INDYCAR's "Fast Six" is a report derived from all things found online about Verizon IndyCar Series racing, its drivers and people. We seek and find pics and quips as INDYCAR drivers live their extraordinary lives and put the evidence into tweets, Instagrams and more. Check back regularly when we post the latest.
#MarcoIs30
Following the the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti headed to South Florida with some friends to celebrate his 30th birthday. Among the drivers who attended the celebration this week were Alexander Rossi, Conor Daly, James Hinchcliffe and Carlos Munoz, former Indy car competitor P.J. Chesson and 2003 Indianapolis 500 winner Gil de Ferran.
Even though we're not cool enough to get an invite to the house, we still got to experience the party via social media.
And of course, no party would be complete without live animals. Lucky for us there was a monkey…
"The Kid" visits St. Pete, again
Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. came back to the Grand Prix in St. Petersburg for the second year in a row after being a photographer for ESPN in 2016. Charlie Kimball and Graham Rahal were among the drivers happy to meet Griffey.
As for why Griffey came back this year, he was Mario Andretti's passenger in the Fastest Seat in Sports before the race.
Pagenaud hits LA LA Land
Simon Pagenaud headed out to Los Angeles to do some media events for the next race on the schedule, April's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. While there, the Verizon IndyCar Series champion recreated a scene from a movie. Sadly, it was neither "Talladega Nights," or "La La Land."
He also lent a hand to a young guy who was experiencing some some car trouble ...
... and convinced a Young Hollywood reporter to try escargot at the French restaurant, Little Next Door.
James Hinchcliffe, the book?
Writers around the world are inspired by race cars and the people who drive them. Closer to his home, James Hinchcliffe’s brother, Christopher, has written “Chasing Checkers,” a fictional account of the life of driver Teddy “Chex” Clark and, according to Twitter, those who know the Mayor of Hinchtown will see more than a few similarities.
Seems Chris is every bit the jokester James is, even when it comes to his own prose. Hints, which will be clear if you’re familiar with the Canadian fast food chain Tim Hortons, about the book’s plot include:
Mickey Mouse Club
INDYCAR went racing for the first time this season last weekend in the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (Congratulations to St. Petersburg resident Sebastien Bourdais!), and a famous mouse showed up, much to the delight of Ryan Hunter-Reay’s sons. Cuteness ensued.
See you real soon
We leave you with a moment of Zen, brought to you by Alexander Rossi