IMS eyes bigger crowds, better weather for Brickyard 400 race
In recent years, the Brickyard 400 has seen dismal attendance, but track officials say better weather and more events should boost crowds at this year’s race.
Sports Business
Articles
At 70, John Force ties Funny Car record at Indy in championship run
John Force tied Ed “Ace” McCulloch for the most Funny Car wins in Indy history, powering his Camaro to a run of 3.919 seconds at 324.44 mph to beat Jack Beckman.
Colts sign QB Brissett to two-year contract extension, sources say
Jacoby Brissett’s deal came just hours after the Colts announced Brian Hoyer, a longtime backup in the league, would join the team as the new No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart.
Gov. Holcomb kicks off Indiana sports betting with wagers on home teams
Indiana Grand Racing & Casino in Shelbyville, Ameristar Casino in East Chicago and Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg opened their sports books Sunday, the first day they were allowed by law.
IndyCar drops Pocono, replaces it with Richmond race on 2020 schedule
Pocono’s track has been questioned over its compatibility with IndyCar. A five-car crash occurred on the opening lap at the track last month. Justin Wilson was killed there in 2015 and Robert Wickens suffered a spinal cord injury last year when his car sailed into the fence.
Ballard’s salary-cap strategy opens Colts’ options post-Andrew Luck
The boos that rained down on Andrew Luck—and possibly the entire Indianapolis Colts organization after the Aug. 24 preseason home game—signal a torrent of likely troubles for a team that started this season with Super Bowl aspirations.
LOPRESTI: 20 questions about Jacoby Brissett
It’s common knowledge that he has a bazooka for an arm, came here on a trade from the New England Patriots, and now has the opportunity of his life. But there’s more.
Rules changes could come to NCAA if California bill passes
With the California assembly considering a potentially landmark measure that would allow athletes at state colleges and universities to profit from the use of their names, likenesses and images, an NCAA working group is trying to figure out how to respond.
Las Vegas ready to bid to host numerous big NCAA events
This is the first year that Las Vegas is eligible to bid after the governing body for college sports indefinitely suspended a ban last year that prevented events from being hosted in states that accept wagers on single games.
LOPRESTI: Lots of questions linger in wake of Luck’s retirement
You wonder if this is a big bay window into the cost of playing modern football. Luck called it the greatest team sport in the world, but the physical demands of the game had apparently chewed him up and spit him out.
UPDATE: Andrew Luck to retire due to injuries that have ‘taken my joy’
Colts backup quarterback Jacoby Brisset is expected to take over as the starter of a team that some had pegged as a contender for the Super Bowl. “We’ll make this city proud,” said General Manager Chris Ballard.
NCAA amends agent rules to no longer require college degree
The requirement drew criticism last week when the certification standards were revealed, including a social media blast by NBA star LeBron James.
Ex-coach for USA Diving gets 4 years in prison for sexual battery
The victim is among divers suing Indianapolis-based USA Diving, alleging it didn’t do enough to stop coach William Bohonyi.
McLaren to return to full-time IndyCar racing in 2020
The England-based company plans to return to full-time IndyCar competition next season for the first time since 1979 in a partnership with existing team Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports.
New USA Gymnastics president points to ‘positive trajectory’
Li Li Leung said she has spoken with more than 400 members of the gymnastics community—including Larry Nassar victims—in an attempt to create an open dialogue about what USA Gymnastics needs to become if it wants to survive.
Former Indiana Pacers player joins First Merchants board
Clark Kellogg, a first-round draft pick for the Indiana Pacers in 1982 and current lead basketball analyst for CBS Sports, has been a member of the bank’s advisory board since 2001.
NCAA’s agent certification process draws concern, criticism
The measures—which now include requiring agents to have a bachelor’s degree—have been criticized by an attorney who has worked on numerous NCAA eligibility cases, at least one agent and NBA All-Star LeBron James, among others.
City to repurpose some public golf courses
Indy Parks is grappling with the future of its 13 courses based on declining revenue and interest, and millions of dollars in eventual facility upgrades.
IndyCar to use hybrid technology to boost horsepower, safety
The addition of the hybrid powertrain will delay the debut of IndyCar’s new engine from 2021 to 2022, realigning it with the arrival of the next chassis.
Indians announce naming-rights partner for new club space
The 4,500-square-foot club, to be constructed between the 2019 and 2020 seasons as part of $8.3 million in Victory Field improvements, will be sponsored by Indianapolis-based Elements Financial Federal Credit Union.