Start Your Engines

Chuck Zimmerman

Green FlagIt is one of the most famous sayings in sports, “Gentlemen, (and ladies now), start your engines.”

The race got off to a smooth start and you can hear what it sounds like here. The audio includes the announcer, car startup and as they pass the green flag. Download MP3 File

Ag Groups, Indy Racing

Ethanol Car Control Center

Chuck Zimmerman

Car CockpitI know there’s no way I could fit inside this thing. This is what Jimmy Kite will be holding onto for dear life at 220 or more mph in just a few minutes from now!

I’m going to put a bunch of pictures into an online photo album after this so that you can see the pictures I’ve posted and more. Sorry about posting so many but there’s been plenty of photo taking opportunities.

Ag Groups, Indy Racing

Sounds of The Pit

Chuck Zimmerman

Tire PracticeBefore the race gets started the pit crew has to practice their tire changing. They changed tires several times before they felt like they were ready.

You can hear what it sounds like to be in the pit just before the race when the cars are getting their final tune-up and when the crew is practicing: Download MP3 File

Ag Groups, Indy Racing

Kite Ready To Race For Ethanol

Chuck Zimmerman

Jimmy KiteThe garage area is inside the track and it’s here that all the last-minute work is done on the cars. Some cars are already being wheeled out and some are still in pieces as they fine tune the engines.

I caught up with Jimmy Kite who’ll be driving #91 for Hemelgarn Racing today. He couldn’t have appeared more relaxed. In just a couple hours he’s hoping to drive around this track at 220 mph or more and move from the back of the pack to the winner’s circle. You can listen to my interview with Jimmy here: Download MP3 File

Ag Groups, Indy Racing

Indy 500 Church

Chuck Zimmerman

PriestHere’s something you don’t see everyday. I went to church yesterday not knowing that there’s a racing ministry that arranges on-site services here in the conference center on Sunday morning. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a priest with a b&w checkered stole!

Ag Groups, Indy Racing

Marching Bands Warm Up The Track

Chuck Zimmerman

Navy BandIt’s early at the track but eventhough I left my hotel at 5:20am it still took me an 1 1/2 hours to get here. I guess multiple marching bands for entertainment on the track is a tradition. This Navy band from Illinois was the first in a long line of bands that are still marching out here.

Ag Groups, Indy Racing

Illinois Corn Sponsors Team Ethanol

Chuck Zimmerman

Bryan FogersonOne of the sponsors of Team Ethanol this year is the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. Representing them at the media event on Friday was Bryan Fogerson, board member and corn grower from Tuscola, IL. Bryan allowed me to interview him about his organization’s sponsorship and he talks about what the increased use of ethanol will mean to farmers and consumers.

You can listen to my interview with Bryan here: Download MP3 File

Ag Groups, Audio, Indy Racing