Indianapolis, IN
Kyle Larson eyes Indy 500-Coke 600 'double'
KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Kyle Larson began what will become a busy month of May on a small dirt track nestled in a crook of the Missouri River, where he started outside of the top 10 in his sprint car Friday night and managed to climb to third place by the finish.
By the end of the month, Larson hopes to have made some history.
The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion is trying to join Tony Stewart as the only drivers ever to complete “the double,” finishing every lap of the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Several have tried over the years, most recently Kurt Busch in 2014, but the task has proven to be among the most grueling in all of motorsports.
“I mean, for sure I’m excited,” Larson said Saturday, shortly before hopping into his No. 5 for Hendrick Motorsports and qualifying for the Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway. “I’m not like, overly anxious at the same time. I think I’ve known it’s been coming for a couple of years now, and just, you’ve got to be ready to get out there and get going.”
Larson also said he’s not thinking about Memorial Day weekend quite yet.
There is a lot more racing to do first.
He was running his sprint car again Saturday night at nearby Lakeside Speedway, then will try to improve on his finish Sunday from a year ago at Kansas, where Denny Hamlin bumped him out of the way on the last lap to snatch victory.
Larson also has NASCAR’s throwback weekend coming up at Darlington, and another sprint car race at Kokomo Speedway in Indiana on May 13, the night before he steps into his Arrow McLaren ride to practice for the Indy 500.
“It’s starting to set in what’s coming ahead,” Larson admitted. “You’ve got to do rookie orientation for the first time and you get there, and that was the first moment of like, ‘Holy (expletive), I’m actually in an IndyCar right now.’ But I think since then, you know, I’m kind of just more ready to finally get going.”
Larson already has a Cup Series win from Las Vegas in March, and he has a series-leading five top-fives, including a second-place run at Dover last weekend. He has led at least one lap in eight races and his 570 laps led are 35 more than any other driver.
That consistency has helped Hendrick Motorsports join Joe Gibbs Racing in dominating the Cup Series this season. Hendrick has five wins and Hamlin gave Gibbs its fourth last week at Dover, and it’s hard to believe the two power teams won’t be at the front again on Sunday; they are tied for the most wins at the track with eight apiece.
Hamlin is certainly looking forward to another duel.
Especially if it goes the way the spring race did at Kansas a year ago.
“It was a fierce battle,” he recalled. “We were the best two guys. He got out to a lead there and I remember just chasing him down there toward the end, when he was getting loose. But it’s so race to race. I can’t go back. We have a different car, new tire coming into this race. There’s not much I can put together other than how can I attack this track to get speed?”
CHARTER CHATTER
Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing along with Michael Jordan, lamented the state of charter negotiations Saturday. Charters provide guaranteed starting spots and other financial benefits to their owners, but are due to expire after 2024. Owners want them to become permanent, so they can more easily attract long-term sponsors and investors. They also want more revenue, a bigger voice in NASCAR decisions and a share of new business opportunities, such as gambling revenue.
“Why is this such an important thing?” Hamlin asked. “We’ve had 11 teams go out of business since 2016. That’s not good. And certainly if we continue on the trend of a couple stakeholders doing really well and others not, that will continue.”
BACK IN THE SADDLE
Jimmie Johnson will be driving the No. 84 car for Legacy Motor Club for the second straight week as part of his abbreviated Cup Series schedule. The three-time Kansas winner finished 28th at the Daytona 500, 29th at Texas and 28th last week at Dover.
“This year has been more challenging for us in a lot more ways that we anticipated,” Johnson admitted, “but I do think we’re getting closer to a consistent pace that we hope to have week-in and week-out.”
FORD’S FOCUS
The season has so far been dominated by Chevrolet and Toyota, leaving Ford still looking for its first Cup Series win. But its cars were fast at Talladega, and Noah Gragson and Ryan Blaney finished sixth and seventh last week at Dover.
“Right now our program, I feel — if we were an 18th-place team last year, I think we’re closer to a 10th-place team,” said Gragson’s crew chief, Drew Blickensderfer. “And 10th-place teams can win races.”
ODDS AND ENDS
Hamlin is the 9-2 favorite, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Larson and William Byron are next at 5-1. … Ricky Stenhouse Jr. signed a multiyear extension this week to continue driving the No. 47 for JTG Daugherty Racing. … Corey Heim is driving the No. 43 again in place of Erik Jones, who was cleared to return by NASCAR, but is sitting out one more week as he recovers from a crash at Talladega. Jones sustained a compression fracture in his back in the wreck.
Indianapolis, IN
Got your Indy 500 outfit planned? Here are some tips that combine tradition, utility
Tortoises race in the Zoopolis 500 at the Indianapolis Zoo
Tortoises race to the fruit Wednesday, May 22, 2024, during the 45th running of the Zoopolis 500 at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Brett Phelps/IndyStar
What should you wear to the Indianapolis 500?
Summer casual is the vibe when headed for the stands.
Traditionally, many have taken to the track in their best checkered flag or stars and stripes motifs.
We spoke with the good people at Good Neighbor, the 850 Mass Ave. clothing boutique for tips on dressing for the May 26 spectacle.
Jorts at the Indy 500: The most amazing ones from the 2016 race day
For the ladies, store manager Lillian Willis recommends the classics.
Denim shorts are a hot item
The store likes to stock Levi’s that hit mid-thigh to appeal to a broad range of customers, she said.
Opt for overalls
Check them out in either pants or shorts.
Top with tanks
The bra-friendly tank tops, in square or scoop necks, work well with their shorts or overalls, Willis said.
Cool socks
Retro striped tube socks can bring fun to an outfit, Willis said. Good Neighbor has two-toned pairs, one white with black stripes, and another white with red stripes.
Comfy shoes
Think a fashion sneaker along the lines of the Gola Women’s Badminton Plimsoll.
Indy 500 fashion: See the jacket designed for the race winner
Skip the purse
A nylon crossbody bag is more sporty alternative to a weighty purse.
What’s the bag size limit for the Indianapolis 500?
Bags and coolers larger than 18”x14”x14” in size are not allowed in the facility. Each person is allowed one bag and one cooler.
IMS policies: Here’s what fans are allowed to bring into the Indy 500, and what to leave at home
Basic T-shirts
For the fellas, T-shirts and shirts are the go-to combination, Willis said.
Keep them classy. No offensive or obscene clothing, signs or flags are allowed.
Consider linen-blend shorts
They’re a lightweight and fashionable choice, Willis said.
Of course, attendees need to consider the weather when dressing for the day.
What’s the weather forecast for the Indy 500?
Expect showers and thunderstorms and a high near 79 degrees, says the National Weather Service.
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X: @cherylvjackson.
Indianapolis, IN
Renovated family center reopens in Indianapolis park
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Frederick Douglass Park Family Center, newly renovated as part of the Circle City Forward project, Thursday opened its doors to the public
The park, the latest addition to the Indy Parks system, boasts a range of additions, including a new playground, an indoor track, and two basketball courts.
Originally established in 1921, the park’s revival marks a milestone in the city’s efforts to revitalize its recreational spaces. The $45 million Circle City Forward initiative, aimed at enhancing Indy Parks facilities, facilitated the transformation of the once-segregated park into a symbol of unity and progress.
“Once a segregated park in its founding, today it has been transformed into a beacon of hope and unity for our city,” said Ron Gibson, a member of the Indianapolis City-County Council, said in a news release. “This park is not just a recreational space. It symbolizes our collective progress and commitment to create a vision for more equitable neighborhoods.”
Of the $45 million investment, $20 million was allocated specifically to Frederick Douglass Park.
The park is on East 25th Street a few blocks east of Dr. Andrew J. Brown Avenue.
Indianapolis, IN
Every Indianapolis 500 Winner in History: The Youngest, Oldest and Other Superlatives
With the possible exception of Daytona Beach, Fla., no city in the United States is more synonymous with auto racing than Indianapolis.
Since 1911, the capital of Indiana has been home to the self-described “greatest spectacle in racing.” The Indianapolis 500 has persevered through wars, pandemics, economic downturns and a slew of American open-wheel racing reorganizations to remain a stalwart of the sports calendar.
With this year’s race scheduled for Sunday, let’s take a look at some of the competition’s most durable superlatives—followed by a table of every winner since the earliest days of the sport. Grab a bottle of milk.
That would be Al Unser in 1987, five days shy of his 48th birthday. His brother Bobby in 1981 is second, also at the age of 47.
22-year-old Troy Ruttman in 1952.
Ray Harroun in 1911.
Josef Newgarden won the race in 2023.
A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967 and 1977), Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978 and 1987), Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988 and 1991) and Hélio Castroneves (2001, 2002, 2009 and 2021) all won the race four times.
And now, the big table: Enjoy all the winners of Indianapolis’s day in the sun from 1911 to the present. Note that the race was not held from 1917 to ’18 due to World War I and 1942 to ’45 due to World War II. Note also two instances (1924 and 1941) of a relief driver taking over during the race, thus ensuring two drivers would be credited as winners.
YEAR |
WINNER |
COUNTRY |
---|---|---|
1911 |
Ray Harroun |
United States |
1912 |
Joe Dawson |
United States |
1913 |
Jules Goux |
France |
1914 |
René Thomas |
France |
1915 |
Ralph DePalma |
United States |
1916 |
Dario Resta |
Great Britain |
1919 |
Howdy Wilcox |
United States |
1920 |
Gaston Chevrolet |
United States |
1921 |
Tommy Milton |
United States |
1922 |
Jimmy Murphy |
United States |
1923 |
Tommy Milton |
United States |
1924 |
Lora L. Corum and Joe Boyer |
United States |
1925 |
Pete DePaolo |
United States |
1926 |
Frank Lockhart |
United States |
1927 |
George Souders |
United States |
1928 |
Louis Meyer |
United States |
1929 |
Ray Keech |
United States |
1930 |
Billy Arnold |
United States |
1931 |
Louis Schneider |
United States |
1932 |
Fred Frame |
United States |
1933 |
Louis Meyer |
United States |
1934 |
Bill Cummings |
United States |
1935 |
Kelly Petillo |
United States |
1936 |
Louis Meyer |
United States |
1937 |
Wilbur Shaw |
United States |
1938 |
Floyd Roberts |
United States |
1939 |
Wilbur Shaw |
United States |
1940 |
Wilbur Shaw |
United States |
1941 |
Floyd Davis and Mauri Rose |
United States |
1946 |
George Robson |
United States |
1947 |
Mauri Rose |
United States |
1948 |
Mauri Rose |
United States |
1949 |
Bill Holland |
United States |
1950 |
Johnnie Parsons |
United States |
1951 |
Lee Wallard |
United States |
1952 |
Troy Ruttman |
United States |
1953 |
Bill Vukovich |
United States |
1954 |
Bill Vukovich |
United States |
1955 |
Bob Sweikert |
United States |
1956 |
Pat Flaherty |
United States |
1957 |
Sam Hanks |
United States |
1958 |
Jimmy Bryan |
United States |
1959 |
Rodger Ward |
United States |
1960 |
Jim Rathmann |
United States |
1961 |
A.J. Foyt |
United States |
1962 |
Rodger Ward |
United States |
1963 |
Parnelli Jones |
United States |
1964 |
A.J. Foyt |
United States |
1965 |
Jim Clark |
Great Britain |
1966 |
Graham Hill |
Great Britain |
1967 |
A.J. Foyt |
United States |
1968 |
Bobby Unser |
United States |
1969 |
Mario Andretti |
United States |
1970 |
Al Unser |
United States |
1971 |
Al Unser |
United States |
1972 |
Mark Donohue |
United States |
1973 |
Gordon Johncock |
United States |
1974 |
Johnny Rutherford |
United States |
1975 |
Bobby Unser |
United States |
1976 |
Johnny Rutherford |
United States |
1977 |
A.J. Foyt |
United States |
1978 |
Al Unser |
United States |
1979 |
Rick Mears |
United States |
1980 |
Johnny Rutherford |
United States |
1981 |
Bobby Unser |
United States |
1982 |
Gordon Johncock |
United States |
1983 |
Tom Sneva |
United States |
1984 |
Rick Mears |
United States |
1985 |
Danny Sullivan |
United States |
1986 |
Bobby Rahal |
United States |
1987 |
Al Unser |
United States |
1988 |
Rick Mears |
United States |
1989 |
Emerson Fittipaldi |
Brazil |
1990 |
Arie Luyendyk |
Netherlands |
1991 |
Rick Mears |
United States |
1992 |
Al Unser Jr. |
United States |
1993 |
Emerson Fittipaldi |
Brazil |
1994 |
Al Unser Jr. |
United States |
1995 |
Jacques Villenueve |
Canada |
1996 |
Buddy Lazier |
United States |
1997 |
Arie Luyendyk |
Netherlands |
1998 |
Eddie Cheever |
United States |
1999 |
Kenny Bräck |
Sweden |
2000 |
Juan Pablo Montoya |
Colombia |
2001 |
Hélio Castroneves |
Brazil |
2002 |
Hélio Castroneves |
Brazil |
2003 |
Gil de Ferran |
Brazil |
2004 |
Buddy Rice |
United States |
2005 |
Dan Wheldon |
Great Britain |
2006 |
Sam Hornish Jr. |
United States |
2007 |
Dario Franchitti |
Great Britain |
2008 |
Scott Dixon |
New Zealand |
2009 |
Hélio Castroneves |
Brazil |
2010 |
Dario Franchitti |
Great Britain |
2011 |
Dan Wheldon |
Great Britain |
2012 |
Dario Franchitti |
Great Britain |
2013 |
Tony Kanaan |
Brazil |
2014 |
Ryan Hunter-Reay |
United States |
2015 |
Juan Pablo Montoya |
Colombia |
2016 |
Alexander Rossi |
United States |
2017 |
Takuma Sato |
Japan |
2018 |
Will Power |
Australia |
2019 |
Simon Pagenaud |
France |
2020 |
Takuma Sato |
Japan |
2021 |
Hélio Castroneves |
Brazil |
2022 |
Marcus Ericsson |
Sweden |
2023 |
Josef Newgarden |
United States |
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