2010 Red Bull Indianapolis GP Recap
November 17, 2010 | By
The 2010 Red Bull Indianapolis GP again was one of the most exciting weekends of the year in Indianapolis, with a wide range of activities and fun for all ages both at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and around Indianapolis.
After just three years, the annual event has become a true “destination weekend” for worldwide motorcyclists, motorcycle racing fans and everyone interested in the unique two-wheeled culture.
AT THE TRACK
Racing
The 2010 Red Bull Indianapolis GP featured exciting, handlebar-to-handlebar action in all three World Championship classes Aug. 27-29, 2010.
A tradition of excellence is growing at this event, as yet another one world superstar of motorcycle road racing won on the challenging 16-turn, 2.621-mile circuit at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dani Pedrosa of Spain took the checkered flag in the MotoGP class, joining World Champions Valentino Rossi (2008) and Jorge Lorenzo (2009) as winners at Indianapolis.
American Ben Spies also flew the Stars and Stripes proudly. Rookie standout Spies earned his first career MotoGP pole on home soil and raced to second place behind Pedrosa. It was his best career MotoGP finish to date and the third consecutive year that an American rider has made the podium as one of the top-three finishers.
Fellow American Nicky Hayden, the 2006 MotoGP World Champion, failed to step on the top-three podium for the first time in three starts at this event, finishing sixth. But he qualified a season-best third to put two Americans on the front row of the starting grid.
Toni Elias of Spain won a thrilling inaugural Moto2 class race at Indianapolis despite suffering from the flu. Nicolas Terol of Spain became the first two-time winner at Indianapolis by capturing the 125cc class race, as he won the same race in 2008.
Legendary late-night talk show host Jay Leno, an avid motorcycle and car enthusiast, added further star power to the Red Bull Indianapolis GP by waving the checkered flag and presenting podium trophies for the MotoGP race as the event grand marshal. Other stars attending the event included 2000 Indianapolis 500 winner and NASCAR star Juan Montoya, who also presented trophies on the podium, and legendary former MotoGP World Champions Kevin Schwantz and Mick Doohan.
Pit Walkabout
Thousands of fans got an up-close look at the fascinating world of MotoGP through the third annual Pit Walkabout on Friday, Aug. 27.
Teams from all three classes of the World Championship – MotoGP, Moto2 and 125cc – displayed their high-tech motorcycles and machinery outside the pit-side garages for fans to see and photograph. Various riders from all three classes signed autographs for the fans at the Walkabout, which was included in the admission price of a Friday ticket for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.
Ducati Island
Ducati Island continued to be one of the most popular spots for fans at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.
Every aspect of motorcycle culture and the iconic Italian motorcycle brand is celebrated at this oasis inside Turn 1 of the IMS circuit. Traditional elements such as displays of current and historic Ducati motorcycles, technical seminars and sales of Ducati merchandise mixed with unique elements such as fashion shows, foosball tournaments, charity auctions, raffles, autograph sessions with Ducati riders Casey Stoner and Nicky Hayden and the always popular Ducati girls to create a one-of-a-kind destination at the track.
Vendor Marketplace
Motorcycle enthusiasts viewed and purchased gear from nearly 40 motorcycle equipment and accessory companies at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP Vendor Marketplace, as the popular display area for aftermarket products returned for a third year in the Gasoline Alley garage area at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Top names and brands from the motorcycle industry participated in the Vendor Marketplace, including Alpinestars, Arai, Bell, Cortech, Dainese, Motul, Nolan, Oakley, Shoei, SIDI, Tour Master and many more.
Vendor Marketplace customers also enjoyed the convenience of a free gear check service, allowing them to store their purchases safely while watching the exciting on-track action all day at IMS. Shipping service also was available for customers who wanted to send their purchases to their home.
Manufacturer Displays
Major motorcycle manufacturers, including BMW, Honda, KTM and Yamaha, displayed their latest products under large, colorful tents in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway infield for fans to see and touch during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.
Manufacturer representatives also answered questions from fans interested in putting one of the beautiful new machines in their garage. Motorcycle accessory and equipment companies, such as Bridgestone and Dunlop, also offered displays.
Paddock/Grid Girls
Gorgeous women are a longtime hallmark of MotoGP events, and the 2010 Red Bull Indianapolis GP was no exception.
Whether it was beautiful girls dressed in team colors on the grid before the race, models at Ducati Island or motorcycle enthusiasts in the crowd, there were plenty of pretty sights everywhere at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.
Riders for Health
Every MotoGP rider, including superstar Valentino Rossi and American heroes Nicky Hayden, Colin Edwards and Ben Spies, participated in the Riders for Health charity auction Friday, Aug. 27 on the infield stage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Fans bid on a variety of motorcycle-related items, including MotoGP rider equipment and memorabilia. Riders also entertained fans by participating in fun question-and-answer sessions during the auction.
All proceeds benefited Riders for Health, an international non-profit organization that provides medical care to rural African villages using motorcycles and motorcycle ambulances.
Cycle World Seminar
Editors and writers from Cycle World magazine play host to their annual seminar with some of the top riders and figures from the motorcycle industry Friday, Aug. 27 on the infield stage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Fans asked questions to 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz, American Moto2 riders Kenny Noyes and Roger Lee Hayden, legendary Cycle World Technical Editor Kevin Cameron and Cycle World Managing Editor Matthew Miles in one of the most memorable events of the weekend for hardcore motorcycle enthusiasts.
Crash Concert
Yamaha brought former MotoGP rider James Toseland and his pop-rock band, Crash, back to Indianapolis for the second consecutive year for