The Official Blog of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

We’ve been getting all of our fans hyped on Twitter and Facebook for the Ben Spies tweet up for the past 2 weeks! Today was finally the day. The first 5 fans in line outside of the Oakley retail garage received a free pair of Oakley Batwolf sunglasses and Ben signed autographs for about 20 minutes for a line of fans that stretched from one row of garages to the other!

A big crowd for Ben Spies and Oakley

Fans were armed with sharpies, posters, framed pictures and helmets. We knew this would be the appropriate place to find our Fan of the Day, and who better than the first person in line? Jennifer had been waiting in line since noon (the tweet up was at 5pm). She didn’t even leave to eat lunch, she had family and friends deliver food to her.

Jennifer waiting for Ben Spies with her Oakley Batwolf sunglasses

Jennifer has followed Spies through pretty much his entire career. She has watched him race for about 10 years she said, and has even met his mother! She has attended the Red Bull Indianapolis GP every year at Indy and her favorite racing memory was the first time MotoGP came to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Ben finally arrived and the fans cheered for him as he took his seat outside of the Oakley garage. Jennifer was first to get an autograph. The line of fans took their turns getting autographs, shaking hands and wishing Ben good luck this weekend.

Jennifer got to walk away with a free pair of Oakley sunglasses, an autograph from her favorite driver and a great memory! What more could a fan ask for?

To end this series of Fan of the Day we caught a few special people to take pictures with the giant Cholula Hot Sauce bottle. KV Racing Technology driver Tony Kanaan and Indy 500 Festival Princess Riley Hoffman took a few minutes to pose with the Cholula Fan of the Day bottle. It was great of them to show their support for IMS and of course Cholula Hot Sauce.

This May has been a great one thanks to all of the fans. It was great to search for a Fan of the Day and we were never disappointed with the way fans showed their support. Whether it was wearing their favorite driver’s shirt, being an avid autograph hunter, or just pouring Cholula Hot Sauce on everything the fans made this 100th Anniversary even more special to IMS.

We have to send a special shout out to Cholula Hot Sauce as well. They provided every Fan of the Day with an awesome prize pack and, thanks to Cholula Hot Sauce at every concession stand, they provided happy bellies to many hungry fans at this year’s Indy 500.

Congratulations to all of our chosen fans for Fan of the Day and keep looking for more Fan of the Day posts and opportunities when the Brickyard 400 rolls around in July!

To check out more Fan of the Day pictures check out Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Flickr.

By now, fans have caught the Indy 500 Fan of the Day Presented by Cholula Hot Sauce. You’ve probably seen our Facebook photos and said to yourself “Really, that’s the fan of the day? I could do better, I should be the Fan of the Day! I should win that 2 ft. tall Cholula Hot Sauce bottle.”

Okay, perhaps not verbatim, but it’s human nature to see a contest winner and wonder why you did not win as well. But then came Miller Lite Carb Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and our team was simply dumbstruck by the AMAZING displays of Indy 500 fandom (well now I’m just inventing words…)

In short, it was crazy – fans packed the place to catch the Firestone Freedom 100 and a concert with Staind and Papa Roach and we could not walk anywhere with that 2 ft. tall bottle without fans pointing and saying “I gotta have that.”

So enjoy the photos below, everyone in attendance yesterday deserved some credit towards Fan of the Day. Now if only we could give everyone 2 ft tall Cholula Hot Sauce bottles….

Chuggin' Cholula at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Fans of Staind and Papa Roach AND Cholula

Group Fan of the Day

Looks like a winner to us

Couples love Cholula!

Good thing the lid's on!

Yes, the Indy 500 Fan of the Day program is back and we’re ready to find the best fans Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to offer! This year, Cholula Hot Sauce became a sponsor of Fan of the Day and will award prizes to the lucky fan chosen each day.

We’ve seen how fun, crazy, and excited you fans can be and we’re asking you to bring all those qualities to the Speedway for the rest of May. Winners will receive a 4-pack of sauces, a t-shirt, and a 2ft. tall trophy bottle of Cholula Hot Sauce. Their picture will also be featured on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website and Cholula’s Facebook page. Love hot sauce? Head on over to their Facebook page and let them know you caught the Fan of the Day!

Firestone Indy Lights practice and qualifying were almost completely washed out yesterday. Fans hung around hoping to see more track action that never happened. Despite the rain, oue next fan of the day seemed to be having a great time with her friends and had her Indianapolis Motor Speedway Centennial Era sweatshirt on. Meet our new fan of the day, Jenny!

How many times have you attended the Indy 500?

Jenny was in Indy for a business conference and was given tickets for the Indy 500 this year. This will be her first time attending the race, and she is loving every minute of being at IMS.

Which 100^th anniversary event are you most looking forward to?

Jenny is super excited for Carb Day and the concerts that will be taking place on the Miller Lite stage.

What is one thing that always brings you back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

This is Jenny’s first time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but she has learned to love the access to the garages and the pits. She got to meet drivers and get pictures with some of them.

Which current driver would you like to see win this year’s Indy 500?

Jenny and her friends met Paul Tracy yesterday. “He was such a nice guy,” said Jenny.  They got their picture taken with PT and would love to see him win this year.

What is your favorite racing memory?

Jenny has never been to an IndyCar race, but she has great memories from her home in Minnesota. They used to hold snowmobile races every year that took place on racetracks made of hay. Jenny loved attending the race every year.

In your opinion, which food is best with Cholula Hot Sauce?

Tacos

Yes, the Indy 500 Fan of the Day program is back and we’re ready to find the best fans Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to offer! This year, Cholula Hot Sauce became a sponsor of Fan of the Day and will award prizes to the lucky fan chosen each day.

We’ve seen how fun, crazy, and excited you fans can be and we’re asking you to bring all those qualities to the Speedway for the rest of May. Winners will receive a 4-pack of sauces, a t-shirt, and a 2ft. tall trophy bottle of Cholula Hot Sauce. Their picture will also be featured on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website and Cholula’s Facebook page. Love hot sauce? Head on over to their Facebook page and let them know you caught the Fan of the Day!

Community Day was underway, and so were the afternoon’s autograph sessions. Fans had spent their morning lining up to receive bracelets that would get them into the autograph sessions later that day. Joined by Grace, one of few children across the nation chosen as Scholastic Kid Reporters, I made my way through the line of fans waiting for autographs. We knew this had to be the best spot to find a true Indy 500 fan. Our eyes scanned the line of eager fans when we spotted someone wearing a hat completely filled with collectible pins. We knew Terry would be a great fan of the day. It wasn’t until later that we realized Terry had also been fan of the day last year. Guess it takes a dedicated and true fan to be chosen two years in a row!

How many times have you attended the Indy 500?

Terry first attended the Indy 500 in 1972. This year will make the 37^th time he has attended the race. Impressive!

Which 100^th anniversary event are you most looking forward to?

Terry is looking forward to the running of the Indy 500 this year to celebrate the 100^th anniversary.

What is one thing that always brings you back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

The people and the races that IMS hosts always bring Terry back.

Which current driver would you like to see win this year’s Indy 500?

Marco Andretti was Terry’s answer because he always seems to have a tough time at Indy.

If you could choose any driver from the past to win this year’s Indy 500 who would it be?

A.J. Foyt because he has always been Terry’s favorite driver.

What is your favorite racing memory?

One of Terry’s favorite Indy 500 memories was the 1985 race when Danny Sullivan won.

In your opinion, which food is best with Cholula Hot Sauce?

Terry loves eating corn dogs with Cholula Hot Sauce.

Yes, the Indy 500 Fan of the Day program is back and we’re ready to find the best fans Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to offer! This year, Cholula Hot Sauce became a sponsor of Fan of the Day and will award prizes to the lucky fan chosen each day.

We’ve seen how fun, crazy, and excited you fans can be and we’re asking you to bring all those qualities to the Speedway for the rest of May. Winners will receive a 4-pack of sauces, a t-shirt, and a 2ft. tall trophy bottle of Cholula Hot Sauce. Their picture will also be featured on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website and Cholula’s Facebook page. Love hot sauce? Head on over to their Facebook page and let them know you caught the Fan of the Day!

Rain repeatedly interrupted Bump Day, but the fans didn’t seem to mind. The crowd lined Gasoline Alley, pit lane, and filled the stands. The sky was numerous colors throughout the day and so was the outfit the next fan of the day was wearing. His orange and green shirt and mardi gra beads caught my eye underneath the entrance to Gasoline Alley. Jimmy Nitro was the new Fan of the Day.

How many times have you attended the Indy 500?

Jimmy has lived in Indy for 15 years and has attended the race every single one of those years plus the two years before he moved to Indy. So, Jimmy has been to the Indy 500 17 times in a row, very impressive.

Which 100^th anniversary event are you most looking forward to?

As a child Jimmy owned the Hot Wheels car on display in the plaza this May. Jimmy obviously has a love for Hot Wheels which explains why he is most looking forward to the Hot Wheels stunt taking place on race day morning. Jimmy says he plans on being in Turn 4 with his family to see the stunt happen.

What makes the 100^th anniversary special to you?

Seeing all the “racing celebrities” and past drivers around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, especially Bobby Rahal, makes the 100^th anniversary special to Jimmy.

What is one thing that always brings you back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

The sounds and smells of IMS always bring Jimmy back. He loves the sound of the cars passing over the yard of bricks. “It makes a unique noise,” said Jimmy.

Which current driver would you like to see win this year’s Indy 500?

Jimmy would love to see Alex Tagliani win this year’s Indy 500. He had the honor of talking to Tagliani and shaking his hand. Jimmy thinks Alex Tagliani and the Sam Schmidt Racing team have a car that has what it takes to win this year’s race.

If you could choose any driver from the past to win this year’s Indy 500 who would it be?

Buddy Rice.

What is your favorite racing memory?

Three years ago Jimmy attended the race with his brother-in-law and they were watching from Turn 4. His brother-in-law had painted an image of the American flag on his back. At some point during the day, a crowd of troops passed by them and sent out a special yell to Jimmy’s brother-in-law. Jimmy said the whole situation brought tears to his eyes. The incident ended up being in the Indianapolis Star a few days later.

In your opinion, which food is best with Cholula Hot Sauce?

Nachos with bacon, and tons of Cholula Hot Sauce.

Yes, the Indy 500 Fan of the Day program is back and we’re ready to find the best fans Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to offer! This year, Cholula Hot Sauce became a sponsor of Fan of the Day and will award prizes to the lucky fan chosen each day.

We’ve seen how fun, crazy, and excited you fans can be and we’re asking you to bring all those qualities to the Speedway for the rest of May. Winners will receive a 4-pack of sauces, a t-shirt, and a 2ft. tall trophy bottle of Cholula Hot Sauce. Their picture will also be featured on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website and Cholula’s Facebook page. Love hot sauce? Head on over to their Facebook page and let them know you caught the Fan of the Day!

Pole Day was underway and fans eagerly awaited drivers as they walked off the track following their individual qualification attempts. I knew the bull pen would be my place to find a true fan. Wearing a Tony Kanaan jersey and standing in the front row was Caleb. A new fan of the day had been discovered.

How many times have you attended the Indy 500?

Caleb has attended four Indy 500 races. His first was in 2007 or 2008.

Which 100^th anniversary event are you most looking forward to?

Caleb is looking forward to the pit stop challenge and always looks forward to Pole Day.

What makes the 100^th anniversary special to you?

Being in the atmosphere created by IMS and the Indy 500 is what makes the 100^th anniversary special to Caleb. He loves the fans and being a part of a great crowd.

What is one thing that always brings you back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

The cars and the speed of the famous IMS oval brings Caleb back every year. He loves the month of May and everything that goes on. “May is just awesome,” Caleb said.

Which current driver would you like to see win this year’s Indy 500?

If Tony Kanaan won this year’s race Caleb would be happy. “He always has a tough time at Indy,” said Caleb.

If you could choose any driver from the past to win this year’s Indy 500 who would it be?

Rick Mears. “Because he’s the greatest,” Caleb explained.

What is your favorite racing memory?

Last year when Tony Kanaan wrecked both cars and still ended up in the race.

In your opinion, which food is best with Cholula Hot Sauce?

Tacos

Yes, the Indy 500 Fan of the Day program is back and we’re ready to find the best fans Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to offer! This year, Cholula Hot Sauce became a sponsor of Fan of the Day and will award prizes to the lucky fan chosen each day.

We’ve seen how fun, crazy, and excited you fans can be and we’re asking you to bring all those qualities to the Speedway for the rest of May. Winners will receive a 4-pack of sauces, a t-shirt, and a 2ft. tall trophy bottle of Cholula Hot Sauce. Their picture will also be featured on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website and Cholula’s Facebook page. Love hot sauce? Head on over to their Facebook page and let them know you caught the Fan of the Day!

It was a packed day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and plenty of fans cheered on the drivers during practice. Autographs were being signed every time I turned around. Fans swarmed the garage area keeping an eye on Simona de Silvestro’s garage and I was searching carefully for the next fan of the day. A fan wearing two hats with his hands full of autographed paraphernalia caught my eye. He seemed to be busy walking from garage to garage, but I had to interrupt his process because Josh was the definitely the next fan of the day.

How many times have you attended the Indy 500?

Josh has attended the race a couple times, but he always returns for Fast Friday and Pole Day. When it comes to attending IMS events, you can usually find Josh around Brickyard 400 time.

Which 100^th anniversary event are you most looking forward to?

Next Saturday (A.J. Foyt Day) an autograph session featuring hundreds of past drivers is taking place and Josh can’t wait to add to his autograph collection.

What makes the 100^th anniversary special to you?

Just being able to hang around the garage area and collect autographs adds to Josh’s 100^th anniversary experience. Last year he managed to get 50 autographs on one hat and all in one day. He’s working towards the same thing this year.

What is one thing that always brings you back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Coming back every year for the Indy 500 is all about the fan involvement for Josh. He loves that fans have more access to the garage area and Gasoline Alley than the Brickyard 400.

Which current driver would you like to see win this year’s Indy 500?

Josh would love to see Paul Tracy or Will Power win this year. On the other hand, he thinks it would also be cool to see Helio win a fourth Indy 500.

If you could choose any driver from the past to win this year’s Indy 500 who would it be?

Johnny Rutherford. “He’s a legend,” said Josh.

What is your favorite racing memory?

Every race is a great memory for Josh. He couldn’t choose just one memory that was the best. He is a fan of all kinds of racing and enjoys seeing any and all races.

In your opinion, which food is best with Cholula Hot Sauce?

“Probably tacos,” said Josh.

Yes, the Indy 500 Fan of the Day program is back and we’re ready to find the best fans Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to offer! This year, Cholula Hot Sauce became a sponsor of Fan of the Day and will award prizes to the lucky fan chosen each day.

We’ve seen how fun, crazy, and excited you fans can be and we’re asking you to bring all those qualities to the Speedway for the rest of May. Winners will receive a 4-pack of sauces, a t-shirt, and a 2ft. tall trophy bottle of Cholula Hot Sauce. Their picture will also be featured on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website and Cholula’s Facebook page. Love hot sauce? Head on over to their Facebook page and let them know you caught the Fan of the Day!

The sun has finally decided to shine on IMS once again and the stands have been packed with fans waiting to watch practice. However, it wasn’t the stands where I found our next fan of the day, it was Gasoline Alley. I was walking through the garages when everything came to a halt because the A.J. Foyt Enterprises team with Vitor Meira’s car was pulling back into Gasoline Alley. Numerous fans had stopped to let the team through when I spotted our fan of the day. He was sporting his Tony Kanaan shirt and held a helmet covered in autographs. Chad was pleased to be our fan of the day and his friends joined in on some of the answers as well.

How many times have you attended the Indy 500?

Chad has been to the actual Indy 500 race about five times. His first race was when he was a kid, probably around eight years old.

Which 100^th anniversary event are you most looking forward to?

The race itself.

What makes the 100^th anniversary special to you?

Chad is enjoying all the centennial activities this year. He has loved seeing all the old drivers around. It makes the 100^th anniversary more special to Chad.

What is one thing that always brings you back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

The treatment of the fans is why Chad always finds himself at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway every year. He loves that fans can have access to the garage area and Gasoline Alley and can be up close and personal with the drivers.

Which current driver would you like to see win this year’s Indy 500?

Chad would love to see Tony Kanaan win this year’s 100^th anniversary race. He loves TK because of the way he treats his fans. “He’s always very courteous,” said Chad.

If you could choose any driver from the past to win this year’s Indy 500 who would it be?

Chad’s friends answered right away with “J.R., J.R.”. “Yea, it would definitely have to be Johnny Rutherford,” Chad said.

What is your favorite racing memory?

Every time Chad has been in the garage area at Indy with his brother just walking around getting autographs and watching the drivers and teams do their thing has been his favorite racing memory.

In your opinion, which food is best with Cholula Hot Sauce?

“What can’t you eat with Cholula?” Chad and his friends are definite Cholula fans. They said they always use the Cholula at the Indy concession stands on their hot dogs or whatever they order that day.

Yes, the Indy 500 Fan of the Day program is back and we’re ready to find the best fans Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to offer! This year, Cholula Hot Sauce became a sponsor of Fan of the Day and will award prizes to the lucky fan chosen each day.

We’ve seen how fun, crazy, and excited you fans can be and we’re asking you to bring all those qualities to the Speedway for the rest of May. Winners will receive a 4-pack of sauces, a t-shirt, and a 2ft. tall trophy bottle of Cholula Hot Sauce. Their picture will also be featured on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website and Cholula’s Facebook page. Love hot sauce? Head on over to their Facebook page and let them know you caught the Fan of the Day!

Today’s Fan of the Day is a youngster with an impressive Indy 500 track record (no pun intended). The drivers know her by name and have even asked for her autograph. Needless to say, Bailey is a bit of a celebrity herself. She comes to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway every year prepared with hand-made crafts to hand out to the drivers. It was a bit chilly to say the least, but Bailey stood with her parents in the “Alley Cats” designated area waiting for drivers to pass,  just as they have in many previous years. “It’s this little girl’s lucky day,” I thought. Little did I know, it was actually my lucky day. I was about to have an opportunity to speak with the widely-known Bailey.

How many times have you attended the Indy 500?

My whole life, was Bailey’s first answer. Then decided she has been to the race about 10 times. For a youngster like Bailey, 10 Indy 500’s is an impressive statistic.

Which 100^th anniversary event are you most looking forward to?

Bailey can’t wait for the actual race. Also, being around the IndyCar drivers is something Bailey always looks forward to.

What makes the 100^th anniversary special to you?

Bailey loves seeing all the drivers and handing out her crafts to them. She makes personalized key chains and foam door ornaments for the drivers. Just today Bailey gave Scott Dixon her present for him and he gave her the hat right off his head. I must admit, I’m a bit jealous. Bailey also has a scheduled two-seater ride this week, definitely something she can’t wait for!

What is one thing that always brings you back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Bailey comes back to IMS time and time again because she always has a great time and makes great memories. Being at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is always an exciting time for her.

Which current driver would you like to see win this year’s Indy 500?

“Dan Wheldon,” Bailey said without hesitation. “I’m his #1 fan!”

What is your favorite racing memory?

Last year Jay Howard asked Bailey for her autograph. She was only the second person to sign his helmet, an honor indeed.

In your opinion, which food is best with Cholula Hot Sauce?

Chicken tenders is Bailey’s favorite food to eat with Cholula Hot Sauce.