2019 Indianapolis 500
| File:2019Indianapolis500logo.png | |||||
| Indianapolis Motor Speedway | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis 500 | |||||
| Sanctioning body | IndyCar | ||||
| Season | 2019 IndyCar Season | ||||
| Date | May 26, 2019 | ||||
| Pre-race ceremonies | |||||
| Pace car | Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport | ||||
| TV in the United States | |||||
| Network | NBC | ||||
| Chronology | |||||
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The 2019 Indianapolis 500 (branded as the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge[1][2]) is an IndyCar Series event that is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.[2] The event is scheduled for 500 miles (200 laps). It will be the premier event of the 2019 IndyCar Series.
The month of May activities will formally begin on May 11 with the IndyCar Grand Prix on the combined road course. Practice for the Indianapolis 500 will begin on Tuesday, May 14, and time trials are scheduled for May 18–19. Carb Day, the traditional final day of practice, as well as the annual Pit Stop Challenge and Indy Lights Freedom 100, will be held May 24.
Will Power, the winner in 2018, enters the race as the defending champion.
Race background
Rule changes
- Cars will be permitted one of two optional Gurney flaps atop the rear wing to increase downforce. A 3⁄8 inch tall flap, either 13.2 inches (34 cm) wide or 24.5 inches (62 cm) wide, can be affixed to generate 50-100 pounds of downforce.[3]
- Marathon Petroleum replaces Sunoco as the official fuel provider beginning in 2019, using the Speedway brand.[4]
- All cars will be fitted with the Advanced Frontal Protection (AFP) device for cockpit protection. The AFP is a vertical, titanium device measuring 3 inches (76 mm) by 0.75 inches (19 mm), resembling a fin, mounted to the leading edge of the cockpit.[5]
Track changes
A recycled polyethylene (RPE) binding agent was applied to the oval track surface; six drivers participated in an aero and tire test at the track in October 2018 following the application.[6]
Qualifying changes
A revised qualifying procedure was announced, modifying the Two-day format utilized from 2014 to 2018. Qualifying will continue to be held over two days (Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19), but bumping will be moved back to Sunday. Both the familiar Fast Nine Shootout and a new Last Row Shootout will be held Sunday.[7] Cars will continue to use the traditional four-lap qualifying attempts.
On Saturday, the procedure will be as follows:
- Qualifying will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. All cars entered will be guaranteed at least one attempt. Additional attempts are allowed, time/weather permitting.
- Positions 1–9 will advance to the Fast Nine Shootout.
- Positions 10–30 will be locked-in, and will not re-qualify.
- Positions 31 and lower will be entered into the Last Row Shootout.
On Sunday, time trials will conclude as follows:
- At 12:15 p.m. the Last Row Shootout will be held. Entries that finished 31st and lower on Saturday will have one attempt to qualify. Times from Saturday will be erased. Starting positions 31–33 will be filled. All other cars from 34th and lower will fail to qualify.
- At 1:15 p.m., the Fast Nine Shootout will determine starting positions 1–9, including the pole position. Times from Saturday will be erased, and cars will have one attempt to re-qualify. Championship points (9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1) will be awarded based on the results of the Fast Nine Shootout.
- After qualifying is concluded, a 2-hour, 45-minute practice session will be held. Furthermore, the Monday post-qualifying practice session will be trimmed from 31⁄2 hours down to 2 hours.
2019 IndyCar Series
Four different drivers won the first four races of the 2019 IndyCar Series season. Josef Newgarden won the season-opening race at St. Petersburg. Series rookie Colton Herta won the inaugural race at Circuit of the Americas, in doing so became the youngest driver ever to win an Indy car race. Takuma Sato then won the race at Birmingham, and Alexander Rossi won at Long Beach.
For the first time since 2015, no oval races will be held prior to Indianapolis.
Sponsorship
On January 31, 2019, it was announced that the online financial services company Gainbridge would become the new presenting sponsor of the 500 under a four-year deal.[8]
Entry list
There are currently 36 entrants scheduled to compete in the 2019 Indianapolis 500, as a result bump-qualifying will take place to ensure the fastest 33 fill the available circuit capacity.
- On November 10, it was announced that Fernando Alonso would return for his second Indianapolis 500 attempt, driving for McLaren.[9] For 2019, the team will utilize Chevrolet engines.[10] Alonso will utilize car #66, the number that was carried by Mark Donohue who won the 1972 race driving a McLaren chassis for Penske Racing.[11] On April 9, Alonso took part in a private test at Texas Motor Speedway, in order to re-acclimate himself to Indy cars, and to adapt to the UAK18 aero kit.[12]
- 2018 Indy 500 and IndyCar Rookie of the Year Robert Wickens suffered a violent crash on August 19, 2018 at the ABC Supply Pocono 500, leaving him a paraplegic.[13][14] Schmidt Peterson Motorsports announced that Wickens' IndyCar career is on hiatus until "he wants to and is able to return."[15] For legal purposes regarding INDYCAR's Leader's Circle financial bonus, Marcus Ericsson is replacing Wickens in the car, now renumbered from No. 6 to No. 7.
- Marco Andretti will drive a "throwback" paint scheme celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mario Andretti's 1969 victory. The livery was unveiled on NBC's Today.[16]
- W Former Indianapolis 500 winner
- R Indianapolis 500 Rookie
NOTE: King is not an NTT IndyCar Series rookie, but did not participate in the Indianapolis 500 or any Series oval races in 2018. Therefore, he will participate as an Indy 500 rookie and must participate in all oval rookie sessions.
Schedule
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- Sources: [1]
Testing
August 2018
On August 6, 2018 a private test was conducted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval by Firestone. Two teams, one each representing Chevrolet and Honda, participated. Team Penske with driver Will Power tested for Chevy, and Chip Ganassi Racing with driver Scott Dixon tested for Honda. The test was focused on further development to the UAK18 universal aero kits which debuted in 2018. After some criticism during the 2018 race, improvements were made to the front wing endplate and underwing panels to address stability issues. Speeds were not announced, and no incidents were reported.[17]
| Driver | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|
 Scott Dixon
|
Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda |
 Will Power
|
Team Penske | Chevrolet |
October 2018
A series-conducted test was scheduled for October 17, 2018 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Six teams tested with six cars, further developing aerodynamic specifications for the UAK18 universal aero kit as well as Firestone tires. In addition, the drivers were able to experience for the first time the performance of the Speedway's pavement, which was recently upgraded with an application of the asphalt binding agent Recycled Polyethylene (RPE).[18]
No speeds were announced, and no incidents were reported. Following the test, the participants expressed that the track had more grip, and the new tire was more consistent than the compound used in 2018.[19]
| Driver | Team | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Scott Dixon
|
Chip Ganassi Racing | Honda |
| Will Power
|
Team Penske | Chevrolet |
 Alexander Rossi
|
Andretti Autosport | Honda |
| Ed Carpenter
|
Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet |
 Tony Kanaan
|
A. J. Foyt Enterprises | Chevrolet |
| Graham Rahal
|
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda |
Oval test — Friday April 19
Three Indy 500 rookies took part in an oval acclimation test at Texas Motor Speedway on April 19. Ben Hanley, Colton Herta and Marcus Ericsson took part in the test, which was conducted by IndyCar officials. The test provided the drivers with high-speed oval experience prior to the start of the Rookie Orientation Program. Conditions were reported as windy, and no incidents were reported.[20][21]
Open test and Rookie Orientation — Wednesday April 24
- Weather: 59 °F (15 °C), rain, winds up to 15 mph
- Summary: A full-field open test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was scheduled for Wednesday April 24, 2019.[22] A total of fifteen teams, featuring 28 drivers, were scheduled to participate. The test was split into three segments, with the first segment reserved for full-time IndyCar Series veterans. The second session was the Rookie Orientation Test and the Refresher Test (drivers who have previously raced in the Indy 500 but have not raced an NTT IndyCar Series race on a high-speed oval since the previous year's Indy 500), and the third session was for all veterans as well as drivers who passed either the rookie or refresher tests.[23]
- Testing began on-time at 11:00 a.m., however, the track was closed after eleven minutes due to rain. The track re-opened to resume the first segment shortly after 3:00 p.m. At about 4:45 p.m., a light rain shower closed the track again. Around 6 p.m., the track re-opened for the Rookie Orientation Program and refresher session, and ran until moisture ended the day at 7:30 p.m. The third session was cancelled.
- A total of twenty drivers took part in the first session, completing 707 laps. Takuma Sato set the fastest lap of the day (226.993 mph) and also had a "no-tow" lap of nearly 223 mph.[24] Tony Kanaan failed to run any laps at speed, and Max Chilton suffered a blown engine.
- The Rookie Orientation Program and the Refresher Tests were next. Four rookies (Colton Herta, Felix Rosenqvist, Santino Ferrucci, and Marcus Ericsson) passed all three phases of the rookie test (ten laps at 205-210 MPH, ten laps at 210-215 MPH, and ten laps over 215 MPH with experienced drivers observing). Herta led the rookie speed chart with a lap of 226.108 mph, and a "no-tow" laps of 223.121 mph (the fastest such of the entire day).[25] The refresher test, for previous Indianapolis 500 drivers who have not raced at a high-speed oval since the 2018 Indianapolis 500 (drivers who raced at Texas or Pocono afterwards are exempt from the test), requires a driver retake the final two phases of the rookie test (they are exempt from the first phase). Conor Daly was the only returning veteran that passed the second and third phase. Fernando Alonso suffered electrical issues, and only managed to clear the second phase. Hélio Castroneves, J. R. Hildebrand, and Oriol Servià were also unable to complete both phases.[26]
Per Speedway rule, the first part of the May 14 first practice is the Rookie Orientation Program. Jordan King (no NTT IndyCar Series oval experience), Ben Hanley, and Patricio O'Ward must pass all three phases of the rookie test. Hélio Castroneves, J. R. Hildebrand, Oriol Servià, Kyle Kaiser, James Davison, and Pippa Mann must pass the second and third phases. Fernando Alonso (who passed the second phase in the April test) must pass the third phase.
Herta, Rosenqvist, Ferrucci, and Ericsson have passed the program and are cleared for practice.
| Pos | No. | Driver | Team | Engine | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 |  Takuma Sato
|
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing | Honda | 226.993 |
| 2 | 20 | Ed Carpenter
|
Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet | 226.414 |
| 3 | 21 | Spencer Pigot
|
Ed Carpenter Racing | Chevrolet | 226.325 |
| OFFICIAL REPORT (1) OFFICIAL REPORT (2) | |||||
Broadcasting
Television
NBC will televise the race in the United States, having assumed the broadcast rights as part of a new, three-year deal to televise the entire IndyCar Series, replacing ABC for the first time since 1965 (NBCSN held cable rights over the previous contract, but selected races, including the Indianapolis 500, were part of a separate package sold to ABC). The race will be called by NBC's commentary team of Leigh Diffey, Townsend Bell, and Paul Tracy. Mike Tirico will serve as on-air host for pre-race coverage, joined by Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. as analysts.[27][28][29] Dillon Welch, whose father was a former ESPN pit reporter for the Indianapolis 500, will also be a reporter. Welch is expected to replace Marty Snider and Kelli Stavast on the NTT IndyCar Series broadcast team beginning in July, when Snider and Stavast move to NBC's NASCAR coverage.
Portions of pre-race activities will be exclusive to NBC Sports Gold's IndyCar Pass subscription, including most practice sessions (besides Carb Day, the entirety of which will be aired by NBCSN, and the Saturday afternoon practice after qualifying), much of the first day of qualifying (besides an hour-long segment aired by NBCSN). NBC will televise Pole Day.[30]
| Indy 500 on NBC | ||
|---|---|---|
| Booth Announcers | Pre/Post-Race | Pit/garage reporters |
|
Announcer: Leigh Diffey |
NBC Host: Mike Tirico |
Marty Snider Kelli Stavast Kevin Lee Jon Beekhuis |
| Robin Miller (Reporter/Features) Dillon Welch (Reporter) | ||
References
- ^ "Gainbridge Becomes Presenting Sponsor of Indianapolis 500". Indianapolis Motor Speedway. January 31, 2019. Retrieved January 31, 2019.
- ^ a b "Indianapolis Motor Speedway unveils logo for 2019 Indy 500". MotorSportsTalk. 2018-05-25. Retrieved 2018-05-26.
- ^ Pruett, Marshall (January 17, 2019). "IndyCar to offer more rear wing options at superspeedway races". Racer.com. Retrieved January 17, 2019.
- ^ "Speedway named Official Fuel, Official Convenience Store for INDYCAR, IMS". IndyCar.com. November 27, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2019.
- ^ Pruett, Marshall (February 19, 2019). "IndyCar moving forward with Advanced Frontal Protection device". Racer.com. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ "Indy aero and tire test set for next week". RACER. 2018-10-12. Retrieved 2019-03-20.
- ^ Pruett, Marshall (February 28, 2019). "Bumping moves to Sunday in Indy 500 qualifying revamp". Racer.com. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
- ^ "Gainbridge becomes new sponsor for Indy 500". ESPN.com. 2019-01-31. Retrieved 2019-03-20.
- ^ Medland, Chris (November 10, 2018). "Alonso and McLaren returning to Indy in 2019". Racer.com. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
- ^ Glendenning, Mark (December 4, 2018). "McLaren partners with Chevy for Alonso Indy 500 program". Racer.com. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
- ^ Noble, Jonathan (February 26, 2019). "Alonso selects new number for 2019 Indy 500 bid". Motorsport.com. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
- ^ Pruett, Marshall (April 9, 2019). "Alonso encouraged after Texas IndyCar test". Racer.com. Retrieved April 15, 2019.
- ^ "Indy driver Wickens confirms he's paralyzed". ESPN.com. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
- ^ Malsher, David (27 October 2018). "Wickens clarifies paraplegic reference". Motorsport.com. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
- ^ "Marcus Ericsson joins SPM for 2019 season". Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. October 30, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
- ^ Robinson, Mark (April 19, 2019). "Andrettis hope Marco's bright car shines all the way to Indy victory lane". IndyCar.com. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
- ^ Robinson, Mark (August 6, 2018). "Dixon, Power turn test laps with 2019 Indy 500 in mind". Racer.com. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
- ^ Pruett, Marshall (October 12, 2018). "Indy aero and tire test set for next week". Racer.com. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
- ^ Pruett, Marshall (October 17, 2018). "Drivers optimistic after 2019 Firestone test". Racer.com. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
- ^ Barnes, Joey (April 20, 2019). "NTT IndyCar Series rookies learn what ovals are all about at Texas test". IndyCar.com. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
- ^ Malsher, David (April 20, 2019). "Ericsson on first oval test: "It's a very different experience"". Motorsport.com. Retrieved April 23, 2019.
- ^ "Three open tests highlight INDYCAR testing regulations for 2018-19". IndyCar.com. September 28, 2018. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
- ^ "Notes: Drivers to gear up for Indy 500 with April 24 test at IMS". IndyCar.com. April 17, 2019. Retrieved April 22, 2019.
- ^ Miller, Robin (April 24, 2019). "Sato tops rain-interrupted Open Test at Indy". Racer.com. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
- ^ Malsher, David (April 24, 2019). "Herta leads rookies, Alonso gets first Indy laps of 2019". Motorsport.com. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
- ^ Robinson, Mark (April 24, 2019). "Indy open test whets (and wets) appetites for month of May". IndyCar.com. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
- ^ "NBC confirms Tirico as Indy host". RACER. 2019-02-15. Retrieved 2019-03-20.
- ^ "Danica Patrick is joining NBC's inaugural Indianapolis 500 coverage". Awful Announcing. 2019-03-20. Retrieved 2019-03-20.
- ^ Ayello, Jim. "Dale Earnhardt Jr. joins Mike Tirico, Danica Patrick on NBC broadcast team for Indy 500". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2019-04-04.
- ^ Ayello, Jim. "Here's how to watch Indy 500 practice, qualifying and race day on TV". Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2019-04-04.