Jim Haines / IRL

The road to this year’s Indy 500 began at Homestead-Miami Speedway in a fashion very similar to that of years past, with a driver from Target Chip Ganassi Racing pulling into Victory Lane. But this year was different—despite a strong charge from Ganassi driver and three-time Homestead winner Dan Wheldon, it was teammate Scott Dixon who finished first in this year’s race, the Gainsco Insurance 300. Andretti Green Racing driver Marco Andretti, the victim of some horrendous luck at Homestead in previous years finished second, and Wheldon finished third after starting the race from last place. Andretti teammate Tony Kanaan led the race with just seven laps to go, but was forced out after making contact with the spinning car of Ernesto Viso.   read more »

Sounds from the rain-soaked 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 won by Dario Franchitti on May 27, 2007. Forty-four clips comprising 1 hour and 30 minutes of sound, from early morning raindrops through the opening ceremonies, green flag racing, pit stops, the victory celebration and more.   read more »

The singing group “Something Good” from Canton, OH performed the US National Anthem on Opening Day for the 2007 Indianapolis 500 (includes audio).   read more »

Ron Burton, a well-known artist and resident of Speedway, Indiana, has placed his large collection of racing helmets up for sale. The collection is quite amazing… 165 helmets in all, many worn by some of the biggest names in auto racing (the helmet at left was used by Mark Donohue). The helmets have been on display for years at Union Jack’s Pub, a popular hangout among the racing crowd located just a mile from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Burton is selling the collection because “As hard as the loss of the collection would be, the “starving artist” has reached a point in his life where retirement and relaxing on a beach is more appealing than retaining the collection.”

The collection is currently listed on eBay, but the auction ends on March 19th. Bidding starts at $100,000 and there is a reserve. All of the helmets can be viewed at RonBurtonHelmets.com.

The annual IndyCar season opener party featuring the Gainsco Auto Insurance Indy 300 live from Homestead-Miami Speedway, and a silent auction to benefit the Brian’s Wish Foundation will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on March 29, 2008. By all accounts, this is a great way to have fun, meet fellow IndyCar fans, and build (even more) excitement for the upcoming 92nd running of the Indianapolis 500 in May. The official press release follows with all of the details.   read more »