INDY 500: Practice Day 1 Rained Out, IMS Announces New Whiskey Drink- The Victory Lane
(Photo: The splashing footprints of a photographer in Gasoline Alley - Indianapolis 500 Practice - By: Joe Skibinski)
Even when it rains, it is a good day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).
Tuesday was the first official day of practice for the Indy 500, but NTT IndyCar and Penske Entertainment didn't spend the whole day crying; they released a statement about an exciting new sponsor who announced a new beverage that is certain to please fans called: The Victory Lane. How fun is that?
"The biggest American-made premium mixer is teaming up with the largest single-day sporting event on the planet! Leading into this month's #Indy500, @Qmixers has become the Official Non-Alcoholic Premium Mixer of #IMS.," NTT IndyCar said in a statement for the press.
First of all, there is no loss of excitement for the Month of May at the IMS, there is still a lot of fun going on at the track in anticipation of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing- the real one- not the LL Cool J silly mane up one- either:
And Awesome team Andretti released some never before seen photos of drivers in wigs, so there is that fun:
The track was too soggy and wet for racing:
NTT IndyCar released all the details:
Rain Washes Out Opening Day of Indianapolis 500 Practice
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, May 16, 2023) – Intermittent showers forced the cancellation of the opening day of practice for the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Tuesday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Track activity is scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. ET Wednesday with five minutes of installation laps for all cars on the 2.5-mile oval, followed by the Rookie Orientation Program for driver RC Enerson from 10:15 a.m. to noon. Practice for all cars will take place from noon-6 p.m. Public gates open at 10 a.m.
The last washout of an Indianapolis 500 practice day was May 18, 2022. It’s only the third complete cancellation of practice for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in the last seven years, as the last rainout before 2022 was May 17, 2016. B-roll footage from Tuesday is available here.
The 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 28. PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying will take place Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21.
But the rain didn't stop ALL of the good news, there is also some uplifting news about a new sponsor and they have some really good ideas on how to make the track more festive:
Q Mixers Becomes ‘Official Non-Alcoholic Premium Mixer Sponsor’ of IMS
INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, May 16, 2023) – Q Mixers, America’s leading premium mixers company, announces a multiyear partnership with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) to become the “Official Non-Alcoholic Premium Mixer” of IMS.
The sponsorship was unveiled just in time for the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on May 28 at IMS.
"We're very proud to partner with Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” Q Mixers CEO Bob Arnold said. “Having the biggest American premium mixer brand team up with the largest single-day sporting event in the world is a natural fit and a great way to directly connect our dedicated fans. Both the spirits and racing industries are rapidly growing in popularity, so we're excited to partner with a premium property like IMS to be their official mixer partner. Q Mixers is committed to further elevating the Indy 500 fan experience by providing the highest quality refreshments and premium cocktails."
Q Mixers will serve specialty cocktails and offer on-site experiences at the Indy 500 and will be available in all suites, the Hulman Terrace Club and the 500 Club. Q Mixers’ signature cocktail - The Victory Lane - was created exclusively for IMS and is the “Official Premium Mixer Cocktail” of the Indy 500; a delicious mix of Q Mixer’s Hibiscus Ginger Beer, Crown Royal Whisky and a splash of lime.
“The Indianapolis 500 is known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” and it is the largest single-day sporting event in the world,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The fan experience at IMS for the Month of May and Race Day includes a variety of sounds, sights, tastes and smells. Adding Q Mixers as an official partner of the track and the Indy 500 gives our fans another option to add some flavor to their time at the track.”
In addition to the Indy 500, Q Mixers will be proudly served at all IMS events, allowing fans to enjoy quality cocktails throughout the race season that includes the GMR Grand Prix, Pennzoil 150 at the Brickyard presented by Advance Auto Parts, Verizon 200 at the Brickyard, Gallagher Grand Prix and the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks.
Q Mixers is America’s leading premium mixer company, proudly based in Brooklyn, New York. Q Mixers is committed to making all of your drinks spectacular. Q Mixers uses the highest quality ingredients, less sugar added and are always carbonated to perfection. Q Mixers can be enjoyed on their own or perfectly complimenting your liquor of choice – the mixing options are endless. Q Mixers offers 14 flavors including: Spectacular Tonic, Ginger Beer, Club Soda, Sparkling Grapefruit. Q Mixers can be found at America’s best restaurants, local grocery stores and available at major U.S. retailers, including Target and Amazon. For more information, please visit us at QMixers.com and follow us @QMixers.
Hopefully, Wednesday will bring clear skies and happy drivers and teams. Race on- Race fans. Have a very pleasant Month of May.