The push for Verizon IndyCar Series driver James Hinchcliffe to reach the finals of “Dancing with the Stars” shifts into high gear Monday night with another broadcast watch party at Forty Five Degrees in downtown Indianapolis.
Once again, INDYCAR and Indianapolis-based ABC affiliate RTV6 are teaming to host a watch party to coincide with the live national broadcast of “Dancing with the Stars” from 8-10 p.m. ET Monday on ABC. The four celebrities who avoid elimination that night advance to the final week of the hit celebrity dance competition show Nov. 21-22. Portions of the watch party at Forty Five Degrees will be recorded for potential use on the “Dancing with the Stars” finals week national broadcasts.
Forty Five Degrees (765 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204) will have its TV screens fixed to the live broadcast for Week 10 of the show's 23rd season, which sees Hinchcliffe among five remaining celebrities competing. Fans attending the watch party are encouraged to wear Hinchcliffe attire to show their support for the “Mayor of Hinchtown” in his quest to collect the mirror ball trophy awarded to the celebrity champion.
The watch party starts at 8 p.m. ET Monday at Forty Five Degrees. Admission is free to guests ages 21 and older. The event will feature appearances from other Verizon IndyCar Series drivers, giveaways and a dedicated area where INDYCAR officials will assist fans in voting for Hinchcliffe and professional partner Sharna Burgess throughout the live broadcast. Fans who vote at least five times will receive a free drink ticket, as well as an "I Voted" Hinchcliffe sticker.
Forty Five Degrees will again create unique drink selections for the event and offer a full dinner menu. The restaurant has hosted watch parties with RTV6 since the beginning of the show’s current season.
Hinchcliffe, who drives the No. 5 Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda, has topped the judges’ leaderboard four times in the first nine weeks of "Dancing with the Stars" competition.
In order for Hinchcliffe to reach the finals, viewers must vote on the night of the broadcast via phone toll-free at (800) 868-3405 and online on Facebook or ABC.com. Voting opens at the start of the show, with phone lines remaining open until an hour after the show airs Monday in each time zone and online voting accepted through 8 p.m. ET Tuesday.