Senate passes bill recognizing 100th anniversary of Indy 500, Indy 500 Interest Way Up This Year, Indy 500 drivers spend their rain day planking
Americans began racing cars just as soon as they started to appear on our streets, as evidenced by the fact that the Indianapolis 500 has been going strong for 100 years. The U.S. Senate wanted to tip its collective hat to commemorate that momentous occasion, so our senators decided to pass a resolution officially recognizing the race for its longevity. And since it doesn't cost anything to recognize a date, the resolution was passed unanimously.
In other interesting Indianapolis 500 news, the event's 100-year history also coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Chevrolet. The company and the race are so intertwined that Arthur Chevrolet, who's brother Louis founded the Bowtie Brand, ran the very first Indianapolis 500. Louis actually ran the race himself in 1915 and 1919, while another brother Gaston took first place in 1920. The 2011 Camaro Convertible will fittingly serve as the pace car for this year's event
Race fans waited in long lines Friday to get into the track for practice. IMS officials hope the upswing is a sign of things to come in the days ahead.
"Ticket sales are up about 7 percent over last year. This is the first year in several years that we've seen that trend going up," said Doug Boles, IMS director of public relations. "It's been flat the last few years, so it's nice to see an uptick."
Fans said they're excited about an historic year in Indianapolis 500 history.
"I have four friends coming in from out of town. They are really looking forward to it," said Doug Stuart, who bought Indy 500 tickets.
Boles said the speedway sold out hospitality facilities on Carb Day and the day of the race.
"We have 123 suites, and all of them are sold out," Boles said. "It's really the first time in history that we've been able to sell all of those out."
IMS officials also hope a lot of Indianapolis 500 legends will be a crowd pleaser.
The community of Speedway also hopes to benefit from the crowd, especially after Main Street improvements.
"We get a lot of people from Michigan and Florida," said Cindy Williams, of Leo's Barber Shop. "I've seen a lot of different out-of-state license plates. I'm really looking forward to the race."
Vendors, such as Main Gate Inc. of Avon, are setting up shop along 16th Street and Georgetown Road. They are also hoping for a good year, but worried that weather could dampen the enthusiasm.
"Weather does sometimes take a factor into it," said Melissa Marlar, of Main Gate. "It's a good day today, so hopefully it will stay like that."
It's been a rainy year in Indianapolis, and with not much to do around Gasoline Alley today but pray for a Texas drought, the racing hopefuls for this year's Indianapolis 500 practiced their planking skills.
For the unfamiliar, "planking" is making your body into a plank and seeing just how strangely you can stack it. (Also, pics or it doesn't happen.) That's Scott Dixon above, getting an assist in his plank form from the helmet, but he wouldn't win the day based on the
Americans began racing cars just as soon as they started to appear on our streets, as evidenced by the fact that the Indianapolis 500 has been going strong for 100 years. The U.S. Senate wanted to tip its collective hat to commemorate that momentous occasion, so our senators decided to pass a resolution officially recognizing the race for its longevity. And since it doesn't cost anything to recognize a date, the resolution was passed unanimously.
In other interesting Indianapolis 500 news, the event's 100-year history also coincides with the 100-year anniversary of Chevrolet. The company and the race are so intertwined that Arthur Chevrolet, who's brother Louis founded the Bowtie Brand, ran the very first Indianapolis 500. Louis actually ran the race himself in 1915 and 1919, while another brother Gaston took first place in 1920. The 2011 Camaro Convertible will fittingly serve as the pace car for this year's event
Race fans waited in long lines Friday to get into the track for practice. IMS officials hope the upswing is a sign of things to come in the days ahead.
"Ticket sales are up about 7 percent over last year. This is the first year in several years that we've seen that trend going up," said Doug Boles, IMS director of public relations. "It's been flat the last few years, so it's nice to see an uptick."
Fans said they're excited about an historic year in Indianapolis 500 history.
"I have four friends coming in from out of town. They are really looking forward to it," said Doug Stuart, who bought Indy 500 tickets.
Boles said the speedway sold out hospitality facilities on Carb Day and the day of the race.
"We have 123 suites, and all of them are sold out," Boles said. "It's really the first time in history that we've been able to sell all of those out."
IMS officials also hope a lot of Indianapolis 500 legends will be a crowd pleaser.
The community of Speedway also hopes to benefit from the crowd, especially after Main Street improvements.
"We get a lot of people from Michigan and Florida," said Cindy Williams, of Leo's Barber Shop. "I've seen a lot of different out-of-state license plates. I'm really looking forward to the race."
Vendors, such as Main Gate Inc. of Avon, are setting up shop along 16th Street and Georgetown Road. They are also hoping for a good year, but worried that weather could dampen the enthusiasm.
"Weather does sometimes take a factor into it," said Melissa Marlar, of Main Gate. "It's a good day today, so hopefully it will stay like that."
It's been a rainy year in Indianapolis, and with not much to do around Gasoline Alley today but pray for a Texas drought, the racing hopefuls for this year's Indianapolis 500 practiced their planking skills.
For the unfamiliar, "planking" is making your body into a plank and seeing just how strangely you can stack it. (Also, pics or it doesn't happen.) That's Scott Dixon above, getting an assist in his plank form from the helmet, but he wouldn't win the day based on the
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