INDIANAPOLIS -- Sam Schmidt says he didn’t intend to start a contest for the nicest-looking garage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“But there is a cash prize? Right?” Schmidt joked as he and IMS president Doug Boles unveiled the team’s Gasoline Alley base of operations for the month of May.
Unlike other Verizon IndyCar Series teams that park their cars headfirst into their stalls, Schmidt Peterson Motorsports has rotated each of its cars 90 degrees so fans can get a full side view of the cars inside the garage. Backing the work area are historic photos that detail the Indianapolis Motor Speedway history.
“This place is all about tradition, but when you can do something that alters that, but respectfully, like we’ve done is awesome,” SPM driver James Hinchcliffe said. “Having the cars perpendicular to the doors is going to give fans a much better view and they’ll be able to see a lot more than just stare at the gearbox all day. The way the garage was finished with the history of the Indy 500 from 1911 until today really tells the story of this place and is just awesome to see in person.”
The team also revealed the liveries that drivers Mikhail Aleshin and Oriol Servia will carry during the month of May. Aleshin’s No. 7 Honda will showcase the first-person shooter DOOM, which will be released May 13 for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. Servia’s No. 77 Honda will carry the white and red colors of Lucas Oil.
“I think the DOOM livery fits very well with our team,” Aleshin said. “We’re really happy to welcome them to the team. Personally, I have really good memories of DOOM from when I was a child. It was one of the first computer games that we had in Russia. It’s amazing to have it on my car now.”
Castroneves looking to ‘hum’ in new livery for Angie’s List Grand Prix
Helio Castroneves debuted a new hum by Verizon livery on his No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet during practice today for the Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis.
Developed by Verizon Telematics, hum is an easy, self-installed solution that helps make almost any car smarter, safer and more connected. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, hum delivers car owners amazing features like speed and boundary alerts, real-time monitoring of vehicle location (including stolen vehicle assistance), vehicle diagnostics, a mechanics hotline and emergency roadside assistance. Hum is compatible with more than 150 million passenger cars on the road today manufactured since 1996.
“New paint schemes are part of the pageantry of racing, and it’s always exciting because they make the car feel new,” said Castroneves, the three-time winner of the Indianapolis 500. “Hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to drive the No. 3 hum Dallara/Chevrolet to victory lane.”
To watch the hum livery come together at the Team Penske shop, click here.
Fans can share special grand prix moments with #SpeedwaySites
Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis fans can share their favorite up-close-and-personal moments around Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend by using the #SpeedwaySites unique activation incorporating digital and at-track experiences.
#SpeedwaySites frames are located at numerous key locations around the facility for fans to take their photos and share on social media platforms, using the #SpeedwaySites hashtag. Frames are located at the new Gate 1 entrance, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the fan midway, Pagoda Plaza and the Turn 2 viewing mound, as well as inside hospitality suites, VIP areas and the new Hulman Terrace Club.
Reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon and IMS President Doug Boles kicked off the program by having their photo taken with the frame at the Gate 1 entrance.
Brabham helps deliver Meals on Wheels with Angie’s List volunteers
Recipients of Central Indiana's Meals on Wheels program received their food a little faster than usual Wednesday thanks to PIRTEK Team Murray rookie driver Matt Brabham. The 22-year-old driver of the No. 61 Chevrolet joined volunteers from race title sponsor Angie’s List on their regular meal drop and personally delivered a meal to a homebound recipient, “Shorty,” who is also an enthusiastic race fan.
"It is great to be involved in activities like these and get an understanding of just how important services like Meals on Wheels are to so many people,” Brabham said. "Volunteers are the unsung heroes of communities worldwide and it always great to see large corporations like Angie's List working with their own staff to facilitate volunteer efforts like Meals on Wheels.”