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Sunday Teatime Milwaukee Indything: Official thread!


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#1 Risil

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Posted 09 July 2015 - 22:26

Sid Meier's Indycars! round 12 of 16: ABC Supply Wisconsylvania 250

Milwaukee-2014-Start-Owens-Featured-750x

The Milwaukee Mile, West Allis, WI
Track length: 1 mile (approx)
Turns: 4
Banking: 9 and a quarter degrees in the turny bits, 2 and a half on the straight bits
Last year's winner: Will Power (Penske/Chevy)
 

Assorted Indycargentsia and lumpenproletariat, the last quarter(ish) of 2015 is upon us! Phew. I hope you've started writing your Christmas cards. The leaves of the cypress trees give way to reddish oranges and orangey reds, and for Indycar, the time of semi-digested information is giving way to semi-informed questions. Where is Simon Pagenaud? Is Will Power having a strong championship defence? Are Honda competitive for real? If Brian Barnhart was in charge of the courts, could Graham Rahal literally get away with murder? Who or what is West Allis?

 

Those are more questions than I anticipated. Allow me to point you in the direction of the Milwaukee Mile at some indeterminate time on Sunday evening. It is extremely unlikely that anything will be resolved, but with luck some new questions will be assembled on top of the old unanswered ones like a crazy medieval uncertainty cathedral.

indycar-milwaukee-2014-race-winner-will-

With. That. In. Mind. Schedule!

 

Saturday is practice day
16.00: Indy Lights practice
17.00: Indycar practice
18.30: Indy Lights qualifying
19.30: Something called an MKE Vs. Pit Crew Cornhole Tournament is taking place at the Beer Garden. They call it an IndyFest for a reason. Ross, can you take a picture for us?

 

Sunday has racing
09.15: Indycar practice 2
10.15: Indy Lights warm-up
12.30: Indycar qualifying!
13.30: I bet you wish there were some Stadium Super Trucks to liven things up now.
14.00: Indy Lights race featuring possibly Max Chilton. Please advise.
16.35: Let's go! Green flag! Only 35 minutes into the TV show!

 

These times are given in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is six hours behind the UK, like other Indycar places Iowa, Texas and Alabama. This will be significant when you're in Romania and the race starts on Monday morning.

stock-footage-bran-castle-or-castelul-br

Monday morning in Transylvania. Spooky!

 

Remind me about the Indycars

The Indycars arrive at the Milwaukee Mile having endured one of those races at the Auto Club Speedway that truly earned its nickname of Fun-tana. Admittedly that's not its real nickname, but perhaps it would be if certain nameless drivers interviewed on national television hadn't ruined our enjoyment with concerns for their personal safety. Graham Rahal won under yellow, after the race came to a halt midway through the last lap with the inevitable crater in the lawn on the frontstretch. Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti, both of whom completed the race without taking half their fuel rig with them, rounded out the podium, and championship main man JP "Morgan" Montoya picked up a very championshiply fourth place. Principal rival and Penske teammate Will Power didn't finish after being affected by Takuma Sato on lap 241.

 

In the Unfashionable Points Standings Table, the fun and games in SoCal has left Juan about one win ahead of Will Power and Scott Dixon, who are around about neck and neck (Dixon has the technical advantage here of not being Will Power, although in mitigation Will Power is at least not Scott Dixon). Two has-beens are battling two never-wases for 4th through 7th, whereas the dishonourable fourteenth-and-below club is inhabited by the usual mix of down-on-their-luck shabby genteels (step forward Ryan Hunter-Reay, Jack Hawksworth) and utter rascals (Francesco Dracone, Stefano Coletti). Ed Carpenter and Luca Filippi, who share a car possibly for tax reasons, are also found down here. Given that Specialist Ed's 2015 record reads two crashes and a (mechanical) breakdown, we shouldn't be surprised. (Luca Filippi, who was last seen in Toronto playing Ralf Schumacher to Newgarden's Damon Hill, won't be seen again, if that's not too strong a word, until Mid-Ohio.)

 

Last year at the Mile was one of those uneventful races like the 2008 Chinese Grand Prix where something undeniably Championship Significant happened. In 2008 it was Lewis Hamilton being the fastest driver all weekend and winning the race by a mile, and last year at Milwaukee Will Power achieved the same. Imagine Lewis Hamilton had been at the front of F1 for five years but had been undone by three or more Montreals per year. Imagine the catharsis. The picture for "cathartic" in the dictionary has Will Power winning at Milwaukee last year in it. Move over, Aristotle!

Power-win-Milwaukee-Mile-2014-IndyCar-34

All of Will Power's career highlights have included extreme drinking. Not surprised?

 

It's already Friday and I don't know a thing about Milwaukee

Predictably, Alice Cooper can help you out.

 

 

The Milwaukee Mile itself has the somewhat unenviable distinction of being the oldest race track in the entire world. Try selling that to the 18-35s. (As a side point, does anyone know whether at some point in the 70s they invited back some original spectators like the Civil War veterans at the premiere of Gone with the Wind?) The track takes place entirely within the confines of Wisconsin State Fair Park, host of that glorious palace of Wisconsoidal agriculture, called (you'll like this) the Wisconsin State Fair. Set the image in your mind's eye. From upturned soap boxes, pettifogging politicians squeal their unique qualifications for the role of town dogcatcher. Apple-cheeked youths throng the concession stalls, deep-fried liver sausage dripping from prehensile jaws. Prize holsteins stand square and sturdy like ingots of solid beef gold.

 

Enough bad writing. They don't get there for another few weeks. This weekend is about racing and a number of beer tents. A crowd of over 1000 spectators and well-wishers makes this the second gloriousest race in the Dairy State, and (with the exception of the Imagination Grand Prix of Nazareth) the gloriousest race on a one-mile oval in the Indycar calendar. The tyres are durable, the track is as flat as the beer, and the drivers brake for reasons other than Graham Rahal chopping across them at 220mph. And second-best of all, it's sponsored by that notorious front company for underhanded Satoistic enterprises, ABC Supply!

abcsupply.jpg
What's best of all? This thread, of course! See below.


Edited by Risil, 11 July 2015 - 17:05.


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#2 Proto402

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Posted 09 July 2015 - 23:02

Considering the NASCAR missile launchers are racing Saturday Night, I'm surprised they're not racing earlier, but what the heck, let's see how this one day show works.

 

As always, a top-notch OP by Risil , and yeah Graham Rahal would most definitely get away with it again, and maybe more.



#3 TheUltimateWorrier

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Posted 09 July 2015 - 23:05

Sid Meier's Indycars! round 12 of 16: ABC Supply Wisconsylvania 250

 

I shudder at the thought when it's "Peter Molyneux promises the Universe and delivers Iowa" Round 13 of 16

 

shudder.gif



#4 jonpollak

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 06:13

Is Ross going?
Jp

#5 Victor_RO

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 06:24

These times are given in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is six hours behind the UK, like other Indycar places Iowa, Texas and Alabama. This will be significant when you're in Romania and the race starts on Monday morning.

stock-footage-bran-castle-or-castelul-br

Monday morning in Transylvania. Spooky!

 

:lol:  Thanks for that. We don't all live in spooky castles, y'know.

 

But we're spooky without the castles all the same.  :cool:  (yes, the start time for us will be half an hour into Monday morning, perfect time to HAUNT ONE'S NIGHTMARES :smoking: )



#6 greenman

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 07:49

With that compressed schedule you can just see them get some massive rain delay and having the race even later. Still doesn't seem a bad idea with only one support series though. Foyt likes it, and it will apparently separate the men from the boys. Which I think many felt the Fontana race was supposed to do, though Will Power, a "boy", also likes it.

 



 

 Imagine the catharsis. The picture for "cathartic" in the dictionary has Will Power winning at Milwaukee last year in it. Move over, Aristotle!

Power-win-Milwaukee-Mile-2014-IndyCar-34

All of Will Power's career highlights have included extreme drinking. Not surprised?

 

 

All of Will Power's career highlights are also followed by some incredibly goofy moments

 

https://twitter.com/...8833920/photo/1

 

BvSZG0pCIAALg4N.jpg

 

Here he is getting cream out of his ears.


Edited by greenman, 10 July 2015 - 07:50.


#7 king_crud

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 08:45

It was all good in the OP until you mentioned F1. Forget F1, it's not your friend. Indycar is your friend, like a stupid cocker spaniel dog, it will always be your friend

#8 Prost1997T

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 09:48

First practice is on Saturday, so it's not a one day show. Also, you forgot the entry list: https://d1b8ufspcmik...20150709T093439

Justin Wilson is back, giving the grid 24 cars.

#9 Risil

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 11:25

It was all good in the OP until you mentioned F1. Forget F1, it's not your friend. Indycar is your friend, like a stupid cocker spaniel dog, it will always be your friend

 

I wanted to see if people were still awake. And nothing says excitement and controversy like an uncontroversial statement about Lewis Hamilton.


Edited by Risil, 10 July 2015 - 11:26.


#10 Sheepmachine

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 11:30

Great OP Risil. :up:

I realise reading this that I remember literally nothing about last years race.

#11 Prost1997T

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 12:29

Better tyre compound for this race too, Power think it'll open up a second line around the track.

#12 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 13:22

Is Ross going?
Jp

 

Non.

 

And I can't help but notice the fortunes of Indyfest have correlated with my attendance.



#13 Peat

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 15:05

Me watching this race will depend on two critical factors:

A) The hotel I'm in having decent WiFi.

B) Still being awake.

Gentlemen, these are uncertain times.



#14 PayasYouRace

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 15:49

It was all good in the OP until you mentioned F1. Forget F1, it's not your friend. Indycar is your friend, like a stupid cocker spaniel dog, it will always be your friend

 



#15 maximilian

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 15:55

With that compressed schedule you can just see them get some massive rain delay and having the race even later. Still doesn't seem a bad idea with only one support series though. Foyt likes it, and it will apparently separate the men from the boys. Which I think many felt the Fontana race was supposed to do, though Will Power, a "boy", also likes it.

 

All of Will Power's career highlights are also followed by some incredibly goofy moments

 

https://twitter.com/...8833920/photo/1

 

BvSZG0pCIAALg4N.jpg

 

Here he is getting cream out of his ears.

 

I hear they later auctioned it off for charity.



#16 paulb

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 16:05

I can see where IndyCar doesn't spend its money, champagne. Andre, really??!! :|  Maybe this year they can swig suds and sling brats from the podium.

 

Great OP, Risil. Once again, a compelling combination of satire and useful information. :up:   I also love the Alice Cooper reference. :up: :up:



#17 prommer

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 19:01

I can see where IndyCar doesn't spend its money, champagne. Andre, really??!! :|  Maybe this year they can swig suds and sling brats from the podium.

 

Great OP, Risil. Once again, a compelling combination of satire and useful information. :up:   I also love the Alice Cooper reference. :up: :up:

 

With the finale in Sonoma this year, get ready for some... gah... Korbel.

 

(I'm pretending that I don't actually like Korbel)



#18 Imperial

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 19:13

Yaaaaay another one of those races that starts at 10pm (ish) in En-ger-land. My time of day.

And finishes around 1am.

And I have to get up for work at 7am.

It can only mean one thing...VODKA VODKA VODKA!!

#19 Jim Thurman

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 19:13

Non.

 

And I can't help but notice the fortunes of Indyfest have correlated with my attendance.

 

You've finally provided the folks at TrackForum what they've long sought, it's your fault :D



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#20 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 20:43

"We've lost Cronkite Stonefeld"



#21 stewie

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 20:51

You've finally provided the folks at TrackForum what they've long sought, it's your fault :D


What do they know at track forum? Sod all...

#22 HeadFirst

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 20:56

I Know the Walkee Mile does not always provide the kind of excitement some need, but I like it. Maybe I have some hipster tendencies (despite my age) after all.



#23 racinggeek

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Posted 10 July 2015 - 22:41

 

 

The track takes place entirely within the confines of Wisconsin State Fair Park, host of that glorious palace of Wisconsoidal agriculture, called (you'll like this) the Wisconsin State Fair. 

 

Actually, given the wares at the fair, "Wisconsin-cidal" might be a more appropriate term. If it's semi-edible, it'll be deep-fried in batter (most likely beer batter), mounted on a Popsicle stick and served at the concessions. With a beer.

 

Not that this lifelong 'Sconnie and his daily dose of Lipitor are complaining, mind you ... 


Edited by racinggeek, 10 July 2015 - 22:43.


#24 KingTiger

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 04:19

Cheese!

#25 Afterburner

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 04:25

Outstanding OP, Risil. :up: :rotfl:

Not many races left now. I'd almost say Sir Jet-Truck Slayer is the favorite at this point, though I'll be pulling for Dixon until the end.

Watch as we get another unintentional plate race this weekend and the powers that be collectively discharge a rectangular block of masonry at the prospect of having to choose between a strategy for potentially-consistent good ratings or harmony with the teams. :lol:

#26 Prost1997T

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 10:26

Max Chilton is back, I notice (Indy Lights practice is the first session today, being streamed online at racecontrol.indycar.com as usual).

#27 Sheepmachine

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 11:04

Max Chilton is back, I notice (Indy Lights practice is the first session today, being streamed online at racecontrol.indycar.com as usual).

Is he impressing you like always? :stoned:

Edited by Sheepmachine, 11 July 2015 - 11:04.


#28 Prost1997T

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 11:16

Is he impressing you like always? :stoned:


I shouldn't pick on him too much. He is still ahead of Felix Serralles in the points :lol:

#29 OvDrone

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 11:24


These times are given in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is six hours behind the UK, like other Indycar places Iowa, Texas and Alabama. This will be significant when you're in Romania and the race starts on Monday morning.

stock-footage-bran-castle-or-castelul-br

Monday morning in Transylvania. Spooky!

 

 

Again with a stellar OP, kudos Risil, my fellow '89er. And cheers for the Eastern European name dropping on behalf of myself and Victor. That view is exactly what I see outside my window.

 

Sid Meier, extreme drinking, Wisconsin lore, Alice Cooper, Transylvania, Takuma Sato, the 2008 Chinese Grand Prix, yeap it's the Indycar thread.

 

I know next to nothing about Wisconsin. Mostly only what watching 'the life with Louie' as a kid taught me.



#30 paulb

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 15:34

What a goofy schedule.  I need my IndyCar now!  :mad:



#31 Disgrace

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 16:03

Oh I needed this.



#32 Prost1997T

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 21:02

Streaming is live now: http://racecontrol.indycar.com/

#33 Prost1997T

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 21:48

Indy Lights' first practice is finished, top 10:

xttrMbt.png

Indycar up next.

Edited by Prost1997T, 11 July 2015 - 21:49.


#34 prommer

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 23:00

He just wants your love, Prost.  Why withhold it?

 

 

M A X Chilton @maxchilton 28m28 minutes ago

Lacking about 250 laps practice going into quali as I missed the test so watching the @IndyCar to see how it's done.

 

CJqsImuUEAAjgXM.jpg



#35 jonpollak

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Posted 11 July 2015 - 23:20

Jo New heads the first practice times.
Jp

#36 Prost1997T

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 00:14

He just wants your love, Prost.  Why withhold it?

 

 

M A X Chilton @maxchilton 28m28 minutes ago

Lacking about 250 laps practice going into quali as I missed the test so watching the @IndyCar to see how it's done.

 

I'll give him some credit: he didn't qualify last.



#37 jonpollak

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 06:07

You'll never get a free drink in Reigate Mr. Prost .
Jp

#38 Prost1997T

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 11:22

You'll never get a free drink in Reigate Mr. Prost .
Jp


Don't drink alcohol, unlikely to frequent Reigate. :p

#39 Sheepmachine

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 11:23

Don't forget to make your fantasy picks for the race. My picks are bad.

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#40 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 11:26

**** the Chiltons.

Why didn't he attend the test? Did Carlin not go?

#41 Prost1997T

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 11:37

**** the Chiltons.

Why didn't he attend the test? Did Carlin not go?


Jones was there, Chilton had Nissan duties that conflicted with a lot of the oval testing in Lights. He did run at Chicagoland though.

#42 stewie

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 12:11

I see Pippa Mann is well off the pace, as usual...

#43 OvDrone

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 13:55

Don't forget to make your fantasy picks for the race. My picks are bad.

 

Weirdly enough I am fairly optimistic in my picks.



#44 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 14:09

I get that like, they'd be up against NASCAR last night. But Sunday 5pm race time is weird. I love me some racing, but that's a bad schedule. For locals it might be good because wtf else are you doing on a Sunday night. But for anyone wanting to come from Chciago or whatever? Yikes.

 

Maybe it's a strategic TV move. We're all home at 5 on a Sunday innit.



#45 Ross Stonefeld

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 14:10

FYI in the future I reckon we should call this the Happy Days Grand Prix.



#46 Prost1997T

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 14:14

Xfinity got a 0.9 on NBCSN, so it is possible to get halfway decent ratings on that channel.

Edited by Prost1997T, 12 July 2015 - 14:15.


#47 Risil

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 14:18

I get that like, they'd be up against NASCAR last night. But Sunday 5pm race time is weird. I love me some racing, but that's a bad schedule. For locals it might be good because wtf else are you doing on a Sunday night. But for anyone wanting to come from Chciago or whatever? Yikes.

 

Maybe it's a strategic TV move. We're all home at 5 on a Sunday innit.

 

Qualifying's on Sunday too, so it might be a case of trying to fit a whole Indy Lights/Indycar weekend into a single day's action. It's the non-electric Formula E, remember?  ;)


Edited by Risil, 12 July 2015 - 14:18.


#48 JHSingo

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 14:28

Imagine my bemusement when I returned from holiday last week, to find that Graham Rahal had won. Of all the races, why did I miss this momentous occasion? :p

 

Watched the in car theater video to see what I missed. Unfortunately, it didn't fill many blanks as I ended up watching most of it through my fingers.

 

Hopefully I'll be able to catch this one, even though it isn't really one of my favourite tracks IndyCar visits. Last year's race was pretty forgettable.

 

Also, it's great to see James Hinchcliffe in good spirits. :up:

 



#49 OvDrone

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 14:32

Why did they cram all of the action on this Sunday? Is it just because of Indycar?



#50 Prost1997T

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Posted 12 July 2015 - 14:52

Why did they cram all of the action on this Sunday? Is it just because of Indycar?


Most of Saturday was vintage exhibitions\rides. Maybe they're trying to focus on race day attendance, giving people more value for Sunday.