2011 Race Winner: #27-Paul Menard, 140.752mph, started 15th

Race Record: Bobby Labonte, August 2000, 155.912mph

Slowest Race Record: Jimmie Johnson, July 2008, 115.117mph

Worst Starting Spot to Win: Jeff Gordon, August 2001, started 27th

Oldest Race Winner: Bill Elliott, 46 years, 9 months, 27 days, 8/4/2002

Youngest Race Winner: Jeff Gordon, 23 years, 2 days, 8/6/1994

2011 Pole Sitter: #6-David Ragan, 182.994mph, finished 23rd

Track Qualifying Record: Casey Mears, August 2004, 186.293mph

Oldest Pole Sitter: Mark Martin, 50 years, 197 days, 7/25/2009

Youngest Pole Sitter: Reed Sorenson, 21 years, 5 months, 24 days, 7/29/2007

Most Wins: 4 - Jeff Gordon

Most Poles: 3 - Jeff Gordon

Most Top 5s: 10 - Jeff Gordon

Most Top 10s: 14 - Jeff Gordon

Most Lead Changes: 26 - 7/27/2008

Fewest Lead Changes: 9 - 8/5/2000, 8/8/2004 & 7/26/2010

Most Leaders: 16 - 7/27/2008

Fewest Leaders: 5 - 8/5/2000

Most Cautions: 13 - 8/8/2004

Fewest Cautions: 1 - 8/5/1995

Most Caution Laps: 52, 7/27/2008

Few Caution Laps: 4, 5/8/1995

Most Finishers on a lead lap: 36, 7/27/2008

Fewest Finishers on a lead lap: 14, 8/5/2000

Most Running at the Finish: 40 - 7/27/2008

Fewest Running at the Finish: 27, 8/8/2004

Most Laps Led by a Race Winner: 124 [of 160], Jeff Gordon, 8/8/2004

Fewest Laps Led by a Race Winner: 11, Dale Jarrett, 8/3/1996

DNFs (Most): 4: Terry Labonte (13 races) and Ricky Rudd (13)

Most Wins by Manufacturer: 13 - Chevy

Races won from the pole: 2 of 18 events

Races won from in top 10: 10 of 18 events

Races won from outside top 10: 8 of 18 events

the 4 or 5-time Auto Racing Winners at Indy:
Driver' Wins, Races, Laps Led, Years Won
A.J. Foyt, 4, 35, 555, 1961-1964-1967-1977: Indy Car
Al Unser, 4, 27, 644, 1970-1971-1978-1987: Indy Car
Rick Mears, 4, 15, 429, 1979-1984-1988-1991: Indy Car
Jeff Gordon, 4, 15, 440, 1994-1999-2001-2004: NASCAR Sprint Cup
Michael Schumacher, 5, 2000-2003-2004-2005-2006: F-1
also: Wolf Henzler has recorded four victories in Porsche Michelin Supercup series support races to the United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 2000. Henzler won once in 2002, 2003 and both races in 2004. F1 and Supercup no longer run at Indy

Run all the Brickyard races: four drivers have run all 18 Brickyard 400's since it first ran in 1994:
#24-Jeff Gordon [4 wins]
#47-Bobby Labonte [1 win]
#5-Mark Martin [best 2nd once]
#31-Jeff Burton [best 5th once]

Super Weekend at the Brickyard tix on sale: The 2012 Crown Royal Presents "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard will feature a return to 2010 ticket prices in Penthouse and Deck seating areas as the inaugural Super Weekend at the Brickyard makes racing history next July at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Super Weekend (July 26-29) will welcome the NASCAR Nationwide and GRAND-AM Road Racing Series for the first time ever at IMS as they join the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for an unforgettable four days of on-track activity featuring four races in three days. Ticket prices have been reduced from $165 to $150 in the E & B Penthouse for the 2012 Crown Royal Presents "You're Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday, July 29. Seats in the A Penthouse, Northwest Vista Deck, Northeast Vista Deck, Southeast Vista Deck, South Vista Deck (sections 1-4) and Southwest Vista Deck will be reduced from $160 to $150.
Prices for the Nationwide Series race on Saturday, July 28 will range from $65 for reserved seats to $25 for seated general admission.Tickets for the Nationwide Series practice on Thursday, July 26 are $10 for seated general admission. Fans can also buy Super Weekend Tickets for just $80 that provide open seating for Thursday and Friday, with limited general admission seating on Saturday, and general admission infield access for the Crown Royal Presents "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard on Sunday. Children 12 and under will receive free general admission when accompanied by an adult with a Super Weekend Ticket or general admission ticket. All ticket orders can be made at www.imstix.com and through the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday. For more information, call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.(IMS)(11-6-2011)

2012 Super Weekend at the Brickyard Tix on sale: The 2012 Crown Royal "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard will feature a return to 2010 ticket prices in Penthouse and Deck seating areas as the inaugural Super Weekend at the Brickyard makes racing history next July at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 1 for the Super Weekend at the Brickyard, scheduled for July 26-29, 2012, at www.imstix.com or in person at the IMS Ticket Office. The Super Weekend at the Brickyard will feature the NASCAR Nationwide and GRAND-AM Road Racing series for the first time at IMS as they join the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for an unforgettable four days of on-track activity featuring four races in three days. For more info or to order tickets. go to www.imstix.com or by visiting the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday. For more information, call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.(IMS)(8-1-2011)

U.S. Women's Soccer star Hope Solo to drive Brickyard 400 pace car: United States women's national soccer team goalkeeper Hope Solo will drive the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car at the 2011 Brickyard 400, leading the starting field to the green flag Sunday, July 31 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Solo became a worldwide sensation earlier this month as one of the leaders of the U.S. national team that advanced to the Women's World Cup final in Germany, losing to Japan on penalty kicks. She was named the top goalkeeper of the tournament and was named to the 2011 World Cup all-tournament team. "We're thrilled to welcome Hope Solo as the Pace Car driver for the Brickyard 400," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief executive officer. "Hope and her teammates captivated all of America with their fighting spirit during the Women's World Cup, and her presence as Pace Car driver adds to the prestige and excitement of this great event." Solo led the United States to the gold medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing with a stunning performance in a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the gold-medal game. She has made 101 appearances for the U.S. in international play. "I'm honored to have the unique privilege of driving the Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car at the Brickyard 400," Solo said. "It's going to be so much fun. The entire world of NASCAR and its people are such a new and exciting experience for me." Solo, a native of Richland, Wash., was a three-time All-American and four-time all-Pac 10 selection while playing for the University of Washington from 1999-2002. She has played professionally in Europe and the United States since 2002 and has been the starting goalkeeper this season for magicJack (South Florida) of Women's Professional Soccer. She was named WPS goalkeeper of the year in 2009 while playing for Saint Louis Athletica.(IMS)(7-30-2011)

Brickyard 400 Race Day Traffic: Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials are encouraging fans to plan ahead for their trip to the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com on Sunday, July 31. IMS officials recommend that fans leave early for the track on Race Day. Fans can get all the latest traffic information and updates on Twitter at either @IMS or @Indstatepolice. Fans also are encouraged to leave early and plan routes accordingly during the entire race weekend due to the major construction project on the west corridor of Interstate 465 in Indianapolis. Due to construction on I-465 southbound, the eastbound Crawfordsville Road ramp is closed (northbound is still open). Also due to construction, 38th Street is restricted to two lanes. Motorists are encouraged to use the eastbound 10th Street ramp from I-465 as the main route to the track.
Infield parking is not accessible through Gate 2 (Main Gate) from 16th Street eastbound, as left turns are not permitted into that entrance on Race Day. Parking for 16th Street motorists in both directions will be available on the south side of 16th Street after public infield parking fills on all three days of the event.
IMS will route traffic differently into the facility from 30th Street than it has in the past. All westbound traffic will enter Gate 11 and be parked in Lot 7. All eastbound traffic will enter Gate 10 and follow the same procedure as in the past to either be directed to Turn 3 (until full) or into Lot 7. This change will alleviate congestion and will allow for nearly twice the amount of traffic to enter the facility at the same time from 30th Street.
The Indiana State Police is advising spectators to visit www.in.gov to receive information on the most direct routes to take when arriving and leaving the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A PDF file entitled "Traveling Tips to the Brickyard 400" is available on the front page of the ISP's website, and road conditions and construction updates also can be found at the main ISP site, www.in.gov/isp. On Race Day, public gates open at 6:00am and the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com begins at 1:00 pm. As an alternative to traveling to the race via car, roundtrip Race Day bus shuttle service is available on Race Day at four convenient locations, including three in downtown Indianapolis and one at Indianapolis International Airport. Tickets are $24 per person for one-way or round-trip service. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.brickyard400parking.com or www.freeenterprisesystem.com or from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on the day of the race at each location, with credit card, debit card and cash accepted.(IMS)(7-30-2011)

Ned Jarrett named Brickyard 400 Grand Marshal: 2011 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Ned Jarrett will serve as the grand marshal of the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com Sunday, July 31. Jarrett won NASCAR Sprint Cup championships in 1961 and 1965 and 50 races during his illustrious career. He was named one of NASCAR's "50 Greatest Drivers" in 1998. In 1965, Jarrett earned 13 victories in 42 top-five finishes in 54 starts. He won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway by 14 laps, still the largest margin of victory in NASCAR Sprint Cup history. "We're honored to welcome Ned Jarrett as grand marshal for the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com," said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief executive officer. "He's one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history, a great ambassador for the sport and a true gentleman." Besides his Hall of Fame driving talent, Jarrett also helped attract fans to NASCAR through his work as a television and radio broadcaster during three decades of substantial growth for the sport. "It is a true honor to be selected as grand marshal for the Brickyard 400," Jarrett said. "The history of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its significance in auto racing makes this opportunity particularly special." Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.(IMS)(7-29-2011)

Youngsters can enjoy all new Family Fun Area at Indy: Entertainment for youngsters of all ages will be featured in the all new Family Fun Area presented by FamilyTime Entertainment at the 2011 Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com Sunday, July 31 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Located adjacent to Turn 2 in the IMS infield, the free Family Fun Area will feature a stage on which five different shows will take place throughout the day. Performers will include face painters, balloon artists, stilt-walking jugglers, a strolling magician and a caricature artist. A Make-A-Puppet activity also will be available to children participating in the Family Fun Area. Children 12 and under will receive free general admission to the Brickyard 400, including the Family Fun Area, when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder. Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.(IMS)(7-29-2011)

Big Machine Backs Brickyard 400 With Race Day Performances: Big Machine Label Group is bringing some of the top superstars in country music, including Reba and Rascal Flatts, to the Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 31 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for live Race Day performances as part of its new presenting sponsorship of the annual NASCAR classic. The Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com starts at 1:00pm.et, with advance-purchased Race Day ticket prices starting at just $30. Big Machine Records is the first recording label to serve as a presenting sponsor of the race in its 18-year history.
Rascal Flatts will play a pre-race mini concert, partially broadcast on ESPN, before singing the national anthem. The legendary Reba will sing “America The Beautiful.” Both performances will take place near the famed Yard of Bricks on the front straightaway. Other stars performing acoustic sets between 9-11:30 a.m. on Race Morning at IMS include platinum sibling trio The Band Perry, Justin Moore, Brantley Gilbert, Thomas Rhett and more. These performances will take place on the infield stage inside Turn 2, near the IMS Hall of Fame Museum. Tickets are on sale for the 2011 Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 31 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.(IMS)(7-29-2011)

Concert & Qualifying at Indy on July 30th: Brickyard 400 qualifying and a concert by chart-topping hard rock band Hinder will be the featured attractions Saturday, July 30 at the inaugural Brickfest at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A new, exciting prelude to the 2011 Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 31 at IMS, Brickfest will feature a similar format to the popular Miller Lite Carb Day held annually before the Indianapolis 500. Brickfest activities will roar to life from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 30 at IMS with a practice session featuring all of the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, including past winners Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. Brickyard 400 qualifying will take place from 2:10-4:30 p.m., followed immediately by the Hinder concert on the main stage in the IMS infield. Track admission for Brickfest, which includes the Hinder concert, is just $15, with kids 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Selected lucky fans can meet Hinder during Brickfest. To get a chance to meet the band, use the promo code HINDER when purchasing Brickfest tickets either by calling (800) 822-INDY (4639) or (317) 492-6700, or by visiting www.imstix.com.(IMS)(7-29-2011)

Historic stock cars, muscle cars on display at Indy: Some of the most iconic cars in NASCAR history and a fabulous collection of rods, customs and muscle cars will be on display July 29-31 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com. The Brickyard 400 Vintage and Stock Car Show will give fans the rare opportunity to take pictures and interact with the vehicle owners and restorers of a fabulous collection of Superbirds, Ford Talladegas and other cars from NASCAR's past. One of the NASCAR classic cars that will be on display will be the #7 1970 Plymouth Superbird driven by Ramo Stott to top-10 finishes in the 1970 Daytona 500 and Talladega 500. Stott also won the 1970 ARCA 300 at Daytona and Vulcan 500 at Talladega in this car. Powered by a 426 Hemi engine with everything original on the car except for the exterior paint, this is the only remaining Superbird in original, as-raced configuration. Another special car on display will be the Holman Moody #98 Ford Torino that was owned and driven by the legendary Benny Parsons to 1968 and 1969 ARCA championships. NASCAR pioneer Wendell Scott later drove it in ARCA and NASCAR Grand National East competition. Goodguys Rod & Custom Association, the world's largest rod and custom association, will display more than 100 cars. Goodguys events showcase a variety of American-made rods, customs, classics, trucks, street machines and muscle cars.(IMS)(7-29-2011)

Crown Royal to sponsor 2012 Brickyard 400: In a continuing effort to provide race fans with an unrivaled experience and honor all of the nation’s heroes, the Crown Royal brand announced it will become entitlement sponsor of the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Officially titled, the Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard, the race will serve as an expansion of the annual “Your Name Here” program and not only honor U.S. service men and women, but all of our nation’s heroes. The past two years, Crown Royal focused the annual promotion solely on military service members to honor their heroic acts and service to their country. The expanded Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 program will recognize all of the unsung heroes who make a difference in our communities, from firefighters and police officers to local volunteers and military members. The grand prize will go to one special individual who will be provided with the reigns to their very own race and receive the naming rights to the Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400. In addition to the grand prize, Crown Royal will honor various heroes throughout the Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard and integrate special characteristics of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to enhance the overall race experience. From showcasing photographs and stories of heroes from across the country, to on-site stations where fans can send messages to service men and women stationed overseas, Crown Royal plans to give heroes the recognition they deserve. The Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard will also serve as yet another platform to advance the “Please Drink Responsibly” message and to share the stories of heroes around the country with Indianapolis locals, NASCAR fans and people everywhere. The Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 will be the marquee event of the inaugural Super Weekend at the Brickyard [on Sunday July 29, 2012], which also will feature a NASCAR Nationwide Series event Saturday, July 28, two GRAND-AM road races Friday, July 27 and Nationwide practice Thursday, July 26.(PR)(7-28-2011)

Special salutes to U.S. Military at Brickyard 400: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will continue its long-standing tradition of honoring the United States military during pre-race ceremonies for the 2011 Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 31. Salutes to the military occupy many special moments during the pomp and pageantry of pre-race ceremonies on Race Day, a tradition at IMS events since the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 and the first Brickyard 400 in 1994.
• Desert Storm/Desert Shield salute: A 20th anniversary celebration honoring U.S. military veterans who served in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, during which Coalition forces drove Saddam Hussein's Iraqi troops out of Kuwait in 1991, will take place during pre-race ceremonies July 31. A parade lap will feature 86 Desert Storm veterans riding in 43 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up trucks. Prior to the race, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard - a Desert Storm veteran - will deliver a speech honoring the U.S. military. Representatives of all five branches of the U.S. military will join Ballard on stage.
Veterans of Desert Storm/Shield from all branches of the U.S. military are encouraged to participate in the salute. Veterans are asked to dress in attire that represents the time of conflict in which they served. Each participant will receive two Brickyard 400 tickets and free round-trip transportation between Stout Field in Indianapolis and IMS. An additional group of more than 180 Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield veterans from 38 U.S. states will participate in other patriotic pre-race ceremonies that pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the American military during this conflict.
• Iraq War salute from Miller, IMS: As part of its highly popular "Give a Veteran a Piece of The High Life" program, Miller High Life Beer is joining with IMS to honor Iraq War veterans. Following driver introductions on Race Day, each of the 43 drivers in the Brickyard 400 field will climb on the back of a Chevrolet Silverado and be joined by an Iraq War veteran for a ceremonial lap around the famed 2.5-mile IMS oval.
IMS is proud to participate in the "Give a Veteran a Piece of The High Life" program, which provides the means that pay soldiers' way into sports events, concerts, outdoor adventures and more. For every High Life cap or tab dropped off at participating retailers or mailed in, Miller High Life will donate 10 cents toward High Life Experiences for returning vets. For more information, visit millerhighlife.com/high-life-experiences/.
• Flyover: The traditional pre-race flyover will feature four U.S. Navy T-45 Goshawks, land-based training jet aircraft. The flyover will recognize the 100th anniversary of U.S. Naval Aviation, as Naval Aviation has grown from a tactical afterthought to a primary instrument of national defense.
Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.(IMS)(7-27-2011)

Second Annual Brickyard Beach Bash: Fans looking to stay cool during the hot action of the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records on Sunday, July 31 can enjoy the fun and excitement of the Second Annual Brickyard Beach Bash in Turn 3 of the IMS infield. Besides watching some of racing's biggest stars compete for one of NASCAR's most important victories, all Brickyard 400 Race Day ticket holders can enjoy the Beach Bash, which is quickly becoming one of the biggest and best parties in Indy. Hosting the festivities at the Beach Bash will be May 2008 Playboy Playmate of the Month AJ Alexander, and headlining the event will be multi-platinum R&B, hip hop and reggae fusion recording artist Iyaz, who will perform his hit singles "Replay" and "Pretty Girls." Recognized as a young up-and-comer on the worldwide music scene, Iyaz's first-ever single, "Replay," climbed to No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 list in 2009 and was No. 1 in the United Kingdom and Australia, in addition to hitting the top-10 charts in many other countries.
Additional highlights of this year's Brickyard Beach Bash will include:
•A Bikini & Hot Bod Contest hosted by Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee. Each winner will receive $500.
•A sandy beach with swimming pools
•A dance party with music provided by popular DJs Indiana Jones & Gabby Love
•Live Nation ticket giveaways to hottest concerts of the year, including Kings of Leon, Incubus and the Identity Festival
•Go-go dancers, beer pong and volleyball
Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.(IMS)(7-27-2011)

Brickyard ticket sales down? There have been rumors that ticket sales for next week's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway were again off-pace from last season, but an internal NASCAR memo obtained by ThatsRacin.com and The Observer seems to confirm the problem. In the memo, which was distributed by email on Friday, team public relations representatives were thanked ahead of time for their drivers' participation in a Sprint Cup Series autograph session at the track. The memo said, "ticket sales are significantly behind from previous years" at IMS. Since sales have been dramatically down since the 2008 tire problems at the track, another significant decline would appear ominous. The memo goes on to say, the track believed there would be a large walk-up crowd for the July 31 race and hoped the autograph session would be well received by race fans.(Charlotte Observer)(7-23-2011)

Crown Royal may become Brickyard 400 title sponsor: UPDATE: An unlikely match could give the Indianapolis Motor Speedway a new title sponsor for the Brickyard 400 and a seven-figure windfall starting next summer. That's the direction things are headed, despite appearances to the contrary. Sources are beginning to bubble that Crown Royal is ready to sign a deal to become the title sponsor of the Brickyard 400. It's rumored to be a multi-year deal starting in 2012. Don't be surprised if Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Jeff Belskus along with Crown Royal honchos make an announcement at this year's race. And stunningly, the Crown Royal deal… is financially bigger than any other current NASCAR title sponsorship deal. Yes, that means bigger than the Coca-Cola 600 and Irwin Tools Night Race (Bristol) deals. In a soft economy, when the race's attendance has wavered, Speedway officials are going to get around $1.5 million annually for the title sponsorship of its race, sources are whispering.(Indianapolis Business Journal)(7-13-2011)
UPDATE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway has apparently firmed up plans with Crown Royal for the whiskey to be the title sponsor of next year's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400. A press conference to confirm the news is scheduled for Thursday. The official name of the NASCAR event, which will have Grand-Am and the Nationwide Series on the bill along with the Sprint Cup race, has not been confirmed.(AutoWeek)(7-22-2011)

IMS Features Largest 2011 Sprint Cup Autograph Session On July 30: The largest driver autograph session of the Sprint Cup Series season is scheduled for Saturday, July 30 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Race Day ticket holders for the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com. Drivers will be split into two groups, signing in pairs from noon-12:45 p.m. and 1-1:45 p.m. at Pavilion 1A and 1B, adjacent to the Pagoda Plaza. Brickyard 400 ticket holders can obtain an autograph session wristband at 9 a.m. Saturday at Pavilion 1A and 1B. Fans can choose from the pairing of drivers they wish to receive autographs, with a maximum of 150 wristbands allotted per driver pairing. Only one wristband will be distributed to each ticket holder, first come, first served.(IMS PR)(7-22-2011)

Brickyard hauler parade July 28: NASCAR fans can get an up-close view of Sprint Cup Series "haulers" - the large, colorful trucks carrying the stock cars competing July 29-31 in the Brickyard 400 presented by Big Machine Records.com at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - at the third annual Hauler Parade and Festival on Thursday, July 28 on Speedway's Main Street. The event will take place from 5-10 p.m. Admission is free. Great live music is included, with R&B dance band The Toy Factory and country rock band KJ and the Jester Kings. Meeting and greeting fans will be NASCAR personalities, including legendary NASCAR champion Ned Jarrett and Miss Sprint Cup. Fans also can watch the haulers parade north on Main Street and east on 16th Street at 8 p.m., as they depart the Hauler Parade and Festival single-file and enter the Indianapolis Motor Speedway grounds for the Brickyard 400.(IMS PR)(7-19-2011)

IMS adds Nationwide race for 2012: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be the epicenter of American stock car racing and North American sports car racing July 26-29, 2012, as the NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing will join the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for four exciting races during the inaugural Super Weekend at the Brickyard. It will be the first time in IMS history that races will take place on the 2.5-mile oval and 2.534-mile Grand Prix road course during the same weekend, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing will make their IMS debuts. The 19th annual Brickyard 400 for the Sprint Cup Series will race on the oval Sunday, July 29, with the Nationwide Series also racing on the oval Saturday, July 28. GRAND-AM will conduct separate races for its Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge on the 13-turn IMS road course Friday, July 27.
“The Super Weekend at the Brickyard will offer non-stop excitement for every auto racing fan with the addition of the NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “There will be competitive, fender-rubbing action from many different types of machinery for four days, featuring established stars and rising talents, on both the IMS oval and road course. “This will be an unforgettable event and the start of a great new racing tradition at the Speedway.” All four days of Super Weekend at the Brickyard will be packed with on-track action, providing great value for fans:
Schedule:
Thursday, July 26: NASCAR Nationwide Series practice
Friday, July 27: GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series and Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge practice, qualifying and races
Saturday, July 28: NASCAR Nationwide Series practice, qualifying and race; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice and qualifying
Sunday, July 29: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400 race
Brickfest, a music festival featuring a headlining national act, also will return during the Super Weekend at the Brickyard after its debut during this year’s Brickyard 400. Ticket orders for the 2012 Super Weekend at the Brickyard will be accepted starting Monday, Aug. 1, 2011. Orders can be made at www.imstix.com and through the IMS Ticket Office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday. Details on ticket pricing, race distances for the Nationwide Series and two GRAND-AM events and the complete event schedule will be released at a later date. The best way for fans to secure their reserved seat tickets for the historic inaugural Super Weekend at the Brickyard is to purchase reserved seats for the 2011 Brickyard 400 on Sunday, July 31 and reorder those tickets during the two-week renewal period starting Aug. 1.(IMS)(7-6-2011)

Indianpolis Motor Speedway considering taking Nationwide race UPDATE2: An Indianapolis Motor Speedway spokesman Tuesday confirmed talks to bring a sports car race to the facility's road course in 2012 during NASCAR's Brickyard 400 weekend, but he said no agreement is in place. The biggest obstacle: converting the facility from a road course configuration, which would be used for a Friday endurance race of Grand-Am's Rolex Series, to an oval for NASCAR on Saturday and Sunday. NASCAR owns Grand-Am, which would bring a title sponsor to cover the sanctioning fee estimated at $200,000. Also being discussed is a move of the weekend's Nationwide Series race, which comes with a guaranteed check of about $700,000 due to the television contract, from Lucas Oil Raceway to IMS. IMS officials have been looking for ways to bolster the Brickyard weekend amid declining attendance.(Indianapolis Star)(6-15-2011)
UPDATE: Officials at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and NASCAR are in serious discussions about adding a Grand-Am Rolex Series race and possibly a Nationwide Series race to the 2012 Sprint Cup weekend at the Brickyard, multiple sources confirmed Wednesday. The Nationwide race currently at O'Reilly Raceway Park would move to IMS on Saturday afternoon. A three-hour Grand-Am endurance race likely would run on Friday afternoon so as not to conflict with the Truck Series race held that night at ORP. Doug Boles, the director of public relations at IMS, could not comment on a potential Nationwide move but acknowledged discussions to bring the Grand-Am event to the weekend for a road course race are taking place. He said the track needs more than one event to give fans more value for their ticket. Officials at ORP said they have not been told that the Nationwide race will move to IMS next year, but added if that happened it would be a big blow. "If that were to happen it would definitely make us re-strategize and refocus,'' ORP general manager Wes Collier said. "This track has been here for 50 years now. It would definitely be an impact, but we'd continue on. Right now we're planning on having two events here next year.''(ESPN.com)(6-16-2011)
UPDATE2: Indianapolis Motor Speedway will add Nationwide and Grand-Am Rolex Series races to its Sprint Cup weekend in 2012, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com on Tuesday. A press conference is scheduled for 1:30pm/et on Wednesday at the start-finish line at IMS. The Nationwide race will move from its longtime home at Lucas Oil Raceway. The Truck Series is expected to remain at LOR, likely on Friday night. Doug Boles, the director of public relations at IMS, could not comment on the scheduling changes when contacted Tuesday.(ESPN)(7-5-2011)

Indy expects empty seats for Brickyard 400: Ticket sales for this year's Brickyard 400 are lagging behind last year's pace, and race organizers worry it could produce a second straight record-low turnout for the July 31 race. "We don't disclose numbers, but you saw a lot of empty seats here last year, and I think you're going to see more here this year," Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and CEO Jeff Belskus told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Declining ticket sales have already hit two of NASCAR fans' favorite tracks this season - Bristol and Talladega. And Dover, which has traditionally drawn smaller crowds, had empty sections at Sunday's race. Indianapolis could be the next to see declining numbers. Last July's attendance estimate was 140,000 - nearly half of the 270,000 that came to the track in 2007. Belskus concedes that the poor economy and high gas prices have made an impact on ticket sales, but he believes the tire fiasco of 2008 and too many stock car races in the Midwest have also played a part in the decline.(Indianapolis Star)(5-18-2011)

IMS's Carnegie's life celebrated: He had a voice larger than life and became as much a part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the famed Yard of Bricks, but Tom Carnegie was one of us, a friendly, caring man of the people. That was the common theme throughout a host of tributes paid Feb. 15 during a celebration of the life of Carnegie, the longtime IMS Public Address announcer who died Feb. 11 at age 91. An overflow crowd packed the IMS Hall of Fame Museum for the ceremony honoring Carnegie, who served as the Public Address announcer at IMS for 61 consecutive years, from 1946-2006. He called 61 Indianapolis 500's, 12 Brickyard 400's and six United States Grands Prix for millions of fans at IMS. Indianapolis television sports anchor Dave Calabro served as host of the ceremony. Calabro worked for many years on the public address at IMS with Carnegie and leads the announcing team today. Members of Carnegie's family, including two of his children, attended the ceremony. Nancy George affectionately shared an anecdote about how she and her brother and sisters would ride their bikes around IMS as children, pretending they were race drivers. But one of the George children always played Carnegie?s role as Public Address announcer.(IMS)(2-16-2011)

'Voice of the Speedway' Tom Carnegie dies: The golden voice of the Indianapolis 500 is now quiet. Tom Carnegie died today at a health care facility in Zionsville. He was 91. Carnegie began working as Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s lead announcer in 1946, a career spanning six decades. His deep, measured voice was iconic even among the icons of auto racing. “He’s one of those personalities where you wish time would stand still so he could be forever with us,” 1969 race winner Mario Andretti once said. A longtime Zionsville resident, he is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, D.J., and their three children, Blair, Charlotte and Robert. Until 2007, when he helped call his final 500, he seldom missed a day in May at the Speedway. For fans and competitors, it wasn’t a day at the track until he said “Good morning, race fans” across the loud speakers.
Two of Carnegie’s sayings will live forever in the hearts of race fans:
“Heeee’s on it” in describing the start of an official qualifying attempt; “It’s a newwww track record.” See more at the Indianapolis Star, with a link there to leave thoughts.(2-11-2011)

Young Race Fans Are Winners In New IMS Kids Club: Young race fans will receive a wide variety of great benefits in 2011 and develop a lifelong love of motorsports and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by joining the new Indianapolis Motor Speedway Kids Club. Membership in the first-ever Kids Club at IMS is packed with value for fans 12 and under, as annual dues are just $25 per child. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Kids Club benefits include:
•Welcome letter from a driver
•“Kid-ential” membership card and lanyard
•Kids Club T-shirt
•Lunch bag with school supplies, temporary tattoos and a Mattel Hot Wheels car
Visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/KidsClub for more information or to join the fastest kids’ club in motorsports. The first 200 children registered online for the Kids Club will be able to participate in a special driver autograph session (drivers and date TBA).(IMS)(12-13-2010)

2001 Brickyard 400 Tickets on sale Nov. 4th: Tickets for the 2011 Brickyard 400 and Red Bull Indianapolis GP events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will go on sale at 8:00 am on Thursday, Nov. 4, with special, race-themed incentives for selected early customers. The 18th annual Brickyard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is scheduled for Sunday, July 31, with the fourth annual Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP race Sunday, Aug. 28. For just the second year, Race Day general admission tickets will be offered for the Brickyard 400, with prices starting at $30 ? a $10 savings from 2010. Race Day general admission tickets also will be available for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, starting at $40. All children 12 and under will be admitted free with an adult general admission ticket holder at both events. As a special incentive, four fans will win a prize package based on when they purchase tickets Thursday. The first online and in-person ticket purchaser each will be awarded prizes, and the 11th and 26th overall (online or in-person) purchasers Thursday also will be winners. More info on tickets at www.imstix.com or call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area.(IMS)(11-4-2010)

2011 Brickyard 400 scheduled for July 31st: The 18th annual Brickyard 400 will take place Sunday, July 31, 2011, according to the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule released Aug. 18. The annual NASCAR mid-summer classic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be the 20th of 36 races on the 2011 Sprint Cup Series schedule. A race Sunday, July 17 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will precede the Brickyard 400. No race is scheduled for the week before the Brickyard 400. A new, two-tiered ticket pricing program is creating even more value and a wider variety of options for fans attending the 2011 Brickyard 400. Prices have been cut in selected rows of specific grandstands at IMS. Race Day general admission ticket prices also have been reduced. Brickyard 400 Race Day general admission tickets, which debuted in 2010 at $40, are available for 2011 at the reduced price of $30 in advance, $35 on Race Day. Fans ages 12 and under are admitted free on any day of the event with an adult holding a general admission ticket. Prices for selected premium seats were increased slightly as part of the new program. Visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com for more details or imstix.com to reorder or apply for 2011 Brickyard 400 tickets.(IMS)(8-19-2010)

Indy to run on 7/31: nothing announced, but on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Brickyard 400 page, the 2011 racedate is shown as July 31, 2011. A week later then in 2010. Looks like the final 2011 off weekend will be July 23-24th and the 2nd Pocono race on 8/7. All 2011 race dates have been announced except the Brickyard 400, two Pocono race and two Talladega races, but by basically looking at the 2011 schedule as it stands, pretty easy to place those race dates. See more on my 2011 Sprint Cup Schedule page. Supposedly NASCAR is to announced the 2011 Sprint Cup schedule sometime today, August 18, 2010, but nothing yet as of 3:30pm/et.(8-18-2010)

IMS could take Nationwide race from ORP: Indianapolis Motor Speedway's answer to dwindling interest in NASCAR's Brickyard 400 apparently includes acquiring the Nationwide Series race held at O'Reilly Raceway Park. IMS chief executive officer Jeff Belskus confirmed interest in hosting stock car racing's No. 2 series, which has been at ORP for 28 years. It draws an annual crowd of 30,000 the night before the 400. "Our partners have mentioned it to us," Belskus said Thursday. "We are looking for ways to invest in the Brickyard 400." Acquiring rights to the Nationwide race would bring a cash infusion to IMS, which saw attendance for last weekend's race plummet. The television revenue from hosting a Nationwide race is worth about $500,000, or about half of what's needed to offset the sanctioning fee. Increasing the IMS ticket price for Saturday -- currently $15 -- likely would cover much of the rest of the cost, but the real advantage is a bolstering of the weekend schedule. This year, IMS had two hourlong practices Friday, followed by qualifying and two practices Saturday. With Nationwide involved, IMS could showcase nearly non-stop track activity both days, which would be good for suite sales and hospitality. A Nationwide race likely would be run Saturday afternoon at a distance of 200 or 300 miles. Former IMS boss Tony George always resisted the temptation to go after the Nationwide race because he wanted to be a good neighbor to ORP and its owner, NHRA. The other conflict was the Brickyard's sponsor. Allstate, a rival insurance giant, paid upward of $2 million a year over a four-year contract. It isn't clear what ORP, which also has a Camping World Truck Series race, would do if it loses Nationwide to IMS. Belskus said a decision by his organization and NASCAR "hasn't been made yet," and it's possible Nationwide could run an additional race at ORP on a different weekend.(Indianapolis Star)(7-30-2010)
UPDATE: The NASCAR Nationwide Series is staying at O'Reilly Raceway Park, its home for 28 years. Late Monday, NASCAR informed the NHRA, which owns ORP, the 2011 race would not be moved to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which in the wake of attendance drops is looking to beef up its schedule on Brickyard 400 weekend. "It's very good news," ORP spokesman Scott Smith said. "A lot of people were very much wanting to see it stay here."(Indianapolis Star)(8-4-2010)

New Ticket Prices for 2011 Brickyard 400: A new, two-tiered ticket pricing program is creating even more value and a wider variety of options for fans attending the 2011 Brickyard 400. Prices have been cut in selected rows of specific grandstands at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series mid-summer classic. Race Day general admission ticket prices also have been reduced. “This new ticket pricing program will make the Brickyard 400 more accessible to more fans while also providing more choices for value-conscious consumers,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO. “The combination of more affordable ticket prices, exciting racing from the stars of NASCAR and the great new fan experiences we created in 2010, such as the Brickyard Beach Bash and Family Fun Area, should produce a very memorable Brickyard 400 in the final year of our Centennial Era.”
Brickyard 400 Race Day ticket prices have been cut in the lower rows of the Southeast Vista, Southwest Vista, Northeast Vista and H Stand grandstands. Prices in those rows range from $50-65, a reduction of $20 over 2010 prices. Brickyard 400 Race Day general admission tickets, which debuted in 2010 at $40, are available for 2011 at the reduced price of $30 in advance, $35 on Race Day. Prices for selected premium seats were increased slightly as part of the new program. Visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com for more details or http://www.imstix.com to reorder or apply for 2011 Brickyard 400 tickets. The 2011 Brickyard 400 is scheduled for Sunday, July 24, 2011, subject to any changes on the final NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule.(IMS)(8-3-2010)

Roundtrip Race Day Shuttle Service To Be Offered For Brickyard 400 Fans: The Town of Speedway is facilitating roundtrip bus service for 2010 Brickyard 400 fans on Race Day, Sunday, July 25 at four convenient locations, including three in downtown Indianapolis and one at Indianapolis International Airport. Service in air-conditioned shuttles will be provided by the Free Enterprise System, Inc. Handicapped-accessible vehicles will be available on all routes. More info, prices, etc on the IMS site.(7-22-2010)

Avoid Construction, Arrive Early To Indy: NASCAR fans are encouraged to arrive early in the Indianapolis area during the Brickyard 400 on July 23-25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway due to a major Interstate highway construction project west of the racetrack. The southbound Interstate 465 exit to Crawfordsville Road (southbound Exit 16A) is closed for the remainder of 2010 as part of a major reconstruction of I-465 on Indianapolis’ west side. This traditionally has been a popular exit for fans heading to the Speedway from points north and northwest of IMS.
For 2010 Brickyard 400 activities, fans traveling southbound on I-465 should use the 38th Street exit (Exit 17), located one mile north of Crawfordsville Road, and proceed east following signage toward the track.
The Indiana State Police advises spectators to visit its website, www.in.gov/isp, to receive information on the most direct routes to take when arriving and leaving the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Road conditions and construction updates also can be found at the site.
Fans also can avoid traffic and parking issues by using shuttle bus service provided by the Free Enterprise System, Inc. Air-conditioned shuttles will operate from three locations downtown and from Indianapolis International Airport. To purchase a shuttle ticket, or for additional information, log onto www.brickyard400parking.com. IMS officials offer two additional recommendations to fans: plan to leave early for the track, and do not use 16th Street westbound in an attempt to enter via Gate 2, as 16th Street quickly backs up due to the volume of cars attempting to park in the infield. A very limited number of infield parking spaces are available and accessible via Gate 10 on 30th Street – the same gate where fans can park for free in Lot 7. Ample parking also is available in IMS Lot 1B (the “Coke Lot”) at 25th Street and Georgetown Road. A map of IMS parking lots is available by clicking here. On Brickyard 400 Race Day, public gates open at 7 a.m., and the race begins at 1 p.m. For additional information, and a complete schedule of the events, visit www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.(IMS)(7-21-2010)

Sprint Cup Hauler parade in Speedway IN: Brickyard 400 fans can get an up-close view of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series “haulers” – the semi trucks carrying the stock cars competing July 25 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway – at the second annual Hauler Parade and Festival on Thursday, July 22 on Speedway’s Main Street. The event takes place from 5-8:30 pm, with live music featuring local country music act KJ & TKJ’s kicking off activities at 5 pm at the corner of 15th and Main Streets – across the street from popular local restaurant Dawson’s on Main. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series haulers – approximately 50 are expected – will arrive at 6 pm in parade fashion behind the 2010 Brickyard 400 Pace Car and park on Main Street from just south of 15th Street in two lines stretching to 10th Street. A media pit stop competition, featuring local on-air personalities, is scheduled to get underway at 6:30 pm. Dawson’s will have food and beverages available for purchase throughout the event, and parking will be available on Speedway town streets west of Main and also at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s gravel Main Gate Parking Lot, located on the south side of 16th Street east of the Speedway gas station. Fans can also watch the haulers parade north on Main Street and east on 16th Street at 8 p.m., as they depart the Hauler Parade and Festival single-file and enter the Indianapolis Motor Speedway grounds for the Brickyard 400.
Tickets are on sale now for the Brickyard 400. Tickets can be purchased online at www.imstix.com at any time. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information. General admission tickets will be available for Brickyard 400 Race Day – at a value price of just $40 each – for the first time at this year’s event, Sunday, July 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.(IMS)(7020-2010)

Brickyard 400 National Anthem songer announced: Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman to sing the national anthem before the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 25. Chapman’s most recent release on Sparrow Records, “Beauty Will Rise,” is likely the most important of his recording career of more than 20 years. Chapman’s unflinching honesty is evident on the record as he sings about the tragic passing of his 5-year-old daughter, Maria. The performance by Chapman bolsters an already impressive lineup of national and regional talent performing live during the Brickyard 400 weekend July 23-25. All concerts are free to ticket holders each day at the track. Another addition is IMS fan favorite Casey Jamerson, an Indianapolis native. Rising country music artist Jamerson will perform a pre-race concert at 11am/et Sunday, July 25 on the Plaza Stage in the Pagoda Plaza. The headline act of the music lineup Saturday, July 24 is Capitol Records Nashville singer-songwriter Luke Bryan. The Miller Lite Cars and Guitars concert starts at noon on the Plaza Stage. The musical lineup Friday, July 23 features two shows on the Plaza Stage, popular country duo Cooke & Belle at 11:30 a.m. and teen singer-songwriter sensations Anna Margaret and Josh Golden at 5 p.m
Tickets are on sale now for the Brickyard 400. Tickets can be purchased online at www.imstix.com at any time. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information. General admission tickets will be available for Brickyard 400 Race Day – at a value price of just $40 each – for the first time at this year’s event, Sunday, July 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.(IMS)(7-19-2010)

Luke Bryan to perform at Indy: Capitol Records Nashville singer-songwriter Luke Bryan will perform Saturday, July 24 on Qualifying Day for the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Miller Lite Cars and Guitars concert starts at noon (ET) on the Plaza Stage in the Pagoda Plaza. It’s free to all ticket holders that day at IMS. Tickets are on sale now for the Brickyard 400. Tickets can be purchased online at www.imstix.com at any time. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information. General admission tickets will be available for Brickyard 400 Race Day – at a value price of just $40 each – for the first time at this year’s event, Sunday, July 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.(IMS)(7-15-2010)

Free Digital Brickyard 400 Guide Available: Fans can enhance their experience at the Brickyard 400 on July 23-25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by reading the event’s digital 2010 Guest Guide available now at the IMS website. View the Guide at indianapolismotorspeedway.com. The Guide is free.
The 16-page guide, available exclusively online, includes information about the event, including the schedule, directions, parking and transportation, a facility map, storylines, merchandise and concession locations and much more. The interactive guide also is enhanced by embedded video and photos, creating a rich multimedia experience for fans. Fans also can select from one of five colorful covers featuring three-time event winner Jimmie Johnson, two-time winner and Indiana native Tony Stewart and more.
Tickets are on sale now for the Brickyard 400. Tickets can be purchased online at www.imstix.com at any time. Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information. General admission tickets will be available for Brickyard 400 Race Day – at a value price of just $40 each – for the first time at this year’s event, Sunday, July 25 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.(IMS)(7-14-2010)

Artist Erwin Dazelle paints the cover for the Brickyard 400 Program: Internationally acclaimed French artist Erwin Dazelle was named by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as the 2010 Brickyard 400 Official Program Artist. Dazelle’s program cover for the 2010 Brickyard 400, set for July 23-25, depicts Jimmie Johnson’s #48 and Jeff Gordon’s #24 Chevrolets, two of the most decorated Brickyard 400 drivers and two of the most recognized NASCAR Sprint Cup race cars of the decade, as well as an iconic image of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway featuring the Yard of Bricks and the Pagoda. Dazelle, 35, from Bayonne, France, is one of the top artists in the southwest of France and the Basque country. Dazelle will attend the 2010 Brickyard 400 and will be on hand to meet the fans at the track throughout the weekend. To learn more about Dazelle, visit www.dazelleusa.com.(IMS)(7-10-2010)

Earlier Indy 500 start time likely: An earlier starting time for the Indianapolis 500 to accommodate drivers wishing to compete in it and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day is likely to happen, Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Jeff Belskus said this week. "We're inclined to change our starting time," Belskus said. "We do want to try to make it happen." Belskus said ABC, which owns television rights to the 500, has been consulted and hasn't indicated it would oppose a switch to 11 a.m. from the current 1 p.m. The idea gained momentum in May when Bruton Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports Inc., proposed putting up a $20 million bonus for any driver who could win both races on the same day. Smith and Indy Racing League CEO Randy Bernard were asked about the status of their negotiations last weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "We've had some dialogue on some big ideas," Bernard said as Smith nodded his assent. Neither would elaborate.(Indianapolis Star)(7-3-2010)

Bruton offers a driver $20 million if wins both Indy 500 & Coke 600: On Thursday night’s edition of NASCAR Race Hub, reporter Wendy Venturini scored an exclusive sit-down interview with Speedway Motorsports Inc., chairman Bruton Smith. As part of the interview, Smith talks of ongoing discussions with his counterparts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway about the possibility of linking the famed Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 … with the possibility that a driver who wins both on the same day earning a $20 million bonus.
Bruton Smith: "We do … we do … we want to surprise the fans. Every time they come, we want them to say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know about that.’ I’m working on something now that I thought would be great, for say, next year. And that is we’ll maybe do something that would cause drivers to get more interested in running (the Indianapolis 500) and then coming here and … driving 1,100 miles of racing. It would take a Superman-type driver to (win both events)."
NASCAR Race Hub: I thought the reason some of the drivers backed away from doing (both events) was … I don’t know … a conflict of the (start) times?
Bruton Smith: "I’ve talked to Indianapolis and they would start their race at 11 o’clock … we’d have a jet waiting for the drivers. They’d land right here. We’d helicopter them (to the track) and they’d have ample time before they had to get in their car to win the 600. So, we have five or six drivers that could accomplish (winning both events on the same day)."(SPEED)(5-14-2010)

If Danica Dominates Daytona, Fans win Indy Ticket deals: New Indianapolis 500 ticket customers can cash in on Danica Patrick’s participation in the ARCA Racing Series season opener Saturday, Feb. 6 at Daytona International Speedway. It’s up to Danica how much they’ll cash in. If Patrick leads many laps, she’ll drive big Tower Terrace ticket price reductions for the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 30 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. She is driving the #7 Go Daddy machine for Andretti Autosport in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” For instance, if Patrick leads 40 laps, fans will receive a $40 reduction from the regular $90 price of a Tower Terrace ticket purchased between Saturday, Feb. 6 through Saturday Feb. 13. If she leads all 80 laps of the race, fans will receive the $90 ticket for $10! In honor of Patrick’s ground-breaking 19-lap run at the front in the closing laps of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race in 2005, the Speedway will offer at least $19 savings on Tower Terrace tickets for the 2010 Indy 500 purchased during the promotion dates. If Patrick leads 19 or fewer laps in the #7 JR Motorsports Chevy, the ticket price reduction remains $19. The promotion is for new purchases of Tower Terrace tickets only. Tower Terrace is located along the Speedway’s main straightaway, also providing an excellent view of pit lane. Beginning immediately following the ARCA race Feb. 6, fans can purchase the discounted tickets online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com. The specially priced seats will be available 24 hours per day until 11:59pm/et Saturday, Feb. 13.(IMS)(2-5-2010)

Tony George resigned from posts at Indy: The Board of Directors of Hulman & Company and affiliated companies, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has received the resignation of Anton H. “Tony” George from the board of directors effective immediately, according to Mari Hulman George, chairman. “As members of his family, we are sorry to see Tony leave,” said Mrs. George. “We are grateful for his service to our company as a board member and of course for formerly serving as CEO and president of our companies. I speak for our whole family in wishing him well. All of us had hoped that Tony would continue to serve on the board, and we made that clear to him. We are disappointed with his decision to step down despite our wishes.” His resignation removes George from any remaining role in Hulman & Company, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy Racing League, IMS Productions and other affiliated companies. His term as CEO of the family companies ended June 30, 2009. He continues to be involved in racing through his ownership of Vision Racing, a competitor in the IZOD IndyCar Series of the Indy Racing League. The board vacancy will be addressed at a later date. In addition to Mari Hulman George, board members include Nancy George, Josie George, Kathi George-Conforti and Jack Snyder. Mari Hulman George said she is very pleased with the direction of the company and the progress that has been made during the last six months. “Our company is healthy and is weathering the economic recession well,” she said. “Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Curt Brighton, president and CEO of Hulman & Company, are both doing excellent jobs in guiding our companies through this difficult time. Many hard decisions have been made, and now our companies are well positioned for the future.”(IMS)(1-20-2010)

Allstate terminates Brickyard sponsorship: Allstate and Indianapolis Motor Speedway are ending their five-year title sponsorship arrangement for naming rights to the NASCAR race at the track. It was run Sunday for the final time as the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Speedway spokesman Ron Green said it's unlikely a replacement will be sought and the race will return to its former name as the Brickyard 400. Allstate, in a statement, cited "stronger (results) in other properties" for not renewing its sponsorship.(Indianapolis Star)(7-27-2009)