Speedway Indiana May 20,2019

After spending the entire day in the rain Sunday! A small window opened late in the afternoon for qualifications.

For the second year in a row 2 highly known drivers were bumped from the Indy 500. In 2018 it was James Hinchcliff, and now this year 2 time Formula One Champion Fernando Alonso was the latest to get bumped from running the Indy 500!

Frankly it could have been avoided! McLaren did not give Fernando car he could compete with, and that fact was proven Sunday! The buzz around the media center was McLaren was going to buy a spot. Well that was quickly squashed. Fernando said if didn’t earn a spot then he didn’t want to be in race. Television cameras focused on Alonso during Kaiser's run as he sat on the brink of elimination. The Juncos driver ran four neat and composed laps, eventually crossing the line and knocking Alonso and McLaren—both synonymous with success but, more recently, catastrophe—out by just two-hundredths of a mile per hour.

Then we had the fast nine and it appears we are playing game of “Simon Says”. Simon Pagenaud wins the GP last weekend and this week he wins the pole. Today Simon leads in practice 1 for the Indy 500 this weekend!

This is the tightest grid in 500 history! With just a little over a second between 1^st and 33^rd positions.

Todays practice results

 Pagenaud, Simon 228.441

Newgarden, Josef 228.273

Hinchcliffe, James 227.994

Dixon, Scott 227.951

Rossi, Alexander 227.660

Kimball, Charlie 227.645

Castroneves, Helio 227.614

Power, Will 227.480  

Rosenqvist, Felix (R) 227.414

Davison, James 227.393

Practice one results

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Indianapolis—

Let’s do this again the NASCAR Marathon continues at the Indianapolis motor Speedway.

Coming off what is likely the most exciting Xfinty race of the season.

A very emotional Justin Allgaier has won the Xfinity Series race that kicked off a NASCAR doubleheader at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

We are finally able to start the 25^th running of the Brickyard 400.

Twitter action from stage 1  

Early in 400 L10: @KyleLarsonRacin says the biggest issue so far is Turn 4. "I think I hit the wall a little on the short chute between 1 and 2."

#Brickyard400 L22: "That's all I got. I'm trying. Loose off ... but overall not too bad." - Brad @keselowski

#Brickyard400 L26: @keselowski told to follow the leaders to pit road if they stop before the Lap 30 caution.

#Lap32 Elliott goes for "right side only" on tires, gains significant track position.

#Brickyard400 L30: 2nd competition caution. Larson: 5th Kez: 9th Logano: 18th Harvick: 33rd (made his way back to 19th before pitting)

Green flag back out on lap 34. #Brickyard400 #NASCAR

Martin Truex JR lost a brake rotor his day at IMS ended early

Clint Bowyer wins Stage 1 of the Brickyard 400 followed by Kurt Busch

In Stage 2 big crash between David Starr and Bubba Wallace followed by another crash between Alex Bowman and AJ Allmendinger. This huge for Bowman with a playoff spot on the line. Heavy repairs were made to the RF and RR it cost Bowman 3 laps

Next caution JJ Yeley goes for a spin. Teammates Clint Boyer and Kevin Harvick lead field on the restart.

Stage 2 Twitter action

Through 80 (halfway): - Chase Elliott at 7th - Ryan Blaney at 3rd - Austin Dillon 23rd #Brickyard400

Heavy impact between @BubbaWallace and @starr_racing. #Brickyard400

#Brickyard400 L86: @KevinHarvick reporting a vibration. Spotter continues to tell him his gap to 2^nd

@WilliamByron is told he's got a penalty for an uncontrolled tire. He will restart at the tail end of the field. Was running top 10 prior. Lap 78. #NASCAR #Brickyard400

#Brickyard400 L92: @KyleLarsonRacin picks up a spot that lap and moves up to P4 with 8 to go in Stage 2.

@dariangrubb to @WilliamByron: "Really really REALLY slow blue 66 car coming up." Lap 90. #NASCAR #Brickyard400

Matt Kenseth WINS STAGE 2 followed by Chase Elliot.

Final Stage 3...a ton strategies are going to come into play to finish this race

Penalty for Kyle Busch and the Number 18 team hit with a commitment line Violation at the close of stage 2

1 more pit stop for most teams

To start Stage 3: @WilliamByron, @ClintBowyer, @dennyhamlin, @KevinHarvick, and @KyleLarsonRacin are the top 5. #NASCAR #Brickyard400 Lap 104.

Ryan Blayneywas running in top three but disaster on pit road will likely end his of a #BrickYard400 win.

#Brickyard400 L137: Leader @keselowski reports he just hit debris and wants crew to check splitter.

#Brickyard400 L140: @keselowski radio now speaking strategy code: "Page No. 3." He leads Johnson by 2.4 seconds

#Brickyard400 L141: @keselowski pitting this time

Debris on the Front Stretch brings out caution

@KurtBusch reports an ill-handling car. Asks how many cars are on the lead lap. When told 23 cars are on the lead lap, Kurt replies in the only way Kurt can, "expletive". #NASCAR #Brickyard400 Lap 145

1 to go at the line. Restart with 12 to go. Top 5: @dennyhamlin, @ClintBowyer, @jamiemcmurray, @KevinHarvick, and @erik_jones #NASCAR #Brickyard400

#Brickyard400: Hamlin already out to a nearly 1 second lead

Clint Bowyer and Jamie McMurray make contact, but Bowyer hangs on! #Brickyard400

Caution is out for @JEarnhardt1 and @landoncassill with 7 laps to go!

CHECKERED FLAG GOES TO BRAD KESELOWSKI AND THE FIRST BRICKYARD WIN FOR THE CAPTAIN!

Kyle Busch captured the regular-season points title. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver, in the No. 18 Toyota, finished eighth.

The other drivers competing for the Cup title will be: Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr., Kurt Busch, Joey Logano, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Larson, Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Jones, Aric Almirola and Ryan Newman.

Saturday's qualifying was rained out, so the starting grid was determined by points. Sunday's scheduled race also was washed out, forcing the race to be moved to a rare Monday start.

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Indianapolis ---

The rain has cleared out and we have an all-day NASCAR event at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I can’t think of a better way to start the week! 650 miles of racing in one day!

Wow what an exciting Lilly Diabetes 250. Holy cow we saw stage 1 end in 4 wide won by John Hunter Nemechek

Stage 2 Strategy and fight for second place won by Christopher Bell, Stage 2 won by Daniel Hemric .

One of the most exciting Xfinity races of the season unfolded right here in Indy.

Unfortunately the day ended badly for Ty Dillion, Austin Cindric , and Elliot Sadler. Sadler recently announcing his retirement. This not the way he wanted to end his last race at Indy.

Elliott Sadler hit Dillon's No. 3 car and both went hard into the third turn wall. Sadler started his final Indy race fourth in points. Then one-lap shootout that John Hunter Nemechek barely won as the cars went four wide.

Stage 3 wasn’t without calamity Brandon Jones made contact with Cole Custer causing heavy contact with the inside wall before sliding down the back stretch. Cole was evaluated and released from the infield Care center

#18 Ryan Preece got loose and slammed into Tire barrier. Creating red Flag conditions for cleanup in turn 2. Preece was evaluated and released from the infield Care center

In the final laps the battle for the lead go 3 wide!  With 10 to go Ryan Truex hits wall and is forced to pit.

Conragts to Justin Allgaier gets his first win at Indy. Congrats also to JR Motorsports!

After a long wait…we finally have a checkered flag wave at Indy! What smoke show here at Indy.  Justin Allgaier “This is one is for my dad…This all about family” Tears flowing this was clearing an emotional win for Justin Allgaier

1. Justin Allgaier
2. Tyler Reddick
3. Ryan Blaney
4. Chase Elliott
5. Daniel Hemric
6. Matt Tifft
7. Christopher Bell
8. Austin Dillon
9. Chase Briscoe
10. Brandon jones
11. Ryan Reed
12. Ross Chastain
13. Ryan Sieg
14. Jeremy Clements
15. Joey Gase
16. BJ McLeod
17. Vinnie Miller
18. David Starr
19. Alex Labbe
20. Garrett Smithley
21. Chad Finchum
22. Ryan Truex
23. Caesar Bacarella
24. Josh Williams
25. John Hunter Nemechek
26. Mike Harmon
27. Tommy Joe Martins
28. Ryan Preece
29. Cole Custer
30. JJ Yeley
31. Michael Annett
32. Morgan Shepherd
33. Ty Dillon
34. Austin Cindric
35. Elliott Sadler
36. Spencer Boyd
37. Brandon Hightower
38. Josh Bilicki
39. Bayley Currey
40. Jeff Green

In other news as we get ready for the 25^th running of the Brickyard 400

Jamie McMurray may be headed into the final Brickyard 400 of his career with Chip Ganassi Racing. McMurray won the race in 2010.

Ganassi says he's offered McMurray a contract to drive the Daytona 500 next season, then move into a leadership role with the organization similar to the one Dario Franchitti holds. Ganassi says McMurray has not decided if he will stay with the team or seek a full-time driving job elsewhere.

The contract confirms the No. 1 Chevrolet will be open at the end of this season, but Ganassi declined to comment on signing free agent Kurt Busch.

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Indianapolis-

It’s been a rough weekend for race fans her in Indy. It has been nonstop rain since Friday.

All track have been cancelled all weekend. However radar is looking better. Looking like we will have a race today keep in mind we only have to get 80 laps in to make the final regular season official

So much on the line for racers. Kyle Busch is starting on the Pole. This is a track he has dominated.

Nobody had any practice time this weekend. Track will be cool, so cars will be fast.

P1-Kyle Busch

P2-Kevin Harvick

P3-Martin Truex Jr

P4-Kurt Buch

This is a “Win Your In” Race.  Who will be the dark horse who will be throwing a “Hail Mary” Ryan Newman being one of those drivers along with William Bryon.

So here is a recap of what we have seen so far today.

Titan Jet dryers are moving around the 2.5 mile oval

Drivers Meeting Complete

Gates are open fans are entering

Cars for Martin Truex, Junior and Daniel Suarez failed pre-race inspection and will start from the back of the field

With no opportunity to qualify, drivers were assigned starting positions based on NASCAR points.

My official pick is Kyle Busch

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Xfinity Series Press Conference - Indianapolis Allgaier, Bell,Sadler Indy Presser

Indianapolis- Damp wet start to Brickyard weekend at IMS. Kicked this off with the Xfinity Series Press Conference –

Yours truly from Speedway digest was honored to have first question. I asked Justin Allgaier what he needs to here at Indy to stay on top of Xfinity series standings.

“I think this race is extremely difficult to manage. No matter if weather is cold, hot or rainy luckily for us we had a good package here last year and hopefully we will take what we learned last year we are hopeful that even if we don’t get a practice in we will have a great showing” However it was the question to Elliott Sadler on his decision to retire, and why he came about that decision. Especially have we have seen so many drivers retire recently. I felt like he truly put the human element to racing something we all could relate to. Elliott said

“The decision for me as pretty easy for me. My wife and I had been talking about this for a little while. I have been at this for 22 years…22 years traveling being away from home every single weekend. My kids are now 8 & 6 they are very involved with their activities at home. We have a lot going on at home, and I did not want to be a dad that lived his kid’s memories thru a phone! I don’t believe in that. I believe being home with them is important. I have pursued my dreams long enough, and now its time for me to be a dad help them pursue their dreams. I can’t wait for the next chapter in my life to begin. Wow what profound statement.

NBC sports followed up question about the things he has missed out. I think far too often we lose sight of the grind drivers go thru week in and week out. Elliot said he does not believe our kids shouldn’t grow up in a Motor Coach. Great career for Elliott Sadler! We salute you.  

Follow Xfinity Twitter link in this article for full presser

Tom Marquis @ThomasMarq

The Balance @TBalance

Indianapolis … Carb Day has arrived at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!

Another Indy 500 tradition is in full swing today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Next to the actual race Carb Day has the highest track attendance! The final practice session before the race, currently held on the Friday before race day, is called "Carburetion Day" (shortened to "Carb Day" since 2000). The name originally came from the fact that it was the final session where teams could tune their carburetors in conditions similar to those that might be encountered on race day. The name has remained despite the fact that no qualified car has used a carburetor since 1963. The day is now similar to most motorsport weekends, as the final practice is accompanied by the a pit stop contest, a support race, and a concert. The Pit Stop Challenge debuted in 1977, the Indy Lights Freedom 100 moved to Carb Day in 2005, and the concerts have been held since 1998. In 1969–1972, Carb Day was held the Wednesday before the race. From 1973 to 2004, Carb Day was held the Thursday before the race. It was moved to Friday before the race beginning in 2005, at which time the Indy Lights race was moved to that day. Prior to 1969, Carb Day was not on a fixed day of the week, instead it was simply scheduled for a nondescript day midway between the final day of time trials and race day, and was sometimes closed to the public.

Be sure and follow @TBalance @Speedwaydigest for live Twitter action

SCHEDULE (All times local):

7 a.m.-6 p.m.: Ticket and Credential Office Open

8 a.m.: Public Gates Open

8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: IMS Midway Open

8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Historic Racing Exhibition, Museum East Parking Lot

8-9 a.m.: Historic Race Car Laps 

10-10:30 a.m.: Full-Field Freedom 100 Indy Lights Autograph Session - Fan Village

10:45 a.m.: Clint Brawner Award Ceremony - Victory Podium 

11 a.m.-noon: Indianapolis 500 Practice 

12:05 p.m.: Indy Lights Driver Introductions - Victory Podium

12:15 p.m.: Invocation delivered by Pastor Rich Winson

12:16 p.m.: National Anthem 

12:25 p.m.: Drivers Start Your Engines 

12:30 p.m.-1:20 p.m.: Indy Lights Freedom 100 Race 

1:45-3 p.m.: Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge

2 p.m.: Miller Lite Carb Day Concert Venue Open

3:30-5 p.m.: Blues Traveler Concert - Miller Lite Carb Day Stage, inside Turn 4

5-6:30 p.m.: Train Concert - Miller Lite Carb Day Stage, inside Turn 4

6 p.m.: Public Gates Close

TICKETS: $35 General Admission. Kids 15 and under are free with adult ticketholder.

PUBLIC GATES OPEN: 1, 1B, 2, 3, 4, 5B Media, 6, 6A, 7 Vehicle, 7 North, 7 South, 9, 9A, 10, 10A, 11A, 12

STANDS OPEN: Mounds: Turn 2, Turn 3, Turn 4, Backstretch, Backstretch Family. Stands: A Stand, B Penthouse (22-25), E Stand, E Penthouse, Gasoline Alley Roof, North Vista Wheelchair (21), Northwest (1-4), Northwest Vista Deck, Paddock (12-20), Paddock Penthouse (16-28), Paddock Press Box, Pit Road Terrace, South Terrace, South Wheelchair Deck, Tower Terrace (37-45), Tower Terrace Wheelchair.

PARKING LOTS OPEN: (Outside Lots: 7 a.m., $20, Infield Lots: SOLD OUT.) Paid Daily: 1B, 2, 3G, Main Gate, Parcel B ($75). Limited Free: North 40. ADA: West Museum (prepaid), Hulman Lot (prepaid), Tower/Pagoda (prepaid), North 40 (limited free), Brickyard Crossing (prepaid), Lot 2 (prepaid/paid daily), Lot 3P (prepaid/paid daily).

IMS MUSEUM HOURS: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., $35 IMS Gate Admission for Indianapolis 500 plus Museum Admission ($10 Adult, $5 Ages 6-15, Free 5 and under). Entrance into the grounds is free of charge on non-event days. However, during events the Indianapolis Motor Speedway charges an admission fee or requires a ticket to enter the grounds. This general admission fee or ticket price does not include admission to the Museum.

INDIANAPOLIS – Marco fastest

Third generation driver Marco Andretti from the legendary Andretti family was fastest in day 2 of practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Marco has had his struggles here at Indy.  He said he had a great day of practice and well proof was in the pudding. 

Here is practice results from Wednesday May 16th Combined practice results May 16

Thursday at the Track

SCHEDULE (All times local):

8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Ticket and Credential Office Open

10 a.m.: Public Gates Open

11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Indianapolis 500 Practice

6 p.m.: Public Gates Close

TICKETS: $15 (General Admission). Kids 15 and under are free accompanied by adult with ticket.

PUBLIC GATES OPEN: 1, 1B, 2, 4, 5B Media, 6, 7, Vehicle, 7 South, 9A, 10, 10A

STANDS OPEN: Mounds: Turn 2, Turn 3, Turn 4, Backstretch. Stands: B Penthouse (22-25), Gasoline Alley Roof, E Stand (1-4), E Penthouse, North Vista wheelchair, Northwest Vista (1-4), Northwest Vista Deck, Paddock (9-12), Pit Road Terrace, South Terrace, South Wheelchair Deck, Tower Terrace Wheelchair, Tower Terrace (37-42).

PARKING LOTS OPEN: (Inside Lots 10 a.m.) Limited Free: North 40, Turn 3, Lot 3P. ADA: 3P (free), Hulman Lot (limited free), West Museum (limited free), North 40.

IMS MUSEUM HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $15 IMS Gate Admission for Indianapolis 500 plus Museum Admission ($10 Adult, $5 Ages 6-15, Free 5 and under). Entrance into the grounds is free of charge on non-event days. However, during events the Indianapolis Motor Speedway charges an admission fee or requires a ticket to enter the grounds. This general admission fee or ticket price does not include admission to the Museum.

Follow @ThomasMarq @TBalance

Indianapolis...

Tuesday opening day of practice for the 102nd Indianapolis 500! We saw the return of fan favorites  Helio Castroneves and Danica Patirick.  Helio Castroneves  Penske teammate Simon Pagenaud was fastest of day!

Today we go into day 2 of practice.

Below is yesterdays results and today's track schedule

Practice Results Day 1 Tuesday 5/15/18

At the Track: Wednesday, May 16

SCHEDULE (All times local):

8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Ticket and Credential Office Open

10 a.m.: Public Gates Open

11 a.m.-6 p.m.: Indianapolis 500 Practice

6 p.m.: Public Gates Close

TICKETS: $15 (General Admission). Kids 15 and under are free accompanied by adult with ticket. On Wednesday, May 16, IMS also would like to thank first responders for all they do. As a thank you, first responders and their families are encouraged to join us for a free day at the track*. Wristbands for pit and garage access will also be available to first responders and one guest** who show their department ID at our trackside credential office. For more information, please contact your department's public information officer.

*Tickets are still required for gate admission. First responders are encouraged to contact their public information officer for more information on how to access tickets.

**Guest must be 18 or older.

PUBLIC GATES OPEN: 1, 1B, 2, 4, 5B Media, 6, 7, Vehicle, 7 South, 9A, 10, 10A

STANDS OPEN: Mounds: Turn 2, Turn 3, Turn 4. Stands: B Penthouse (22-25), Gasoline Alley Roof, E Stand, E Penthouse, North Vista wheelchair, Northwest Vista (1-4), Northwest Vista Deck, Paddock (9-12), Pit Road Terrace, South Terrace, South Wheelchair Deck, Tower Terrace Wheelchair, Tower Terrace (37-42).

PARKING LOTS OPEN: (Inside Lots 10 a.m.) Limited Free: North 40, Turn 3, Lot 3P. ADA: 3P (free), Hulman lot (limited free), West Museum (limited free), North 40.

IMS MUSEUM HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $15 IMS Gate Admission for Indianapolis 500 practice plus Museum Admission ($10 Adult, $5 Ages 6-15, Free 5 and under). Entrance into the grounds is free of charge on non-event days. However, during events the Indianapolis Motor Speedway charges an admission fee or requires a ticket to enter the grounds. This general admission fee or ticket price does not include admission to the Museum.

Indianapolis,

Today is the day IMS is officially open Indy Car practice begins today. We will keep you updated don't forget to follow @SpeedwayDigest and @TBlance

Today at the Track!

SCHEDULE: (All times local)

8 a.m.-6 p.m.: Ticket and Credential Office Open

10 a.m.: Public Gates Open 

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Indianapolis 500 Veterans Practice 

1-3 p.m.: Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program

3-6 p.m.: Indianapolis 500 Practice 

6 p.m.: Public Gates Close

TICKETS: $15 (General Admission). Kids 15 and under are free accompanied by adult with ticket. 

PUBLIC GATES OPEN (10 a.m.-6 p.m.): 1, 1B, 2, 4, 5B Media, 6, 7, Vehicle, 7 South, 9A, 10, 10A

STANDS OPEN: Mounds: Backstretch, Turn 2, Turn 3, Turn 4. Stands: B Penthouse (22-25), Gasoline Alley Roof, E Stand (1-4), E Penthouse, North Vista wheelchair, Northwest Vista (1-4), Northwest Vista Deck, Paddock (9-12), Pit Road Terrace, South Terrace, South Wheelchair Deck, Tower Terrace Wheelchair, Tower Terrace (37-42).

PARKING LOTS OPEN: (Infield Lots 10 a.m.) Limited Free: North 40, Turn 3, Lot 3P. ADA: 3P (free), Hulman lot (limited free), West Museum (limited free).

IMS MUSEUM HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $15 IMS Gate Admission for Indianapolis 500 plus Museum Admission ($10 Adult, $5 Ages 6-15, Free 5 and under). Entrance into the grounds is free of charge on non-event days. However, during events the Indianapolis Motor Speedway charges an admission fee or requires a ticket to enter the grounds. This general admission fee or ticket price does not include admission to the Museum.