Speedway boss vows to make changes to revive Brickyard 400
As sponsors and fans grow antsy, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NASCAR officials are looking at a number of changes to next year’s Brickyard 400. Some of them could be dramatic.
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Speedway boss says Tony George’s promotion won’t take him off course
Tony George’s elevation to Hulman & Co. chairman brings up several interesting questions about what the move means for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Brickyard 400’s profit margin getting perilously thin for Speedway
The city of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Motor Speedway both have taken big hits with the decline of the once-vaunted Brickyard 400. The race is still profitable, but much less so than in its glory days.
Indy 500 radio ratings rattled by TV broadcast
Listener numbers on four Emmis Communications stations carrying the race decreased significantly from last year. It remains unclear whether advertisers will be compensated for the shortfall.
Speedway executive readies for key role at Rio Olympics
Leading up to the Brickyard 400 in July, Allison Melangton will be working 16 hours a day. Those will be relatively light days compared to the hours she’ll work in August coordinating gymnastics coverage for NBC.
Indy 500 wrap-up: Merchandise sales hit record, toilets taxed, media might move
Speedway officials are taking stock of the facility’s performance on Sunday. While merchandise sales surged to an all-time high, many commodes backed up. Converting the media center to hospitality space also has been discussed.
State fire marshal: No limits on tickets IMS can sell for Indy 500
ABC says Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials are in the driver’s seat on deciding whether the local television blackout will be lifted on the Indianapolis 500 for the first time in 66 years.
Car made famous by Indy 500 expected to sell for $250,000 at auction
One of the featured cars to go on the block at this week’s Mecum Auctions event at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is a sporty ride with deep roots at the famed Brickyard.
Attendance, TV ratings rise for 2016 Grand Prix of Indianapolis
Despite cloudy, cool, windy weather, “a few thousand” more people turned out for the opening weekend road race than a year ago.
Attorney general, tourism officials on lookout for sex trafficking as Indy 500 nears
The Indiana attorney general’s office is partnering with the FBI and other national organizations to give local police officers and hospitality workers special training to spot illegal activity.
For first time, Herff Jones offers limited replicas of Indy 500 winner’s ring to fans
If you are a fervent Indianapolis 500 fan—and have a pile of cash burning a hole in your pocket—Herff Jones has the ring for you. Rings cost up to $9,001.
Speedway: Massive concessions expansion won’t lead to cooler ban
Despite adding hundreds more concession stands as part of the track’s widescale improvements this year, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials don’t want the problems that outlawing coolers could create.
Speedway museum makeover includes new name, logo
The IMS has been under increasing pressure to improve its museum since NASCAR opened its $160 million museum in Charlotte in 2010. Even before that, IndyCar fans had been calling for more interactive elements and technology.
Roundup: Hill finalist for citizenship award, Coke unveils Indy 500 bottle
The Score comes to you in a new roundup format. Featured is a local merchandising company, the Indy 500’s latest commercial deal and a look at how technology has changed the way the Pacers condition their players. Plus, a look at the cost of attending The Masters.
Final Four dents IndyCar race TV ratings
Ratings for the open-wheel series’ season opener on cable is down from last year’s average. And the racing circuit can ill afford any setbacks in TV viewership. But an uptick is likely on the way for IndyCar’s upcoming events.
SportsCenter to air live from Speedway for first time in 10-plus years
An ESPN crew will set up shop for more than eight hours of live broadcasts in May from a custom-made set on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Pagoda Plaza.
Brewery celebrates 100th running of Indy 500, return of Hinchcliffe
Since debuting in 2013, Hinchtown Hammerdown has become one of Flat 12’s best-selling beers. The Indianapolis brewery hopes its new The Bricks Red IPA will make a similar splash this May.
Lucas Oil Raceway retains key revenue stream with naming rights extension
A deal signed this week with the California-based maker of oil and other auto-related products will fuel the track with a healthy six-figure annual sum, sports marketers said.
Local sports marketing firm revved up for growth
An acquisition this week by its parent company, CSM Sports & Entertainment, could mean significant growth for Zionsville-based Just Marketing International.
IndyCar inks multi-year extension with Honda
The deal means the Japanese carmaker will not only continue to supply engines to the series but also spend tens of millions of dollars to promote the open-wheel series.