INDYCAR's #FastSix is a report that borrows from all things found online about NTT IndyCar Series racing, its drivers and people. We find pics, quips and the occasional GIF as INDYCAR drivers live their extraordinary lives and put the evidence on Twitter, Instagram and more. Check back regularly for the latest.
#ThisIsMay
If he’s superstitious, Andretti Autosport’s Alexander Rossi might think he earned a little extra Indianapolis 500 luck on Tuesday when he hung off the side of the city’s JW Marriott to put the finishing touches on the massive decal that celebrates the month of May on the outside of the 33-story hotel. This year’s version puts the top of the Borg-Warner Trophy and the words “Back Home Again” into the downtown Indianapolis skyline on one side of the building, with the 103rd Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge logo on another.
It’s the fourth year for a giant Indy 500-themed decal on the side of the JW Marriott. The first time one was installed was before the 100th running in 2016, when Rossi won the race as a rookie.
Speaking of May, the celebrity site Fandom posted a hilarious flashback to Chris Hemsworth’s experience at last year’s Indianapolis 500. We just can’t help but share – look for it at the 9:15 mark: https://www.facebook.com/FandomWireNews/videos/856455614694743/
#IsItMayYet
During one of their few off weekends before teams start work at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the INDYCAR Grand Prix on May 11 and the Indianapolis 500 on May 26, INDYCAR drivers, spouses and their pets popped up all over Indianapolis, making appearances in support of their favorite charities.
Animal lovers Scott and Emma Dixon (and daughters Poppy and Tilly) served as the honorary chairs for Indy Humane’s annual Mutt Strut, held at IMS on Saturday. Sporting a dog T-shirt, Dixon, who drives the No. 9 PNC Bank Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing, greeted fans and patted the heads of their four-legged friends.
Fellow drivers Alexander Rossi, James Hinchcliffe, Spencer Pigot and Pippa Mann showed up with the furry friends, too.
Introducing the Stop & Go Foundation
James Hinchcliffe was a busy man last weekend. Following Mutt Strutt, he and fiancée Becky Dalton presumably took Lou, their cockapoo, home and headed for Indianapolis’ Flat 12 Bierwerks, the site of the first fundraiser for Hinch’s new Stop & Go Foundation.
The charity’s namesake – it is named for his red and green racing shoes – brings back fond memories of #teamstopandgo and Season 23 of “Dancing with the Stars.” But, from the looks of social media posts, the Stop & Go Foundation is more about (off-key) singing than dancing. The event raised more than $15,000 to help buy a mobile blood unit to follow the NTT IndyCar Series to all of its races and see to completion Hinchcliffe’s wish to host a blood donor drive at every event. It’s his continuing quest after he required 22 units of blood to save his life after he crashed at IMS in 2015.
The Stop & Go is still accepting donations for this most worthy cause. Visit https://www.forecheckmktg.com/idle-to-hammerdown/idle-to-hammerdown-donation for more information.
Fashionable 500
While NTT IndyCar Series drivers were testing on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval last week, some of their spouses were celebrating Indianapolis 500 fashion and shopping for the upcoming Rev presented by Fifth Third Bank event, which kicks off the month Saturday at IMS. The 500 Fashion party, held at Saks Fifth Avenue in Indianapolis, also involved hors d’oeuvres from several restaurants participating in Rev and bottles and bottles of Maker’s Mark whisky, all specially created for Rev and signed by Team Penske’s Simon Pagenaud.
The stylish party raised money for Indiana University Health Foundation and Indy Family Foundation. Best of all, a good time was had by all.
(Almost) back home again in Indiana
After signing all those Maker’s Mark bottles, Pagenaud packed his bags and headed for Mexico for a quick vacay in advance of May. Evidence suggests, however, that he’s not completely relaxed.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
For many around Indianapolis, the month of May is akin to December and Christmas for most others. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has helped ring in the May spirit by opening today the exhibit “Mario Andretti: ICON” presented by Shell V-Power and NITRO+.
The exhibit commemorates the 50th anniversary of Andretti’s 1969 Indianapolis 500 win and includes a thorough retrospective of his racing career that included championships and victories in sprint cars, NASCAR, sports cars and Formula One, in addition to Indy cars.
Until you can check out the exhibit in person, check out the IMS Museum’s tweet on it.