Two departure times provide more flexibility for fans who want to commute to the track on their bike on Race Day. Read More>
This partnership represents the first time a major athlete's sponsorship has been decided by a vote using blockchain technology. Read More>
e.l.f. is believed to be the first beauty brand to serve as a primary sponsor for an entry in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” as Legge will drive the No. 51 e.l.f. Honda on Sunday, May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read More>
View images from the shortened first day of the Indianapolis 500 Open test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. View Photos>
View images from the once-in-a-lifetime Total Solar Eclipse event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. View Photos>
Josef Newgarden unveils the 2024 Indianapolis 500 Ticket View Photos>
On this episode of Behind the Bricks, IMS President Doug Boles truly goes behind the bricks of the IMS Museum and checks in on the renovation progress. He also gets an exclusive look at the vision of the refreshed Museum, which opens a year from this week. The Museum is a separate entity from IMS and is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Consider supporting the Museum by visiting imsmuseum.org Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi talks his chances to win "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" again, adjusting to Arrow McLaren, getting married over the offseason and so much more. Watch Video>
On this episode of Doug and Drivers, IMS President Doug Boles sits down with four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves. The modern legend discusses his historic Drive for Five, his transition to an ownership role within Meyer Shank Racing, the loss of his dear friend Gil de Ferran, and more. Watch Video>
April 05, 2018 | By Paul Kelly, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The rich heritage of the magical Roadster Era at the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil will be celebrated through a variety of activities on Legends Day Honoring the Roadster Era presented by Firestone on Saturday, May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. One of the most beloved car styles in “500” history will enter the spotlight on center stage just one day before the sleek, new-look Verizon IndyCar Series car makes its highly anticipated debut in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” on Sunday, May 27. To celebrate the roadster we will release new videos every Thursday going down "Memory Lane," showcasing historical moments of the roadster at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Parnelli Jones was a marked man from his very first Indianapolis 500 start in 1961. Jones honed his considerable skills in a variety of different classes in California, where he moved as youngster from his native Arkansas. He won on short tracks, in NASCAR Late Models and also captured three consecutive Sprint Car championships, which attracted the attention of promoter and team owner J.C. Agajanian. Agajanian brought Jones to Indianapolis for the first time in 1961, and Parnelli wasted little time in becoming one of the most feared and respected drivers of the decade. He qualified fifth as a rookie and led twice for 27 laps before fading to finish 12th after a stone smashed him in the face. He was named Rookie of the Year. Jones won the pole in 1962 with the first qualifying run faster than 150 mph in “500” history and led 120 laps. But the exhaust pipe burned through one of his Watson roadster’s brake lines, and Jones faded to seventh.
All of Jones’ talent was on display in 1963 in the beautiful roadster famously nicknamed “‘Ol Calhoun” that he also drove in the “500” in 1961 and 1962. He won the pole at a record average speed of 151.153 mph and led 167 of the 200 laps for a 33.84-second victory over Lotus star Jim Clark. But the win didn’t come without controversy. The reserve oil tank of Jones’ car developed a leak near the top in the closing laps, and oil could be seen streaked on the tail of the car and smoking as it touched the hot exhaust pipe. Clark’s team owner, Colin Chapman, pleaded with chief steward Harlan Fengler to black-flag Jones, as Fengler had threatened in the pre-race drivers’ meeting to do to any car leaking oil. But before Fengler could pull Jones from the racetrack, the leak stopped when the oil level dropped below the crack – just as team owner Agajanian had insisted to counter Chapman’s pleas. It was the only victory at Indianapolis for Jones, who also led the race in 1964 and appeared to be cruising a dominant victory in 1967 in the famous STP Turbine before an inexpensive transmission bearing broke on Lap 197, bringing him to a halt.