In this episode, Tim Coffeen will take you inside the garage as an Indy Car team prepares for the legendary Indy 500 on race day. You’ll learn how the team operates on that one incredible day, from entering the track in the pre-dawn darkness with a police escort, to its meals together, to the tension of the long wait before the start of the race.
The Year of May
Tim explains the changes that have occurred over the years at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), including big changes in qualifying along with the recent addition of a road race at the track during the month of May.
Two cars are needed by competing teams for the two different tracks at the IMS. With practice, qualifying, and two races, drivers and crews have defined the magical, but lengthy, month of May as “The Year of May.”
The Sight, The Smell, The Sound
Perhaps the attraction of the Indianapolis 500 can best be described as “intoxicating.” Tim shares his initial impressions of the huge crowd at Indy, especially when crew members would enjoy the mad scramble of thousands entering the huge structure when the gates opened early on the morning of race day.
It was a sight that even world champion Nigel Mansel found extraordinary! Tim claims that there is nothing comparable to the sight, the sound, and the smell of the track on race day. He also reveals the dangers of the tight-knit pits where he and Mario Andretti developed a secret code to help clear the car’s exit from the pit!
Biggest Disappointment
There can only be one winner each year at the Indianapolis 500 and Tim reluctantly remembers his biggest disappointments from his many years in the pits. But he also fondly shares some personal thoughts and memories of track favorite, and veteran journalist, the late Robin Miller who sadly will not be at the track this year for the first time in over half a century.
In addition, Tim Coffeen will discuss the following:
- How is a car prepared for the 500 compared to a short track oval or a road race?
- How did the Newman-Haas team travel to Indy?
- Where do team members eat and sleep during the weeks of preparation?
- Describe your hours and duties on race day before the race starts.
- With all of the pomp and circumstance before the race, what would be your biggest worry prior to the start?
- What was it like at your first Indy 500 as a team member?
- What is typically the mood of a driver before the race? Any superstitions?
- How do crew members follow the race from the confines of the pits?
- Is your day over once the race ends?
- What is your fondest memory of an Indy 500 race?
Thank you for listening to this episode of “Tim Coffeen Talks Indy Car and Racing History.” Please join us for his next program on the Sports History Network when Tim will share his experiences on the back roads of America as his career in Sprint Cars prepared him for the big jump into Indy Car competition!
If you didn’t catch episode 1, you can head here to learn about the history of Indy 500, including some special moments from Tim’s career.
About Tim Coffeen
Tim Coffeen, host of “Tim Coffeen Talks Indy car and Racing History,” will share stories and memories from his long career with top Indy car teams. As a winner of seven championship rings, Tim not only understands the history of open-wheel racing, he has lived it!
Interviewer/Host – Joe Ziemba
Intro/Promos – Ross Blilie
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