INDYCAR's #FastSix is a report that borrows from all things found online about Verizon IndyCar Series racing, its drivers and people. We find pics, quips and the occasional GIF as INDYCAR drivers live their extraordinary lives and put the evidence on Twitter, Instagram and more. Check back regularly for the latest.
TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES
Buzz is swirling around Arie Luyendyk Jr., the former Indianapolis 500 driver who often pilots an Indy Racing Experience two-seat Indy car at Verizon IndyCar Series events, as the premiere the latest season of "The Bachelor" (at 8 p.m. ET, Jan. 1 on ABC) draws closer. There’s already speculation on everything about Arie out there, including predictions on who he will wind up proposing to.
All we know is that we’re hoping to see the couple hanging out at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May and following their story, beginning on New Year’s Day.
In the meantime, we’ll be glued to ABC’s “A Countdown to Arie” Bachelor preview special, at 10 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 11 when the reality show’s fans meet Arie’s dad, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and current race steward Arie Luyendyk and learn about Arie Jr.’s love for Indy car racing.
It sounds like our leading man is about to be back on track, too. Twitter says Arie is about to get behind the wheel and over the jumps at a Stadium Super Trucks race on Dec. 15-16 in Lake Elsinore, Calif. We’re excited to see what the paparazzi find there!
MY GENERATION
Verizon IndyCar Series champion Josef Newgarden visited Indianapolis for the INDYCAR winter drivers’ meeting at the INDYCAR offices this week and, in between appointments, the Team Penske stand out stopped off at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Pagoda to chat up some members of his generation, millennial to millennials.
HINCHTOWN HOLIDAY
Schmidt Peterson Motorsports driver James Hinchcliffe celebrated his 31st birthday on Tuesday and the Internet exploded with well-wishes and super fun “Dancing With the Stars” memories.
FRENCH FOODIE
No trip to Indianapolis is complete for Team Penske’s Simon Pagenaud until he stops at Spoke & Steele restaurant for a plate of his namesake dish, Pagenaud Steak Frites. Note to foodies: the dish, which includes a 10 oz. Butler steak and parmesan fries, is on the menu there for $39.
Pagenaud's fans also know they can find some signed diecasts at the Indianapolis International Airport
DRIVERS TEXTING
The aforementioned INDYCAR drivers meeting on Tuesday inspired a few entertaining images that look a whole lot like a Verizon commercial.
TRAVELING TROPHY
In honor of Takuma Sato’s Indianapolis 500 win, the Borg-Warner Trophy is in Japan, making for all sorts of heart-warming social media posts.