Let’s start this one off with a complete disclosure.
I, Danny Bridges, your favorite sports curmudgeon, love the Indianapolis 500 more than anything in this universe.
Now just because l’ve been to the last 56 races in one form or another doesn’t mean l know everything, but l can tell you where the best hot dog stand at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is located and where you should sit for a great view if you’re considering purchasing tickets.
Every year, those of the same brethren are worked up into a frenzy about what May at IMS is all about, and we wonder if we will again witness something marvelous by simply being there every day for this labor of love.
This May indeed offered some storylines that were simply head scratchers culminating in a rather subdued running of the 109th running of the Indy 500.
First, there was the controversy involving Team Penske when two of their cars failed pre-qualifying inspection and were first penalized by Indycar, and then sanctioned even further by team owner Roger Penske, who then terminated the longtime key personnel involved with the cars driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power. Both entries were also fined substantially and relegated to the rear of the field for their starting positions.
The Pole position for the Indianapolis 500 would be captured by a rookie who had never competed on an oval venue, so when Prema Racing’s Robert Shwartzman posted the quickest time of the day, it was both surprising and dramatic for those fans in attendance to witness it.
Race day weather conditions at IMS were unseasonably cool, and that, coupled with the cloud cover, provided challenges in terms of the track temperature and how tires would respond.
While the start of the event was delayed due to rain, once the green flag was waved, there was no precipitation during the race.
While 45 laps of caution conditions marred the race, the best driver in the series, Alex Palou, got it right and continued his remarkable season-long dominance by taking the lead on lap 187 and outpacing Marcus Ericsson to capture his first Indianapolis 500 victory.
Notes: All reserved seating was sold in advance for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, and as a result, the local broadcast blackout was lifted accordingly.
While there was improvement in the television ratings, Fox Sports struggled at times with both camera angles and the replays shown to viewers. While the telecast of such a marquee event is a daunting task, improvement is needed and hopefully occurs.
IndyCar post-race inspections found violations within the second-place finishing car driven by Marcus Ericsson. As a result, the Andretti Autosport entry was penalized, and its finishing position changed, which resulted in the forfeiture of substantial prize money.
NTT Series President Doug Boles had a difficult May at IMS, but despite the aforementioned competitor infractions, he provided stability and great leadership throughout it all. Kudos to a guy who never sleeps in May for showing remarkable energy and demonstrating great character.
Many people have chastised Roger Penske this month as it pertains to the race teams he owns and the rules violations levied at them. I find it truly amazing to think anyone can question his personal integrity.
No one lost more sleep these last two weeks than Penske and when he cleaned house by firing key members of his executive staff as a result of the situation, he sent a strong message to those in the sport. In my opinion his incredible reputation is still intact and despite the great embarrassment he’s endured from individuals he hired, l believe he’ll get the matter resolved and get back to business in the same manner in we all are accustomed to.
Simply put, Penske doesn’t have to break rules to win races and subsequent championships.
His legacy is intact, and he will fully rebound from all of this.
Finally, as race fans, we are witnessing a truly epic NTT IndyCar Series season from one Alex Palou of Ganassi Racing.
He’s been virtually unbeatable and without challenge to date.
He’s not just the best driver in the series, you can make the argument that he’s the best one on the planet. Yes he’s that good and is making a complete mockery of the competition.
The NTT IndyCar Series heads to the Motor City this weekend for the Chevrolet Grand Prix of Detroit. If you can’t attend the television coverage on Sunday originates from Fox Sports and can seen on WXIN Fox 59 throughout central Indiana.
Danny Bridges, who enjoyed May at IMS despite the controversies, can be reached at 317-370-8447 or at bridgeshd@aol.com.
