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.
Speedway/motorsports
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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.
Motorcycle racing returning to Indianapolis Motor Speedway after a five-year absence
The last time motorcycles competed at IMS was in August 2015, when the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix ended an eight-year run at the track’s road course.
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.
Local racing exec named president of vintage sportscar group
Matt Breeden was chosen to oversee the SVRA’s day-to-day operations, including finances, event management and member relations.
Flying green flag, Speedway bosses launch global promotional tour for Indy 500
Head honcho Mark Miles continues to punch the gas on new marketing initiatives for the hallowed race. The latest effort has already made its way to Times Square and the NHL All-Star Game.
IndyCar seeking deep-pocketed title sponsor willing to spend up to $30M per year
Series officials are in overdrive trying to find a replacement for Verizon, which is exiting as title sponsor at the end of this year. They’re also busy searching for a new TV partner for 2019.
Speedway to deploy security robot during month of May, other big events
Beginning in May, a four-wheeled device with real-time audio and video capabilities will perform surveillance at all major events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
New vintage car race coming to Indianapolis Motor Speedway
IMS will be one of three tracks to host a racing exhibition featuring World War I-era vehicles.
Roundup: Hosting NBA All-Star game carries high costs; sponsors eye Pacers esports team
While the economic impact for the 2021 All-Star weekend could top $100 million for Indianapolis, the hard costs and soft expenses for the Pacers and city will easily reach eight figures.
Roundup: Tickets for souped-up Pacers going for a song on secondary market
Despite the team’s surprising play, seats for Pacers home games are among the cheapest in the league on the secondary market.
Roundup: Esports effort shuffles Pacers exec ranks; Indy 500 trophy heads to Japan
Also, Joey Chestnut prepares to defend his shrimp-eating title in Indy, and the North American Soccer League suffers another blow.