INDIANAPOLIS -- A throng of fans stood in the grandstand slapping beach balls into the air. Music thumped loudly through the public address system interchanging everything from a DJ-mixed version of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” to Kanye West’s “Gold Digger.”
2014 Indy 500: Helio Castroneves: ‘I wish we had this kind of environment for every race’
In an environment palpable to race day, a festive crowd watched Friday’s pit stop competition.
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On pit road crew guys focused intently on the challenge ahead; slapping backs, huddling and offering words of encouragement. Comparisons to the Super Bowl were commonplace.
"I wish we had this kind of environment for every race." -Helio Castroneves
Even the cheerleaders for the Indianapolis Pacers were present, doing a routine of some sorts.
It was everything you would associate with the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” An electric atmosphere if there ever was one before a sporting event, all in anticipation of a looming showdown between two fierce rivals: Team Penske vs. Chip Ganassi Racing.
“I wish we had this kind of environment for every race,” said Penske driver Helio Castroneves to SB Nation on pit road amidst everything going on.
But none of the above took place in the moments building up to the 98th Indianapolis 500. No, this was two days before Sunday’s race. This was merely Carb Day held on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, and featuring the traditional knockout-style tournament where crew guys go head-to-head for bragging rights and a $50,000 first-place prize.
The particulars are fairly straightforward: Two drivers semi-drag race into a pit stall where their crew performs a standard four-tire stop. When complete the drivers speed to the finish. Whichever team is the quickest and commits the fewest mistakes, wins.
This was the quarterfinal round featuring Castroneves (Penske) against Ryan Briscoe (Ganassi). It was a battle Castroneves would win when the right-rear tire dropped off Briscoe’s car as he attempted to exit.
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The immensely popular Castroneves would exit his Dallara-Chevrolet to a loud ovation and responded accordingly by flexing his muscles. He then exchanged high-five’s and words of appreciation with his team, thanking each member for their effort.
“This is the pit stop competition,” Castroneves said. “The same way Indy is the Super Bowl of racing; this is the Super Bowl of pit stops. Today is not about me it’s those guys. They wait all year long just to come back here and do it again.”
Castroneves and team would lose in the semi-finals to another Ganassi entry, the No. 9 team of Scott Dixon, who went on to claim the overall win.
“This is awesome for the fans,” Scott Dixon said to SB Nation. “This is a big deal for the crew members. These guys are jacked. This is their place to shine. It’s fun. It’s great.”
Dixon would know, as his team has won the event two of the past three years and is the reigning Verizon IndyCar Series champions.
If there was a lasting image from Friday it was what occurred after Dixon beat Sage Karam in the final. A celebration ensued with hugs, fist pumps and a high level of jubilation -- perhaps, not all that much different than what will transpire Sunday when the checkered flag is waved. Which considering the surroundings, and the participants involved, would be more than appropriate and not at all surprising.
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