Indianapolis Motor Speedway Launches New Scoring Pylon

Press Release ~INDIANAPOLIS, July 22, 2014 – When a race goes green at the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway, a lot more fans are going to know it instantly.

The third-generation scoring pylon was unveiled Tuesday on the main straightaway and among the many capabilities on the full-LED-paneled pylon is the ability to completely flash with green lights. Or yellow. Or with an American flag look for pre-race.

And then, in a blink, the 92-foot, 4-inch pylon can look just like the one that was removed last month after 20 years of service, documenting the lap count and running order of 33 cars on the track.

“We wanted to generate more information, to give more information to the fans in their seats,” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles.

“That old pylon was iconic, so we wanted to make sure the size was similar – we’re about two feet taller and three inches wider (with the new pylon) – but we wanted the ability to light it like everybody’s used to, especially for the Indianapolis 500.”

The pylon can display the top 10 on the track while also circulating through spots 11 through 43. It can also provide enhanced stats information like lap times, miles per hour and time behind the leader.

The pylon erected in 1994 that stood sentry over the first 20 Brickyard 400 races, two decades of Indianapolis 500 races and other events. Powered by 6,496 30-watt light bulbs, that pylon could only display basic race scoring with a space at the top for race logos.

The new pylon can fully light up with “Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” race logos or other digital artwork. The possibilities are considerable.

The first IMS pylon that went up in 1959 and was manually operated. More than a half-century later, the pylon now has animation and video capabilities. In the coming year, video boards around the track will be added with the same digital capabilities.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave writes two magazine food and wine columns: Destination Dining and White Linen & Corks,and is a travel, features, food and wine writer, travel and food photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as the Travel & Leisure Adviser on FOX59 Morning News Show. She also is a speaker, consultant and trainer for travel, hospitality and tourism businesses, and groups, as well as a radio and television guest and host. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

James Dean Film Festival February 21-23, 2013 in Downtown Indianapolis

Star.

Legend.

Icon.

James Dean, Indiana native and film icon, shook the movie industry with his rocket-launched career. Shooting to the top of popularity with just three silver-screen titles under his belt, the star crashed tragically to the ground with an early death at the age of 24.

The country mourned the loss of the Rebel without a Cause and his name has forever been etched in the "Cool" Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart. The intense, dramatic style of the quiet star earned the adoration of females of every age. 

In his brief career, Dean starred in just three movies, but managed to capture the hearts and attention of the country before his life ended at the age of 24. These one-time showings will be presented digitally via video projector.

Film Schedule

East of Eden

Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.

Rebel Without a Cause

Friday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.

Giant

Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.

IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum will host a three-day James Dean Film Festival in conjunction with the Dean exhibit at the Indiana State Museum. The festival and exhibit honor the Hoosier-born actor whose life and promising future was cut short.

Parking is always free in the White River State Park parking garage. Patrons should bring in parking tickets for validation by the IMAX box office. To purchase tickets or to get more information, visit ImaxIndy.com.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, an in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.