Former F1 drivers see European interest growing in IndyCar
Eight of the 33 starters in this year’s Indianapolis 500 had F1 experience. Drivers expect that number to grow in upcoming years.
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New sports tech startup backed by IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. is backing the effort with a 21st Century Fund grant and expects the initiative to generate new investment and innovation opportunities for the state.
Brad Stevens stepping down as Celtics coach, to lead team’s front office
Stevens, a Zionsville native who coached Butler University to NCAA championship games in 2010 and 2011, will lead the search for his successor in Boston, the Celtics said in a news conference Wednesday.
Helio Castroneves wins Indianapolis 500 for fourth time
The Brazilian joined A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Sr. and Rick Mears, his former mentor at Team Penske, as the only four-time winners of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Mears was the last driver to join the club in 1991.
IndyCar courts Black fans, drivers in its push to diversify
Much like NASCAR dealt with its own racial reckoning last year, IndyCar is moving to create a more diverse workforce throughout all levels of a series that has had just two Black drivers race in the Indy 500, its showcase annual event that dates to 1911.
Wayne Gretzky rookie card smashes record with $3.75 million sale
The photo for Gretzky’s rookie card was taken just weeks after he left the Indianapolis Racers, where the 17-year-old phenom played eight games (including home games at Market Square Arena) before his contract was sold to the Edmonton Oilers.
IMS lifts Indy 500 blackout, will air race live on TV
The track said on Twitter it has sold 135,000 tickets, which is its capacity limit under COVID-19 restrictions.
Rahal team penalized after Indy 500 photo shoot causes crash
IndyCar at the end of the session announced Takuma Sato, Graham Rahal and Santino Ferrucci will all be parked for the first 30 minutes of Friday’s critical practice, when the engine power is boosted and teams get their first true look at their speeds ahead of qualifying.
IndyCar inks extension with series title sponsor NTT
The deal solves one of the looming financial questions facing Roger Penske in his second year as owner of the series.
Indy’s pro sports teams find ways to welcome gamblers
Teams are trying to earn indirect revenue from mobile sports betting, carving out areas in their facilities that cater to fans who want to follow their bets while taking in a game downtown.
Fast-growing esports firm with local roots lands round of funding
Beastcoast, a professional e-sports team and digital media company that was a member of the 2020 Techstars cohort, announced this week it has closed on a $2.5 million pre-seed round of capital.
Pacers suspend assistant coach, fine player after dust-up
A report by ESPN on Wednesday questioned Indiana Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren’s future with the team, noting there were communication problems within the organization and concerns about the relationships between the coach and his players.
Google signs deal with WNBA to help champion women’s sports
Twenty-five WNBA games will be televised on ABC and ESPN in celebration of the league’s 25th season, with Google as the presenting sponsor.
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.
Indy Eleven reaches sports betting deal with BetRivers
The agreement provides for a sleeve logo on the Indy Eleven’s 2021 jerseys, along with sponsorship of the 30-minute postgame TV show following every home game broadcast.
Indy Eleven limiting first home game to season ticket holders
The team is set to host all 16 of its regular-season home games at IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium this season after playing the past three seasons at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Table tennis startup aims for casual-player market
CounterStrike Table Tennis in Fishers is attempting to foster new interest in the niche sport by hooking players up with high quality paddles at affordable prices.
Indians allowed 25% Victory Field capacity in May, ink TV deal
The Indianapolis Indians this week announced separate deals that will put 35 of their games on TV and allow the team to play home games in May before a limited number of spectators.
NFL exploring changes to scouting combine, source says
The source, who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the conversations are ongoing, said the league is evaluating all aspects of the combine, including the player experience.
IBJ Podcast: Why IU’s Mike Woodson hire is about much more than winning games
Mason King talks with IBJ reporter Anthony Schoettle about why IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson likely had fundraising in mind when he put together the Hoosiers’ basketball leadership team.