In full transparency, I wrote this in our hotel room on Saturday night, and updated it Sunday – after Marco Andretti had survived the Last Row Shootout. Yesterday’s news that Josef Newgarden and Will Power have been moved to the back of the field should probably be the topic here, but I already had this written up and didn’t want it to go to waste. All I can say is, good for Doug Boles for having the guts to drop the hammer on his boss’s team.
Is Marco Done After This Year?
Posted in Indianapolis 500 on May 20, 2025 by OilpressureRandom Thoughts on Indy 500 Qualifying
Posted in Indianapolis 500 on May 19, 2025 by Oilpressure
Our two days of Indianapolis 500 practice and then Qualifying sure did go by fast. Such is the way things are when I spend time at IMS. It all goes too quickly. When we first arrived at the track for Thursday’s practice, the talk was about how Santino Ferrucci was in trouble. By the end of Fast Friday, that talk had dissipated.
And a Rookie Shall Lead Them…
Posted in Indianapolis 500 on May 18, 2025 by Oilpressure
Be honest, who had rookie Robert Shwartzman winning the pole of the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500? I will admit, I did not. Nor did I have him making the Firestone Fast Six or even the Fast Twelve. In all candor, I had him on my list for the Last Row Shootout or Last Chance Qualifying, or whatever it is called. Due to the fact he had never driven on an oval, and he was with a brand new team to IndyCar – he was my pick to be the one driver to go home, less than a week ago.
There’s a New Shop in Town
Posted in Indianapolis 500 on May 18, 2025 by Oilpressure
By Susan Phillips
It’s been a few years since I have written about the offerings at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gift shop. For a few years the merchandise had been similar from year to year. Well, the Gift Shop has grown up these past few years. There’s a new gift shop—a free-standing semi-temporary building near the fan zone. They carry a very large supply of IMS-branded merchandise.
It’s Pole Day/Bump Day at IMS!
Posted in Indianapolis 500 on May 18, 2025 by Oilpressure
Good morning from a sunny, but very chilly Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The temperature was 53° when we got up this morning. Like an idiot, I forgot to pack any form of jacket or sweatshirt. All I brought were short-sleeve polos. When I was not in the sun yesterday, I froze due to the wind. It doesn’t seem quite as windy this morning, but it is much cooler today. I believe the high today is supposed to get up to 74°, which sounds nice – but can be cool in the shade and wind. Next week, I’ll be sure and bring some cool weather clothes. That all but assures we will have temps in the 90s.
Qualifying Wrap-Up
Posted in Indianapolis 500 on May 17, 2025 by Oilpressure
Let the drama begin! A day of drama leads to more drama tomorrow. Rumors swirled until early afternoon who might be the replacement for Marcus Armstrong, until he was cleared by mid-afternoon. In the meantime, his crew thrashed a car together that looked more like a Stefan Johansson Alumax car from the 90s with a black sidepod. He made a gallant effort late in the day, but he was not fast enough. He will fight again tomorrow in the Last Row Shootout, or whatever it’s called.
It’s Qualifying Day at IMS!
Posted in Indianapolis 500 on May 17, 2025 by Oilpressure
Good morning from a sunny, breezy and extremely cool Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The tornado system that went through the Midwest overnight, bought cold temps to the area today. We had two large purple and red cells go through last night. Both contained lots of hail. Fortunately, my car sustained no damage that I’m aware of. Other parts of the country were not so lucky. St. Louis was slammed yesterday afternoon, and Somerset, Kentucky was devastated last night. I have friends that live there and hope they are OK. Prayers go out to all of those affected.
Oilpressure 