2016 – 100th Running of the Indy 500 (May 29)

The final blog from the month of May from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is about the 100th Running of the Indy 500. A sellout crowd witnessed Alexander Rossi win this historic race in the #98 Andretti Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian. Being at the Indy 500 and the events leading up to this race was an experience of a lifetime. Many thanks to everyone who made this possible and for their help. Hope you like the photos.

The 100th running of the Indy 500 at the IMS was a sell-out for the first time in this events history, with an estimated 350,000 people attending. To put this number in perspective the Indy Star did some interesting comparisons including “more people than attended the last four Super Bowls, 1 out of every 1000 people in the U.S. will be at the Indy 500 on Sunday etc.”. Due to this large crowd, I arrived at the track around 4 am to avoid the traffic and crowds that would be at the track for the gate opening at 6.00 am. The Pagoda looked beautiful bathed in lights under the early morning sky.

Took a walk around the paddock during the early morning hours. Started off in the Glamping (short for Glamorous Camping) which is a camping area with the amenities of a hotel including electricity, private showers, private restrooms and infield parking.

Worked my way back to the Midway which is an area close to the Pagoda for fans to enjoy several attractions and vendor stands.

Pre-race festivities started around 8 am. Hearing and seeing the bag pipes being played along pit lane in front of the Pagoda was incredible.

The Borg-Warner Trophy March to the Bricks.

Public Safety Members delivered the Green Flag to actor Chris Pine (Captain Kirk from Star Trek).

Being on pit lane for the pre-race activities was an amazing experience. Wherever you looked something was happening. As I was walking down pit lane saw Tony Kanaan (right), Scott Dixon, (middle), Max Chilton (middle), Charlie Kimball (left) and their families.

Roger Penske and guests.

Moments later historic cars from 1911 to 2011 with former Indy 500 winners were making their way down pit lane.

Members of the armed services made their way down pit lane with the cheers from the thankful public.

Around 11.30 am driver introductions commenced in front of the Pagoda. Ryan Hunter-Reay driver of the #28 Andretti Autosport and one of his sons.

Mario Andretti and Lady Gaga.

500 Festival Princess Program.

The Stars and Stripes and flags of the armed services.

F-18 flyover.

Spectators and teams were eager for the Indy 500 to start.

The race is on!

Pit stop for Gabby Chaves in the #19 Dale Coyne Racing.

Race officials in pit lane.

The front wing of Conor Daly’s #18 Dale Coyne Racing needed to be replaced due to front end damage.

Dale Coyne Racing team member.

Shirts for America.

Pit exit burnt-out by Bryan Clauson in the #88 Dale Coyne/Jonathan Byrd’s Racing.

Slick tire.

The crowd were on their feet to celebrate Alexander Rossi winning the 100th Running of the Indy 500 in the Andretti Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian in his rookie year.