Sato is the first Japanese winner of the Indianapolis 500. He got by Helio Castroneves to take the checkered flag in his No. 26 Andretti Autosport Honda. In fact, this was one among six of the closet races in Indianapolis 500 history.No two races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are ever the same. There's a lot that can effect the outcome, including the weather, tires, and unexpected engine troubles. Then there are the crashes like the one early on in the 101st Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil in Turn 2 that take your breath away. It's intense watching as the cars make contact with each other, and the wall, which is so much safer now. You're hoping everyone's okay, and give a sigh of relief when the drivers are able to get out of their cars on their own.
It's just as nerve wrecking when the drivers get so close and pass to take the lead. There were several lead changes during the race. Early in the month everyone was keeping an eye on the Rookie, Fernando Alonso. In racing, things change in a heart beat, and Fernando Alonso took advantage of an opportunity to take the lead. After the crash he was still in lead position, while it would not last -he did great throughout the race, and took home the Sunoco Rookie of the Year, which earned him a cool $50,000.
There's a lot more than racing that goes on at IMS - they honored Indianapolis 500 veteran Bryan Clauson, who died following a midget car race last summer. IMS was also able to bring awareness to the need for donors - Clauson was a registered donor, and has healed several people and saved five lives.
IMS also honored Justin Wilson, who died in a race accident in 2015. The Wilson’s first Champ Car race-winning chassis has been completed, and is to be auctioned off with all proceeds will be donated to the Wilson’s Children Fund www.wilsonchildrensfund.com.
The Indiana Donor Network and IMS have united to register donors with their Driven2SaveLives campaign. Please visit #BCForever #Driven2SaveLives to learn more and become a registered donor.
As you walk around the track we saw everyone enjoying the race. From meeting drivers, to touring the garage, or taking a break for a bite to eat; IMS is about sharing the moment. And, it's the memories we share with our family and friends that last, and keep us coming back year after year!
The racing season is not over yet at IMS - be sure to visit the IMS website at www.ims.com/tickets for tickets and news on upcoming races. Or, call 800-822-INDY or 317-492-6700 between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday or by visiting the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday.
