[ybbiz34]

The last time a car ripped off a 230+ mph lap at IMS was back in 2003. Scott Dixon was the driver responsible for the feat. Hopefully someone can hit 230 mph today. E.J. Viso is the fastest driver out there today (229.537 mph). There are some serious storms ready to roll in later this afternoon so practice could be cut short today.

Today, the turbo boost level for the 2.2-liter turbocharged V6 engines (made by Honda and Chevy) used by all teams will be upped from 130 kPa to 140 kPa. The use of extra boost will be allowed today, for Pole Day qualifications on May 18th, and for Bump Day qualifications on May 19th.

http://racecontrol.indycar.com/

I find it fascinating that those high-strung 2.2-liter turbo V6s can crank out anywhere from 550 to 700 horsepower. Pretty awesome engineering.

I'm a Hoosier. I've lived in the Indianapolis area my entire life. The Indianapolis 500 is a big deal around here. The entire month of May is very special for those of us here living in Central Indiana.

I know that most of you that frequent this particular sub-forum are more interested in F1 but hopefully there are a few of you out there that either appreciate IndyCar or manage to at least get excited about the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."

I'm a casual racing fan but I attend the 500 every year. Wouldn't miss it for the world. I firmly believe that the 500 unquestionably remains one of the most prestigious racing events in the world. Some argue that the 500 has lost a bit of its luster in recent years. However, I am confident that this trend can be reversed.

With respect to what makes IndyCar unique, I think Gil de Ferran nailed it: "Indy cars [are] defined by speed. They [are] brutally powerful, and their speeds around the superspeedways [are] mind-boggling."

I truly believe that a concerted effort on making these cars mind-bogglingly fast again will make both the Indy 500 and IndyCar appealing to a wider audience.

Over the next couple of years, I wouldn't be surprised if extra boost availability on race day becomes a reality. I have a feeling that in the near future, old track records at IMS will be shattered. That will be a good thing for all racing fans.

[Poleposition]

Agreed. I am going this year and bringing my 6 & 9 yr old boys. Super excited for them.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Poleposition

Agreed. I am going this year and bringing my 6 & 9 yr old boys. Super excited for them.

Glad to know there is a fellow IndyCar fan here on the forum.

It is going to be their first time? If so, that is going to be quite a memorable experience for them!

We've had beautiful, warm weather here thus far in May. Hopefully this trend continues on race day.

[Poleposition]

First time for them and wife. Not for me. Been to indy several times before both for the 500 and all the F1 races. Should be fun.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Poleposition

First time for them and wife. Not for me. Been to indy several times before both for the 500 and all the F1 races. Should be fun.

Very cool. The family should love it. Enjoy!

On a side note: Today's practice session was cancelled. We have some really nasty storms moving through the Indy area at the moment.