Roger Penske still committed to IMS vision
This Sunday’s revamped Brickyard 200 anchors a weekend that insiders say is sure to go a long way in furthering the motorsport mogul’s long-term strategy for the speedway.
Speedway/motorsports
Turner Woodard buys home of indoor karting complex in Speedway
The real estate investor and racing enthusiast has closed a deal with former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher and her husband that will help them to continue growing their karting business.
IndyCar rookie, NASCAR champ Johnson aims for Indy 500 run in 2022
To his chagrin, Jimmie Johnson has performed poorly on IndyCar’s road and street courses this season, but he suspects that his experience with ovals in NASCAR will carry over to the Indy 500 if he can pass the rookie orientation program.
Castroneves gets full IndyCar ride in 2022 with Meyer Shank
Helio Castroneves, who won his record-tying fourth Indy 500 in May, will return to IndyCar full time next season at the age of 46.
New downtown restaurant to pay tribute to Hulman family
The Hulman restaurant is the result of a partnership with the IMS Museum, which holds rights to Tony Hulman’s name and likeness.
Bobby Unser, 3-time Indianapolis 500 winner, dies at 87
Unser was one of just 10 drivers to win the 500 at least three times, and he and Rick Mears were the only drivers to win the 500 in three different decades.
Some spectators to be permitted at Indy 500, but concerts called off
The Indianapolis 500 can run with up to 40% of its typical spectator capacity this year, following discussions between the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and city and state officials.
Speedway historian Davidson taking final lap
Donald Davidson, a native Brit whose encyclopaedic knowledge of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indianapolis 500 earned him the distinction of the track’s preeminent historian, plans to retire at the end of the year.
As Indianapolis 500 nears, sound of silence in Speedway is deafening
The 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 is Sunday. For the surrounding community of Speedway, which bills itself as the racing capital of the world, many residents will be watching from home, and they are filled with sadness.
Indy 500 to run without fans in the stands
The race had been postponed from its usual Memorial Day weekend date to Aug. 23, before announcements that the track would limit seating to 50% and then later 25%—with masks required—and now with no fans at all.
Indy 500 to run with crowds at 25% of capacity
Officials said that ticket sales for the Aug. 23 race will not be permitted after Friday, which could further limit the number of people who attend the 104th running of the Indy 500.
Developer streamlines plans for mixed-use project on Speedway’s main drag
The $6 million project is expected to feature retail space on the first floor—already fully pre-leased—along with apartments on the second floor and condominiums on the third.
IndyCar plans season’s first races with fans in stands next month
Tickets are being sold for races July 11 and 12 at Road America, a four-mile, 14-turn road course in Wisconsin where fans can spread out. And a limited number of tickets will be available for the races at the short oval at Iowa Speedway on July 17 and 18.
Motorsports research body hires new director, relocating to Indianapolis
The International Council of Motorsport Sciences, established in Indianapolis in 1988, will relocate from Texas later this month after hiring veteran motorsports exec Tom Weisenbach as its new executive director.
IBJ Podcast: Will the Indy 500 run with fans in the stands? IMS officials say yes.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials are putting all their energy into running the Indy 500 with fans in August, despite continuing concerns about big crowds and the coronavirus.
NHRA to resume drag racing in July at Indianapolis with limited fans
National Hot Rod Association drag racing plans to resume its season in July with back-to-back events at Lucas Oil Raceway.
IndyCar planning new October race on IMS road course
The added stop at Indianapolis, called the Harvest GP, would be the third trip to the speedway in one season for IndyCar.
Motorsports safety pioneer Simpson dies after stroke
Bill Simpson, a pioneer in motorsports safety credited with creating equipment that saved too many drivers to count from death or serious injury, died Monday. He was 79.
Penske’s IMS deal means hundreds of acres of opportunity, real estate experts say
The acquisition of Hulman & Co. will give Penske Corp. control of about 37% of all the land in Speedway, making the company the town’s single-largest landowner. Roger Penske said he wants to take advantage of that land.
IndyCar aeroscreen declared ready to race by Dixon, Power
Drivers Scott Dixon and Will Power both said IndyCar’s new aeroscreen was fit for racing during the first extensive test session for the cockpit protection that will debut next season.