One of the long-standing pre-race traditions at the Indianapolis 500 is the Balloon Spectacle. Thousands of multi-colored, helium-filled balloons are released into the air above the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The tradition dates back to the late 1940s. Anton “Tony” Hulman Jr. bought the Speedway in November 1945, shortly after the conclusion of World War II, … More The Balloon Spectacle
The 2019 episodes of The Talk of Gasoline Alley began Monday May 6 on 107.5/1070 The Fan (WFNI). For Podcasts & Downloads of 2019 episodes, see Indy 500 Coverage at 107.5/1070 The Fan For Downloads of 2000-2018 episodes, see Audio Downloads For The Talk of Gasoline Alley Episode Guides from 2000-2019, see TOGA Episode Guides … More 2019 The Talk of Gasoline Alley
Since the track opened in 1909, the now-famous wheel & wing logo has graced the official program, tickets, and other paraphernalia for the Indianapolis 500. In 1981 the Speedway began marketing the race in official capacity with a dedicated unique annual logo. This logo was printed on the ticket, the program cover, the official poster, … More History of Indy 500 Logos – The 2010s
Since its inception in 1994, the NASCAR Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been advertised in official capacity with a dedicated unique annual logo. Much like the annual logos for the Indianapolis 500, these logos for the Brickyard 400 are printed on the ticket, the program cover, the official poster, on signage around … More History of Brickyard 400 Logos
The 2018 episodes of The Talk of Gasoline Alley began Monday May 7 on 107.5/1070 The Fan (WFNI). Indy 500 Coverage at 107.5/1070 The Fan 2018 Broadcast schedule: 107.5 FM / 1070 AM The Fan WFNI 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Trackside with Curt Cavin & Kevin Lee 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Donald Davidson’s … More 2018 The Talk of Gasoline Alley
In 1957, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway underwent a major improvement along the frontstretch pit lane. Prior to 1957, the pit area was located along the inside of the mainstretch, and was not physically separated from the racing surface. Cars would simply pull over to the inside to be serviced. In the interest of safety and … More The Grass Strip
Since the track opened in 1909, the now-famous wheel & wing logo has graced the official program, tickets, and other paraphernalia for the Indianapolis 500. In 1981 the Speedway began marketing the race in official capacity with a dedicated unique annual logo. This logo was printed on the ticket, the program cover, the official poster, … More History of Indy 500 Logos – The 2000s
The 2017 month of May episodes of The Talk of Gasoline Alley began Monday May 8 on 107.5/1070 The Fan (WFNI). A special “pre-May” segment was aired as part of Trackside with Curt Cavin & Kevin Lee on April 5. 2017 Broadcast schedule: 107.5 FM / 1070 AM The Fan WFNI 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 … More 2017 The Talk of Gasoline Alley
For Podcasts & Downloads of 2016 episodes, see Indy 500 Coverage at 93.5/1070 The Fan For Talk of Gasoline Alley Episode Guides from 2000-2015, see TOGA Episode Guides 93.5 FM / 1070 AM The Fan WFNI 7-8 pm: Trackside with Curt Cavin & Kevin Lee Presented by Verizon 8-9 pm: The Talk of Gasoline Alley Mon. … More 2016 The Talk of Gasoline Alley
There is just something about those green folding chairs that we will all miss. The ongoing grandstand renovation project will eliminate most of these nostalgic green chairs. They date back to the 1950s. They replaced wooden chairs that were once used for the same purpose. They were used in the Penthouse upper decks (E stand, … More Green folding chairs
First published in 2016 Consider yourself somewhat fortunate if you had the privilege to see first-hand the old garages that stood at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway until 1985. The iconic green and white barn doors defined Gasoline Alley for many decades, including what most consider the “golden age” of Indianapolis. But as we approach the … More The new garages are…over 30 years old!?!
The race record for the Indianapolis 500 was set in 2013 by Tony Kanaan (average speed 187.433 mph). The race featured a 133-lap caution free segment that spanned from lap 61 through 193, which greatly aided in the exceptional average speed. Two late-race caution periods stymied the torrid pace over the final seven laps, however. … More The Fastest 500s (Part 2)
When it comes to fast races at Indianapolis, lately they’ve come in pairs. Case in point, 1990-1991, 2011-2012, and 2013-2014 (and perhaps even 2018-2019). Of those recent years, the four fastest Indy 500s to date have the unique distinction of being held in consecutive pairs, and have curious similarities. The race record for the Indianapolis … More The Fastest 500s (Part 1)
The 2013 Indianapolis 500 was a record-breaking race in many categories. It stands as the fastest Indy 500 ever run (187.433 mph average speed), and saw the 33-car field complete a record 5,863 laps out of a possible 6,600 (88.8%). The race also tied the record for most cars running at the finish (26), most … More The 2013 race: 84 lead changes (unofficially)
Since the track opened in 1909, the now-famous wheel & wing logo has graced the official program, tickets, and other paraphernalia for the Indianapolis 500. In 1981 the Speedway began marketing the race in official capacity with a dedicated unique annual logo. This logo was printed on the ticket, the program cover, the official poster, … More History of Indy 500 Logos – The 1990s
For individual episode downloads, see Audio Downloads The Centennial Celebration (2011) Narrated by Kevin Lee, Scott Johnston, Matt Hicks, R.J. Crace, Mark Montieth Episode 1 – Introduction, Carl Fisher, construction of the track & 1909-1910 race, the 1911 race Episode 2 – 1912-1941, Early owners, Eddie Rickenbacker, Borg-Warner Trophy Episode 3 – Post WWII (1946-1949) and … More History of the 500 Episode Guide