Saturday Qualifying Follow-Up
The Fast Nine has now been set for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500. More on that in a minute, but I have some really important news to report. The old-school classic Jumbo Tenderloin at the track has been located. It took a total of four days at the track over two weekends, but I finally found a concession stand under the Paddock stands, near Section 7. One the old Grill 33 sells them for $9. That’s a hefty jump from the 2013 price of $6, but is well worth it.
The hot handful of goodness wrapped in foil felt familiar as I unwrapped it. The toasted bun and the irregularly shaped meat told me this was the real thing.The seasoned batter was unmistakable. Why the few vendors that sell them can’t replicate this is beyond me. They are endangered, but they are not extinct. Let’s make sure that stand sells out so that they will recognize what the public wants for future races.
So, aside from that excitement, there was some on-track action to report. Pippa Mann crashed on her qualifying run. She spun coming out of Turn Two and hit the inside wall. The car was not too heavily damaged and Pippa was fine, but she was done for the day. It was later determined that her car suffered a rear wing end fence failure. Conor Daly’s car was pulled from the qualifying line to make sure the same thing didn’t happen to him as happened to his Coyne teammate.
I’m not completely clear on the rules, but it appears that Pippa and Max Chilton will both be relegated to the back row of the grid.
At the opposite end, are the Fast Nine that is now set. From today’s quickest times to the slowest, the Fast Nine will be James Hinchcliffe, who had a four-lap average speed of 230.946 mph. By being the fastest today, he will have the honor of going last – when the track is the coolest. The rest of the Fast Nine in order of speed are Ryan Hunter-Reay, Will Power, Helio Castroneves, Townsend Bell, Josef Newgarden, Mikhail Aleshin, Carlos Muñoz and Simon Pagenaud.
Curiously missing are defending Indianapolis 500 champion Juan Montoya and all four cars from Chip Ganassi Racing. Also missing is two-time pole winner Ed Carpenter.
The big question leading into the day was if the Chevy powered cars were sandbagging. Since only four Chevys made the Fast Nine, I’d say they were not. We’ll see what transpires at the end of the day tomorrow when the Fast Nine battle it out for the pole.
On another note, Susan is moving slowly today at the track. She is still working on her post, but it will not be up until tomorrow. Her medication seems to be working and she’s feeling much better. Let’s hope she still feels good when it wears off tonight.
Anyway, we’ll be here much earlier tomorrow. The qualifying runs made tomorrow actually count for something. What a unique concept! Check back early and often tomorrow for updates.
George Phillips
May 21, 2016 at 7:04 pm
Just want you to know I appreciate your detective work in tracking down the true tenderloin sandwich.
May 21, 2016 at 7:13 pm
Now there is a photo of a happy man! Congratulations on your perserverence paying off. Maybe you should a get a couple to go for the trip home.
May 21, 2016 at 7:14 pm
I like that shirt. Do you sell those?
May 21, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Now that the “lost” is found.
Imagine George & Susan are developing one (shirt) with an Indy 500 Tenderlion theme.
Whch would you prefer……… ? :o)
May 21, 2016 at 9:45 pm
I can have some made for $21 plus shipping.
May 21, 2016 at 10:10 pm
Bring one to Road American and I will trade you for a Green Bay Packer shirt. (100% cotton)
May 21, 2016 at 7:17 pm
Thanks for tracking down the tenderloin, now I have a question….will any of these concessions be open on Friday or Saturday?
May 21, 2016 at 8:04 pm
I think we can be patient for Susan’s post, given the circumstances. I’m happy to hear that she is feeling a bit better.
May 21, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Great News about the tenderloin!! And even better, it’s right below me as I’m the Paddock Penthouse. It’ll be worth it to make an additional climb for a piece of tenderloin nirvana!!
May 22, 2016 at 12:21 am
Well I’ll be the Honda’s have found some of that magic called speed.
But it isn’t over till the fat lady sings at sunset tomorrow.
Is that stand open every day? Thank goodness you found that stand.Nothing like a good old fashion Indiana tenderloin sandwich.
And throw in Longs Bakery for good measure.
May 22, 2016 at 5:16 am
I noticed there are is a Miller Light and possibly a Coors Light to your right as well to complete the “goodness”. Job well done. Hoping to visit Indy on Sunday.