronze
badges allowing kids to be credentialed to enter all month long - great
idea, as it breeds future racing fans.
Lots of pictures to be posted throughout the day - stay tuned...