Sponsor logos now line walls of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
As of Saturday's first practice, the decals of Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka and Shell (two each) were at the exit of Turn 3 and the entrance to Turn 4, but four more were to go in Saturday night. Eight more will be put up after that, bringing the total to 16 in the north end of the track.
Veteran drivers were shocked to see them, particularly the black Fuzzy's ad staring at them as they reached the Turn 3 apex.
"The first lap I went, 'Whoa, where's the (IMS) logo?' " Tony Kanaan said.
Said Will Power: "It gave me a fright."
It's not a coincidence that the ads are at the spot where the cars come closest to the wall. That means they're in line to be struck.
IMS officials allowed for signage on the inside pit wall last year; that was a Shell ad.
Shell also has banners on the back of the Speedway's free-standing video boards. Terms of the deals were not revealed.
Those aren't the only adjustments to the 103-year-old facility. Grinding of rough spots on the track was done in three portions of the ovals: in Turn 1, at the exit of Turn 2 and a small spot on the front straightaway.
05/13/12 Indianapolis Motor Speedway now has sponsor logos on its outside walls. Currently, signage for Fuzzy’s Premium Vodka and Shell is at the north end of the track in what’s known as the short cute, but similar ad spots are coming to the entrance of Turn 3 and the exit of Turn 4.
IMS officials allowed for signage on the inside pit wall last year — that was a Shell ad — but this is a first for the outside wall.
Shell also has banners on the back side of the free-standing video boards.
There are a few other adjustments to the 103-year-old facility. Grinding of rough spots was done in three portions of the oval: In Turn 1, at the exit of Turn 2 and a small place on the front straightaway. Indy Star