FORT WORTH, Texas -- Juan Pablo Montoya teased Helio Castroneves about his "immovable hair," to which the four-time winner at Texas Motor Speedway replied, "it's a special material."
About a dozen ticket-holders for the Firestone 600 were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the Team Penske transporters and the jovial rapport between the teammates as part of the inaugural Chevrolet Fan Pass program a few hours before the race. Scott Dixon of Target Chip Ganassi also participated, providing an overview of his No. 9 Energizer car and signing autographs.
The program, is one of several that invite fans to get an up-close look at the cars and interact with the stars at Verizon IndyCar Series events. A full-field autograph session is a staple and you're more than likely to bump into A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti or Rick Mears in the paddock.
Haley appreciates the speed of racing
Charles Haley, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August and the honorary starter for the Firestone 600, was invited to take his 1968 Ford Mustang convertible out for a few laps on the 1.5-mile, high-banked oval. He politely declined.
"That's my girlfriend; we keep it real slow. Nothing over 45 (mph)," said Haley, who won a record five Super Bowl titles with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers.
The former defensive end/linebacker does appreciate the speed of the Verizon IndyCar Series cars and the mental fortitude of the competitors.
"You have to be a little nuts to drive," he said, "but it's very exciting to watch on TV and now to see it in person."
Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith and fullback Tyler Clutts also attended the race as guests of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing driver Graham Rahal. They have struck up a friendship through Traxxas, the Plano-based manufacturer of radio-controlled vehicles. Traxxas sponsors Courtney Force, an NHRA Funny Car driver and Rahal’s fiancée.
Hinchcliffe adds Texas flair to command
James Hinchcliffe, who is recovering from surgery for an upper left thigh injury suffered in a practice crash May 18 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, donned a cowboy hat and gave the command for drivers to start their engines.
Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and Fort Worth resident Johnny Rutherford drive the Chevrolet Z06 Corvette pace car. ... Mario Andretti drove Honda's "Fastest Seat in Sports" two-seater ahead of the field on pace laps. ... Three historic aircraft from the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Dallas provided the flyover.
More power to him
Scott Dixon drove the No. 9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Chevrolet with a striking Energizer livery in the Firestone 600.
Energizer is the first company to repurpose recycled batteries for new product. It's new EcoAdvanced alkaline batteries are comprised of 4 percent recycled batteries, and its long-term goal is 40 percent. It has a reduced environmental impact, too -- longer life, fewer in landfills.
Of note
Safety 3 -- one of the Holmatro Safety Team Chevrolet Silverados -- had a set of Texas Longhorn horns affixed to the light bar “to get in the Texas spirit,” according to team member and Texas native Doug Allen. Could we see moose antlers next week at Toronto? ... Schmidt Peterson Motorsports confirmed that Conor Daly will drive the No. 5 Arrow/Lucas Oil Honda in the Honda Indy Toronto on June 14. It will be his first appearance on the 1.755-mile, 11-turn street circuit.
