SPEEDWAY —
Indianapolis Colts’ punter Pat McAfee got a glimpse of Indy’s racing traditions Friday when he was invited to help raise the flags on the famous wing and wheel logo at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
McAfee arrived at IMS in an IZOD IndyCar Series two-seat racecar.
“At the light there I got to thinking that there’s not a lot of protection here if you got rear-ended,” McAfee said when he jumped out of the vehicle.
The community was invited to witness McAfee help raise the flags — which is an annual spring tradition at the track
“I’m honored to be a part of this 500 tradition at this historical track,” he said. “I thought it was going to be super cold and windy, but it wasn’t bad.”
McAfee placed the flags on the logo with assistance from IMS employee Andy Loviscek.
“The ride up was a little bumpy but my new friend Andy is a veteran at doing this,” McAfee said. “And I also had on a harness that made me look like I was in ‘X Men.’”
He said he’s a new racing fan. Having grown up in Pittsburgh, he said he just wasn’t exposed to the sport until moving here.
“But I like it,” McAfee said. “Racing wasn’t too big in Pittsburgh. I can’t wait to go to the Indy 500 in May.”
Prior to his duties at the track, McAfee took a tour of the Dallara IndyCar Factory in Speedway.
“The people at Dallara were great,” he said. “If you haven’t been there, you should go. It’s a nice facility.”
IMS traditionally displays the flags for the duration of the IZOD IndyCar Series racing season. The first race for the 2013 season is the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday.
NBC Sports Network’s live race broadcast will air from noon to 2 p.m. March 24. The IMS Radio Network will begin its live broadcast of the race at noon for affiliates, on Sirius and XM 211, and on indycar.com.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Pat McAfee, punter for the Indianapolis Colts, gets some help from Andy Loviscek (left) placing the flags on the wing and wheel logo at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The traditional placement of the flags marks the opening of spring activities at the track. Brenda L. Holmes/Flyer photo
-
McAfee arrived at the track in a two-seat IZOD IndyCar.
-
McAfee takes time to sign the Super Fan’s hat.
-
McAfee places the yellow flag on the wing and wheel logo.
-
Andy Loviscek (left) and Pat McAfee (right) move toward to the top of the sign.
-
The IZOD two-seat racecar arrives at IMS.
-
Pat McAfee, punter for the Indianapolis Colts, meets with media and fans at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
-
The Dallara Indycar Factory transported McAfee to the IMS.
-
Westside resident Kevin Johnson (left) gets an autograph from Pat McAfee.
Discussion
IMS celebrates spring with flag ceremony
Colts player participates in racing tradition
- Local News
-
-
Memorial Day ceremonies set
Representatives of the Danville American Legion Post 118 have a full morning planned for Memorial Day, May 27.
-
Tornado touches down in North Salem
The National Weather Service confirmed a touchdown of two Enhanced Fujita (EF)-0 level tornadoes Tuesday morning, one in Hendricks County and one in neighboring Putnam County.
-
Flea market opens in Hendricks County
DANVILLE – When Lee Stichter and his sister Glenda Fouts opened their first flea market six years ago, they had no idea they would one day own multiple stores throughout Central Indiana.
-
Legislature had little taste for alcohol bills
INDIANAPOLIS — When it comes to alcohol, the 2013 legislative session may be marked more by what it didn’t do to boost booze sales than what it did.
-
Plainfield resident competes for scholarship
After weeks of public voting for the Top Teen Talent Scholarship, finalists have been chosen to pack up their knives and travel to North Carolina to compete for a full-tuition scholarship to The Chef’s Academy, the culinary division of Harrison College.
-
Wounded veteran gets a new home
ANDERSON — Tim Senkowski is looking forward to eating Thanksgiving dinner with his family in his new home.
-
Rose-Hulman brings technology to Hope Haven
COATESVILLE – There was a special celebration in the southeast corner of Hendricks County earlier this week as the staff at Hope Haven Horse Farm showed off some new therapy equipment designed and created by students from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
-
Annual tortoise race returns to zoo
On your mark. Get set. Slow! The 33rd running of Zoopolis 500 presented by the American Dairy Association is May 22 at the Indianapolis Zoo. Considered the “Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing,” this event is one of the zoo’s most popular and longest running traditions.
-
MCCSC places focus on post-secondary preparation
CLAYTON — Members of the Mill Creek Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees got a crash course in college preparation during recent tours of both Cascade High School and Cascade Middle School.
-
IU Health West holds ‘Wall of Honor’ ceremony
Military service is a sacrifice for individuals and their families alike. Indiana University Health West Hospital recognizes that sacrifice and honors those currently serving in the armed forces.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Memorial Day ceremonies set
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
