Derek Schultz: A look back at some very good years in Indy sports history
As for some of the years that had most Indiana sports fans smiling, here’s a look back.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
-
IMS Museum names Indianapolis racing industry executive as new leader
Under Michael Good, the Speedway-based Performance Racing Industry saw its annual trade show at the Indiana Convention Center grow in attendance, exhibitors and sponsorship, with the 2025 event alone bringing in more than 100 new exhibitors.
Read More -
How IndyCar, Fox each win in deal that gives media giant minority ownership
Executives, team officials and industry experts told IBJ they believe the Fox investment will help IndyCar better compete for fans in an increasingly crowded sports landscape.
Read More -
IBJ Podcast: Doug Boles on his ‘physically and emotionally draining’ May in dual role for Speedway, IndyCar
Boles discusses delivering bad news to Roger Penske in the glare of high-profile penalties before the Indy 500—plus efforts to improve car inspections and create an independent officiating board. And are TV blackouts really necessary?
Read More -
Alex Palou wins Indy 500 for fifth victory in six IndyCar races this season
Palou got tired of staying put in second place with 16 laps remaining and charged ahead—a move 2022 winner Marcus Ericsson said “will keep me up at night.”
Read More
Articles
IMS, Gainbridge ink sponsorship extension for Indy 500
Gainbridge has been the presenting sponsor of the Indianapolis 500 since its 103rd running in 2019.
Marco Andretti retires from racing, ending era for Andretti family at Indy 500
Next year’s Indianapolis 500 will not have an Andretti in the field for the first time since 2005.
Will Power out at Penske: Team confirms Australian will not return for 18th season
Power, 44, won two IndyCar titles and the Indianapolis 500 for Roger Penske. He ranks fourth all-time in IndyCar victories.
Expert: Trump administration likely ‘relishes’ controversy over ‘Speedway Slammer’ moniker
A new state partnership to expand immigrant detention is being promoted with a “Speedway Slammer” nickname. The moniker drew a backlash from the IndyCar Series on Wednesday and also a response from Pato O’Ward, the only Mexican driver in the series.
Speedway, IndyCar say they weren’t consulted on federal ‘Speedway Slammer’ moniker
As part of the plan’s public rollout, Homeland Security posted on social media a manipulated image of an ICE-branded IndyCar outside the correctional facility.
Bubba Wallace becomes first Black driver to win major race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The 31-year-old Wallace overcame a tenuous 18-minute rain delay, two tantalizing overtimes, fears about running out of fuel late and the hard-charging defending race champ, Kyle Larson.
Event for NASCAR fans offers hip-hop sounds, free Brickyard 400 tickets
DJ Envy, co-host of nationally syndicated radio show “The Breakfast Club,” will provide a soundtrack for “23XI Intersect.”
Palou wins $3.8M for Indy 500 win as part of record prize purse
Pole-winner Robert Shwartzman earned a $50,000 bonus as rookie of the year, making his total take-home prize $327,300.
UPDATE: Ericsson stripped of Indy 500 runner-up finish for unapproved car modifications
Marcus Ericsson was penalized to the rear of the 33-car field along with Andretti Global teammate Kyle Kirkwood on Monday after their cars were found to have unapproved modifications to their Energy Management System covers.
Casey Foyt to wave Indy 500 green flag in honor of late father Jim Irsay
Jim Irsay, who led the Indianapolis Colts for 30 years, died Wednesday in his sleep, the team announced. He was 65.
Mark Montieth: Confluence of Indy 500, Pacers playoff game reflects longtime connections
On Sunday, Indy’s twin passions will combine forces for a rare doubleheader that will send a jolt of adrenaline throughout central Indiana and capture the attention of the nation.
Q&A with Stefano dePonti on Dallara USA’s interest in racing, defense and education
Last year, Purdue University announced plans to occupy a portion of Dallara’s downtown Speedway facility as part of a new partnership meant to further develop the university’s Indianapolis presence, including its motorsports engineering program.
IBJ Podcast: Explaining the Indy 500 tumult, Team Penske scandal and firings, and what’s important
Longtime motorsports journalist John Oreovicz joins host Mason King to explain the relevance of the latest Team Penske controversy and the firings of three top executives just days before the Indy 500.
IMS Museum plans $18M car restoration, event facility near speedway
The facility will house more than 150 cars from the museum’s collection and will eventually host public tours, events and other programming.
IndyCar exploring independent governing body that doesn’t include Penske employees
Optics of favoritism have dogged Roger Penske since he purchased all things Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Team Penske fires Cindric, other key officials involved in latest scandal
The announcement comes days after two of the team’s cars were moved to the back of the 2025 Indianapolis 500 starting grid.
Team Penske has miserable Indy 500 qualifying day with 1 crashed car and 2 failed inspections
Tim Cindric, president of Penske’s IndyCar program, said Will Power passed inspection but officials flagged Josef Newgarden’s car. He also said the modification was not on Scott McLaughlin’s car.
Palou and a pair of Penskes set the pace in first stage of Indy 500 qualifying
Qualifying on Saturday decides the fast 12 that will run again Sunday to set the first four rows and the pole.
Derek Schultz: Indy 500 lore is filled with great drivers who came agonizingly close but never won
The old saying is that Indy picks its victor. Pato O’Ward isn’t the only incredible contestant that the iconic racing venue has left waiting on the playground to hear his name called.