Two New Attractions at the Indianapolis 500

Last Friday, my dad and I headed to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for an afternoon of fun in the sun and fast cars. As usual, the IMS delivered both in abundance. While I consider myself a regular around the track, trying to make it there at least once each May, two new features caught my eye this year.

The first thing you’ll notice, due to its sheer size, is the gigantic Hot Wheels ramp at the north end of the track. When I got home, I had to look into what this was all about. It turns out that the IndyCar drivers won’t be the only ones accomplishing jaw-dropping feats on race day. A masked driver will attempt to break a world record distance jump of 302 feet in a 4-wheel vehicle by sailing down this 10-story, 90-foot orange ramp. He’ll then soar across the infield area around Turn 4. Plan to look that way about 80 minutes before the green flag drops. More information is available here.

And while it’s not nearly as big as the Hot Wheels ramp, it’s just as amazing to look at: the new 2012 aero kits. While I’m no car buff, these machines are visually stunning. There are two new designs: one for road courses and one for ovals (such as the IMS). The kits will be made by Dallara and were selected in a competitive design process. The kits will be produced in Speedway, just yards from the track. More information is available here. You can find the cars on display near the Pagoda.

Now we just need to fire up those engines, belt out “Back Home Again in Indiana” and wave that green flag. Let’s go racing!

Photos courtesy of IndyCar.