How to Watch an Indy Racing League Race

The Indy 500 in May is the IRL's premier event, but the series appears at ovals across the nation.

Things You'll Need

  • Film - Regular Exposure And Polaroid
  • Binoculars
  • Internet Access
  • Computers
  • Camcorders
  • Videocassettes
  • Digital Cameras
  • Internet Explorer
  • Camera Lenses
  • SLR Camera
  • Polaroid Cameras
  • Car And Driver Magazines
  • EHobbies - Diecast Collectibles - Indy Racing League Models
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Instructions

  1. The Race

    • 1

      Follow the IRL in a 10-race schedule from Florida to Texas to Colorado to Kentucky.

    • 2

      Remember that the premier event in American auto racing is the Indianapolis 500 each May for the Borg-Warner Trophy.

    • 3

      Get ready for excitement - IRL cars exceed 200 mph.

    • 4

      Watch for slingshot passes using the draft. One driver will drift in behind another and use the vacuum generated by the lead car to boost his speed and make a slingshot pass.

    • 5

      Check out the pit stops. As in most other types of auto racing, pit stops must be accomplished perfectly - and quickly.

    • 6

      Watch the action during pit stops. The car is raised by internal air jacks, all four tires are changed with single-lug attachments, and fuel is added through a large hose from an external tank.

    • 7

      Remember that even though a pit stop lasts only a few seconds, a car also loses track position during the time it's slowing down, maintaining the pit speed limit and then regaining race speed.

    • 8

      Keep an eye on the flag stand. Watch for the yellow, black and blue flags.

    • 9

      Remember that most IRL races are run at distances of 200 to 500 miles - but at the speeds the cars fly at, that'll be less time than it takes to play a baseball game.

    Cars and Drivers

    • 10

      Understand that Tony George, head of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, became the driving force behind the creation of the Indy Racing League when open-wheel racing in the United States turned mostly to road courses.

    • 11

      Note that the cars appear similar to CART machines, but the chassis suppliers - Dallara, G-Force, and Riley & Scott - build exclusively for the IRL.

    • 12

      Look closely at the construction. IRL cars are pure racers - monocoque body/frame units, driver's seat low in front of the engine, aerodynamic wings at front and rear, open wheels.

    • 13

      Check that sound! The Olds Aurora and Nissan Infiniti 4-liter displacement engines powering these racers are normally aspirated - no turbochargers or superchargers - and they generate that deep V-8 rumble.

    • 14

      Look for sprint car and midget hotshots like Stevie Reeves, Jason Leffler and Tyce Carlson.

    • 15

      Watch for the wily veterans. Al Unser Jr., a third-generation champion, moves over from CART this year. Eddie Cheever, an F-1 and CART ace, owns his own team.

    • 16

      Keep an eye out for Sarah Fisher and Lyn St. James, two women who've made the big time.