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Just Like 100 Years Ago; The Speedway is Open For Business

SPEEDWAY IN: Exactly 100 years ago, the National Landmark known as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway threw open it’s gates to the public for the first time. On Tuesday, the second century of Indy history officially began.

To say that the Speedway has changed since it’s inception would be a classic understatement. The size and shape of the 2 1/2 mile oval has been the one constant. Yesterday, roaming around the facility on a beautiful spring day, we were reminded just how different the grounds have become since our first visit in 1956. The “Snake Pit”; the Tower Terrace; the wooden garages in Gasoline Alley; the “Heartburn Hot Dogs”; the Big Tree and creek in the first turn; many of the things we remember from our 53 years here are gone and/or different. But the rounded rectangular race course remains as a yardstick into history.

Four rookies passed the Indianapolis 500 Rookie Orientation Program as preparations began at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 2009 Indianapolis 500. The track was open for six rookies to participate in ROP. Three veterans were allowed to complete “refresher” laps.

Mike Conway, Robert Doornbos, Raphael Matos and Alex Tagliani completed all four phases of ROP, demonstrating consistent driving through four speed ranges beginning at 200 mph and increasing in 5 mph increments.

Paul Tracy, a veteran of five Indianapolis 500s who made his last start in 2002, turned the fastest lap of the day at 40.3426 seconds, 223.089 mph around the historic 2.5-mile oval. Thirteen-time starter Scott Sharp had the second-fastest lap at 221.878 mph.

Rookie Nelson Philippe completed the first three phases of ROP, while Stanton Barrett completed two. An additional ROP session is scheduled for Wednesday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. before the track opens for all drivers.

Also on Tuesday, Sebastian Saavedra topped a Firestone Indy Lights Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Twenty-one drivers had five hours to prepare for the Firestone Freedom 100, which will be run May 22.

Saavedra, who won the April 26 race at Kansas Speedway, turned a best lap of 47.0520 seconds, 191.278 mph. 2006 race winner Wade Cunningham was second at 190.969 mph, Martin Plowman was third and J.R. Hildebrand was fourth.

As we all know too well, the weather is always a factor during the month of May in Central Indiana, but perhaps never more so than this year. With only two and a half days of practice time available to the full field prior to Saturday’s run for the Pole, you can bet that everyone will be watching the skies. The forecast for the next several days is “iffy” at best.

But, no matter. Another Month of May at the Speedway has begun. Stay tuned

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