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Jimmie Johnson Enters First Indianapolis 500 With An Eye On Making History

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Jimmie Johnson Enters First Indianapolis 500 With An Eye On Making History


Jimmie Johnson needs to hitch an elite class on Sunday.

His eyes are set on hoisting the Borg Warner Trophy after Sunday’s 106th working of the Indianapolis 500. It’s a uncommon alternative for Johnson to hitch AJ Foyt and Mario Andretti as the one drivers to win this prestigious occasion and the Daytona 500.

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Johnson will begin twelfth in his first-ever Indianapolis 500, competing within the No. 48 Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing. And although he’s a four-time Brickyard 400 winner, this go round at Indy is a special expertise for the record-tying seven-time Nascar Cup Sequence champion, as that is the quickest automobile he’s ever been in at 232.398 mph in Day 1 of qualifying.

“I wish to be aggressive,” Johnson mentioned on Thursday. “I feel we’ll be a participant.

“It might put me in one of the elite golf equipment as a driver to win a Daytona 500 and Indy 500. There’s two [drivers] who’ve achieved it. It might be insane.”

Johnson made the transfer to Chip Ganassi Racing and the NTT IndyCar Sequence final yr to compete solely on street programs after a historic 20-year NASCAR profession. As he turned extra comfy with the quicker and lighter racecars, he determined to try the total schedule, taking a threat and competing on ovals.

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Ever since Johnson moved over to the IndyCar Sequence, followers, media and everybody alike wished to know if he would compete within the historic occasion. Now that he’s doing the unthinkable, he can’t get Sunday’s contest off his thoughts.

“I’ve been joking with household and mates that I’ve been on this Indy 500 vortex,” Johnson mentioned. “I’m in my very own little universe up right here. I went dwelling for a few days and it was good to recharge the battery and catch my breath. I had to ensure the remainder of life was so as, and I got here again right here to do it once more.”

All through Johnson’s swap into a special collection — in his mid-40s — he’s studying extra about himself. The month of Might, as he prepares for the Indianapolis 500, helped him perceive who he’s in the case of competing in IndyCar.

“I really feel like I’m seeing a sample that’s acquainted and comforting,” Johnson mentioned. “The sample is my understanding of race craft, vehicles and tracks that I’ve been by since I used to be a child. I all the time felt like I’m a little bit of a sluggish learner, however as soon as I study it, I get it. It took me 5 years of driving inventory vehicles earlier than I had the success that I did.

“I hope I’ve three or 4 extra years to achieve my peak. I definitely see and know the extra time I’ve in these vehicles, the extra aggressive I’ll be.”

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Johnson believes he’ll keep within the NTT IndyCar Sequence for a number of extra seasons. His consolation stage in these sizzling rods continues to extend.

Nevertheless, as seen within the Carvana docuseries on Johnson’s season, he’s recovering from a horrific hand damage in the course of the Acura Grand Prix of Lengthy Seaside weekend. It’s one of many worst accidents he’s ever had in his profession as a racecar driver.

“I’m grateful I had the screw put in,” he mentioned. “It’s been feeling significantly better and I feel I’m again to 100% now. I’ve damaged loads of bones, however that is the primary time the {hardware} stayed in. I had reconstructive knee surgical procedure, the place that they had to return at a later time and take out the pins and such. The screw you noticed stays there for all times.”

As Johnson prepares for the group of properly over 300,000 folks — probably the most he’s ever raced in entrance of — he’s thriving off the strain. He admitted he shall be nervous come race day, however that’s OK given what he does for a dwelling.

“I’m a fortunate man to say the least,” Johnson mentioned. “Chip’s group and the folks he’s put in every place – you get into my teammates and Dario Franchitti (driver coach) – I’m in the most effective place attainable and I’m so grateful for him.”

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This weekend, Johnson shall be sporting a particular helmet with the American Legion forward of Memorial Day. He partnered with nation singer Blake Shelton to assist design the helmet, that includes Johnson’s two grandfathers and Shelton’s father and brother.

“Indy is particular,” Johnson mentioned. “Everybody tries to do one thing distinctive. We simply debuted it with Jimmy Fallon, and it seems to be actually good.”

The inexperienced flag for the Indianapolis 500 will wave on Sunday, Might 29 at 12:45 p.m. ET on NBC.



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Indianapolis, IN

Food Truck Friday: Dolce Vita Café

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Food Truck Friday: Dolce Vita Café


Dolce Vita Café in Indianapolis is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy European-inspired desserts in a modern, welcoming setting.

Founded by Nesrine Nahri and Costa Albany, Dolce Vita combines the rich flavors of artisanal crepes and gelato with a fresh twist, making it a must-visit for dessert lovers.

Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat or looking to relax in a cozy environment, this café offers something special for everyone.

At Dolce Vita, every dessert is a masterpiece. The café’s menu showcases a variety of crepes filled with delicious ingredients and gelato made with care, offering a taste of indulgence with every bite.

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Dolce Vita stands out as a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a little sweetness in their day.



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Police Interceptor from 'Blues Brothers 2000' to be auctioned in Indianapolis

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Police Interceptor from 'Blues Brothers 2000' to be auctioned in Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The police car that Dan Akroyd drove in “Blues Brothers 2000” will be auctioned in October in Indianapolis.

The Ford Police Interceptor in the 1998 sequel to the original “Blues Brothers” comedy, released in 1980, will be sold Oct. 5 during Mecum Auctions’ Indy Fall Special 2024 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Akroyd’s character Elwood Blues drove the car in one scene that led to a crash with what Guinness World Records calls the largest car pileup on film: 50 cars. In the scene, Elwood Blues drives from the crash, turns to the band members and tells them, “Don’t look back.”

Akroyd formerly owned the 1991 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor that carries a 351 CI V-8 engine — with $15,000 worth of modifications — and a blue interior. The car will be sold with documentation connecting it to the movie.

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Mecum says Akroyd sold the car to the Slippery Noodle Inn in downtown Indianapolis.

Photos show the car for sale has an autograph and inscription from the actor on the dashboard.

The Indy Fall Special will be Mecum’s second autumn auction in Indianapolis. The auction will include 1,000 classic and collector vehicles.

Tickets to the show will be $30 for a single-day ticket, and $75 for the three-day event from Oct. 3-5. Children 12 and younger get in free.

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Metta World Peace talks about mental health at Indianapolis high school

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Metta World Peace talks about mental health at Indianapolis high school


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Former NBA player Metta World Peace and other panelists on Thursday participated in the Circle City Classic’s mental health panel discussion.

The nonprofit Indiana Black Expo‘s Circle City Classic, in its 40th year, will conclude Saturday with a parade and football game.

The former Indiana Pacers player once known as Ron Artest shared his personal mental health journey and the importance of removing the stigma around seeking help. “It’s been going on before us, during our time here, and after us so it’s the opportunity to give tools, some encouragement and some support.”

Thursday’s event was billed as the first time World Peace has spoken about mental health in Indiana. He says he was particularly happy to talk to youths at Warren Central High School as they navigate changes in their lives. “It’s good to be back here, especially in Indiana, to talk about the stigmas with mental health, especially when you’re trying to become a professional, exit high school or college. What’s next?”

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Cara Holdsclaw, the chief operating officer of Indiana Black Expo (IBE), says, after receiving good feedback regarding talking about mental health during IBE’s Summer Celebration in June, organizers of the Circle City Classic thought continuing the discussion was important. “We want to make sure that people know it’s OK to ask for help if they know something might not be right, and to be able to seek the help that you may need, or be able to see that somebody else in your family or friends need help as well,” Holdsclaw said.

As Masimba Taylor, the principal of Warren Central High School, sees it, the mental health discussion with students was very needed. “They always bring up mental health, and so the fact that the young people are talking about it, the fact that they’re asking for more information, and asking for help, so if we can provide even just a small bit or the opportunity to hear from professionals, then it’s everything.”

Student and football player Madden Beriault says listening to a former professional athlete tell his story and give advice is a great way for him to better his own mental health as he navigates school and sports. “Being a student-athlete is a lot of different things on your plate and a lot of different stresses from a lot of different angles, so hopefully learn how to cope with different types of stress.”

While some people may not have the resources to get the mental health support they need, World Peace — also known as Metta Sandiford-Artest — says it’s important to continue to believe in yourself even when the journey gets rough. “Practice breathing. Practice meditation. Make sure you stay spiritual and remember your core values and keep your families first. But, I also believe in collaborating with others across the board. Sometimes it’s hard to go through things on your own.”

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