2019 Indianapolis 500 Explained
The 2019 Indianapolis 500 (branded as the 103rd Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge for sponsorship reasons) was an IndyCar Series event held on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. The premier event of the 2019 IndyCar Series, the event ran 500 miles (200 laps). Simon Pagenaud won the race from the pole position, earning Team Penske's record-extending 18th Indy 500 victory. Pagenaud led 116 laps, taking the lead for the final time with just over one lap to go from 2016 winner Alexander Rossi. He became the first French-born winner since Gaston Chevrolet in 1920, and the first pole-sitter to win the race since 2009.
The month of May activities formally began on May 11 with the IndyCar Grand Prix on the combined road course. Practice for the Indianapolis 500 began on Tuesday, May 14, and time trials were held May 18–19. Carb Day, the traditional final day of practice, as well as the annual Pit Stop Challenge and Indy Lights Freedom 100, were held May 24. Simon Pagenaud became the second driver in a row to sweep both the IndyCar Grand Prix and the Indy 500 in the same year. Pagenaud also won the pole position, the record-extending 18th Indy 500 pole for Team Penske.
Will Power, the winner in 2018, entered the race as the defending champion. During the Last Row Shootout on May 19, former Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, attempting his second Indy 500, was bumped from the field, and failed to qualify.
This would be the final Indianapolis 500 held under the ownership of the Hulman/George family. On November 3, 2019, it was announced that Penske Entertainment Corp., a subsidiary of the Penske Corporation, owned by Roger Penske, had purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the IndyCar Series, and IMS Productions.[2] The sale was finalized in January 2020.
Race background
Rule changes
- Cars will be permitted one of two optional Gurney flaps atop the rear wing to increase downforce. A inch tall flap, either 13.2inches wide or 24.5inches 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 3inches by 0.75inches, 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 3 hours down to 2 hours.
2019 IndyCar Series
See main article: 2019 IndyCar Series. Five different drivers won the first five 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. The month of May opened with Simon Pagenaud winning the IndyCar Grand Prix, his first win since 2017 and third win in the event. Entering the Indianapolis 500, Josef Newgarden led the championship points standings.
For the first time since 2015, no oval races were 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] [9]
Pre-race ceremonies
Entry list
The official entry list was released with 36 car/driver combinations. All chassis are Dallara IR12 utilizing the Universal Aero Kit, with Firestone tires.
- On November 10, it was announced that Fernando Alonso would return for his second Indianapolis 500 attempt, driving for McLaren, however he failed to qualify for the race.[10] For 2019, the team utilized Chevrolet Engines.[11] Alonso utilized car #66, the number that was carried by Mark Donohue who won the 1972 race driving a McLaren chassis for Penske Racing.[12] 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.[13]
- 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, which would cause him to require extensive rehabilitation to regain use of his legs.[14] [15] Schmidt Peterson Motorsports announced that Wickens' IndyCar career is on hiatus until "he wants to and is able to return."[16] For legal purposes regarding INDYCAR's Leader's Circle financial bonus, Marcus Ericsson replaced Wickens in the car, which was renumbered from No. 6 to No. 7.
- Marco Andretti drove a "throwback" paint scheme celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mario Andretti's 1969 victory. The livery was unveiled on NBC's Today.[17]
- Colton Herta was the first driver entered in Indy history to be born in the 2000s.[18] [19]
- Former Indianapolis 500 winner
- Indianapolis 500 Rookie
Schedule
An open test on the oval was scheduled for and held April 24, 2019[20] followed by a private manufacturer's test on the combined road course on April 29.[21]
Notes and References
- Web site: Indianapolis 500 ratings. https://web.archive.org/web/20190529143840/http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/skedball-weekly-sports-tv-ratings-5-20-5-26-2019.html. dead. 29 May 2019. ShowBuzzDaily. Mitch Metcalf. 29 May 2019.
- News: INDYCAR, IMS acquired by Penske Corporation . IndyCar.com. November 4, 2019. November 5, 2019.
- News: IndyCar to offer more rear wing options at superspeedway races. Racer.com. Marshall. Pruett. January 17, 2019. January 17, 2019.
- Web site: Speedway named Official Fuel, Official Convenience Store for INDYCAR, IMS. November 27, 2018. IndyCar.com. January 28, 2019.
- News: IndyCar moving forward with Advanced Frontal Protection device. Racer.com. Marshall. Pruett. February 19, 2019. February 22, 2019.
- Web site: Indy aero and tire test set for next week. October 12, 2018. RACER. en. March 20, 2019.
- News: Bumping moves to Sunday in Indy 500 qualifying revamp. Racer.com. Marshall. Pruett. February 28, 2019. March 1, 2019.
- Web site: Gainbridge becomes new sponsor for Indy 500. January 31, 2019. ESPN.com. en. March 20, 2019.
- News: Indianapolis Motor Speedway unveils logo for 2019 Indy 500. May 25, 2018. MotorSportsTalk. May 26, 2018. en-US.
- News: Alonso and McLaren returning to Indy in 2019. Racer.com. Chris. Medland. November 10, 2018. December 13, 2018.
- News: McLaren partners with Chevy for Alonso Indy 500 program. Racer.com. Mark. Glendenning. December 4, 2018. December 13, 2018.
- News: Alonso selects new number for 2019 Indy 500 bid. Motorsport.com. Jonathan. Noble. February 26, 2019. March 4, 2019. March 6, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190306044054/https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/alonso-indy-500-mclaren-number/4344087/. dead.
- News: Alonso encouraged after Texas IndyCar test. Racer.com. Marshall. Pruett. April 9, 2019. April 15, 2019.
- Web site: Indy driver Wickens confirms he's paralyzed. ESPN.com. October 26, 2018 . October 26, 2018.
- Web site: Wickens clarifies paraplegic reference. Motorsport.com. Malsher. David. October 27, 2018. October 27, 2018.
- News: Marcus Ericsson joins SPM for 2019 season. Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. October 30, 2018. December 12, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20190212155615/http://spmindycar.com/2018/10/30/marcus-ericsson-joins-spm-for-2019-season/. February 12, 2019. dead.
- News: Andrettis hope Marco's bright car shines all the way to Indy victory lane. IndyCar.com. Mark. Robinson. April 19, 2019. April 22, 2019.
- News: 14 and fast: A tidbit that will make you feel old . IndyCar.com. Dave. Lewandowksi. April 24, 2014. May 13, 2019.
- News: Colton Herta wins inaugural IndyCar Classic at COTA, becomes youngest winner in series history. NBC Sports. Michael. Eubanks. March 24, 2019. May 13, 2019.
- News: Three open tests highlight INDYCAR testing regulations for 2018-19. IndyCar.com. September 28, 2018. December 18, 2018.
- News: Herta tops Honda test on IMS road course. Motorsport.com. David. Malsher. April 29, 2019. May 2, 2019.
- News: Dixon, Power turn test laps with 2019 Indy 500 in mind. Racer.com. Mark. Robinson. August 6, 2018. August 31, 2018.
- News: Indy aero and tire test set for next week. Racer.com. Marshall. Pruett. October 12, 2018. October 12, 2018.
- News: Drivers optimistic after 2019 Firestone test. Racer.com. Marshall. Pruett. October 17, 2018. December 13, 2018.
- News: NTT IndyCar Series rookies learn what ovals are all about at Texas test. IndyCar.com. Joey. Barnes. April 20, 2019. April 23, 2019.
- News: Ericsson on first oval test: "It's a very different experience". Motorsport.com. David. Malsher. April 20, 2019. April 23, 2019.
- News: Three open tests highlight INDYCAR testing regulations for 2018-19. IndyCar.com. September 28, 2018. December 18, 2018.
- News: Notes: Drivers to gear up for Indy 500 with April 24 test at IMS. IndyCar.com. April 17, 2019. April 22, 2019.
- News: Sato tops rain-interrupted Open Test at Indy. Racer.com. Robin. Miller. Robin Miller (journalist). April 24, 2019. April 25, 2019.
- News: Herta leads rookies, Alonso gets first Indy laps of 2019. Motorsport.com. David. Malsher. April 24, 2019. April 25, 2019.
- News: Indy open test whets (and wets) appetites for month of May. IndyCar.com. Mark. Robinson. April 24, 2019. April 25, 2019.
- Web site: Penske, ECR, top Tuesday practice charts at Indy. Robin. Miller. May 14, 2019. May 14, 2019. Racer.com. Racer Media & Marketing, Inc..
- Web site: Alonso crashes in Indy 500 practice. David. Malsher. May 15, 2019. May 15, 2019. Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network.
- Web site: Rosenqvist shunts on Day 2 of Indy 500 practice. David. Malsher. May 15, 2019. May 15, 2019. Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network.
- Web site: Indy 500: Newgarden puts Penske on top again in Day 2 practice. David. Malsher. May 15, 2019. May 15, 2019. Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network.
- Web site: O'Ward uninjured in heavy Indy 500 practice crash. Robin. Miller. May 16, 2019. May 16, 2019. Racer.com. Racer Media & Marketing, Inc..
- Web site: Indy 500: Jones tops rain-shortened Day 3 of practice. David. Malsher. May 16, 2019. May 16, 2019. Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network.
- Web site: Kaiser suffers big shunt, Juncos entry now in doubt. David. Malsher. May 17, 2019. May 17, 2019. Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network.
- Web site: Indy 500: Daly quickest on Fast Friday, Jones tops no-tow speeds. David. Malsher. May 17, 2019. May 17, 2019. Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network.
- News: McLaren's failed Indy 500 effort was a comedy of errors. Associated Press. Jenna. Fryer. May 20, 2019. February 26, 2020.
- Web site: KANAAN FINDS PACE IN FINAL INDY 500 PRACTICE. Mark. Robinson. May 24, 2019. May 24, 2019. IndyCar.com. Brickyard Trademarks, Inc..
- Web site: Indy 500: Ericsson, #7 Arrow SPM crew win pitstop competition. David. Malsher. May 24, 2019. May 24, 2019. Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network.
- Web site: 2019 NTT IndyCar Series Pit Stop Competition – Live updates. Asher. Fair. May 24, 2019. May 24, 2019. beyondtheflag.com. FanSided, Inc..
- Web site: Indy 500: Pagenaud beats Rossi, scores Penske's 18th Indy win. David. Malsher. May 26, 2019. August 31, 2019. Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network.
- Web site: Crew member injured at Indy 500 when Jordan King's car makes contact on pit road. Matthew. VanTyron. MSN.com. USA Today. May 26, 2019. September 3, 2019.
- Web site: Pagenaud edges Rossi in Indy 500 shootout. Mark. Glendenning. May 26, 2019. September 3, 2019. Racer.com. Racer Media & Marketing, Inc..
- Web site: Indy win worth $2.66m to Pagenaud; TV ratings up. May 28, 2019. September 3, 2019. Racer.com. Racer Media & Marketing, Inc..
- Web site: Ferrucci named Indy 500 Rookie of the Year. Cooper. Robinson. May 28, 2019. September 3, 2019. IndyCar.com. Brickyard Trademarks, Inc..
- Web site: NBC confirms Tirico as Indy host. February 15, 2019. RACER. en. March 20, 2019.
- Web site: Danica Patrick is joining NBC's inaugural Indianapolis 500 coverage. March 20, 2019. Awful Announcing. en-US. March 20, 2019.
- Web site: Dale Earnhardt Jr. joins Mike Tirico, Danica Patrick on NBC broadcast team for Indy 500. Ayello. Jim. Indianapolis Star. en. April 4, 2019.
- Web site: Here's how to watch Indy 500 practice, qualifying and race day on TV. Ayello. Jim. Indianapolis Star. en. April 4, 2019.
- News: Indy 500 TV ratings continue to decline. Indianapolis Star. 2018-05-30. en.
- Web site: Opinion: Winners and losers from a spectacular Indianapolis 500. Ayello. James. USA Today. en. 2019-05-29.
- Web site: TV Ratings: Indy 500, Monaco GP, Coke 600. 2019-05-29. Racer. en. 2019-05-29.
- Web site: On the rise: NBC flips script on Indy 500 TV ratings. Ayello. James. Indianapolis Star. en. 2019-05-29.
Simon Pagenaud
Spencer Pigot
