Every day I get in the queue, to get on the bus that takes me to you.

Jana from IMS dropped me an email asking to push the bus that Speedway, IN has gotten together, replacing the IndyGo bus service that has existed in years past.  Now, my yearly arrangement involves a chartered bus from Cincinnati, but if you’re in the Indianapolis area, this not only saves you some headaches of traffic, it could potentially save your life.  From a personal level, if this is a means to getting you to and from IMS more safely after an enjoyable day at the track, I strongly encourage you to do it. I sincerely mean that.  Here’s the press release:

ROUNDTRIP SHUTTLE SERVICE TO BE OFFERED FOR INDY 500 FANS

INDIANAPOLIS, Thursday, May 14, 2009 – The Town of Speedway is facilitating roundtrip bus service for Indianapolis 500 fans Sunday, May 24 at three convenient locations, including two in downtown Indianapolis and one at Indianapolis International Airport.

Service will be provided by Transportation Management Services (TMS) and the Free Enterprise System, Inc. Both companies will serve fans with air-conditioned shuttles and handicapped-accessible vehicles on all routes. Shuttle details:

Indianapolis International Airport

•Location: Ground Transportation Lobby, Gate 1 at the airport
•Time: 7:30 a.m. to three hours post-race. Service will run hourly from 1-3 p.m.
•Roundtrip cost: $30 per person, cash only
•Parking: 10,000+ spaces at the airport, $7-11
•Provider: Transportation Management Services
•Contact: Colleen Cawley, (866) 923-8002

Downtown West Location

•Location: IUPUI Lot 73, 625 W. North St., Indianapolis (Blackford and North)
•Time: 8 a.m. to three hours post-race. Continuous shuttle loops to track until 1 p.m. Last shuttle to IMS departs at 1 p.m.
•Cost: $20 per person
•Parking: $5 per car
•Provider: Free Enterprise System, Inc.

Downtown South Location

•Location: Free Enterprise-Sodrel Truck Lines North Lot, 1220 S. West St., Indianapolis (Corner of West and Morris)
•Time: 8 a.m. to three hours post-race. Continuous shuttle loops to track until 1 p.m. Last shuttle to IMS departs at 1 p.m.
•Cost: $20 per person
•Parking: $5 per person
•Provider: Free Enterprise System, Inc.

For additional information, call (888) 209-0226 or visit www.freeenterprisesystem.com or www.indy500parking.com.

Now onto track news.  You’re probably wondering where I’ve been.  Well, after a long, wonderful weekend at the Speedway, I’ve had to return to town.  The good news is that we’re guaranteed over 33 drivers, with the official announcement of Servia at Rahal-Letterman.  The seat situation at this point appears to remain the same:  Conquest and Coyne’s second cars.  The latest rumors over the internet gossip wires is that Tomas Scheckter has sealed up the second Coyne seat.  There’s also rumor in that link that Buddy Rice has arranged sponsorship, but no one knows if he’ll actually get a seat.  Conquest’s second is clearly the best bet, but with Tagliani, their primary, somewhat questionable in making the field, since he’s having a hard time pushing 219 mph, you’ve got to question if they’ll run a second at the risk of their first.  If they do, it probably wouldn’t come together till the last minute, and then only if they feel Tags is solidly in the field.

Plenty of drivers are out there looking.  In addition to Rice, who hasn’t been in Speedway but is rumored to be on his way with check in hand, there is Bruno Junquiera, Jaques Lazier, and Jeff Simmons to name a few.  Also seen at the Speedway was Thiago Mederios, the former Indy Pro / Lights Series champ.  I don’t think he’s expecting a ride, but he’s there.  Also to be noted, though I don’t know if I mentioned this already, is that I saw a dude in a CR Crews sweatshirt walking the garages while in Indy.  Now, I couldn’t spot CR Crews in a one man line up, but I can’t imagine many people other than CR Crews would wear a CR Crews sweatshirt. 

Mario Moraes lead the speed charts today.  I’d comment further, but what else can you say, other than Go Mario.  People went ballistic when he got the KV ride because he had some money.  Well, those people are munching on some fowl right now.

Also, from the blogosphere, the word floating around is that Pressdog and Jeffy from My Name is IRL are sharing a room for race weekend in a seedy motel.  Oh, the hijinks.  I, for one, am tempted to call every hotel in Speedway to change their reservation to a single Queen instead of two beds.

Finally, quick weather outlook for the weekend:  There’s a chance of storms on Saturday, but Sunday looks good.  Thus, if Saturday ends up a wash (right now, the rain looks like it should end by mid-afternoon), there will be Sunday.  Ideally, you’d get cars in on Saturday so that it increases the chances of last minute bump deals.

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 7:53 pm and is filed under ICS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.