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.
INDYCAR drivers or NHL fans?
The first round of the National Hockey League playoff has begun and a few Verizon IndyCar Series drivers are a lot more than just casual fans. You’ll find Graham Rahal’s feed full of tweets like this:
Ardent hockey fan, Charlie Kimball was rewarded by his wife Kathleen for bringing home Carlin’s first top-10 finish in Long Beach with tickets to his beloved L.A.Kings.
Josef Newgarden is also showing love for his hometown team, the Nashville Predators, by challenging fellow INDYCAR driver and Toronto Maple Leafs fan James Hinchcliffe to a friendly playoff bet.
Underwater Wha?
While Hinchcliffe accepted that wager, he also took on the challenge of making a prerace weekend news conference a bit more “splashy” heading into the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach race weekend. He held INDYCAR’s very first UNDERWATER news conference at the trackside Aquarium of the Pacific.
There was even a tease of what ScubaHinch may have been wearing under his wet suit. It was a gift from Swimming Canada.
Celebrities take in INDYCAR action at Long Beach
There was a HUGE crowd at Long Beach this weekend, lots of racing and plenty of celebrity spotting. Among the notables sharing their INDYCAR experience via social media was actor and comedian Rob Riggle, who took a ride with Mario Andretti on Sunday in Honda’s Fastest Seat in Sports.
So did former NFL San Diego Chargers player Shawne Merriman, TV’s “Code Black” actor Ben Hollingsworth and “Lucifer’s” Tricia Helfer.
Even the self-proclaimed “other Danica” (Danica McKellar of “Wonder Years” fame) enjoyed the new-look Indy cars on the grid at Long Beach.
Lick the stamp and send it
A collective “wow” emerged from social media in reaction to Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan driver Sebastien Bourdais’s pass on Scott Dixon at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday.
While a penalty was issued to put Bourdais back behind Dixon, it wasn’t long before he took his spot back. Social media also took notice:
Off-track battle
The #IndyCarAutographBattle between Team Penske’s Simon Pagenaud and Josef Newgarden went a step further this past week. First, it was merchandise. Then, it was race cars and firesuits. And then houses. The latest? Pagenaud signed Newgarden’s mother. You read that right. He SIGNED his teammate’s mom.
Rematch?
Robert Wickens and Alexander Rossi appeared to have made amends following their collision in the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg while battling for the lead. Or did they?
Wickens posted this video Tuesday of their latest “tussle,” albeit off track.