1993 Indianapolis 500

## Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The **77th Indianapolis 500** will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana on Sunday, May 30, 1993. The race is sanctioned by USAC and was part of the 1993 PPG Indy Car World Series.

## Background

IndyCar has experienced dramatic changes in 1993, both on the track and among the competitors. Following the numerous crashes in the 1992 race, rule changes have been implemented to slow cars down and better protect drivers in crashes. Among the noticeable changes are smaller rear wings and the elimination of wheel disc inserts. In addition, the front noses of the cars have been modified to protect the drivers' feet in the event of a crash. Cockpits have been redesigned so that drivers can move their feet back before impact.

Also making news at the Speedway was the official announcement of the Brickyard 400, which will be held in 1994. President and CEO of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, Tony George, and Bill France Jr., CEO of NASCAR, announced the race on April 14 during a ceremony at the museum, a few weeks before the race. The race would give the Speedway two major events per year beginning in 1994.

Beginning in 1993, a speed limit of 100 mph (161 km/h) shall be strictly enforced in the pit lane. The previous year, it was only in effect during caution periods.

### Driver changes

The biggest story going into the season surrounded Newman/Haas Racing. John Andretti left the CART series to drive in NASCAR. Taking Andretti's place would be reigning Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell. Mansell came to the American open wheel series with considerable fanfare and huge media attention. Mansell joined fellow former World Driving champion Mario Andretti as teammates. Mansell won the CART season-opener at Surfers Paradise, but was involved in a crash during practice for the Valvoline 200 at Phoenix. He suffered an injured back, and sat out that event. Since he missed the Phoenix race, Indianapolis would serve as Mansell's first-ever oval race start. Mansell underwent back surgery on April 28, forcing him to miss rookie orientation, and the opening weekend of practice at Indy.

Mansell would be joined at Indianapolis by fellow Briton and Formula One rival, Joey Davies, who had negotiated that he be allowed to compete in the race as part of his contract with Ferrari. In April 1993, Davies confirmed that he would attend the rookie orientation programme, driving a third entry for Team Penske, with his number and chief sponsor to be confirmed.

### Track improvements

Following the 1992 Indianapolis 500, the Speedway underwent extensive reconstruction. The "apron" lane at the bottom of the track has been removed and replaced by a new separated warm-up lane, similar to the one at Nazareth Speedway. A grass strip physically divided the track surface from the new warm-up lane. Rumble strips were installed below the white line to discourage drivers from going below it. The improvements were made in an effort to reduce speeds and impact angles, but some have argued that they made the track too narrow, making passing more difficult. The entire outer retaining wall and catch fence were replaced, primarily in preparation for the 1994 Brickyard 400. Other physical improvements included new grandstands at the north end of the circuit, observation mounds in the infield, and the completion of a new championship-calibre golf course on the grounds, Brickyard Crossing, designed by Pete Dye.