Italian Vincenzo Romano of the Romano Archives recently uploaded this video to YouTube. It’s a 1965 television ad that entices viewers to come watch the 49th running of the Indianapolis 500 on closed circuit TV. The race was run on Monday May 31 that year, and was won by Jim Clark. The ad says things like “…every foot of the 2.5 mile Speedway is covered by 12 TV cameras!” and “Not on home TV!”. Great stuff… but you’ll need to go to YouTube to view it. Here’s the link: 1965 Indy 500 Television Ad

It doesn’t matter what kind of race fan you are… this is very cool! Partizan, a worldwide advertising agency, has released a new television commercial titled “Shell - Circuit”. Produced by award-winning director Antoine Bardou-Jacquet, the commercial shows a series of vintage Ferrari race cars speeding through the streets of various cities around the world (really… it’s not just special effects). Here is a direct link to the video:

“Shell - Circuit” at Partizan.com (warning: 16Mb download!)

Not sure exactly who this is, but you have to admire his passion! Pretty much all you need to know about the upcoming IRL IndyCar Series season which starts at 8pm this Saturday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway, broadcast on ESPN2. Just watch it!   read more »

Here’s a cool video of “Big Al” Unser’s qualification run for the 1989 Indianapolis 500, shot by a fan from the E Stand Penthouse. Driving a Marlboro-sponsored Lola/Chevrolet for Penske Racing, Unser was the first driver to qualify and set four new track records in a row! Rick Mears ultimately took the pole that year, with Unser starting second. On race day, Big Al would only complete 68 laps before being forced out with a clutch problem.   read more »

Here’s a wacky animated video from YouTube described as “Wreckage and revenge on the motor speedway. Robbie Gordon saves the day!” Really? Robby Gordon saves the day? Apparently Robby is a family friend of the video’s creators. The video was created using replays from one of the original Papyrus Indy 500 video games and (oddly enough) features the music from “Peanuts” television shows which was written by Vince Guaraldi. A thumbs up for creativity on this one!   read more »