The Official Blog of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The best seats in the house at IMS are well known when it comes to the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400. When it comes to the Red Bull Indianapolis GP and the IMS road course, it’s a different story. We took the time to scope out the best three places to watch tomorrow’s race. Below is the breakdown of what you can expect to see from my personal favorite locations: Turn 1 of the oval, Turn 9 and Turn 4 of the oval.

Turn 1 was full of fans for today’s qualifying session, and now we know why. From this area of the stands you can view the front straight, a variety of turns and the pits. Another perk of Turn 1 is the shade! Although we have perfect weather in the forecast for this weekend, shade is always a nice factor.

Outside of Turn 1

Turn 9 is a reserved area for members of the Corner 9 Club. Anyone who wants to upgrade their Red Bull Indianapolis GP experience can join. An air conditioned suite complete with lounge areas, food and drinks is provided. The Corner 9 stands are just a short walk from the suite and amidst all the action! The view allows you to see multiple bikes speeding around multiple corners at the same time. There’s never a dull moment in Turn 9.

Reserved seats in Turn 9 for Corner 9 Club members

Sitting in Turn 4 of the oval provides a great view as well. Multiple turns that cause the bikes to lean left and then right, the front straight and two big screens allow for a great experience. No shade exists in Turn 4, but the view is worth it! Just remember to bring your sunscreen!

Coming out of Turn 4

Where will you be sitting tomorrow for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? We want to know!

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?

This year’s Red Bull Indianapolis GP will take the time to recognize women motorcycle riders. Many events have been organized throughout the race weekend that are just for women. Some selected lady riders have been kind enough to share their riding stories with us. They come from different riding groups and organizations from all over the country, but they all share the passion of speeding through the streets on two wheels. This week’s story comes from Lynda!

Name? Lynda

AKA? Mrs. Dorfmeyer

What riding group are you associated with? I belong to AMA, MSTA, HOG and Ladies of Harley.  I am mostly an independent rider, but support the sport and the industry.

How long have you been riding? On the back…a loooong time. I completed the Abate course here in Indy on 7/27/2003:  so on the front it has been 8 years.

How did you get involved with your organization? My husband Rick is a charter member of the AMA, he also got me involved with the MSTA.  He also introduced me to the world of motorcycle racing…Who knew?  I was always a big race fan…but somehow I missed the motorcycle part????

What are some of your favorite biking events you have traveled to? I have so many….All 3 MotoGP’s at the Brickyard, I probably qualify as an evangelist for that event.  MotoGP in Laguna Seca.  Continental Tire 4 day excursion to the conti-drome and the back roads of Germany.  Bonneville Salt Flats to see my sweetheart set a Land Speed Record on the Rayce Teams (Bloomington Powersports)Project 212  Honda cbr600, that they built in Tim Halsmer garage.  The Tucker Rocky BFD in Ft. Worth, via Colorado and Arizona, the 4000 mile odyssey on the sportster with my sweetheart Rick,  Craig and Jesusa Voris.  Cheraholla skyway in the rain, Arizona 191 (formerly Rte 666) passed a sign that read 20 mph curves, next 60 miles).  Oh yeah… we rode to Washington DC for the 1^st 9/12 Rally….WOW.

Lynda

What was the first bike you owned? Honda Rebel-Circa 1988

What is your dream bike? Whatever I am riding.

What drives you to be a biker? / What is the greatest reward you get from biking? I think I come by it honestly, my grandmother flew fighter planes (the P51) in the WASP (Women’s Air Service Patrol) in WWII.  Her wings are in the Smithsonian in DC.  My wings are on my Harley Davidson and the patches/pins on my vest.

My father was asking me the same question one day while driving down the interstate.  We passed a van with a golden retriever with his head out the window, ears flapping, tongue hangin out…  As we passed that van, I said to my father, ” Do you see that dog?  He replied, Yes…I said “I GET THAT”.  He has commented that he cannot understand how his college educated daughter aspires to be a “biker chick”.  Riding is something I do COMPLETELY for me.  I do not care about what anyone else thinks…that is mine.  The rewards? I have met some unbelievable people, that is THE unexpected gift! Peace, a sense of adventure, the wildness of my youth…Harley says it well…Screw it lets Ride. !!!!

Any great memories of events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or memories of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? My memories of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway go way back.  I come by being an IMS fan honestly also.  My father’s 1^st job was at the Motor Speedway:   he sold newspapers and sno cones when he was 12 or 13 (which we figured was around 1950 or so). He also worked the scoreboard, near the short chute, which consisted of 3 telephone poles  placed in a triangle, with boards joining them.  He had score cards and earphones and was responsible for keeping the crowds informed on the first 5 drivers. I have been coming to the motor speedway for the 500 since I was about 12 or 13 also.  The Brickyard 400, Formula 1 and NOW the Redbull Indianapolis Moto GP! Too many exciting memories to write down!

I had an opportunity to be on the inside while this event was being put together, due to Rick’s friendship with Mel and his employer being Tucker Rocky, one of the  sponsors of the MotoGP.  I can honestly say that I will NEVER forget the first time I saw those guys test riding on the track…I COULD FEEL IT, and HEAR it. There is nothing like watching those bikes live and in person. Then coupled with it being held at IMS the shrine of racing…well it doesn’t get much better.

I think my next fondest memory is being able to see the expression on the people’s faces when I would ask, that first year, “Is this the first time you have ever been to the Brickyard/IMS”? People would light up, grin from ear to ear, and proceed to tell me how long they have wanted to come here, that there is no place like it in the world, and then you put bikes on the track…….well…you get it I am sure….a line from the movie The World’s Fastest Indian comes to mind… “Paying homage to the Gods of Speed”.

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Want to learn more about the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? Click here.

Interested in tickets? Click here.

This year’s Red Bull Indianapolis GP will take the time to recognize women motorcycle riders. Many events have been organized throughout the race weekend that are just for women. Some selected lady riders have been kind enough to share their riding stories with us. They come from different riding groups and organizations from all over the country, but they all share the passion of speeding through the streets on two wheels. This week’s story comes from Tamara.

Name? Tamara

Bike’s name? My bike’s name is Cherry.

What riding group are you associated with? 317 Ryders MC

How long have you been riding? Since 2010

How did you get involved with your organization? My husband, Jimmie “Tic Tac” McMillian, initially joined in 2008. I challenged myself to take the riders course, passed the written test and obtained my motorcycle endorsement.

Tamara

What are some of your favorite biking events you have traveled to? Tail of the Dragon (in Tennessee) and the Cherohala Skyway, in North Carolina, were the most memorable riding trips. They both challenged my endurance, bike handling and riding in colder temperatures.

What was the first bike you owned? Cherry, the bike I currently own- 1998 Honda Shadow Aero – 1100

What is your dream bike? A chromed out Harley Davidson Road King in a girlie-color like orange, tan, or cream.

What drives you to be a biker? / What is the greatest reward you get from biking? As a professional woman, it has been empowering to own and ride my own bike. It takes a lot of courage and skill to ride your own motorcycle. I feel very strong and independent whether I ride 15 minutes or 5 hours. The greatest reward I get is when other women and girls compliment me or give me the thumbs up when I ride. I want to be a symbol of a women mastering a challenging hobby in a feminine way.

Any great memories of events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or memories of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? Moto GP- I have attended all of the MotoGP races in Indianapolis. I love the vendor/bike area the most because I can see the latest bikes, technology and accessories up close. I even took pictures of my “dream bike”.

I enjoyed the Midwest Breakout Ride in April of 2011 that was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was a joy to see all of the bikers and their families from several states appreciate the track and IMS facilities.

Anything else you would like to add? One of the best riding experiences I have is when I ride with my husband. We can ride for hours and talk to each other through our scala riders attached to our helmets as we explore the wonderful roads in our country.

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Want to learn more about the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? Click here.

Interested in tickets? Click here.

This year’s Red Bull Indianapolis GP will take the time to recognize women motorcycle riders. Many events have been organized throughout the race weekend that are just for women. Some selected lady riders have been kind enough to share their riding stories with us. They come from different riding groups and organizations from all over the country, but they all share the passion of speeding through the streets on two wheels. This week’s story comes from LaTanya.

Name? LaTanya

AKA? Ms Tan

What riding group are you associated with? 317 Ryders MC

How long have you been riding? New rider, 1 year

How did you get involved with your organization? I was invited to 317 Ryder events, parties, rides, etc. and eventually became a member

LaTanya

What are some of your favorite biking events you have traveled to? PRO convention in Tampa Fl., Spring Breakout ride in Mobile AL

What was the first bike you owned? Kawasaki 636

What is your dream bike? Harley Davidson – Soft Tail

What drives you to be a biker? / What is the greatest reward you get from biking? The excitement and the speed of riding, the greatest reward you get from biking is the freedom you experience on the open road.

Any great memories of events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or memories of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? Riding around the track with my motorcycle club

Anything else you would like to share? Taking ABATE has been a great tool in survival techniques.

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Want to learn more about the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? Click here.

Interested in tickets? Click here.

This year’s Red Bull Indianapolis GP will take the time to recognize women motorcycle riders. Many events have been organized throughout the race weekend that are just for women. Some selected lady riders have been kind enough to share their riding stories with us. They come from different riding groups organizations from all over the country, but they all share the passion of speeding through the streets on two wheels. This week’s story comes from Jodi, the co-host of Steel Horse TV.

Name? Jodi

What riding group are you associated with? No particular group per say! I’m the co-host of Steel Horse TV.

How long have you been riding? 4 years

How did you get involved with your organization? I got involved with Steel Horse 5 years ago when I was working for WNDY-TV. I was in charge of selling advertising for the show at the time.

Jodi is the co-host of Steel Horse TV

What are some of your favorite biking events you have traveled to? Biketober Fest in Daytona was a blast but I don’t spend a lot of time at these big events.  I really love interacting with the people and beneficiaries at the local rides that Steel Horse covers.  It would really be hard to name a favorite because they are all for such a great cause!

What was the first bike you owned? 2001 Sportster 1200 Custom

What is your dream bike? Screamin Eagle VROD

Jodi is the co-host of Steel Horse TV

What drives you to be a biker? / What is the greatest reward you get from biking? The freedom to ride!  Throwing all your cares out the window and taking off to see the back roads that we so often miss because we are in such a hurry to get where we are going.  I love riding to get lost!  Eventually you will always run into a road you know but the scenic countryside is a beautiful place to be “lost!”

Any great memories of IMS or the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? I would have to say the first year when we had a hurricane!

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Want to learn more about the Red Bull Indianapolis GP? Click here.

Interested in tickets? Click here.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian Donald Davidson has been the expert on the history of the Racing Capital of the World since he arrived in Central Indiana in the mid-1960s. Now 2010 Auto Racing Hall of Fame inductee Davidson is answering your questions periodically in this blog!

Q: With the Red Bull Indianapolis GP MotoGP race approaching, I find myself wondering if any Indiana-built (or even Indianapolis-built) motorcycles ever raced or were tested at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

—Scott Smith, Brownsburg, Ind.

A: It turns out that there were actually several motorcycle companies in Indiana in the early days, but as with the majority of the automobile firms, they were short-lived, typically lasting only a year or two. Certainly none ever was tested at the track in the early days, the only makes participating in the seven events held during the one and only day of actual competition—Aug, 14, 1909—being Indian, Harley-Davidson, NSU, Excelsior, Reading Standard, Peugeot, Merkel, Minneapolis and Thor.

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Some serious hardware in Colin Edwards' collarbone (Thanks to www.motorcyclenews.com)

The information lines of the sports world are taut today with criticism of LeBron James after the heavily favored Miami Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks in six games in the NBA Finals. LeChoke was a common name used for James after he disappeared in the fourth quarter of games in the Finals just 11 months after “taking his talents” to South Beach in “The Decision” show on ESPN, one of the worst PR decisions ever made by an American athlete.

LBJ compounded the ire from fans by saying after the game that he didn’t care about fan criticism of his lackluster play in the Finals. Really? Didn’t LeBron say he was following all of the fan criticism last summer after his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami and an unlimited number of titles? Then LeBron all but inferred people were jealous of him because he was a superstar and they had to return to their sad, pathetic lives today after the Finals ended.

Enough of that megalomaniacal clown King James and his tarnished crown. Instead save the royal treatment for an American athlete who flat-out delivered Sunday in a way that few could have imagined just a week ago.

American MotoGP rider Colin Edwards finished third Sunday in the Grand Prix of Great Britain. It was the 12th podium finish of his nine-season MotoGP career, which isn’t a world-beating stat at first glance. But when you consider that Edwards beat MotoGP World Champions Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo and 10 other of the world’s best riders Sunday, just eight days after having a titanium plate screwed into his shattered collarbone, that’s the stuff of legends.

Read that again. That’s right: Colin Edwards finished third in arguably the most physical form of major circuit-based motorsports in the world — hanging on to a two-wheeled, angry bucking bronco for 45 minutes — just nine days after breaking his collarbone in five places in a crash during practice at the Catalunya Grand Prix at Barcelona, Spain.

Incredible. A supreme display of what SPEED Formula One analyst David Hobbs like to call “large attachments.” Some serious courage, to be proper.

And “The Texas Tornado” delivered when his Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team needed it. His teammate, Cal Crutchlow, also suffered a broken collarbone in a crash this weekend at Silverstone in his home race, leaving Tech 3 with just Edwards on the grid.

Then Yamaha Factory Racing riders Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies crashed a lap apart during the rain-soaked race. Guess who was the only Yamaha rider left in the race to score vital Manufacturers’ points? A 37-year-old “old dude” with a shattered collarbone held together with hardware, having the ride of his life.

When it came time to flourish, a healthy LeBron James choked and caved in mentally when his team needed him the most on the sunny shores of South Beach. When his team and manufacturer were down, a wounded Colin Edwards carried them to unexpected glory in a cold, English rain at Silverstone.

One of those guys is returning to his mansion with a private chef and a garage full of Maybachs and Ferraris. Another is heading home to Houston to see his wife, three kids and prepare for another round of happy riders at the Texas Tornado Boot Camp this weekend.

I think we all know who the true superstar is.

Fans of all things two-wheeled didn’t have to wait until this year’s August 28th Red Bull Indianapolis GP to catch riders in action at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway thanks to the Midwest Breakout Ride this past weekend. Thousands of bikers converged upon the Racing Capital of the World from destinations across the Midwest.

A sea of bikes field covered the IMS

The IMS Street Team was on-hand with plenty of Red Bull to keep the crowd going

The family-friendly community event included live music, food, tire tests, and trick riding!

Stunt riders do tricks

The crowd was really into the stunt riders

One-handed wheelies!

Check out more photos from the event on the IMS Flickr Page — In the meantime, rather than tell everyone about the event, we thought we’d pull together a quick take from the fans perspective. Hear what they had to say below!

Lined up and waiting for the 2011 Red Bull Indianapolis GP? There are some new and exciting changes this year (Seriously! Read about them here) and we’re excited to hear from fans about the additional activities surrounding our August event as well as to talk– well, to talk about MotoGP of course!

Bikes lined up in the garages at the 2011 Red Bull Indianapolis GP

So come out to Brickyard Crossing (View Map to: 4400 West 16th St. Indianapolis, IN 46222) on Sunday, March 20 to watch the MotoGP race with fellow fans as it kicks off the season in Qatar. The race will be broadcast at 3:00 p.m.

The Brickyard Crossing just underwent an extensive facelift (Read about it here) so come check out the renovated space and watch the race! Beer specials will be $2.25 draft and buckets are just 5/$10. The limited bar menu will be open as well.

Not able to make it out this Sunday? Share your comments below and tell us what you’re most excited about with the MotoGP season right now! What are you looking forward to most this August at the Red Bull Indianapolis GP?

2010 Red Bull Indianapolis GP Quals - Going past the Pagoda