Standing Starts a Big Step for IndyCar

This weekend will mark the second "double header" race weekend in the IZOD IndyCar Series. Teams and drivers will participate in a full-length race on the Streets of Toronto on Saturday afternoon, only to turn around and race again on Sunday. However, a new twist comes with the Honda Indy Toronto with the implementation of a standing start for the first of the double header races. This new addition to the IndyCar Series is a huge step for Indy's return to prominence.

...or it could be a complete bust.

Top Moments in Indy 500 History

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

It’s race day! You know that the 97th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will have many great moments. It is after all the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. What great moments are in store for us today? We’ll just have to wait and see! While we wait, we look back on 500 history and give to you the best of the best: The Field of 33 Greatest Indy 500 Moments

 

Sounds of the Indianapolis 500

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. 

 

We are less than 24 hours away from crowning the winner of the 97th Running of the Indianapolis 500! As an extra bonus, we bring to you the Field of 33 Sounds of the 500! All of these sounds are regulars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hope you enjoy!

 

Field of 33 - Reasons You Missed the Indy 500

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Now that Memorial Day weekend has begun, let the partying and the fun begin! Don’t forget that the biggest and most fun day is Sunday, race day. So don’t go too crazy tonight and miss the race tomorrow as a result! Be careful not to end up missing the race because of one of the following reasons: Your Field of 33 Reasons Why You Missed the Indy 500.

Month of May - Things to Take with You to the Indy 500

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

You’re about to attend your first ever Indy 500! Hope you enjoy and love every minute of it! Pretty much every rookie attending the race for the first time will ask around for advice on what to take to the 500. Well my friends, look no further. Here is the Field of 33 Top Things to Take to the Indy 500!

(And in fact, due to a controversy in rules, it has been determined that a Field of 33 is not enough! So, as in the 1979 and 1997 races, we will expand the field to 35 starters! Enjoy!)

Indy 500 Bingo - Things You See on the Trek to the Track

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

It is race day and you’re about to begin the famous “Trek to the Track” at your first Indianapolis 500. Let me just forewarn you: you will see some CRAZY things on that walk to the Speedway. However, it can be quite fun! It’s like “Indy 500 Bingo” as you check off what you’ll see en route to the Speedway. So fill out your Bingo cards, ladies and gentlemen, because here is the Field of 33 Things You’ll See on the Trek to the Track!

Field of 33 - Race Day Roles at the Indy 500

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

When your group attends the race, whether or not you realize it, every individual has a specific job to do or role that they acquire. Some are obvious (the ticket-holder) while others are not (the one who is prepared with extra medicine or sunscreen). My family has had tickets for 37 years now, and over the years our group of 30 have done a great job at developing these unofficial roles and doing their jobs extremely well! Trust me, you and your group will fit into these roles without much difficulty at all. Without further ado, we present to you the Field of 33 Race Day Roles for the Indianapolis 500!

 

Things to Watch for at the Indy 500

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

With so much happening before and during the race, there are a lot of things you might miss. There are also lots of things you should do your best to miss. In today’s Month of May installment, we look at the things happening on race day that we think you CAN’T miss / WON’T miss / DON’T miss / TRY TO miss. In short, the Field of 33 Things to Watch for at the Indy 500.

 

2013 Indy 500 - Field of 33

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

The field of 33 is set for the 97th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, and an American will lead the field to the green flag for the first time since 2006! Indianapolis native Ed Carpenter won the pole position in one of the most exciting and emotional Pole Days in recent history. Can he go on to win the 500? Which of the other 32 drivers is most likely to get his/her face on the Borg-Warner Trophy? Let’s take a look at the 2013 Field of 33 and analyze their chances to win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Things to do in Indianapolis during the Month of May

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

The Indy 500 isn’t just about race day. The entire Month of May is full of activity on and off of the track in Indianapolis. There is so much more to do during the month than just go to the race. Enjoy our Field of 33 Things to do During the Month of May.

Coolest Indy 500 Pace Cars

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

The pace car was an innovation in motor racing that began with the Indy 500. Since the 1911 race, a car (or van or truck) has brought the field around to the green flag. The pace cars have been memorable over the years due to their style, their color, their flair, or simply just their uniqueness. So we thought, what if we had a field of JUST pace cars? Why not? Check out our Field of 33 Coolest Indy 500 Pace Cars.

Month of May - Indy 500 Innovations

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

One of the great things about open-wheel racing and IndyCar in particular is the ability of innovation. Over the years, IndyCar and the Indy 500 have come up with vast arrays of automobile innovation that have revolutionized not only the racing world, but the auto industry as a whole. Some auto technology first seen in a race car at Indianapolis now appear regularly in typical street cars across the world. Today, we look at those automobile revolutions in our Field of 33 Indy 500 Innovations.

Field of 33 Best Indy 500 Teams / Owners

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Today, we look beyond the driver to something bigger: the team. Many big names have surrounded the Indianapolis 500, some for decades. It’s a runaway for the pole position, but the rest of the field is quite packed together in the Field of 33 Best Indy 500 Teams/Owners.

 

Field of 33 - Best Seats at the Indy 500

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

So you have made your decision to go to the Indy 500 this year. Like any sporting venue, some seats are better than others. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is no different. In fact, some of the best seats in the venue aren’t even seats, but just plain lawn areas where you can set your folding chair and umbrella. What is the best place to sit? Based on visibility, atmosphere, price, and location relative to significant happenings on race day, here is the Field of 33 Best Seats at the Indy 500. (Images courtesy of seats3d.com)

 

Field of 33 Best Non-Winners at Indianapolis 500

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Some inherit a family curse. Some just appear to be cursed on their own. And some come close time and time again but cannot seem to find their way to Victory Lane to drink that legendary milk. It’s not difficult to fill a field of 33 unbelievably great drivers who never got to be called Indy 500 champion. So here’s the best of the rest: The Field of 33 Best Non-Winners to race in the Indianapolis 500.

Field of 33 Most Memorable Indy 500 Crashes

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Crashes. It comes with the territory of racing the fastest cars in the world. It’s going to happen. And each time a car goes into the wall, 400,000 hearts drop at once, hoping and praying that the soul onboard is not seriously injured. In 96 years of running the Indianapolis 500, 15 drivers have been killed during the race (and another 25 during practice or qualifications for the race). 5 mechanics (plus 7 more in practice crashes) have perished during the Indy 500. Three track personnel died during the 500 and 9 spectators have died at or around the speedway since its opening in 1909. Death surrounds racing. There is no doubt about that. And to those 64 souls lost surrounding this race, we send our thoughts and prayers.

That being said, crashes are one of the most spectacular parts of any automobile race. Everybody who goes to the race or watches it on TV each year has a specific crash that will linger in their minds forever. Some of these crashes (like J.R. Hildebrand in 2011) are not deadly or even injury-causing, but are significant to the race as a whole. Others (like Scott Brayton in 1996) helped create revolutionary new safety features. And others (like Mike Conway in 2010) will give you chills every time you think about the accident. Here is the Field of 33 Most Memorable Indy 500 Crashes.

Why IndyCar is Better than NASCAR

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Each May when I start getting excited about the Indy 500, I find myself talking about it to friends or co-workers or strangers on the street. When they hear that I attend each year, they say something like “What’s it like seeing a NASCAR race?” or “I’m not a NASCAR fan.” I about flip out. The Indy 500 is not NASCAR, people. It is much better than NASCAR. IndyCar as a whole is much better than stock car racing. And I can prove it to you…yes, it’s the Field of 33 Reasons Why IndyCar is Better Than NASCAR.

Month of May - Best Indy 500 Liveries

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Each year, one car sticks out above the rest. And I’m not talking about performance, but rather about paint scheme. Especially in recent years, cars have become more extravagant and fun to look at. At the same time, the traditional paint schemes that have survived the Brickyard for decades are just as desirable. So, based on the tradition of the scheme combined with just how awesome it is to see, here is the field of 33 “Best Indy 500 Liveries” in history.  

 

Month of May - 33 Greatest Indy 500 Traditions

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

We all have great times at the 500 and can enjoy every minute of it while we’re there. But what about after we get home? How can we remember the great time we had in Speedway, Indiana? We all know photos aren’t enough – we need tangible objects. Well, today we look at the Field of 33 Must-Have Souvenirs from the Indianapolis 500.

Month of May - Field of 33 Must-Have Souvenirs

In this year’s “Month of May” series, on each day leading up to the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, a different topic about the race or about Indianapolis will be discussed. Each of these topics will be ranked to create special “fields of 33” regarding the Indy 500. I hope you enjoy, and I hope you learn something about Indianapolis and the Indy 500, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

We all have great times at the 500 and can enjoy every minute of it while we’re there. But what about after we get home? How can we remember the great time we had in Speedway, Indiana? We all know photos aren’t enough – we need tangible objects. Well, today we look at the Field of 33 Must-Have Souvenirs from the Indianapolis 500. (images courtesy of Brickyard Authentics online store...so you can go and buy whatever sounds like your type of souvenir and you can search for more keepsakes before making your trek to the track!)