Carburetion Day is one of my favourite days at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Historically named as it is the last day of practice before Race Day and it was the last opportunity for the mechanics to tune their carburetors for the weather conditions. It was always a gamble as springtime weather in the central US is extremely changeable. Now, the only carburetors at IMS are in the museum as the current powerplants are direct-injected, turbo-charged machines with fuel-air ratio being determined electronically and dynamically by the McLaren ECU. It is still an important practice session as teams get their racing machines’ aero and suspension set for race conditions. It’s great for the fans as we get to see the cars running under full fuel loads and throwing sparks as they enter Turn 1.
It’s also the day of the Indy Lights Freedom 100 race which is always a real firecracker. This year was no exception. Although Matheus Leist would lead from flag-to-flag for Carlin Racing, it wasn’t without contention. Andretti Autosport’s Dalton Kellet and Belardi Auto Racing’s Aaron Telitz fought hard to overtake Leist in the closing laps. It made for an exciting finish.
Below are my photos from the Stand B Penthouse high above Turn 1 for the Verizon IndyCar Practice, trackside in Turn 4 for the start and middle portion of the Freedom 100, Victory Lane for the Freedom 100, and assorted shots from pit lane, Gasoline Alley, and the Pagoda Plaza. Now for a day of rest before Sunday’s race!
Photos from the 2017 Carb Day and Freedom 100
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Great pictures Doug, thanks for sharing them. Those Indy Light cars look very clean