New IMS president: No talk about changing Indy 500 start time
By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
For those hoping that the Indianapolis 500 might change its start time to encourage drivers to be able to do both the IndyCar Series race and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, think again.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Belskus, who oversees both the IRL and the race track, said Tuesday during a news conference at the track that he has had no discussions about changing the start time since taking over the position three weeks ago.
The Indianapolis 500 start time likely would have to change from its recent 1 p.m. EDT slot for it to be possible for a driver to do both events. It would be hard for Lowe’s Motor Speedway to start the NASCAR race later than 5:45 p.m. because of the length of the 600-mile race, which takes more than four hours to complete.
With the crossover of open-wheel drivers to NASCAR – such as Tony Stewart, Juan Pablo Montoya, Robby Gordon, John Andretti and Sam Hornish Jr. – heavy interest could be generated if drivers could do both races and rumors have circulated that the start time could be altered.
Belskus was asked if there was any discussion concerning altering the start time of the Indianapolis 500.
“I haven’t given any thought to the start time of the Indianapolis 500,” said Belskus, whose role at the race track will increase with the departure of race track president Joie Chitwood on Aug. 6. “So, no to that question.”
Belskus, who was the chief financial officer of the company until his promotion late last month, called his new job “one of the best jobs in sports” and is looking forward to the Sprint Cup event at the track this weekend. He said during a news conference at the track today that attendance for this weekend is “looking better than we thought [it] might a few months ago.”
“The Allstate 400 should be another great race for us,” Belskus said. “Knock on wood, I think NASCAR and Goodyear have their tire issues worked out. Hopefully we can meet and exceed our fans’ expectations with that event and all of our events.”
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8 responses to "New IMS president: No talk about changing Indy 500 start time". Post a Comment.
OSUSam said:
Jul 21, 2009 at 6:46 PMYou would think that IMS and the IRL would accomodate it to create more excitement for the 500 mile race. That's the problem with the establishment at IMS. They are old, stodgy and can't see a good thing when it hits them right between the eyes,
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» Confirm Abuse ReportOSUSam said:
Jul 21, 2009 at 6:46 PMYou would think that IMS and the IRL would accomodate it to create more excitement for the 500 mile race. That's the problem with the establishment at IMS. They are old, stodgy and can't see a good thing when it hits them right between the eyes,
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» Confirm Abuse ReportCarol-88-fan said:
Jul 21, 2009 at 8:00 PMRight now I have no interest in the Indy 500. However, if they had some Nascar drivers, like Tony, Jeff, Jimmie or Jr, I wouldn't miss it.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportjlm1979 said:
Jul 22, 2009 at 7:58 AMSince the 500 is the older possibly more traditional race, why not move the 600. NASCAR is in Charlotte for two weeks anyways, run the 600 the first week and then run the All-Star race on the Friday before the 500. Either that or work out a deal to alternate who gets the Memorial day weekend.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportkahnefan said:
Jul 22, 2009 at 9:50 AMNo moving the 600 would not be a good idea, the 600 has been on Memorial Day weekend for who knows how many years, why mess with a good thing. The 600 could stay at its time, since that has been the time for many years, and the 500 could move up to its earlier starting time like it did for many years.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportOSUSam said:
Jul 22, 2009 at 2:53 PMI agree with KAHNEFAN. Indy should move their time back to a noon start, like they used to. But, it's all about TV and the early timeframe on the left coast. As for CAROL-88-FAN, you really should make an effort to watch and understand what the Indy 500 is all about. I have attended 26 Indy 500's and the hair still stands up on the back of my neck when the race starts. No other race does that for me. It has a totally different feeling than ony other form of motorsports. I have seen 3 Daytona 500's and If I had my choice between the 2, I would always pick Indy. It is an unbelieveable experience.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportCount_Culo said:
Jul 22, 2009 at 3:52 PMThe most obvious answer to me is moving one of the races to Saturday night (Charlotte), or to Monday (Indy)... for MANY years the races were on different days and drivers DROVE the distance between them to compete in both, guys like the Allisons, Lee Roy Yarbrough, Tim Richmond, etc... no real reason it couldn't happen again.. kind of boring not having a race on Monday anyway...
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» Confirm Abuse ReportOSUSam said:
Jul 22, 2009 at 8:11 PMCount_Culo, That would work for me. But that was before the big TV contract. I doubt we will ever see a Monday holiday race again.
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