Indianapolis, IN

Johnson wrecks late in Indianapolis 500 debut

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2022

Johnson wrecks late in Indianapolis 500 debut

INDIANAPOLIS — Jimmie Johnson mentioned just a few prayers when he wrecked late in his Indianapolis 500 debut along with his teammate within the lead.

The worst-case situation after his No. 48 automotive slammed into the wall, spewed particles over the monitor and floor the race to a 12-minute, red-flag halt would have been a blown probability on the checkered flag for Marcus Ericsson.

As a substitute, the wreck solely spoiled Johnson’s race — Ericsson held on after the delay and pulled away for the Indy 500 win for Chip Ganassi Racing.

“I’m glad Marcus obtained it executed,” Johnson mentioned.

Ericsson held on to offer Ganassi his fifth Indy 500 win. Johnson thought all month he might ship the win to Ganassi, even in simply his second IndyCar oval begin and first open-wheel race on the Brickyard. He was by no means severely within the combine Sunday — although he led two laps due to pit cycles — and his late wreck left him in twenty eighth.

The seven-time NASCAR champion had no reply for the way he misplaced management of his automotive.

“It rotated so quick,” Johnson mentioned. “I used to be crashing and it was over. I had not had that subject right into a nook but the place the again finish needed to return round. I used to be actually stunned it was caught off guard.”

The destroyed automotive spoiled an in any other case improbable Could for Johnson the place he was the toast of IndyCar. Johnson soaked in all of the sights and sounds of the Brickyard and already hoped he might attempt it once more subsequent yr.

Johnson was pulled tight by Indianapolis 500 nice Dario Franchitti for some last-second encouragement earlier than the race after which labored the rope surrounding his automotive — mobbed with followers, family and friends like no different driver — and hugged and high-fived everybody he might attain. His outdated NASCAR crew chief Chad Knaus watched from close by.

Then got here Johnson’s ladies. The household Johnson passionately persuaded to let him chase his boyhood dream and race the Indy 500 couldn’t let him go. Johnson’s two younger daughters squeezed arduous after they threw their arms round his waist and shoulders.

However daddy needed to race.

With that, the seven-time NASCAR champion and one of many best drivers in auto racing historical past strapped on his helmet and slipped contained in the 48 automotive, prepared for his rookie race at Indy at 46 years outdated.

Johnson failed in his bid to hitch A. J. Foyt and Mario Andretti as the one drivers to win each the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. Andretti and Tony Stewart, members of Johnson’s former NASCAR crew and even his dad, who labored the race as Johnson’s spotter, all despatched video messages of help.

“I want I had some recommendation to you that might be helpful however what to do,” Andretti mentioned.

Johnson walked out to driver introductions hand-in-hand along with his two younger daughters, Lydia and Evie. Johnson’s ovation from greater than 300,000 followers was topped solely by the one for four-time Indy 500 champ Helio Castroneves.

Johnson’s spouse, Chani, joined the household on the 48 automotive. Franchitti, the three-time Indy 500 champion, served as Johnson’s driving coach at Chip Ganassi Racing and appeared emotional as he hugged Johnson.

Johnson partnered with shut buddy and nation music star Blake Shelton to honor relations who served within the army. Johnson’s helmet includes a crimson, white and blue paint scheme together with black-and-white images of his grandfather and Shelton’s brother and father.

“Any time Jimmie Johnson asks you to do one thing, you’re going to do it anyway,” Shelton mentioned as he watched the opening laps. “However this was additional particular.”

Johnson gained 83 occasions in NASCAR, claimed a record-tying seven NASCAR championships and will have walked away from racing after 2020 along with his legacy safe. However the four-time winner in NASCAR on the Brickyard simply couldn’t shake Indy.

And he’s already eyeing 2023.

“Simply a lot enjoyable to be right here and be part of this spectacle,” he mentioned.

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Indianapolis, IN

Wilson York Breaks 13-14 Boys NAG With 2:15.11 200 Breaststroke In Indianapolis

Published

5 hours ago

July 28, 2024

Press Room

Wilson York Breaks 13-14 Boys NAG With 2:15.11 200 Breaststroke In Indianapolis

2024 NCSA SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS

Wilson York of Lakeside Swim Team in Kentucky swam to a new boys 13-14 national age group (NAG) record in the LCM 200 breast. York swam to a 2:15.11, getting under Ethan Dang‘s record of a 2:15.84 from 2016.

Prior to Dang, the record was held by Reece Whitley who swam a 2:16.48 in 2014, a time that still sits at #2 all-time for the age group. Dang now swims at Stanford while Whitley went on to swim for Cal.

Split Comparison

	York	Dang
100	1:06.22	1:04.99
200	1:08.89	1:10.85
	2:15.11	2:15.84

York was out much slower than Dang was but was able to only have a two second fall-off in the race. York dropped a significant amount of time in the race as he entered with a 2:18.08 from January’s Pro Series stop in Knoxville. That time previously sat at #4 all-time in the age group.

York has had a busy week of competition in Indianapolis and has his last individual race with the 200 IM tomorrow. He notably swam the 100 breast earlier this week with a 1:03.77 in finals, exactly half a second off his 1:03.27 entry time.

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Indianapolis, IN

Josh Downs expects big jump in second year with the Colts

Published

12 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Press Room

Josh Downs expects big jump in second year with the Colts

WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — Josh Downs dazzled in the wide receiver footwork drills, making cuts that were on another level compared to the rest of the group.

He rifled his feet through the ladder.

And on Saturday’s practice, him and Anthony Richardson connected for a nice pass and catch down the sideline between two defenders.

Downs has been impressive at training camp and got off to a good start in his first year, hauling in 68 receptions on 771 yards and two touchdowns, but he expects more this year.

“Year one to year two, it’s always been a big jump for me,” Downs said. “High school, college, it was both the same.”

He’s not exaggerating. In his freshman year at North Carolina, he had seven catches for 119 yards. That skyrocketed to 101 receptions for 1,335 yards in his sophomore year. His touchdown count also jumped from three to eight.

Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter agrees with Downs’ confidence. He’s been impressed with Downs so far at training camp, and thinks he’s learned a lot from his first year in the league.

“Josh (Downs) is going to make the most of that from a route running perspective from a defensive coverage identification perspective,” Cooter said. “Josh (Downs) is primed and ready to have a big camp out here and do some really good things.”

Downs is processing the game better this year. He said he’s not thinking about the route he’s running as he gets set up at the line of scrimmage. Instead, he’s analyzing the defense and determining what coverage they’re in.

Someone that has helped him with this is cornerback Kenny Moore II. Downs considers Moore II to be at the top of his position in the NFL. He said Moore II is really smart and likes to mix it up with Downs when they’re matched up together, disguising whether he’s in man coverage or zone coverage.

Downs says he has the best slot receiver job in the league because he gets to go up against Moore II every day.

Downs has also been building his chemistry with Richardson. It’s now getting to the point where they’re running plays that aren’t in the playbook.

“We’re seeing different plays, it might not be in the playbook,” Downs said. “He’ll (Richardson) be like, ‘hey, JD, do you see this? Do that.’ I’m like, ‘I was thinking the same thing.’”

“I know Anthony (Richardson) trusts me. I trust him. We’re clicking before practice, after practice, even off the field. That’s my dog,” Downs said.

The Colts return to practice on Sunday at Grand Park from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

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Indianapolis, IN

PHOTOS | Indy sneakerheads line up for the new Air Jordan 4

Published

20 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Press Room

PHOTOS | Indy sneakerheads line up for the new Air Jordan 4

The Wet Cement edition of the the Air Jordan 4 dropped Saturday morning and about a dozen people waited for the shoes outside the Corporate store in downtown Indianapolis. The first person in line told News 8 that they got in line at 7:30 a.m. for a 10 a.m. release. The “Wet Cement” Air Jordans retail for $225. (WISH Photo/Colin Baillie)

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