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Heavier IndyCars bring out frustration in drivers on 3rd day of Indianapolis 500 practice

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Heavier IndyCars bring out frustration in drivers on 3rd day of Indianapolis 500 practice


INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — While the top of Thursday’s speed chart was filled with IndyCar’s usual names, many other Indianapolis 500 drivers grew increasingly frustrated with the day’s results.

Graham Rahal complained on the broadcast about how the extra weight in the rear end of his car impacted how it handled around the 2.5-mile oval. Marco Andretti offered a similar critique during his radio communications.

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Santino Ferrucci was so upset with the car, he put all four tires over the white line on the warmup apron, resulting in a drive-thru penalty. Even the seemingly invincible points leader, Alex Palou, went back to the garage to make a change to the No. 10 car.

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It was that kind of day on the first day of practice for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” not interrupted by rain.

“Tough day today but we’re just gonna have to crank up the boost, cowboy up and go find what we need,” Rahal wrote on social media following practice.

Rahal, Andretti and Ferrucci finished Thursday near the bottom third of the speed charts. Palou, of course, was closer to the top.

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Drivers knew navigating the series’ new, heavier hybrid cars around the fastest oval in racing could be problematic as far back as the April’s two-day open test when two experienced drivers crashed— 2021 NASCAR champion Kyle Larson and two-time Indy winner Takuma Sato.

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What it all means for Friday when drivers get a power boost to increase their speeds before this weekend’s qualifications — or in the May 25 race — remains unclear.

But even some of the fastest drivers at Indy are fighting to figure it all out.

“You’re 100, 110 pounds heavier. That’s a lot of mass percentage wise that you are adding to this car,” two-time defending champion Josef Newgarden said Wednesday. “It’s saturating the tires more. It’s just moving around. Your weight distribution is shifted depending on where teams put it. That’s what people are trying to figure out right now.”

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Sato’s new battle

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Sato isn’t just cramming to learn the new cars, he’s also fighting another battle — rust.

The two-time Indy winner spent seven seasons in Formula One before becoming an IndyCar regular from 2010-2022. In 2023, he raced five times for Chip Ganassi Racing. But he hasn’t suited up since last year’s 500. This year, he’s again driving for Rahal Lannigan Letterman Racing.

“It’s not easy,” the Japanese native said Wednesday. “To get out of the car 11 months, close to 12 months, jump in the car and go 230 mph, you feel the speed for sure. The refresher program helped me a lot. So just getting through the speed with an extra two sets of tires, makes me a little more confident or comfortable to the environment to get up to speed.”

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Sato is trying to become the third foreign-born driver with three Indy titles. Helio Castroneves of Brazil has a record-tying four wins. Dario Franchitti of Scotland won three times.

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Familiar voices

FOX Sports announced Thursday that it’s bringing two former IndyCar drivers back to the broadcast booth for next week’s race — Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick.

Both have done broadcast work previously and 500 fans may recall hearing Patrick on NBC’s telecasts of the 500.

Patrick was the first woman to lead the race in 2005 and became the highest female finisher in race history when she was third in 2009.

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Stewart grew up in Indiana and won the 1997 IndyCar title before moving to the Cup Series. He won three NASCAR championships and captured two Brickyard 400 wins at his home track, Indianapolis.

Fast Friday sponsor

Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials announced Thursday they have reached a multiyear deal with Turtle Wax to become the presenting sponsor for Fast Friday, the final practice before qualifying is held Saturday and Sunday.

As part of the deal, Turtle Wax also will provide its car-care products to help maintain the entire fleet of speedway vehicles.

“We’re thrilled about this alliance between two iconic Midwest-based brands — Turtle Wax and Indianapolis Motor Speedway — each with a rich history in the automotive world,” the company’s chief marketing officer Daren Herbert said. “Simply put, it’s a match made in speed and shine, and we’re ready to go.”

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing



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Indianapolis, IN

Average US home sale price is $513K. See what that buys in 4 Indiana cities

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Average US home sale price is 3K. See what that buys in 4 Indiana cities


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It’s been an interesting year in real estate, as the frantic pace of properties changing hands has slowed and the average age of first-time buyers hit an all-time high, according to the National Association of Realtors.

That certainly hasn’t stopped everyone from buying, as the number of homes sold in Indiana in October was up 4.1% year over year, according to Redfin.

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Last month, we showed you some of the biggest home sales of the year around Indianapolis. Taking a look around the U.S., the average home sale price nationally was just under $513,000 this summer, according to the newest available data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and others.

Take a look below at what that average price buys in four cities around Indiana right now. For comparison, here’s what homes in that same range looked like last December, in the summer of 2024, and going back to the fall of 2023.

Indianapolis – Modern design and a waterfront home

This Indianapolis home for sale has four bedrooms, 2.5 baths and over 4,100 sq. ft. of space. The modern design includes a kitchen with stone countertops and a double oven, a living area with a wall of windows and a fireplace, and a large basement that would be great as a game room and entertaining space.

The backyard is spacious with a paved seating area and plenty of grass, along with views of the woods for added privacy. It’s listed for $515,000 by Shell Wiedenhaupt at eXp Realty, LLC.

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Another option in Indy is waterfront living with this 3-bedroom, 3.5 bath tri-level home on Geist Reservoir. Inside you’ll find a fully-updated kitchen, bathrooms and lighting throughout, along with a wet bar and two gas fireplaces. But the biggest draw of this house has to be what you’ll find outside.

Outside is an upper deck with water views and a remote-controlled awning, a lower deck and an included boat slip for easy access to the water. The neighborhood also offers tennis courts, walking trails and a pool. 

It is listed for $517,500 by Jonathan Steinbach at F.C. Tucker Company.

Bloomington – Remodeled modern farmhouse

If the modern farmhouse is more your style, you’ll find it in Bloomington with this fully remodeled home with 20-foot vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. In the 2,900 sq ft of space you’ll find three large bedrooms, three full baths, a gas fireplace and large walk-in closet.

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Outside there is a large covered porch and patio with a dedicated gas line for your grill, along with a fully-furnished 900-square-foot 2+ car garage. It’s listed for $519,000 by Sarah Noel at The Stewart Home Group.

Muncie – Historic 1930s build with modern updates

We’ve seen newer construction, waterfront and a modern farmhouse, so let’s look at something historic. This Muncie home was built in 1930 and carefully updated for the best of both worlds. Walking distance from Ball State, this 4,200 sq ft home has an impressive chef’s kitchen, four bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a finished, oversized 2-car garage.

The family room has a gas fireplace and direct access out to the private cobblestone paver patio with another freestanding outdoor fireplace. In the large primary suite, you’ll find yet another fireplace, custom built-ins and a bathroom that will have you excited for the winter with a spa-like bath with jetted tub, waterfall feature, steam shower, and heated tile floors. The home is listed for $530,000 by Austin Rich at NextHome Elite Real Estate.

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Fort Wayne – Tree-lined backyard with country club living

Last up on our statewide look is this 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home in the Pine Valley Country Club neighborhood of Fort Wayne. Built in 1974 but carefully renovated, the home has over 2,700 finished sq ft of space and has all-new finishes inside and out. You’ll find features like whole home audio inside and out, a fully updated kitchen, remodeled baths, new cabinetry and more.

Outside, you’ll find the owner’s favorite part of the home – a very spacious, tree-lined backyard with plenty of privacy and space for entertaining. The custom flagstone patio includes a firepit, Edison lighting, and wiring for a TV or projector. The home is listed for $514,999 by the seller.



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Indianapolis, IN

Protestors oppose redistricting at Indianapolis Statehouse

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Protestors oppose redistricting at Indianapolis Statehouse


A protest happened in Indianapolis on Monday as lawmakers in the House gaveled into session.

Hundreds gathered inside the statehouse to oppose the mid-decade redistricting.

Some democratic lawmakers also spoke out against the move.

The House is meeting on Tuesday to vote on the proposed maps, with a vote expected Friday.

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The State Senate will then take up the issue on Monday.



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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis council advances framework for outdoor drinking areas

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Indianapolis council advances framework for outdoor drinking areas


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night unanimously approved a framework for a designated outdoor refreshment area in the Irvington neighborhood.

In Marion County, the Speedway Town Council set up the first DORA in May 2024.

A news release issued Monday night from a council spokesperson said Proposal 351 adds set up a structure for up to seven designated areas throughout Marion County. This ordinance outlines compliance requirements, public safety standards, and application procedures while another ordinance established the Irvington DORA, pending state approval, covering parts of East Washington Street and surrounding areas.

News 8 first reported a week ago on the Irvington proposal.

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The Irvington DORA will allow designated permittees to let patrons leave their premises with up to two open containers of alcohol in approved cups at designated times. The district would include vendor locations for community events and festivals, with business participation being voluntary.

The approval came after engagement with local businesses and two public meetings to ensure the proposal reflected neighborhood priorities, the release said. Once Democratic Mayor Joe Hogsett signs the ordinance, the city government will submit materials to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for the final review.

The Irvington DORA is expected to take effect sometime in 2026, pending state approval.

This initiative joins more than 40 other DORA areas across Indiana.

This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness.

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