Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Guy Fieri to drive Corvette ZR1 pace car in Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/guy-fieri-to-drive-corvette-zr1-pace-car-in-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/guy-fieri-to-drive-corvette-zr1-pace-car-in-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/guy-fieri-to-drive-corvette-zr1-pace-car-in-indy-500/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri with Cadillac CTS-VDiners, Drive-ins and Dives persona Guy Fieri is making more news with garages these days than kitchens. The Food Network host, who recently had his Lamborghini Gallardo stolen and then recovered in a teen's storage container, has been selected to drive the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 pace car at the Indy 500 this year.

Guy's an admitted car fan, and he should feel at home in the ZR1; he owns seven Chevrolet models that span the decades from 1968 to 2011, and a Cadillac Escalade ESV. He'll be pacing the field in the 638-horsepower special edition Arctic White coupe on Sunday, May 27 at noon EST.

Guy Fieri to drive Corvette ZR1 pace car in Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 indianapolis 5002012 indy 5002013 chevrolet corvette zr12013 chevrolet corvette zr1 indy pace carchevroletchevrolet corvette zr1corvettecorvette zr1fieriguy fieriindianapolis 500indy 500zr1Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239070/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/guy-fieri-to-drive-corvette-zr1-pace-car-in-indy-500/20239070/article-detail.xml 20239070 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/guy-fieri-with-cadillac-cts-v_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/guy-fieri-with-cadillac-cts-v.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren celebrates 40th anniversary of Indy win]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mclaren-celebrates-40th-anniversary-of-indy-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mclaren-celebrates-40th-anniversary-of-indy-win/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mclaren-celebrates-40th-anniversary-of-indy-win/#commentsFiled under: , ,

McLaren's first win at Indy

When McLaren was bringing its new MP4-12C to the United States, there were fears that Americans wouldn't recognize the name. After all, the team from Woking is known principally for competing in Formula One, which has had a spotty presence in the U.S. at best. Those fears proved to be misplaced, as customers in the States have been snatching up all the McLaren supercars they can get their hands on. And part of that might come down to the days when McLaren didn't only race in America, it dominated.

The bulk of McLaren's victories on this side of the Atlantic were notched up in the Canadian-American Challenge Cup, a radical form of sports-prototype racing campaigned in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, which Bruce and company won five times in a row. But Can-Am wasn't the extent of McLaren's success in America.

In 1970, the team entered into the Indianapolis 500 with its own car design. The following year, McLaren came back with a radically different design that scored pole position and finished the race in second place. And the year after that, the legendary Mark Donohue piloted his McLaren M16B fielded by the Sonoco-Penske team - complete with its Offenhauser four-cylinder turbo engine producing upwards of 700 horsepower - to the checkered flag.

Not only did McLaren win at Indy that year, but it also won races in Formula 1, Formula 2 and Can-Am, entering the history books as a force to be reckoned with. It would go on to win at Indy twice more in 1974 and 1976, and became the first car to exceed 200 miles per hour on the famed oval in 1977.

Now forty years later, McLaren is celebrating the first of its Indy by showcasing the #66 Sunoco-Penske car at the second annual Celebration of Automobiles in the speedway's infield. There it will be displayed alongside the current MP4-12C to showcase just how far the company has come since then. You can check out the historic high-resolution images in the gallery and the details in the press release below for more info.

Continue reading McLaren celebrates 40th anniversary of Indy win

McLaren celebrates 40th anniversary of Indy win originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarydonohueindianapolisindianapolis 500indyindy 500mark donohuemclarenmclaren m16bpenskeMon, 14 May 2012 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236419/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/mclaren-celebrates-40th-anniversary-of-indy-win/20236419/article-detail.xml 20236419 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webmclaren-indy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/webmclaren-indy.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to pace 96th Indianapolis 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-to-pace-96th-indianapolis-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-to-pace-96th-indianapolis-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/08/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-to-pace-96th-indianapolis-500/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Indy Pace Car

Today Chevrolet announced that a 2013 Corvette ZR1 will pace this year's Indianapolis 500, marking the 23rd time that a Chevy has paced the race and the 11th time the Corvette has performed the duty. With 638 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter V8, the Corvette ZR1 will be the most powerful production machine to serve as the race's pace car.

Helping to celebrate six decades of production, the 2013 Corvette ZR1 pace car mimics the design cues of the 60th anniversary package that debuted earlier this year with Arctic White exterior paint and a full-length racing stripe in Pearl Silver Blue. Inside is a Blue Diamond leather-wrapped interior with suede accents.

Look for the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 during the 96th running of the Indianapolis 500, scheduled to start at 12:00 pm ET on Sunday, May 27th.

Scroll down to see the official details from Chevrolet.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to pace 96th Indianapolis 500

2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to pace 96th Indianapolis 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 indianapolis 5002012 indy 5002013 chevrolet corvette zr12013 chevrolet corvette zr1 indy pace carchevroletchevrolet corvette zr1corvetteindianapolis 500indy 500Tue, 08 May 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20233838/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/08/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-to-pace-96th-indianapolis-500/20233838/article-detail.xml 20233838 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-corvette-zr1-indy-pace-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-corvette-zr1-indy-pace-car.jpg <![CDATA[Indy 500 fixture Jim Nabors to miss this year's race [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/indy-500-fixture-jim-nabors-to-miss-this-years-race-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/indy-500-fixture-jim-nabors-to-miss-this-years-race-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/indy-500-fixture-jim-nabors-to-miss-this-years-race-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jim NaborsJim Nabors wasn't born or raised in Indiana, and he doesn't live there. Yet that hasn't prevented him from becoming one of the state's favorite sons. Singing "Back Home Again In Indiana" before the vast majority of Indianapolis 500 races over the past 40 years will do that for a guy.

But this year, the 81-year-old actor and singer won't be able to make the trip from his home in Hawaii to Indy, due to a scheduled heart surgery, according to USA Today. Apparently the tradition is important enough to the folks that run Indianapolis Motor Speedway, that instead of calling John Mellencamp, they have dispatched a video crew to our 50th state to record Nabors singing the song.

According to the report, Nabors has performed the song before every Indy 500 since 1987 except for the 2007 race, which he also missed for health reasons. Nabors also sang before the 1972-1978 races and two additional times in the 1980s, according to WTHR.

Scroll down to watch video footage of Nabors singing before the 2010 Indy 500.

Continue reading Indy 500 fixture Jim Nabors to miss this year's race [w/video]

Indy 500 fixture Jim Nabors to miss this year's race [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back home again in indianaindianapolisindianapolis 500indy 500jim naborsnaborsvideoWed, 02 May 2012 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20229464/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/02/indy-500-fixture-jim-nabors-to-miss-this-years-race-w-video/20229464/article-detail.xml 20229464 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jim-nabors-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/jim-nabors-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Jean Alesi heading to Indy with Lotus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/jean-alesi-heading-to-indy-with-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/jean-alesi-heading-to-indy-with-lotus/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/jean-alesi-heading-to-indy-with-lotus/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jean Alesi

Formula 1 drivers are always looking for a new challenge. It's part of their character, and it's what's brought former champions out of retirement and sent former grand prix pilots in search of new series to conquer. That last bit has sent big names to series as varied as DTM and the Andros Trophy, but few forms of motor racing hold the kind of new challenge that oval speedways can provide. When you're used to twisting road courses and street circuits, America's banked turns require a whole new set of skills.

In recent years, former F1 drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya, Jacques Villeneuve and Kimi Raikkonen have looked to NASCAR to provide that challenge. But that role used to be filled by Indy, back in the day when champions like Nigel Mansell, Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi would take to the Brickyard to show what they're made of. Now reunited and with new chassis and engine suppliers lining up, IndyCar racing is climbing back towards its former glory, and one former F1 driver plans on staking his claim there for the first time next year.

That's when Jean Alesi will head to Indianapolis to contest next year's Indy 500. After having raced in F1, DTM, Le Mans and even the Asia-based Speedcar Series, it'll be a new challenge for Alesi, and a fitting highlight for Lotus in their increased involvement in IndyCar racing. The British outfit for whom Alesi acts as ambassador and test-driver laureate has been upping its participation in the American open-wheel series, but will begin supplying its own 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engines for use in the series starting next year. Follow the jump for the official announcement.

Continue reading Jean Alesi heading to Indy with Lotus

Jean Alesi heading to Indy with Lotus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alesiindianapolis 500indyindy 500jean alesilotusMon, 26 Sep 2011 11:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20065725/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/26/jean-alesi-heading-to-indy-with-lotus/20065725/article-detail.xml 20065725 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/alesi-lotus_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/alesi-lotus.jpg <![CDATA[Danica Patrick switching to NASCAR, keeping Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/danica-patrick-switching-to-nascar-keeping-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/danica-patrick-switching-to-nascar-keeping-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/03/danica-patrick-switching-to-nascar-keeping-indy-500/#commentsFiled under: ,

danica at the daytona 500

Danica Patrick is no stranger to NASCAR, but her regular ride is in the IndyCar series. That looks like it could be about to change, however, as Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants Patrick to join his JR Motorsports team as a full-time member. Running the entire 2012 Nationwide series will certainly take up the majority of her time, but it appears Danica will still be able to schedule seat time in her IndyCar racer.

The big question for Patrick is whether she can compete in the Indianapolis 500. It's a time-consuming event that would require Danica to give up most of her May, yet the Nationwide series runs three races over the course of that month. Still, it seems that Earnhardt and his team are looking to accommodate Patrick's desire to run at Indy, which would make her decision to sign on for a full NASCAR season a bit easier.

Danica Patrick switching to NASCAR, keeping Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danicadanica nascardanica patrickindianapolis 500indyindy 500indycarjr motorsportsnascarnationwideWed, 03 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20008462/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/03/danica-patrick-switching-to-nascar-keeping-indy-500/20008462/article-detail.xml 20008462 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/01-danica-daytona-500-2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/01-danica-daytona-500-2010.jpg <![CDATA[Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon chosen to test new Dallara IndyCar chassis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/indy-500-winner-dan-wheldon-chosen-to-test-new-dallara-indycar-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/indy-500-winner-dan-wheldon-chosen-to-test-new-dallara-indycar-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/indy-500-winner-dan-wheldon-chosen-to-test-new-dallara-indycar-c/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Dallara IndyCar chassis
2012 Dallara IndyCar chassis - Click above for image gallery

In most racing series - as in most sports in general - a champion should have no trouble getting a new contract. In fact he ought to have every team with a budget beating a path to his door. But Indy is different that way.

Despite winning both the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar Series title in 2005, and scoring podiums every season since, Dan Wheldon couldn't find a full-time ride for this year's series. But he showed them all when he won the Indy 500 for a second time this year.

That's why series organizers have chosen Wheldon to test the all-new Dallara chassis that will be introduced to the IndyCar field next year. A proven talent with no other commitments, Wheldon hopes that the test drive regimen, coupled with his high-profile win, will help him secure a full-time drive for next season. At that point, he'll have more - if not the only - experience in the new car over any other driver in the series.

Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon chosen to test new Dallara IndyCar chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dallara chassis2012 dallara indycar2012 dallara indycar chassisdallaradan wheldonindianapolis 500indyindy 500indycar serieswheldonTue, 28 Jun 2011 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/indy-500-winner-dan-wheldon-chosen-to-test-new-dallara-indycar-c/19977237/article-detail.xml 19977237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-dallara-20_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-dallara-20.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the near-disaster Hot Wheels world record practice jump you've never seen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/watch-the-near-disaster-hot-wheels-world-record-practice-jump-yo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/watch-the-near-disaster-hot-wheels-world-record-practice-jump-yo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/17/watch-the-near-disaster-hot-wheels-world-record-practice-jump-yo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Tanner Foust's near-disaster Hot Wheels jump
Tanner Foust's near-disaster Hot Wheels jump - Click above to watch the video after the break

If you were tuned in to the Indy 500 this year, you probably saw Tanner Foust, also known as the rather ambiguous Yellow Driver, set a new world record by flying 332 feet through the air from ramp-to-ramp in a custom-made pickup truck. This Hot Wheels-sponsored event was a pretty spectacular feat, and it went off without a hitch.

Well, at least the actual, official record-setting jump went off without a hitch.

As you'll see in the video after the break, not all of Foust's practice runs were nailed with such grace and perfection. As a matter of fact, at least one of them nearly sent both truck and driver end-over-end. We'd say equal parts of luck, driver skill and safety precautions ended up keeping Foust and the specially prepared truck from an impromptu test of the roll cage.

See for yourself in the video after the break.

Continue reading Watch the near-disaster Hot Wheels world record practice jump you've never seen

Watch the near-disaster Hot Wheels world record practice jump you've never seen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidenthot wheelshot wheels jumphot wheels stuntindy 500jumpstunttanner fousttruck jumpFri, 17 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19969832/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/17/watch-the-near-disaster-hot-wheels-world-record-practice-jump-yo/19969832/article-detail.xml 19969832 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/hot-wheels-jump-disaster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/hot-wheels-jump-disaster.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> revisits the 1963 Indy 500, drives Parnelli Jones' Ol' Calhoun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/04/motor-trend-revisits-the-1963-indy-500-drives-parnelli-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/04/motor-trend-revisits-the-1963-indy-500-drives-parnelli-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/04/motor-trend-revisits-the-1963-indy-500-drives-parnelli-j/#commentsFiled under: ,

angus mackenzie drives ol' calhoun
Motor Trend's Angus MacKenzie drives Ol' Calhoun - Click above to watch video after the jump

Angus MacKenzie has driven cars that many men and women dream about even catching a glimpse of. But what is the Motor Trend editor in chief's dream ride? Nothing less than the car Parnelli Jones drove to victory at the 1963 Indianapolis 500: Ol' Calhoun.

Jones drove Ol' Calhoun at Indy for four consecutive years. In 1961 he came close to winning the race, but the car let him down. In '62, Jones used Ol' Calhoun to become the first driver to qualify at over 150 miles per hour, yet he still finished the race in seventh. Victory came in 1963, when Jones led for 167 of the 200 laps. Still, Ol' Calhoun nearly put an end to that thanks to a cracked oil reservoir. Luckily, race officials didn't black flag Jones for the leaking oil, and he continued on to take the checkered flag.

For MacKenzie, that car has been an object of affection ever since he was a boy, and this year, he finally got opportunity to drive his childhood love on the hallowed grounds at Indy. Motor Trend filmed the event, creating a 22-minute video that also includes the history of the car and a chat with Parnelli Jones himself. Follow the jump to watch Angus MacKenzie meet the legend and his race car.

Continue reading Motor Trend revisits the 1963 Indy 500, drives Parnelli Jones' Ol' Calhoun

Motor Trend revisits the 1963 Indy 500, drives Parnelli Jones' Ol' Calhoun originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angus mackenzieindianapolis 500indyindy 500motor trendol calhounparnelli jonesvideoSat, 04 Jun 2011 18:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19956573/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/04/motor-trend-revisits-the-1963-indy-500-drives-parnelli-j/19956573/article-detail.xml 19956573 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/motor-trend-ol-calhoun_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/motor-trend-ol-calhoun.jpg <![CDATA[Indy 500 oozes drama, takes no prisoners on 100th Anniversary [spoilers, video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/100th-indy-500-oozes-drama-takes-no-prisoners-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/100th-indy-500-oozes-drama-takes-no-prisoners-spoilers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/100th-indy-500-oozes-drama-takes-no-prisoners-spoilers/#commentsFiled under:

2011 Indy 500
2011 Indianapolis 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The crowd at the Brickyard for today's 100th Annoversary Indianapolis 500 certainly got their money's worth. Once all the pre-race pageantry and fanfare was out of the way, the 2011 Indy 500 provided a spectacle full of drama, lead changes, and a shocking, exciting finish. Click past the break to see how the race shook out, right up to the final corner.

Gallery: 2011 Indianapolis 500

Continue reading Indy 500 oozes drama, takes no prisoners on 100th Anniversary [spoilers, video]

Indy 500 oozes drama, takes no prisoners on 100th Anniversary [spoilers, video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 18:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500bertrand baguettedan wheldondanica patrickgraham rahalindianapolisindianapolis 500indyindy 500indycarizodizod indy car seriesjr hildebrandscott dixonSun, 29 May 2011 18:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19953111/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/29/100th-indy-500-oozes-drama-takes-no-prisoners-spoilers/19953111/article-detail.xml 19953111 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-indy-500-6franchitti_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-indy-500-6franchitti.jpg <![CDATA[Tanner Foust completes record-setting Team Hot Wheels jump at Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/tanner-foust-completes-record-setting-team-hot-wheels-jump-at-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/tanner-foust-completes-record-setting-team-hot-wheels-jump-at-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/29/tanner-foust-completes-record-setting-team-hot-wheels-jump-at-in/#comments Team Hot Wheels
Team Hot Wheels' "Fearless at the 500" record jump attempt - Click above for high-res image gallery
Prior to the start of today's Indy 500, fans finally got to see the long-awaited Team Hot Wheels world-record jump attempt. The mystery "Yellow Driver" piloted specially-prepared truck down the 90-foot ramp that had been under construction in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's infield over the last several weeks. The neat gimmick behind Hot Wheels' "Fearless at the 500" event was that the launch ramp itself was built to simulate that orange track we all grew up with, hung from a giant 10-story door. Talk about pandering to a guy's inner child...

Anyhow, the stunt itself was a success, and fans at the Brickyard watched the truck sail, ramp-to-ramp, 332 feet through the air, setting a world record for four-wheeled vehicles in the process. Upon landing, the mystery driver doffed his helmet to reveal himself as American Top Gear host Tanner Foust. If you want to see the jump yourselves, be advised that ABC will air the stunt at 3:30 PM Eastern time today, following the conclusion of its Indy 500 race coverage. Check out the first few photos from the event below, and follow the jump for the press release.

UPDATE: Video of the jump now added after the break as well.

Gallery: Team Hot Wheels "Fearless at the 500" Jump

Continue reading Tanner Foust completes record-setting Team Hot Wheels jump at Indy 500

Tanner Foust completes record-setting Team Hot Wheels jump at Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fearless at the 500hot wheelsindy 500record jumptanner foustteam hot wheelsSun, 29 May 2011 14:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19953076/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/29/tanner-foust-completes-record-setting-team-hot-wheels-jump-at-in/19953076/article-detail.xml 19953076 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/hwjump1lo-1306694616_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/hwjump1lo-1306694616.jpg <![CDATA[TAG Heuer celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/#commentsFiled under: ,

TAG Heuer Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph
TAG Heuer Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph - Click above for high-res image

Many try, but few capture the racing spirit in watch form as well as TAG Heuer. So it's only fitting that the Swiss watchmaker should be the one to celebrate the 100th anniversary of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" - the Indy 500 - as best it knows how: with a special-edition chronograph.

Based on TAG Heuer's Formula 1 model, the Limited Edition Indy 500 Centennial Chronograph is distinguished by such special touches as a grey Brickyard-motif dial, Indy 500 logo in the small counter at 6 o'clock and the words Indy 500 engraved in red on the fixed bezel.

The 44mm steel case also features a full tachymeter scale, chronograph movement and water resistance to 200 meters, affixed to the wrist with either a rubber strap or steel bracelet. Only 1,000 examples will be made - including one to be presented to the race winner on May 29 - retailing for about $1,650. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading TAG Heuer celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500

TAG Heuer celebrates 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indianapolis 500indy 500tag heuertag heuer formula 1timepiecewatchwristwatchThu, 26 May 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19947393/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/26/tag-heuer-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-the-indy-500/19947393/article-detail.xml 19947393 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-tag-indy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-tag-indy.jpg <![CDATA[Ryan Hunter-Reay replaces Bruno Junqueira for Indy 500 race in rare Foyt-Andretti deal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/bruno-junqueira-replaced-in-indy-500-by-ryan-hunter-reay-in-land/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/bruno-junqueira-replaced-in-indy-500-by-ryan-hunter-reay-in-land/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/bruno-junqueira-replaced-in-indy-500-by-ryan-hunter-reay-in-land/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ryan Hunter-Reay

The Indy 500 has all sorts of unique rules. The qualifying format we recently reported on is one of them, and so is the driver replacement rule. The regulations state that a team may replace a driver who qualified for the race with one who didn't, resulting in the revised entry moving to the back of the grid. And that's exactly what's happened with AJ Foyt Enterprises driver Bruno Junqueira and Andretti Autosport's Ryan Hunter-Reay (pictured above practicing last weekend at Indy).

The winner of multiple Champ Car races during the series' split and a former International Formula 3000 champion, Junqueira qualified in 19th place on the grid for this year's landmark running of the Indianapolis 500. Hunter-Reay, however, did not. The American driver initially landed a place on the grid, only to be bumped off by his team-mates Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti as well as Paul Tracy, Ryan Briscoe and others. But an historic agreement between longtime rivals Foyt and Andretti will see Hunter-Reay take Junqueira's place on the grid in a joint entry between the two teams that will feature a combination of sponsors on the car's livery.

This isn't the first time Junqueira has been replaced after qualifying for the Indy 500. A similar move in 2009 at Conquest Racing saw the Brazilian driver step aside in favor of Alex Tagliani, the Canadian driver who this year took pole position.

Meanwhile, Hunter-Reay, if you can believe it, stands as the only American to win an IndyCar race since 2008. That year Graham Rahal won in St. Petersburg, Florida, Danica Patrick won at the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan and Hunter-Reay won at Watkins Glen. Since then it's been all foreigners - such as Britain's Dario Franchitti and Mike Conway, Australia's Will Power and Ryan Briscoe, and Brazil's Helio Castroneves and Tony Kanaan - with the exception of Hunter-Reay's win at Long Beach last year.

Ryan Hunter-Reay replaces Bruno Junqueira for Indy 500 race in rare Foyt-Andretti deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alex Tagliani on pole for the Indy 500

Most motor races take place over a weekend, but the Indianapolis 500 is not most races. "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" plays out over the course of weeks, with numerous practice sessions, extensive qualifying heats and finally the race itself. And with qualifying completed, Alex Tagliani has emerged on top.

Hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Tagliani is the first Canadian to take pole position at the Indy 500 in its one hundred year history. Of course, he wouldn't be the only Canadian to win the race, following the notable victory of his countryman Jacques Villeneuve in 1995. But as surprising as Tagliani's pole position was, converting into a win will be another matter. Over the course of seven years in Champ Cars, Tagliani's won just a single race (at Road America in 2004) and has yet to notch up a win since moving over to the IndyCar Series in 2008.

The coveted pole position was expected to go one of Ganassi drivers (Scott Dixon, a previous Indy 500 winner, or his teammate Dario Franchitti, a two-time Indy 500 winner) or one of the Penske boys (three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves or current series frontrunner Will Power). Newman/Haas driver Oriol Servia put up a good fight too, but when the times were finalized at the end of the "fast nine" session, it was Tagliani and his Sam Schmidt Motorsports team who set the fastest qualifying speed in the #77 Bowers & Wilkins Dallara-Honda with a four-lap average of 227.472 mph.

Dixon qualified second and Servia third to line up beside Tagliani on the first three-car row. Sunday's "bump day" session, which gives ambitious drivers a shot at one of the top positions, was marred by heavy rain, preserving Tagliani's position at the front of the pack for when the race gets underway this coming Sunday. Update: Thanks to our astute readers, commenters and tipsters for pointing out the error in reporting the qualifying procedures.

Qualifying for the Indy 500 is based on average speed over a four-lap session (as opposed to a timed lap) and takes place over two days one week before the race. Saturday's "pole day" secures the top 24 positions on the grid, culminating in a second "fast nine" heat where the nine fastest drivers compete to determine their order in the front three rows. Sunday's "bump day", where grid positions 25-33 are filled. The slowest car, however, can be "bumped" by a challenger if he or she sets a higher qualifying speed. Tagliani's pole position, therefor, remains secure.

Alex Tagliani shocks with Indy 500 pole originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex taglianicanadacanadianindianapolisindianapolis 500indianapolis motor speedwayindyindy 500polepole positionsam schmidt motorsportstaglianiTue, 24 May 2011 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19948558/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/24/alex-tagliani-shocks-with-indy-500-pole/19948558/article-detail.xml 19948558 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/tagliani-pole_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/tagliani-pole.jpg <![CDATA[Indy 500 centenary commemorated on U.S. postage stamp]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/indy-500-centenary-commemorated-on-u-s-postage-stamp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/indy-500-centenary-commemorated-on-u-s-postage-stamp/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/indy-500-centenary-commemorated-on-u-s-postage-stamp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Indianapolis 500 Anniversary StampTo celebrate the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, the United States Postal Service is releasing a run of 50 million first-class mail stamps depicting Ray Harroun and his Marmon Wasp winning the 1911 race. The stamp features a slick art deco aesthetic and was released this week ahead of Fast Friday.

The stamp was unveiled at a ceremony with the mayor of Indianapolis, Postmaster General Patrick Donahue, and 1974 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Poncho Carter. The postmaster general introduced the stamp, boldly predicting that there will be commemorative postmarks made for the 150th and 200th running of the race as well, provided the race lasts that long.

To get your hands on one of the first run of Indianapolis 500 stamps, head over to your local post office, or hit up usps.com/shop. Order in the next 60 days, and you'll be guaranteed a book of first-day-of-issue stamps. Read all about it in the press release after the break.

Continue reading Indy 500 centenary commemorated on U.S. postage stamp

Indy 500 centenary commemorated on U.S. postage stamp originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500indianapolisindianapolis 500indyindy 500marmon waspponcho carterray harroununited states postal serviceuspsMon, 23 May 2011 08:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19946583/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/23/indy-500-centenary-commemorated-on-u-s-postage-stamp/19946583/article-detail.xml 19946583 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels world record jump at Indy 500 starting to take shape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Indianapolis 500 jump

The ramp designed to propel Hot Wheels' mystery driver to world record glory at the 100th Indianapolis 500 is starting to take shape. The ramp doesn't look quite like it did in Hot Wheels' original rendering, but it's still an enormous and terrifying structure. Don't believe us? Check out a full gallery of the ramp on the speedway's Flickr page.

Hot Wheels' goal is to propel a winged off-road truck 302 feet through the air, which would clinch the world record for distance. The death-defying stunt will kick off the excitement at next weekend's Indy 500.

Hot Wheels world record jump at Indy 500 starting to take shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 May 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100100th anniversary100th indianapolis 500500anniversaryhot wheelsindianapolisindianapolis 500indianapolis 500 world record jumpindyindy 500indy carSun, 22 May 2011 14:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19946496/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/22/hot-wheels-world-record-jump-at-indy-500-starting-to-take-shape/19946496/article-detail.xml 19946496 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-jump_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-jump.jpg <![CDATA[Simona De Silvestro goes airborne at Indy, suffers second-degree burns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/simona-de-silvestro-goes-airborne-at-indy-suffers-second-degree/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/simona-de-silvestro-goes-airborne-at-indy-suffers-second-degree/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/simona-de-silvestro-goes-airborne-at-indy-suffers-second-degree/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Simona De Silvestro crash Indy 500
Simona De Silvestro crashes while practicing for Indy 500 - Click above to watch the video after the break

Simona De Silvestro, a 22-year-old female Swiss racer, went airborne, flipped a few times, slid hundreds of feet upside-down and was engulfed in a massive fireball when the right rear wheel of her Dallara chassis separated itself in the middle of a turn during a practice run for the Indy 500.

Thankfully, Silvestro wasn't seriously injured in the accident, though she did suffer second-degree burns to both hands. Track crews and safety personnel rushed to her assistance and put out the blaze. She had reportedly been clocked at speeds well over 200 miles per hour just prior to the accident.

Yes, there is video, and you can find it after the break. Here's hoping Silvestro gets medical clearance to take part in the actual race on May 29.

Continue reading Simona De Silvestro goes airborne at Indy, suffers second-degree burns

Simona De Silvestro goes airborne at Indy, suffers second-degree burns originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 May 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashde silvestroindyindy 500indy crashindycarindycar crashsimona de silvestroFri, 20 May 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19946067/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/20/simona-de-silvestro-goes-airborne-at-indy-suffers-second-degree/19946067/article-detail.xml 19946067 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/indy-500-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Senate passes bill recognizing 100th anniversary of Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/senate-passes-bill-recognizing-100th-anniversary-of-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/senate-passes-bill-recognizing-100th-anniversary-of-indy-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/senate-passes-bill-recognizing-100th-anniversary-of-indy-500/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 camaro indy pace car
2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible Indianapolis 500 Pace Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

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.

Senate passes bill recognizing 100th anniversary of Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 May 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevy camaro convertiblechevroletindianapolis 500indianapolis 500 anniversaryindy 500indy 500 anniversaryindy pace carFri, 20 May 2011 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19945926/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/20/senate-passes-bill-recognizing-100th-anniversary-of-indy-500/19945926/article-detail.xml 19945926 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead-2011-camaro-indy-pace-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/lead-2011-camaro-indy-pace-car.jpg <![CDATA[A.J. Foyt to replace Donald Trump as Scott Speed and Ho-Pin Tung debut at 100th Indy 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/a-j-foyt-to-replace-donald-trump-as-scott-speed-and-ho-pin-tung/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/a-j-foyt-to-replace-donald-trump-as-scott-speed-and-ho-pin-tung/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/a-j-foyt-to-replace-donald-trump-as-scott-speed-and-ho-pin-tung/#commentsFiled under: ,

Donald Trump in the Indy 500 pace car

It'll be a landmark running for the Indianapolis 500 later this month, as the event celebrates its 100th anniversary as the premier open-wheel racing event in America. All of which only gave some fans more reason to be ticked off when Donald Trump was announced as this year's pace car driver.

Annoyed by political implications detracting from the spirit of racing, many fans were up in arms when Trump was announced as the official pace car driver, evidently prompting the celebrity businessman and possible presidential candidate to change his plans. In his place, organizers at the Speedway have invited none other than A.J. Foyt to drive the Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible that will serve as the official pace car. As a four-time Indy 500 winner, Foyt is among the most decorated drivers ever to lap the Brickyard, and his nomination will surely come as more welcome news to the legions of open-wheel devotees.

In related news, two drivers better known for their formula racing activities overseas will make their Indy debuts at the 500 this year. One of them is Scott Speed, the last American to race in Formula One. Speed shifted over the NASCAR after things didn't pan out in F1, until Red Bull dropped his sponsorship last year. Given his experience in open wheels and oval tracks, Speed may find a new home at Indy.

Also making his Indy debut will be Ho-Pin Tung, who will become the first Chinese driver to contest the Indianapolis 500. Tung is a reserve/test driver for Renault F1 this season and has contested such feeder series as GP2, A1GP and Superleague Formula. Both he and Speed will be driving for Jay Penske's Dragon Racing team and will be eligible for the $5 million bonus available to drivers from outside the series should they overcome the insurmountable odds to claim the checkered flag and drink milk in victory lane.

A.J. Foyt to replace Donald Trump as Scott Speed and Ho-Pin Tung debut at 100th Indy 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a.j. foytaj foytdonald trumpdragon racingfoytho-pin tungindianapolis 500indy 500jay penskepace carscott speedspeedtrumptungThu, 12 May 2011 18:42:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19937728/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/12/a-j-foyt-to-replace-donald-trump-as-scott-speed-and-ho-pin-tung/19937728/article-detail.xml 19937728 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/trump-indypace_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/trump-indypace.jpg <![CDATA[Hot Wheels to attempt World's Longest Jump at Indy 500 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/hot-wheels-to-attempt-worlds-longest-jump-at-indy-500-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/hot-wheels-to-attempt-worlds-longest-jump-at-indy-500-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/hot-wheels-to-attempt-worlds-longest-jump-at-indy-500-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hot Wheels World Record Jump attempt

We all did it as kids - grabbing one end of an impossibly long stretch of plastic track, heaving it up and attaching one end to the highest object we could find (usually a door) and creating a ramp at the other end with a carefully planned trajectory to score the longest possible airborne distance, then finally setting our favorite Hot Wheels car on a journey of no return.

Team Hot Wheels, a newly created group of stuntmen and extreme sports addicts, are setting out to recreate those childhood memories in the real world. To get there, the group is assembling a 100-foot-tall starting ramp in the shape of a door that leads to - you guessed it - a giant jump. The resulting flight has a goal of reaching 302 feet, which would be a new world record distance.

We don't know who's piloting the machine just yet (we suspect we'll find out for sure if it's an official record). In any case, it's the actual off-road truck, which features rear fins reminiscent of a '59 Cadillac, and the giant Hot Wheels V-Drop replica track that are the real stars here.

Are you asking yourself why Hot Wheels is going to all this trouble to promote kids toys? Well, therein lies the issue. These don't have to be just toys for kids - Hot Wheels is hoping to attract the attention of adults (males mostly, as you'd imagine) that grew up with these little cars and have fond memories of them. Collectors, take note.

Click past the break for a little teaser video of the event that's scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 29th. You'll also find the complete press release for your reading pleasure, if you're so inclined.

[Source: Hot Wheels]

Continue reading Hot Wheels to attempt World's Longest Jump at Indy 500 [w/video]

Hot Wheels to attempt World's Longest Jump at Indy 500 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car jumphot wheelshot wheels v-dropindyindy 500team hot wheelsworld record jumpTue, 12 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19910839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/12/hot-wheels-to-attempt-worlds-longest-jump-at-indy-500-w-video/19910839/article-detail.xml 19910839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/hot-wheels-jump-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/hot-wheels-jump-1.jpg -1 2