"aXe From The Brickyard"
2012 aXe at the Brickyard
I am at the speedway again, I will try for the same program as last year I will post at least once adaywhat I see and hear. Come on back and see some of what I see here.
Tuned Exhaust System
The Speedometer drive gears seen her inside that wheel
2 of theAutomatic Grease pots on the car left one is for Tie Rod right one is for King Pin
The car has just about everything well polished here is the fuel Tank
Look at all the Brass that first caught My Eye
Speedometer in big top Gauge
Hey thats Me in that reflection
One huge Chain to drive this car
#20 The last one for 2012
June 1 2012
BETE NOIR
also known as the
Black Beast part II by aXe
also known as the
Black Beast part II by aXe
Tuned Exhaust System
The Speedometer drive gears seen her inside that wheel
2 of theAutomatic Grease pots on the car left one is for Tie Rod right one is for King Pin
The car has just about everything well polished here is the fuel Tank
Look at all the Brass that first caught My Eye
Speedometer in big top Gauge
Hey thats Me in that reflection
One huge Chain to drive this car
#19
May 29 2012 THE BETE NOIR part I also known as the,
by aXe
by aXe
This will be part one. The second part will show more of the car and its racing history as it was only involved in a few races .
Bete Noire running at the Indianapolis speedway last year
Notice how skinny the tries are on the
Front view of the car
Front view of the car
Looking closer at the Radiator on the lower left there is a little brass knob what is it for?
Looking at the right hand side of the engine that is one big Carburetor and the rod along side of it goes to the carb used for the choke it is connected to that brass knob on the lower left front of the Radiator
Long black tank with the rod going back to a water valve type handle is for adding oil as it is needed
The Bosch Magneto is Huge
This shot shows most of the length of the speedometer drive cable Starting from right in front of the word Noir going forward to the right front wheel area You can see barely the drive gear through the center of the wheel
Brake on left and 4 speed Gear shift on right with the Fire extinguisher beside them
This car sure seemed (1 was a Speedometer) to have a lot of things on it that most other race cars didn't have and it was and still is a very good looking car.By aXe
#18
Ralph Corwin has been going to the INDY 500 for quite a few years now,
Here are a few photos He took of this years INDY 500
After the race photos at bottom of page are by aXe
Main entrance to the Infield goes right past the Museum
Mario Andretti gets in a Ceremonial lap in a Vintage Indy Winning car
Simona gets a "Good Luck" thumbs up from Ralph Corwin
Ceremonial lap in Memory of Dan Wheldon in His winning car from last year
A RACE Fan ready for the race with sunglasses handed out at the track in memory of Dan Wheldon
Fly over after the National Anthem
Ceremonial Balloons released start is near
Perfectly aligned front row for the pace lap the Green Flag is next
The Green Flag is out and the Race is ON!
Heavy Traffic all through out the race this year good examples are in above and below photos
Marco Andretti looking like a Winner Early
Will Power on left after hitting a crashing Mike Conway in the wall right as Ryan Hunter Reay goes by
A Spinning Bryan CLauson
Ana Beatriz spinning out just missed by Ed Carpenter and Mike Conway
Winner photos by aXe below
One of the winners objectives is to get His Face on this Borg Warner trophy
One of the winners objectives is to get His Face on this Borg Warner trophy
Dario in the winners official pose with the Trophy and neck Flowers Garland
Dario with His car owner Chip Ganassi and them showing 3 fingers for their 3 wins
Dario, Chip and the Firestone Tires crew
May 24 2012
#17
A vintage Race car that has a very interesting History.
more on this car later photo by aXe
Did you ever hear of PUSH CARS?
Every year they trot out this little push car with the Bowes logo on it.
They were big deal back in the thirties before they changed to Soap Box Derby cars then 1/4 midgets Go karts and on and on today!
photos taken at Community day at the Speedway by aXe
May 23 2012#16
Al Unsers 1970 & 71 back to back Indy 500 wins!
While in the speedway Meusum last week I Saw the two winners of the Vels Parnelli Jones "COLT" Indy car driven by Al Unser Sr. He did it back to back. While most even Myself thought it was done in the same car. It wasnt, So here are a couple of side photos I took looking at some of the differences in those two cars.The car on the left is the 1970 winner and the car on the right is the 1971 winning car that had a slimmed down body compared to the 70 winner.If you look close You will notice the fuel tank is much closer to the main part of the body
aXe
May 22 2012 mid day
#15
This was posted on face book it is a neat short movie on the 500 Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnpSkUNN7kY
aXe
More on the 1903 Carl Fisher Premier Spl, by aXe
With A couple of off days from the Indy cars.
I want to show you a little more of this car
Pretty neat stats. Wow only 2,320 lbs with 100 Hp from 923.43 cui! And it ran at least once clocked at 59.21 mph
I only posted this one photo of it before. As it sits in the speedway Museum.
Notice it is Air cooled, I guess it had to be with all those hole drilled in it.
Notice it is Air cooled, I guess it had to be with all those hole drilled in it.
The car wasnt built for the Indy 500 race, It was built for the Vanderbilt cup race and ironicly it couldnt pass Tech inspection, So it seems it never was raced?
Wow who would have ever wanted to drive this monster? For it surely must have thrown oil and grease all over the Driver and Riding mechanic.
Look closely at this photo, You can see the exposed Rocker arms and even down below the exposed Connecting rods on the crankshaft.
Wow someone ( riding Mechanic) must have been busy keeping all that exposed stuff well oiled.
Wow someone ( riding Mechanic) must have been busy keeping all that exposed stuff well oiled.
No doubt the Driver would have had a well greased left arm from that chain grease.
I wonder why it was never made legal for the race it was built for and if it ever did race anywhere else?
May 21 2012 mid day
#14
Up Date on the 270 OFFENHAUSER Ground Pounder for Bonneville Salt FlatS
The missing member from last post Bill Wendt with Jerry Carbone admiring their hard work
I went back over to Mac Millers place and they have accomplished a lot more since My last visit.
Here are a few more updated photos from there
New Dry Sump Oil tank added to the front cross member and
do you see that huge roll cage back there? SCTA Mandatory
over on the right is the Fiber glass Tail section for the car
over on the right is the Fiber glass Tail section for the car
Well You have to go by the rules set for out there on the Salt.
How much wind resistance do You think it adds to the car?
They are shooting for a class record of 200 mph+ . Wind resistance wont help.
They are shooting for a class record of 200 mph+ . Wind resistance wont help.
Notice how another main rail needed to be added to support that roll cage
by aXe
May 19 2012 mid day
#13
Clauson Crashes He said they would go to back up car, Sarah said that the primary car would be ready tomorrow .
About an hour earlier Clauson was relaxed and confident during a radio interview.
Gasoline Alley Garage Signs by aXe
While strolling through the garages I saw some very good art work for the garage signs.
A few are below.
This one seemed to be the best one in My opinion.
Well now it seems Panther racing went to the next level with their signs didn't they?
Now that said below here is what the average signs is like, now there are better but most are just to plain like the ones below
Now here is another good point, Why not have a contest for best Garage sign?
aXe
May 18 2012 mid day
#12
SURPRISE SURPRISE! These cars can go FAST but its only for a couple of days!
Well right up to 225+ mph and climbing. Just wait they are still in training with these new cars. Some more might show their hands at Happy hour this evening?
Right now at 2:24 pm fastest is Ryan Hunter Reay 226.227.
It is gatting warm and that might slow them for the rest of the afternoon but just wait for Happy Hour speeds will pick up again.
Next big question when they take the boost away from them and the race is in big packs like some predict will this be like a nascar race and lead to the big wreck?
aXe
The Big hole at the Indianapolis spdwy?
I have heard more than one driver say, The passing in the race is going to be very busy,
photo by aXe
Will Power
This guy above is on a tear in the Indy cars series what will He do here? Well dont count Him out He has His eyes set on it for sure!
These cars build a big hole in the air and that will make for the big sling shot for passing. However one driver drive complained that the big hole makes for a big wall when you get along side of the car you are passing, Time will tell on race day.
However today that big hole doenst come into play. They will be on the track alone and trying to get the most out of these new cars.That will be with the extra added boost.
Some predict at least 4mph more with the extra turbo boost? That is compared to the around 200mph with out a tow in practice. So is 224 mph possiable? Time will tell.
aXe
Would you like to go fast?
Well here is your chance, They give two seater indy car rides most mornings here. Just go down past the entrance to the garages and sign up and pay for a ride. I hear they ocasionaly have raffles for free rides. it surely is a once in a life time thrill.
Here is a happy rider going down the front straight at Indianapolis
Two of the 3 cars here for riders
Get on down there and sign up for a ride, then you can get fitted for Your own driving suit
Two of the 2 seater cars available for rides
The cars are fitted with the older Honda Indy car engines
certainly with enough Horse Power to thrill anyone.
#11
Coming up Today "FAST FRIDAY"!
Here in Indianapolis for the 500 it is time Turn up the Boost! Lets see how fast they can go.
OOps wait a minute now that is only a max of a 3 day thing, Then they go back wards with the turning back down of the Boost?
well, Finaly will we get to see someone go faster or are they really that slow with way to much down force? Toss out the Towing of anyone and lets get it on. Is this new car a good one or just a road course deal?
We will know more after tomarrow.
aXe
May 17 2012
#10
270 OFFENHAUSER Ground Pounder for the Bonneville Salt Flats
You say What? Yes A Vintage reproduction 1962 270 Offy Powered Watson Roadster
like the scale model below, for the Salt Flats!
like the scale model below, for the Salt Flats!
On My Trips up to Indianapolis for the 500 I almost allways stop by Mac Millers shop.
Mac Below all strapped in and ready to go in one of His creations the Boyle Valve Spl.
Mac Below all strapped in and ready to go in one of His creations the Boyle Valve Spl.
"mac miller's garage" I love any race car whose last name is "Special"
Check out Mac'S web page you will find out most everything about Indy roadsters in there.
I went by there last night and there was a crew from Florida putting together a car to run on the Bonneville Salt Flats in august.
David Johnston, Jerry Carbone and Bill Wendt.
These are My kinda guys as they all own at least one Vintage Midget and they all run them in a Florida Vintage Group.
Back to the car under construction in Macs shop.
They have a 1956 AJ Watson copy under construction. it will be 270 OFFY powered and have as a motif for its looks the colors of the 1962 Rodger Ward, #3 AJ Watson Roadster He won the 500 with that year seen.
Two of the guys who spear head this project David Johnston &
Sorry I didnt get
Jerry Carbone
Sorry I didnt get
Bill Wendt
in a photo
Left front corner and mock up 270 OFFY
That u shaped bent tube on the left below is one of the Roll bar cage supports required by SCTA.
That u shaped bent tube on the left below is one of the Roll bar cage supports required by SCTA.
From the front looking back the car is all Coil over sprung
As You can see they are using all top flight equipment.
A 2 speed
What do You think of the neat starter set up above the gear box?
Neat steering box below
Brakes and the Hubs are all from Wilwood
Well they sure have their work cut out for them if their plan on making the August meet in Bonneville is met? It sure can be done but lots of midnight oil is needed for sure between now and then.
This Project just might be enough incentive to get Me out there again on the Salt. I have missed the last 3 years now and sure am aching to get out there again. I would just love to hear this thing GROWL or maybe out on the Salt Hear it SING?
If You have been out there You will surely understand? If You havent been out there you dont have any idea just what you are missing!
aXe
May 16 2012
#9
Noseing around the Garages again
by aXe,
But there isnt anything to see on any one car that none of the other cars dont have anymore it seems. Well there is one thing different on all the cars it is the paint scheme, nicest looking Penske cars in years!
One Unusual thing I spotted was the exhaust openings, The left side exhauset seems to be lot bigger than the right side on the Hondas
I am at a loss as to why this is?
The difference is pretty obvious Turbo must be on the left side?
Wandering around the garage aeras it is Pretty quiet so far maybe when they get that extra boost it will get more exciting?
Funny thing happened today it seems the big teams have started to wake up (most of the times are big tows though)and show some muscle. they have mostly made the top ten today relegating Newgarden to 12th today .Surely will will be more entartained when they get that extra boost from the turbos?
aXe
#8
Some of the Race car shops signs in the area
by aXeSomething not talked about much out here and that is the number of shops connected to auto racing that are around here, NO not nascar shops, Real race car shops and that includes al Oval open wheel, Vintage Oval as well as Drag racers.
Here are some of the logos on the front of thier respective buildings. I guess I missed the open houses of the drag race group over in Brownsville this year? I was told it was last weekend. I have been to several of their open houses and it is great for a fan to see the insides of those shops. If you have never been You wont believe just what some of those shops have in them. Way Way to much to explain here.
aXe
Welcome to
The signs are pretty much self explanatory
If they arent look them up on the net.
If they arent look them up on the net.
This last one below I was told the Black Helicopters visit there pretty regularly
May 13 2012 Mid Day
#7
Spotted differences in air exit hole on back of the cars
Rear of car on left set up for the Road courses one on right is setup for the speedway with a lot bigger hole to let out trapped air
I Went down to Gasoline Alley in front of the Firestone shop and
sat Down with Bill II and some of the old guys came by
Steve Krisiloff
Bill Simpson
Oh Yea Bill II
Well right in the middle of our conversations Bill II Fell asleep!
#6
I was looking at the new cars and noticed the rear crash box was at least 6 inches longer than the old one. I wondered just what is inside of these boxes so went and found one.
Here is the new box off the car looking front - back, The opening is just below the 2 T bars. That is where it hooks to the car.
The 2 shineyAllen head bolts in-between the T bars hold it in place
The 2 shineyAllen head bolts in-between the T bars hold it in place
Here is a look inside of it, I had heard it had crush-able stuff in it but it is basically empty
One of the old crash boxs or reproduction of one
Here is something else that caught My eyes, it is an add for the Memorabilia show at the speedway, If You are near and collect.
it is a must do show to go to !
www.shellyscloset.com www.integrityrotational.com
Strolling around this am I caught Jesika Gunter Indy Marketing manager making a commercial or?
May 12 2012 Closing in on 6pm deadline for practice
#5
it is around 5pm and they are still running, Joseph Newgarden is still fastest. at 219.795 mph
Then Jakes and Clauson is 3rd
It should start to get hot and heavy here in the next half hr as the days money goes to the quickest by 6pm.
24 cars have been out so far nd the fastest part pof the day is aproaching ,will it bring out anr more cars to try for fast time of the day?
Time is nearing an end and a few more cars have got on the track, 26 have been out today so far. Newgarden still at the top at 220.250, Hildebrand has taken over 2nd at 219 and some change. time is 547pm any takers for quick time of the day? Clauson moved back up to 3rd with a 219.632 7 minutes left. Newgarden is towed back to the garages now. Clauson out one more time, at 214 He wont get there. Now 215 He desperately needs a tow! Newgarden gets the check.
Well now 3 Americans in the top 3? What, where are all the hot dogs, Someone said saving their tires for the Turbo boost increase? what the heck is that all about ?
If You are an American OVAL track fan You know who this is , Bryan Clauson Here coming in after His first few practice laps
A line up of Chevrolet Corvette pace cars on the front straight pit lane
Saw this entry for the Celeberation of Automobiles which had a great turn out My favorite of those I saw was this neat Kurtis 500 Street car
Over behind the museum they put up some portable crash walls and had a few Electric Go Kart races,
I was pleasantly surprised at how fast those karts are.
I then journeyed down the outside of the back stretch and visited Friends in the turn 2 suites
This pictures shows how long the back stretch is from turn 2
Did You ever wonder what the inside of the Hospitality tents look like. Well here is how the captain treat His Troops
May 12 Mid Day
#4
Opening day here in INDY for practice
Good Morning Welcome to My site and the postings for the opening of the month of may and THE 500 here in Indianapolis,
My seat for the duration here about 29 rows back in the media center
I am one of the very few in here this am and the connection to the internet is very very slow? With a bunch more folks due in here I hope the traffic doesn't slow it down anymore? Or all My postings will have to be done at the end of each day back in Plainfield?In the twenty years I have been coming here this year so far seems to be the strangest for Me at least. Gone are almost all the days of practice and the worries of rain storms? Well this sure can come and bite them if the weather comes up bad. Hey it is after all spring time in INDY and RAIN it does usualy and every once in while this Big Blue Marble throws some snow at us! I have some worries that there is not much of the month left to rely on for extra days of practice and or qualifying? So good luck to them for great weather.
I am going to stroll around and see what going on for now back here in a few hrs.
aXe
This little post took almost 15 minutes to do a job that normally takes me about 5 for a post this small?
May 12 2012
#3
A few other things seen at the speedway so far by aXe
Most folks dont know how many School busses Full of area kids get out to the speedway every year. I know there are way to many to even try to count them, Kids are bussed in from all over the area and have talks about the Cars and the Stars even talks about the track and racing withwho how and why its done.Groups of kids are all over this place as many as they bring I am sure surprised at the good manners they show.
Here one of the Track workers inform the kids about the Race Cars
Another worker informs them about the History of the Speedway and all its participants
These Women inform the kids about How and Why the Race Flags are used
Then the corporate things going on are all over the plce it seems. Firestone always has a spot under the stands with a goodie bag for all who stop by.
This year they have this Monster Truck Big Foot with them again this year.
By the way I had in the last post Where the Drivers and Car owners wanted to be at the end of the 500 mile race, Well here is the first step after winning they have, it is to park the winning car on the elevator to raises it up to the winners Circle podium.
May 11 2012 mid day
#2
I spent yesterday just roaming around the track and made one stop at the Museum,
Here are a few photos from My walk.
From inside the Museum
Jimmy Clark's winning Lotus of course they have Indy car winners in there.
They also have other non related things, a RE Dragster
They also have other non related things, a RE Dragster
Check out behind these Motorcycles Related and behind them
RE Dragster?
Craig Breedloves Jet car ?
RE Dragster?
Craig Breedloves Jet car ?
Now here is one that will catch your eyes, Yes most of the insides of that engine are exposed!!! Cam drive shafts right up front below are specs of this engine ASTOUNDING!
Most of you have heard about the Bottle of Milk? Heck even the IMO Fittapaldi fans know all about it
How the Garages look before the names are added to the blank spaces above the front doors
A peak inside the immaculate Penske garage
They have half of one side of garage building about 9 garages all together
What they are all here for The Winners podium
Well Come on back here as You never know what I will find in this place or even around this fabulous town?
There will be more for sure!
#1
Well if its May I must be at the Indianapolis speedway by aXe
This year I am celeberating 20 years since My first 500 mile race here.I wrote articles then for Lenny Calinoff most of which ended up on the internett on his site openwheelracers. They were all lost when Lenny died and no one took the opportunity to buy the site and so it was closed forever.I got here yesterday bright and early, I got on over to the speedway and got all My credentials in order to get in every day there is action going on there.
That place never fails to amaze Me, You just dont go over there and see the Speedway you have to keep your eyes open as every year there seems to be something new going on in there?
I was kinda dissapointed this year as the place seems like it is not dressed up for the big race yet?
Banners and such usualy up by now arent? My guess is opening day is not for a couple of days yet and I hope it will get done by then.
Today was ROP day with the Rookie Orientation Program. All the rookies here have to go through this program and pass it in order to practice and try to try to qualify for the big race. I got a late start as rookies were supposed to start a 9 am but I was told the track was to cold so orintation was held up for at least an hr. So I didnt miss anything.
I understand 6 Rookies for this year got qualified so far.
A few pictures I took today around the track today
Neatest thing I saw today were these thrilled kids kissing the yard of bricks I was told by one of the chaperon's that He had been coming with the kids for several years and this is their biggest thrill and they talk about it for years afterwords
First Trophy given out for the first car race at the Speedway See plaque below
This plaque states it was the first Trophy given out for cars racing at the speedway wasn't the Borg Warner Trophy
Ready To go for Parnelli Jones in the museum is His old ride Calhoun,He set the first 150+mph speed fifty years ago this year. So on pole day He will drive the car in celebration of his feat.
AJ Watches over His Rookie for this year Wade Cunningham
While walking around looking for more photos to take I went to the top of the first turn infield stands,Who was there at the end doing observer duties for the ROP but Arie Luyendyk the INDY 500 Winner We talked for a while in between His driver reports
While walking around looking for more photos to take I went to the top of the first turn infield stands,Who was there at the end doing observer duties for the ROP but Arie Luyendyk the INDY 500 Winner We talked for a while in between His driver reports
Jeff Sinden Safety crew member looks at a very small piece found after track inspection for the ROP Today you can sse just the tip of it by his index finger At 200+mph it could have caused a big problem
JR Hildbrand Smiling again after last years 1.5 million dollar 1 second mistake
Dan Wheldon not forgotten on the wall at the base of the Timing and Scoring Pagoda
June 5 2011
Found around the Speedway May 2011
Whoa!!! it was a little slippery late! Can You say $1.5 big ones gone!
JR Hildebrand
Thanks Rookie!
And the Winner is Dan Wheldon
Well for want of a little fuel pole in 2011?
Scott Dixon
Come on back next year We might could use you then?
Bruno Junqueira
Well at least the guy above Me started out with a ride.
Jacque Lazier
Gutsy Gal after crash and Burn managed to race the 500
Simone Desilvestre
Well now what a little MONEY can do for You.
Ryan Hunter Reay
PAAAAPEEEEER! every year Chuckie doesn't miss a dry day there.
photos by aXe except 1st one found on youtube
May 25 2011
# 12 They got'em all in 33+1
And some are not happy about that 1. And one extra to go home Early,But with some extra CASH for His efforts and the cars owner.
Now thats a question that needs to be answered, What is a qualifying spot worth? Does the Driver have any say if His ride wants to be bought out from under him? Seems to Me You train all year and make the show,the owners then say heres a few bucks We dont need you any more. How would that settle with you if it happened to you?
This sort of thing has been going on for years. Specialy when it comes down to championship time. But still at the 500 MONEY talks and as they say BS walks.But I still dont like it.
I remember a race where the driver and car owner each got paid the winners share for letting a big name take over their car for a race some where else. That was double the money they would have won even if they had won it themselves.
As interesting as the Pole and Bump days were this has come to the front.
I am old school and if You didnt do it you shouldnt be part of it!
But as they say every thing has a price. But should it in this case?
It has wrong conotations for our Youngsters.
YOU CAN BUY ANYTHING! You dont have to earn it just buy it.
Enough about that, Nothing will change that.
The Gals got in. Simone had a rough weekend and still got in,Taped burned hands and all.
Even Patrick had Her moments when it was raining and she was next in line. Lots Said, pray for rain, We have had enought of Her, She is bailing next year for NASCAR Let Her go now.
There were at least 9 that got to go home early, Because they couldnt buy their way in ? That just may be truer than we would like to hear.
I didnt like all the Qualifying changes (to confusing) Some were still thinking that top 24 cars after pole day were locked in ? Not true, only top 9 were locked in.
Still 33 are now in and next up is Carb day on Fri then on to the the Greatest Spectacle in Racing!!!
This isnt the first go around about stuff lots of folks dont like that goes on each year here.And for sure wont be the last!
aXe
May 21 2011
#11
rain and wait
I was told if they get the fast nine started before 6 they go until they all have 1 shot at the pole.
Fast nine are
#77 Alex Tagliania #9 Scott Dixon #10 Dario Franchitti
#98 Dan WHeldon #99 Townsend Bell #67 Ed Carpenter
#12 Will Power #2 Oriol Servia #44 Buddy Rice
These four cars have something in common
Belond Laydown driven by Hanks & Bryan
Vuki drove T&C rdster
Foyt drove Watson rdstrcopy
Rose drove Blue Crown car
And this brought on the end of that
Jimmy Clark in the Chapman Lotus.
I dont think We will ever see it happen again
#9
And Heee's on it
Terrific add to the show of Tom Carnegies words on the pa system. Just for Pole Day.
They are Qualifying .The day bis a little cooler than they have seen so far.
First car out was #34 SebastionSaavedra With a time of 221.526
photo by aXe
He had the pole for about 3 minutes and that time most likely wont hold unless the Rain Gods intervene?
Tag's time is now in the 226mph range NO Tows. He has the pole so far. He complained of wind making Him uncomfortable?
Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung is transported to hospital after crashing this morning
I sure hope the rains stay away?
CastroNeves now on the clock, waved off
The Hot Wheel secret Truck is out of the bag.
photo by aXe
They Will winch it to the top of that ramp as I had guessed.
I had forgotten how crowded it gets around here. They seem to be coming out of the wood work.
Have You seen this guy? Check Him out,
Dont get in His Gun Sites,
He has been the main stay of Penske Qualifying so far this year so far. Boy if those eyes dont say 1800's Gun Fighter I dont know what does?
Well they sure do emit a very concontrated person dealing with whats at hand.
Oh yea it seems He has his team mate the guy who is always smiling Helio right in His Gun Sites for the Pole today? only time will tell if that will happen.
aXe
#7
Their backs are to the wall!
I had the feeling it was going to be a hectic day. They moved up practice and are already on the track 16 cars out and one crash. Tag to top of the list at 228mph He has done this consistantly, first few laps and FAST. in fact He ran only 26 laps yesterday and his 5th was his fastest.
Back to crash, Driver sitting on the ground being attended to, Carted away on stretcher I cant make out who it is? No wing or? To say who it out no public address in here.
aXe
word here, confirmed it was Brisco that crashed? No report on Him yet.
Latest on Ryan Checked and released cleared to drive.
In previous years here for this race (I have been doing this since early 2000) I mainly took pictures and did short quips off the top of My head to others (Len Calinoff, John Levan, and for Indy Race Reports, Miles Nelson,Those guys are all gone now and I can appreciate the hard work they did in their work to bring racing to You. I sure need some one to take pictures and do the small quips now. I have a couple of others coming in next week that will surely help,
#6
Pole day and I am ready
Unlike yesterday the Sun is struggling to shine on Us today.
Weather man is forcasting Strong storms here this afternoon.
This will make for some heavy action here in this morning's practice and the first round of qualifying.
Have you seen the Qualifying procedures yet?
If You get to them and have about a week I would like to know more about them, Call Me. As I dont have time to take an Collegge course in them, I have no idea why they were made so complicated?
Yesterday those sneaky ole Penske guys were just fooling around all day, Actualy running their own programs,race day car setup checks. That is until that 10 Grand came into play, Brisco had his fast lap at lap 96 of 107 laps, The strong Qualifer Power had his fast lap at lap 105 of 106, And smiley Castroneves had his at 109 of 117. Thse 3 guys had average on track laps of around 50 more than anyone else.
I was always told laps, laps, laps only way to really know this place.
Check out allmost all the winnerss they allmost all have laps,laps ,laps here.
So lets go racing I am ready I have had My first ever shot of Red bull and I am ready.
aXe
#3
Lots of talk around the track about this.
You can see its a very tall ramp. second highest thing in the infield. Well over 100 ft tall.
From this angle its hard to tell there is around 300ft in between the take off ramp and the landing ramp
photos by aXe
Lots of guess' as to what will use it. From inline skates, Skate boards, Motorcyvcles to Cars, trucks, or even a monster truck! Then the conversation changes to how are they going to get it up there? Black Helicopter was one guess ?
Now We will just have to wait until it happens to see for sure just what it is?
Stay tuned for the Big Hot wheels show???? May 29th
More on this tomorrow.
aXe
#2
aXe at "THE Brickyard"
Lets See now from yeaterday
Balloon Glow canceled, 3 days of practice canceled all because of the rains,To many days just working on the web site to count and still working on it as You can see, My face is as red as those posts coming up red!!
I did finaly get to see them run and they have been getting a lot of cars on track,Rice came out and in 3 laps was running high 223's without a tow. Thats one thing most dont realize, "THE TOW",it is worth several mph. And You have to be very observent to see if they were towed to thier fast laps?
40 plus drivers have gone out so far.
I hope this rain ends tomorrow as I now have time to take some pictures and there are some good looking paint schemes to photograph.
One thing I did notice is Pippa Mann sure has a kid following as she was mobbed at the crossover where the cars and fans come together at the entrance to Gasoline Alley.
photo by aXe
Pippa and some of the kids
Well keeping My fingers crossed and knocking on wood Tomorrow will be better day for Me and I hope to see lots of laps?
"aXe coming from the Brickyard"
aXe at "THE Brickyard"
#1
This was supposed to be up over a week ago, But as they say "Best laid plans of mice & men". The site is still not up to par, but I will run it this way until I go back to Texas.
I got out to the track just after nine, hearing the roar of a few taking pit stop practice, also with the two seater in the background doing its fan ride deal. It seems there must have been a few wet spots as the safety crew vehicles were doing the dry the track routine parade. We will just have to wait as they still predict scattered showers today?
As I Walked up to the pit entrance From Gasoline alley
it looked like the track was ready for speed
Walking by the Alley Cats there were some there already.
IMPACT Mastercraft Racing Safety has their garage area ready
They look to be able to do safety upgrades to any size person.
IMPACT by Mastercraft Racing Safety supplier
aXe
