Indianapolis, IN

Could NextGen Car Revive the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis?

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2022

Could NextGen Car Revive the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis?

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is synonymous with historical past, which isn’t misplaced on Kevin Harvick. As certainly one of solely three lively drivers which have received the Brickyard 400, Harvick cherishes the second yearly after they descend upon sixteenth and Georgetown and drive below the observe by means of the tunnel.

Harvick has made historical past on the famed oval that he so deeply reveres. The veteran driver has three Brickyard 400 wins and has led 389 laps within the race. Solely Jeff Gordon has led extra. Harvick ranks third all-time in top-five finishes within the race and 2nd in top-tens. His 8.6 common ending place is the perfect amongst all drivers within the historical past of the occasion.

Kevin received the final two Brickyard 400 races, in 2019 and 2020. His finishes within the 4 years previous to that had been third, sixth, sixth, and 4th. His three Brickyard poles are simply one other instance of how robust he was on the oval.

His deep ties with the oval made it troublesome for Harvick to return to phrases with racing on the highway course final 12 months. “It’s simply one other race,” he admitted. “For me, that was a troublesome hurdle to beat. It’s an oval factor.” He completed 14th within the race final 12 months, and certified 18th for at present’s race.

“It’s undoubtedly an oval factor for me,” Harvick stated. “Driving by means of that tunnel and understanding the historical past and every little thing that comes with racing on the oval on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one thing that I at all times sit up for. The oval simply holds an enormous place in racing and it holds an enormous place within the issues that I sit up for yearly.”

“I bear in mind the primary time I pulled in there for a take a look at in 2001 and also you roll into the racetrack and also you suppose, ‘Man, I simply completed every little thing in my childhood desires, rolling into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.’ Attending to exit on that racetrack and listening to the echoes of the vehicles by means of the grandstand is one thing that I’ll always remember.”

Rising up, Harvick had dreamed of racing on the famed oval. “I grew up a Rick Mears fan eager to race within the Indy 500, so not racing on the oval for me is a intestine test. As a child, that’s the place I wished to race.” With another win on the oval, Harvick may match the four-time Indy 500 winner’s whole.

The reminiscences of when the Brickyard lastly grew to become a actuality is one thing that sticks with Harvick. “It is unbelievable. It’s the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I’m simply old skool. Watching them run the Cup vehicles round there the primary time in 1994 and bear in mind the thrill and enthusiasm that I had my complete life to go race on the oval.”

The Cup Collection spent a long time looking for their option to Speedway, Indiana. Lastly, Tony George made it occur with a take a look at in 1993, adopted by the primary NASCAR race in 1994. These first races had been received by titans of the game – Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jarrett all discovered victory lane at Indianapolis.

Like these earlier than him, Roger Penske saved IMS, however otherwise. Only a few months earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic started in the USA, The Captain bought the venue from the Hulman-George household, who held possession for practically 75 years. Penske instantly went to work on making enhancements, one thing that also continues to this present day.

There have been a ton of upgrades, with many extra to return. Massive digital screens had been put in throughout the ability. Gravel tons had been paved. Seats had been changed. Partitions had been painted. Loos had been refurnished and wi-fi know-how was considerably improved. Practically each change was seen as a monumental success.

Then got here the choice to maneuver the Brickyard 400 to the highway course. It started a 12 months prior with the Xfinity Collection switching to the infield course. That race was invigorating, stuffed with drama and intense racing. That was all that Roger wanted to see to make the change.

IMS President Doug Boles shed some gentle on how the choice got here to be. When Roger Penske took the wheel, he particularly requested about this occasion. “One of many first issues he requested was how will we develop the NASCAR occasion and what can we do for that? We went by means of an inventory of issues and he stated that if you happen to guys consider that the highway course is sensible for Xfinity, then lets determine do it.”

Boles stated that Roger and his group helped foyer NASCAR to make the change. “We bought a name the following week from NASCAR saying we’ve bought to check, and might we come up in January? We labored by means of that and it was fast. A neat factor about working with Roger is, if he feels prefer it’s the appropriate factor and that buyer expertise goes to be higher, he’s going to drag the set off instantly.”

Rely Austin Dillon as one of many drivers that already misses the two.5-mile oval. “We misplaced a crown jewel,” he stated. “I don’t suppose the highway course will ever be what the oval historical past has, so I’m type of dissatisfied we don’t get to race on the oval anymore.” What about the opportunity of two Cup races?

“I wouldn’t thoughts going twice and doing it two alternative ways,” Dillon recommended. “If we’ve got to run the highway course, we nonetheless need to have the ability to run the oval due to the historical past and legacy there. Everyone needs an actual Brickyard trophy.”

Jimmie Johnson has 4 of these actual Brickyard trophies. The seven-time Cup champion made his Indianapolis 500 debut two months in the past with Chip Ganassi. Johnson might now not compete on this collection, however he actually has an opinion that issues.

“There’s nothing like racing on the oval, and the pageantry and pre-race and all that goes into it. Not each automobile matches each circuit completely, and I’m pleased with NASCAR making an attempt one thing totally different, but when that doesn’t work like everybody thinks it can, I’m positive we’ll return to the oval.”

Denny Hamlin, who has three crown jewels on his resume, would sure like so as to add one other one with the Brickyard 400. He additionally believes the collection will return to the oval, probably very quickly.

“Possibly we will alternate or one thing. I actually suppose the Brickyard is particular and Indianapolis is particular due to the oval. I don’t suppose that (2020) is the final time we’ll be on the Brickyard oval.” With the highest concern being the on-track product, may the NextGen automobile be the easy answer?

This present technology automobile has produced some compelling racing this season. Some races that had develop into stale lately, had been all of a sudden reinvigorated. The occasions at Auto Membership Speedway, Las Vegas, and Charlotte had been all significantly better this season due to the brand new product these vehicles produce.

“It may very well be the best race on earth,” insists Harvick. “What’s the actual ingredient that made Charlotte so significantly better than Texas? I don’t know. I don’t suppose anyone is aware of. You simply must do it. I feel that may be the one approach you’ll discover out.”

“It’s type of a stumper to strive to determine precisely what the elements are that make a great race or a nasty race and what tracks are good and what tracks are unhealthy. I want anyone may inform me as a result of I’d have wager 1,000,000 {dollars} final week that Charlotte was going to be horrendous. Then unexpectedly we’re operating up on part of the race observe that we haven’t run in 5 or 6 years.”

Kurt Busch believes there’s a path to getting again on the oval, nevertheless it requires some work.

“After watching the Indy 500 and racing in it a couple of years again, there are alternatives for downforce that groups have in different types of motorsport. In NASCAR, we’re mainly boxed into this very small field of changes. Let the groups have extra downforce that they will take out of the entrance or the rear. That might create totally different packages on the identical fashion observe. That may open issues as much as who has brief run velocity versus long term velocity otherwise.”

The problem on the IMS oval has at all times been that it was troublesome for Cup vehicles to run side-by-side because of the slim groove within the corners. That’s one thing that Ryan Blaney would not suppose can be solved by the NextGen automobile.

“With the prior automobile, with somewhat little bit of skew in them, you’d pray for like six inches or a foot that the automobile forward would miss the underside. For those who may get in clear air, you’re in respectable form. Now there may be zero skew in them. You would want half a automobile size and that isn’t going to occur. I actually suppose that it might be worse on this automobile.”

“I like racing large Indy only for nostalgia functions however I feel it might be a worse race than what we had. I bear in mind rising up and watching my dad run there as a child. It is much more particular after I began driving for Mr. Penske. His historical past behind that race observe. And it was clearly an enormous emphasis on going and making an attempt to win that race. And now, since he owns the observe, it is much more of an emphasis.”

Penske met with the media on Friday and confirmed that the Cup race subsequent 12 months will as soon as once more run on the highway course. He did reiterate that they’re evaluating whether or not to modify to the oval in 2024, together with the opportunity of alternating annually.

Ought to that come to fruition, the query would then be how that appears. Daytona and Charlotte each have two races every season – one on the oval and one on the highway course. With so many tracks ravenous for Cup dates, that may very well be simply wishful pondering. One fortunate driver will nonetheless get to kiss the bricks this afternoon, it simply received’t style as candy.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indy leaders urge residents to stay off roads as winter storm looms

Published

2 hours ago

January 5, 2025

Press Room

Indy leaders urge residents to stay off roads as winter storm looms

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis leaders are calling on residents to stay off the roads Sunday afternoon into Monday as the first major winter storm is set to hit the region.

Winter storm warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service Indianapolis for the area for the first time since Jan. 2023. The warnings last midday Sunday into early Monday afternoon, according to Storm Track 8.

Ahead of the snowfall, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett spoke alongside leaders of the National Weather Service, Indianapolis Department of Public Works, and other local agencies at a Saturday press conference.

Hogsett asked Indianapolis residents to limit their time on the road and to expect wind gusts up to 30-35 mph. Visibility issues and the possibility of snow buildup from gusts could create hazardous conditions for driving.

“The city, as you can see, we are all hands on deck to address weather impacts,” Hogsett said.

Beginning late Saturday night, salt trucks will begin pretreating the roads ahead of the snow. They have 15,000 tons of salt available.

The crews will begin plowing snow as soon as it begins to stick. DPW says they plan to update which roads have been treated with their Snow Force mapping tool.

The department said it has contractors on standby to help with plowing, if needed.

“Another full call out of drivers will arrive at 11 a.m. (Sunday),” Deputy Director for Planning at DPW Natalie van Dongen said. “This will be an around-the-clock operation.”

If drivers must be on the road, Hogsett recommended they leave for their destinations earlier, provide space to other cars on the road, and keep emergency supplies in their cars. He specifically recommended blankets, a shovel, and chargers.

“Again, we ask all residents, be prepared, just like they would during April and May and severe weather this is much the same,” Jacob Spence, Emergency Management Director at Metropolitan Emergency Services Agency said. “Have a plan, planned accordingly if you do have to be out, have an emergency preparedness kit in your car, and at your house.”

He also recommended anyone on the road be on the lookout for issues, including fallen trees or traffic lights without power. If issues are noticed, drivers should call the Mayor’s Action Center at (317) 327-4622. Drivers can dial option #2 to reach DPW’s dispatch center direction.

The storm may cause power outages for residents in the area. If you experience any issues, report it to AES Indiana by contacting (317) 261-8111, or clicking this link.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warm area can call the action center, call 211, or use the Indy Cares app.

Residents can also go to former IPS School 68, which was recently transformed into a winter contingency family shelter. Indy Parks Family Centers will also be open as warming centers during the day.

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Indianapolis, IN

Winter storm warning issued, Indianapolis expected to get 6+ inches of snow starting Sunday

Published

14 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Press Room

Winter storm warning issued, Indianapolis expected to get 6+ inches of snow starting Sunday

The National Weather Service has upgraded a winter storm watch to a winter storm warning for central and southern Indiana, which is expected to receive up to 8 inches of snow on Sunday. The warning will remain in place from Sunday morning until Monday afternoon.

A watch was first issued for Indianapolis on Thursday afternoon. That’s meant to put people on notice that a severe storm could occur in the coming days, said NWS meteorologist Andrew White. A warning, on the other hand, indicates serious threats to travel, property and life in the coming hours.

Winter storm watches become warnings when there will be 5 inches or more of snow in a single event.

The NWS has “much more high confidence than we’ve had in a while” about heavy snowfall Sunday, White said.

During earlier predictions of the storm it was estimated Indy could see 8-10 inches of snow. The storm shifted south, changing those snow predictions.

To see the latest forecast for Central Indiana, visit www.weather.gov/ind.

Indiana weather radar

How much snow will Indianapolis get?

Here’s how much snow is predicted throughout central Indiana as of Saturday morning:

Indianapolis: 6-8 inches
Noblesville: 4-6 inches
Kokomo: 2-3 inches
Muncie: 3-4 inches
Lafayette: 2-3 inches
Bloomington: 6-8 inches

Indiana road conditions

The National Weather Service expects “widespread travel impacts” throughout the region.

Experts advise you to avoid driving unless necessary. If you do have to drive, INDOT recommends you bring an emergency kit with includes extra layers of clothing, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, drinking water, a first aid kit and maps.

Give yourself plenty of time to travel to your destination. Drive slower than you normally would, allow more distance between cars, and do not slam on the gas or brake pedals.

Check road conditions in real-time at 511in.org.

Where should I go if I need shelter?

Sunday temperatures are expected to stay in the 20s, which will be dangerously cold without adequate protection from the elements.

People can find information about warming shelters via the city’s winter contingency plan or by calling 211. Emergency warming shelters will be available during harsh weather conditions through March 31.

Indy Parks Family Shelters will be open to all during normal business hours, which can be found at this link.

Symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite

Freezing temperatures carry the risk of cold-related injuries like frostbite and hypothermia, and it’s important to recognize the early warning signs of both conditions. Both can be prevented by bundling up and limiting time outdoors, and medical attention should be sought immediately if you suspect either condition.

Frostbite is a skin injury caused by prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, and it’s most common in parts of the body that are exposed, like hands, ears and noses. Damage caused by severe frostbite can be permanent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early warning signs include:

Redness and pain in skin
Numbness
Firm, waxy skin
White or gray-yellow skin

People may not know they’re experiencing frostbite because affected areas become numb.

Hypothermia is when the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees. Advanced hypothermia is a serious, life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It’s prevented by staying in a warm environment and dressing appropriately for the cold. Per the National Weather Service, early warning signs of hypothermia include:

Confusion
Difficulty speaking
Shivering
Sleepiness
Stiff muscles

Call an ambulance as soon as possible if you suspect frostbite or hypothermia. While waiting for medics, go indoors immediately, remove any wet clothing and bundle up in dry blankets. Areas with frostbite can be immersed in warm — but not hot — water. Drinking warm liquids can also be helpful, so long as they don’t contain alcohol or caffeine.

The National Weather Service warns that some groups, including infants, the elderly, outdoor workers, people with chronic illness and unhoused people are at increased risk for cold-related injuries.

Know your weather warnings

❗ Winter storm warning: Snow, sleet or ice expected. Take action. Confidence is high from meteorologists that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.

⚠️ Winter weather watch: Snow, sleet, or ice is possible so be prepared. Confidence is medium from meteorologists that a winter storm could produce heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.

❄️ Winter weather advisory: Wintry weather is expected so exercise caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken

Weather info you need

🚨 Indiana Weather Alerts: Warnings, Watches and Advisories.

⚡ Indiana power outage map: How to check your status.

💻 Internet outages: How to track them.

🚫 What you should and shouldn’t do when the power is out.

🐶 Your neighbor left their pet outside. Who you should call.

Where to report power outages and downed lines

AES Indiana customers: 317-261-8111
Duke Energy customers: 1-800-343-3525

How to report downed traffic signals or tree limbs blocking a road

If you encounter a downed traffic signal or a limb blocking a roadway, contact the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622 or online at RequestIndy.gov. When calling after hours, press “2” to be connected.

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis Colts Injury Report: QB Anthony Richardson Ruled OUT Of The Season Finale

Published

22 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Press Room

Indianapolis Colts Injury Report: QB Anthony Richardson Ruled OUT Of The Season Finale

The Indianapolis Colts today released their Friday injury report for Week 18 of the NFL season ahead of their season finale Sunday game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson has been ruled OUT for Sundays game against the Jaguars due to a back injury. Richardson has been unable to practice all week, making it two weeks without a practice and now a second game he will miss due to the back injury. It was originally described as “soreness” but after further conversations with Richardson and the team it appears to be back spasms which Richardson said have occurred due to a “chronic” back condition. With Richardson OUT this Sunday he has now missed 17 out of 34 career games so far. It looks like another start for veteran quarterback Joe Flacco on Sunday in the Colts last game of the 2024 season.

Cornerback Juju Brents has been listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sundays game against the Jaguars due to a knee injury. Brents has practiced all week, for the second week in a row, in a bid to make his return from injured reserve. It appears he is in a similar situation to last week where it looked like he may have finally been activated only to be ruled out on the Saturday before the game. Hopefully this is the week he gets activated and gets to make his long awaited return to game time on Sunday. If he is unable to play expect the usual starting line up at cornerback of Jaylon Jones and Samuel Womack on the boundary and Kenny Moore in the nickel.

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