Indy 500 / Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Fan Group
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Rutherford’s 1980 Indy 500 and CART championship winning Yellow Submarine is an evergreen and rightly so. It is the car that demonstrated the beneficial effects of ground effect at Indianapolis and it introduced the world to the by now iconic Pennzoil livery.
“Driving the ‘Yellow Submarine’ was my crowning glory because the car was so good and the fans loved it so much. It was really a dream come true.”
The Chaparral 2K was the first Indy car with “ground effects” designed into the chassis. This system of tunnels and ports on the bottom of the car, almost “sucked” the car to the surface of the track, creating incredible grip when the aerodynamics of the car pressed the car on the track.
Years later, Rutherford told noted motorsports writer Gordon Kirby that the 2K was the first car he ever drove that created enough g-forces in corners to cause him to grunt, almost like a football linebacker making a punishing tackle. That was about the only discomfort Rutherford experienced in 1980 with the remarkable, ground-breaking machine.
The pandemic has changed history forever. For the very first time since I was born, the Indianapolis 500 will not happen on Memorial Day Weekend. For many, the Indy 500 is a pilgrimage -- including this man, Mark, who, like me, could not stay away on Memorial Day Weekend. Seeing the gates locked and the grounds empty at the greatest spectacle in racing, on this weekend, is a tough pill to swallow for thousands of race fans. There is no place and no race like the Indianapolis 500.
Another shot from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This GT was extensively modified, including what appears to be a custom engine cover, plus a chromed Whipple supercharger, lots of carbon, and Asanti rims. I found it parked behind a service entrance.
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Ford GT | Indianapolis Motor Speedway
"Gasoline Alley" To think about the drivers and riders who have walked these paths since 1909. Like um, WOW!
I saw some great cars at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway yesterday; stay posted for more.
Please press "L"; this looks better on black.
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Porsche Carrera GT | Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The following Monday Wilson would be involved in a crash that left him with a broken vertebrae and had to miss the race...
During practice for the 1969 Indianapolis 500, prior to a accident, learn more here:
blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2010/10/25/mario-andre...
Just in case you've forgotten, this truck and trailer combination reminds us exactly what IMS is famous for.
1:64 Greenlight Collectibles:
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Trailer
Hitch & Tow Hobby Exclusive
Click on the notes for more views:
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
Olympus M.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R
For more info about the dioramas, check out the FAQ: 1stPix FAQ
The Saturday practice session for the 2025 Indianapolis 500 is one of the most intense and revealing moments of the Month of May. Held just hours before qualifying begins, this session is the final opportunity for teams to dial in their cars, test trim levels, evaluate tire behavior, and simulate the high‑pressure conditions of four‑lap qualifying runs. With the field preparing for the most important time‑trial in American open‑wheel racing, every lap carries meaning.
The qualifying format for the Indy 500 remains one of the most demanding in global motorsport. Drivers must complete a four‑lap average at full speed, balancing outright pace with aerodynamic stability and engine durability. Honda and Chevrolet bring their most refined Indy 500‑specific engine maps, pushing the limits of boost, fuel efficiency, and thermal management. Teams experiment with ultra‑low downforce configurations, meticulously adjusting rear wings, undertray settings, and tire pressures to extract maximum speed without sacrificing stability in turbulent air.
The stars of the NTT IndyCar Series — former champions, Indy 500 winners, rising rookies, and returning veterans — all take part in this critical session. The Dallara IR‑18 chassis, equipped with the Aeroscreen, becomes a precision instrument as drivers search for the perfect balance between straight‑line speed and cornering consistency through Turns 1 and 3. Pit lane is a hive of activity as engineers analyze telemetry, adjust weight jacker settings, and refine gearing for the long front and back straights of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This practice session often reveals which teams have found raw speed and which are still searching for answers. It sets the tone for the drama of qualifying weekend — from the fight for the Fast 12 and the coveted pole position to the tension of Last Chance Qualifying. For fans and photographers, Saturday practice is a rare blend of anticipation, speed, and the unmistakable energy that defines the Indianapolis 500.
Apparently, they go so fast, you can't even capture a photograph at IMS.
1:64 Greenlight Collectibles:
2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Trailer
Hitch & Tow Hobby Exclusive
Click on the notes for more views:
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
Olympus M.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R
For more info about the dioramas, check out the FAQ: 1stPix FAQ
Listen to what IMS Historian Donald Davidson has to say, here:
blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2010/09/03/donald-davi...
Listen to what Donald Davidson has to say here:
blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2010/09/13/1988-all-pe...
Donald Davidson explains this photo in today's Gasoline Alley Unplugged:
blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2010/10/11/1977-second...
This photo was taken minutes prior to a pre-race tragedy involving Eddie Sachs and Dave McDonald, see what Donald Davidson has to say here:
blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2010/10/01/1964-parade...
What a day. Hear from Donald Davidson's perspective. blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2010/11/24/the-33-car-...
Made at the 2018 Indianapolis Grand Prix in May. Pictured above is Will Power in front, followed by Scott Dixon. Will Power was the eventual winner. Will Power drives for Team Penske while Scott Dixon drives for Chip Ganassi Racing.
We had a great time supporting A.J. Foyt Racing at the Indy 500 on Sunday!
The race was full of exciting and challenging moments for the A.J. Foyt Racing Team.
IMS Historian Donald Davidson explains the 75th running of the Indianapolis 500 here:
blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2010/10/08/75th-indian...
1926 Indy 500 photos
www.flickr.com/photos/indianapolismotorspeedway/sets/7215...
From Michael Ferner - oldracingcars.info ’2603’
the 1926 Hartz/Hartz grey & blue #3 car
Driven exclusively by Harry Hartz in 1926, then sold to Cliff Woodbury/Mike Boyle (white, blue & red #15 in ‘27, and #12 in ‘28) to be driven by Cliff himself and Ralph Hepburn, Dave Evans, Billy Arnold and Red Roberts over the next two years, possibly for Bo Amos at Syracuse in 1929 (#5); sold to Karl Kizer of Indiana for Bill Cummings in 1930 (#29), then allegedly to Sig Haugdahl (yellow #H4) until 1934 or ‘35. From photographs, it appears possible that Haugdahl used his Miller ’91’ chassis to build the Rocket Car in 1932. I’m not sure whether it would have been possible to rebuilt the car to standard configuration, or at least close to it, but later that same year he was reported as driving an 8-cylinder Miller again. He was also reportedly driving a Miller in AAA events in early 1935, possibly a Miller ’220’ in the old 91 chassis? Likely the car driven by Shorty Drexler in 1937 (#91?), apparently with an 8-cylinder engine.
and
From Jim Dillon:
"http://forums.autosport.com/topic/103835-american-racing-the-golden-age/page-4
As to Sloan it is not at all surprising he had a number of great old racecars in his stable. In talking to Bill Castle (Miller Baby Chev), Bill and his wife Esther watched the fire at Sloans garage that burned the Sub and Cadwell Miller and Sig Haugdahls Rocket car. Bill and his wife (girlfriend at the time) had just spent the afternoon at the motion picture show down the street. When Bill heard there was a fire he thought it may be the shop he worked at which was just down the street from Sloan's garage. As I recently discussed with Bill he has spoken to people that claim they have Sub original parts after the fire (steering wheel) although Bill said the floor was oil filled dirt and the fire was so hot nothing was left. The debris was carted off to a landfill. A sad demise to three pretty neat cars.
Michael as to the Vail Miller, 37 Kid is a huge Vail fan and has some paperwork. Next time I correspond with him I will mention it to see if there is any more info to be had on the car. Jim "
Donald Davidson explains Team Penske's first win and Mark Donahue's one and only Indianapolis 500 win in 1972:
blog.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/2010/09/27/mark-donahu...