New IMS president: No talk about changing Indy 500 start time
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.”
