The second blog from the month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is about Fast Friday which occurs the week before the Indy 500. Fast Friday refers to the final practice session before qualifying, since the fastest speeds are usually seen on this day. Will Power had the fastest lap of the day and reached a speed of 232.672 mph in the #12 Team Penske. Hope you like the photos.

May 20 is Fast Friday!

On Friday morning media and guests were taken on two-seater Indy Car rides to experience what its like to race around the IMS.

Before the Fast Friday practice session started I took a walk around the paddock. Firestone had a great exhibit with a Bigfoot Monster truck and Indy Car display car.

Each year, college-aged women are selected to take part in the 500 Festival Princesses Program, who serve as ambassadors of the 500 Festival.

Bryan Herta, Michael Andretti, and Alexander Rossi were on hand to unveil the NAPA Auto Parts livery for the #98 Andretti Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian. Who could imagine the amazing race that this team would have at next week’s Indy 500.

Map credit – www.fly-jet.biz/tickets.php

For the start of the practice session headed over to the outside of Turn 4 so could get front shots of the cars as they entered pit lane or the front straight. Here’s a wide shot to give you an idea of what this part of the track looks like.

Now for a “high speed” wide shot of Spencer Pigot in the #16 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Alexander Rossi entering pit lane in the #98 Andretti Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian.

Jack Hawksworth in the #41 A.J. Foyt Enterprises.

Tried some “artsy shots” by incorporating the white K-wall in the photos. First up is “Into the white space” with Ed Carpenter in the #20 Ed Carpenter Racing.

Another version of “Into the white space” with Will Power who had the fastest lap of the day and reached a speed of 232.672 mph in the #12 Team Penske.

“Along the white wall” with Pippa Mann in the #63 Dale Coyne Racing.

As the practice session progressed headed to the front straight for some pit lane shots.  #77 Oriol Servia Schmidt Peterson with Marotti Racing.

Alex Tagliani in the #35 A.J. Foyt Enterprises.

Sebastien Bourdain driver of the #11 KVSH Racing checking his tires.

Firestone did a great job with the tires for the 100th running of the Indy 500 by having the names of the winners on the tires.

The great Mario Andretti.

A beautiful smile.

Matt Brabham driver of the #61 PIRTEK Team Murray signing autographs.

Ryan Hunter-Reay driver of the #28 Andretti Autosport.

Alexander Rossi driver of the #98 Andretti Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian.

At the end of the day their was a draw for qualifying positions for Qualifications Day. Was great too see drivers, family, and team members take part in the draw. The first spot in the qualifications position draw went to Tony Kanaan. Looking forward to Qualifications Day!