Indianapolis, IN
Whiteland Raceway Park reopens after major renovations to America’s oldest, continuously running cart track
WHITELAND — As the world turns its attention to big oval in Speedway for the month of May, a historic track southeast of IMS reopens to the public after undergoing major renovations.
Whiteland Raceway Park is a hidden gem in Johnson County.
The track sits off a quiet country road, but it boasts the title of the oldest, continuously operating cart track in the country.
The go-cart track dates back to 1958 and it continues to host families and fans each year for races.
“We thought that it was special to us and we got to hear countless, hundreds of stories, over the last five years of just how much it means to everybody,” President of Operations and Owner, Andy O’Gara said. “There’s very few places like this in the country where people can hone their motor sports skills, and not just as drivers but as mechanics, and PR folks and engineers.”
Together with his wife, Sarah Fisher – a former driver and now team owner – purchased the property with their business partners.
At the time, the facility was dilapidated and was in need of updates and renovations.
O’Gara explained they live near the historic track and he has fond memories of growing up out here and that many racers got their start on this pavement over the years.
“The Midwest industry in carting in general is growing like crazy,” O’Gara said. “And we are just happy to be a part of it.”
They closed the track late last season and the space underwent nearly $5 million worth of upgrades and improvements.
That includes, 10 buildings now on site, fuel and tires on site, new LED lighting for night events, track improvements, paved and powered parking spaces for motor homes and more.
“The transformation of the facility in just the last six to nine months has been just remarkable and we are really excited,” said O’Gara, who adds the Town of Whiteland was great to work with in the process.
There are now 80 customer garages on site, as well as 4 to 5 manufacturers and distributors here in Whiteland Raceway Park.
“We still get so many people off the street that say we didn’t know you are here,” said O’Gara. “It shows how bright the future is.”
Some big names also come out to this track to workout, including folks from IndyCar like Conor Daly, Felix Rosenqvist and Tony Kanaan have come out to this track to train.
“Pretty high speed carts around here, probably speeds approaching between 80 to 90 mph,” O’Gara said. “Really a good workout to the body and it allows them to keep their hand-eye coordination to the very top.”
From the top of their game to the most novice drivers, Whiteland Raceway Park has a little something to offer all who come out to the track
They offer kid cart and novice classes to kids as young a 4 years old. They also host racers in their 70s.
Whiteland Raceway Park also provides a rent-a-cart type program where people off the street can come out, get a license that covers their insurance. The cart speeds can reach 40 to 50 miles per hour. They can accommodate corporate events as well.
Thanks to track improvements, they plan to continue to host regional and national races at the facility and fans can come out to watch the action.
“You can see the passion outright from the families and the racers and know how much it means,” O’Gara said. “Let them follow their dreams a little bit.”
If you want to learn more about how to get involved in the action at Whiteland Raceway Park this season, including upcoming races, cart rentals, corporate events and more, just head to their website https://www.racewrp.com/
Indianapolis, IN
Colts announce training camp schedule, reveal some practices will cost $5
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts will kick off training camp at Westfield’s Grand Park on July 25.
Rookies and veterans will report for camp a day earlier on July 24.
This marks the sixth time the team has held camp at Grand Park. The team will hold 12 practices open to fans, with the first one at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 25.
Seven of the 12 practices are free, while “Primetime Practice” days will cost $5 for fans 18 and over. Those practices are July 27, July 28, Aug. 4, Aug. 14 and Aug. 15. The last two dates are joint practices against the Arizona Cardinals ahead of their Aug. 17 preseason game.
In the past, fans obtained a free ticket for practices. However, the team said a “nominal $5 charge” was added for some practices this year to “allow event organizers to better plan for the number of attendees and give fans a better overall experience with respect to activities, seating, concessions, safety and security.”
The practices with additional cost fall on some of the most historically attended practices, including the first weekend of camp. Training camp is still free for attendees 17 and under; they’ll need to download a free ticket.
The Colts said ticket fees would benefit the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis’ new flag football program, which launches this summer and will serve 200 kids.
Grand Park will charge a parking fee per vehicle; fans can get a parking pass for $5 in advance or pay $10 onsite. Advance parking passes are available here.
If weather becomes an issue, practice will move indoors, which has limited seating. Ticket and parking fees will be refunded for fans who aren’t able to attend if that’s the case, the team said.
Here’s a look at theme days for this year’s training camp:
- Camp Kickoff, presented by Koorsen Fire & Security – Thurs., July 25
- NFL’s Back Together Weekend – Sat., July 27 & Sun., July 28
- Family Day – Fri., Aug. 2
- Give Back Sunday, presented by Meijer – Sun., Aug. 4
- Back-To-School Day, presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors – Mon., Aug. 5
- Salute to Service Day, presented by Vet Tix – Wed., Aug. 7
- Kicking The Stigma Day – Fri., Aug. 9
- Fan Appreciation Day, presented by CenterPoint Energy – Wed., Aug. 14
- “Thirsty Thursday,” presented by Bud Light – Thurs., Aug. 15
Fans will also find Colts City this year, which will be open each day of open practice through Aug. 15. Activities include:
- Colts Play 60 Field, featuring football drills, 40-yard dash & punt returns,
- Colts In Motion, the team’s interactive traveling experience
- Colts inflatables
- Colts Pro Shop
- Appearances by team mascot “Blue” and Colts Cheerleaders
- Interactive partner displays and exhibits
If practice moves indoors, Colts City will close. Learn more about training camp at the Colts website.
Indianapolis, IN
'UnPHILtered' | Honoring Indianapolis broadcaster Amos Brown
by: Dylan Listner and Jay Adkins
Posted: / Updated:
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A tribute to legendary Indianapolis broadcaster Amos Brown. That’s the goal of a fundraiser to establish a scholarship in his name. Joining us Wednesday for our UnPHILtered segment is Amos’ sister Oveda Brown and his granddaughter Aar-Yana Willis.
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Zoo announces the return of walruses to the zoo
INDIANAPOLIS — Walruses are coming back to the Indianapolis Zoo!
The Zoo announced the return of the sea mammals with a promotional video on Wednesday.
A special #announcement! pic.twitter.com/KZ9fQImgxb
— Indianapolis Zoo (@IndianapolisZoo) June 26, 2024
According to the announcement, the walruses will be back on Monday, July 1.
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