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.
Speedway/motorsports
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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.
Reality TV star to use Indy 500 to launch energy drink
Bearded, tatted Discovery Channel star promises to make the month of May in Indianapolis more colorful.
Firm to determine if IndyCar, Speedway sponsors getting money’s worth
The deal with Repucom encompasses media analysis of all IndyCar Series events, all events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the tracking of the IndyCar brand worldwide.
IndyCar’s Team Penske rolling out year-long anniversary celebration
A celebration of Team Penske’s 50 years in racing will include a display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway featuring cars representing each of the Team Penske driver’s first win at the IMS.
IndyCar inks key deals, appears headed for Boston
Last month, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh gave IndyCar officials an ultimatum to get moving on race planning or else. With promoters throwing their effort into overdrive, things are looking good for the Labor Day weekend race.
Colts kicker teams up with two IndyCar veterans to launch racing team
Adam Vinatieri is joining forces with two-time Indy 500 runner-up Scott Goodyear and Jack Miller, the racing dentist, to give young drivers an entry into open-wheel racing.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway diversification plan has potentially dangerous downside
Bringing in more cash with the massive fixed asset the Speedway has is a worthy goal. And it all sounds so simple. And maybe it is. But many experienced business operators would tell you it isn’t.
Speedway rolls out $1,750 club seats
If all the seats in the new club area are sold, more than $1.75 million in additional revenue will be generated next year for the Speedway.
Boston mayor becoming upset with IndyCar officials
Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh is giving IndyCar Series officials and their race promoter two weeks to finalize deals with Massachusetts state agencies needed to run a street race on Labor Day weekend. If that's not done, the race could be shelved.