By Dave Lewandowski
indianapolismotorspeedway.com
Monday, May 21, 2007
NYC Photos | Grid | Lineup
Jaques Lazier promised Playa Del Racing teammate Phil Giebler to burn a CD of photos of their trip to New York City. Giebler, making his first Indianapolis 500 start, wants to savor everything surrounding the build-up to the May 27 race.
They were among the drivers who lined up in the traditional 11 rows of three - wearing firesuits and helmets tucked under their right arms -- on Military Island in Times Square on May 21 for a photo opportunity and interviews.
The field was flanked by the Borg-Warner Trophy and the No. 17 Team Ethanol car. For the first time in the history of the Indianapolis 500, all 33 cars will be powered by 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol.
The starting front row of pole winner Helio Castroneves, Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti - who were guests on network TV and radio shows preceding the event -- are the most visible in the photos and videos. Giebler, starting from the back row, didn't mind that only his mother would be able to pick him out.
"Every driver wants to make this race," said Giebler, who is the fastest rookie in the field after qualifying with a four-lap average of 219.637 mph in the No. 31 Ethos Fuel Reformulator Panoz/Honda/Firestone.
Cameras ready, sightseers on bus tours of midtown Manhattan received a bonus as they crossed 44th Street and 7th Avenue. No extra charge.
"It was awesome to have this opportunity; hopefully we'll be able to have another pole and do this again next year," said Castroneves, driver of the No. 3 Team Penske car. "When we got here last night, it was packed, just chaos. It's a little bit like the start of the '500.' Right now, I'm just enjoying the moment because when I get in the car and close the visor it's all business.''
It's the third consecutive year the IndyCar Series has visited New York City for a pre-Indianapolis 500 media event. With a couple of days off before returning for American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day on May 23, many drivers took the opportunity to remain in the city or make other travel connections.
Giebler's presence is required May 22 in Indianapolis as the honoree at the American Dairy Association Fastest Rookie luncheon, followed by the annual Last Row party/roast.
"It's been such a roller-coaster of emotions," said Giebler, who put the car solidly in the field on Bump Day after it crashed during a qualification attempt the previous day. "It's the start of a dream come true, but a lot more to come."
***
Indianapolis 500 tickets on sale: Tickets are on sale for the 2007 Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 27, the 91st running of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Fans can order tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or at the ticket office at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parking and camping information also can be obtained through the ticket office.
Hours for phone orders and the ticket office are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET) Monday-Sunday during May, with special hours of 6 a.m.-1 p.m. on Race Day, Sunday, May 27. Online orders can be made at any time.
Race Day ticket prices start at just $20.
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