Susan Brake’s Post

And NOW, we interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for a post about the Indy 500, and more largely the motorsports industry. 🏎 🏍🖲 💚 ❤️ 💛 💙 🖤 Manufacturing, technology, and life sciences are big economic impacts for many state economies. Racing, while niche can also greatly impact a community and state. In North Carolina, the motorsports industry accounts for $6B. In Henry County, Georgia, their track draws $250M in economic activity. In Indiana, the IMS, the oldest operating racetrack in the United States, hosts the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500 in May.  It's a sight to behold. Even more impressive, the Indy 500's impact during the month of May is more than half of the state's economic activity, about $1B in total. 😮 😲 🤯 Communities focusing on a particular industry, like racing, can see that economic impact really racks up. Sources: https://lnkd.in/g_HpMxq8 -https://lnkd.in/g4vnUCq2. #incentives #growyourbiz #mayisforracing

Spring Series Info for Week 1: RACE ROUTE: https://buff.ly/3uZFl7U SCHEDULE: 5:45 sign-in 6:30 Race start 7:20 anticipated finish. Post-race beers around the fire pit. 8:15 get going to let the Leas have their place back MUST HAVES: To race tonight, you must: Have a front light Have a rear light Ride with a cell phone ROAD IS OPEN TO TRAFFIC - We will have a volunteer at the Road entrance off Sy's Trail. Be aware that the road is open to traffic, and if the volunteer whistles for you to stop, you must stop. If you ignore him, you will not get a place (or a beer!). RACE DURATION—Because this is such an early-season race, we have been asked about shortening the time from 45 minutes + 1 lap to 35 minutes + 1 lap. If you all agree to that change, I am okay with it. We will decide pre-race. PARKING: Bobby says the upper portion of his yard is ok to park on. Use 228 Five Points Road, Merztown, PA as the GPS. Look for the “RACE PARKING” signs. BYOW—Bring your own food and race hydration. There will be beers for the post-race. Bobby and Shelby have asked that we make our way home no later than 8:15 p.m. WHATS NEXT: Week 2 https://buff.ly/3wHzZP4 Next week, we're on the other side of the road. The blue line is ridden out to the red loops. You will race on the red loops until you hear the 1-to-go bell, at which point you will return on the blue line. We may add one lap of the Prologue to this, but that is TBD.

Accepting defeat is just as crucial as celebrating victory. Each loss leads us on the path to deeper understanding and resilience. It’s the stumbles and setbacks that sharpen our focus and strengthen our resolve, much like my experience at Road Atlanta during the final race of the 2021 IMSA season. With high hopes, we were racing the Camaros, meticulously prepped despite a power reduction mandated by IMSA. We qualified well, and during the race, our cars performed brilliantly—navigating the unpredictable conditions and mechanical challenges. Just when it seemed we were poised for a podium finish, a minor collision and a subsequent technical hiccup led to a disqualification. From potential winners to disqualification, the roller coaster of emotions was intense. This experience, though bitterly disappointing, wasn't just about losing a race; It was an important lesson in persistence and perspective. It reminded us that success isn't just about crossing the finish line first but about the resilience and teamwork it takes to compete at this level. Life, like racing, throws unexpected challenges our way. It’s not the setbacks that define us but how we respond to them. We learn more from our failures than our victories, gaining insights that fuel our future strategies. So, as you face your own races, remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback. #Resilience #Perspective #LosingLessons

#11 Christopher Medford - I genuinely believe that the most effective way to inject some excitement and unpredictability into the Formula One paddock is by fostering more competition among teams that operate independently, without any affiliations or connections to other teams. The presence of secondary teams, often referred to as 'Team 2' or 'B teams', can undermine the competitive spirit of the sport. While I'm not suggesting that teams shouldn't be allowed to purchase engines or other components from more established teams, I do think that the current setup can hinder drivers' ability to compete freely against all opponents. This is primarily because team orders might be issued to ensure that smaller, affiliated teams don't upset the strategic plans or standings of their larger, parent organisations. For example, we often see situations where a driver from a 'B team' might be subtly influenced to hold back against a driver from the main team, especially if the latter is in contention for the championship. Such dynamics can prevent races from being truly competitive spectacles, where every driver is free to challenge every other driver on the grid, without any considerations beyond their own team's success. In essence, a more level playing field, where each team is an independent entity, could lead to more thrilling races and a more engaging championship.

Are you aware that NASCAR is back in Chicago? This weekend's second Chicago Street Race is a chance for NASCAR to deliver on what it planned last year before torrential rain disrupted the event. The big picture: The 2.2-mile course that weaves through Grant Park was a tough sell to a city not as consumed with racing as other sports, but NASCAR is using it to attract a wider, more diverse fan base. Friction point: Even before last year's event was disrupted by rain, commuters were mad about street closures in the Loop, downtown residents and alders complained about noise and pollution, and Taste of Chicago fans were frustrated the event lost its summertime Chi slot. Between the lines: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot brokered the city's contract with NASCAR, which runs through 2025, so some thought Mayor Brandon Johnson would wave it goodbye once he took office in 2023. -The agreement can be terminated with at least 180 days' notice without compensation or damages. Reality check: He didn't. But NASCAR and the city negotiated for six fewer days of race set-up and breakdown — from 25 to 19 — for this year's race. What they're saying: "Our unparalleled skyline provides a stunning backdrop for NASCAR's television and streaming audiences, and that's to say nothing of the economic benefits that come with the event," Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce CEO Jack Lavin told Axios in a statement. Zoom in: Saturday's lineup includes The Loop 110 (50 laps), performances by Buddy Guy, the Black Keys and the Chainsmokers, and Q&As with drivers. -The big race, Grant Park 165 (75 laps), is Sunday at 3:30pm with performances by Lauren Alaina and Keith Urban earlier in the afternoon. -NBC will also broadcast the races. If you go: Two-day tickets start at $269 and go up to more than $3,000 for hospitality suites. -New this year is a general admission one-day ticket for $150, with kids free on Saturday and $45 on Sunday (alongside an adult ticket). -Metra has also announced more trains will be running for the event. #nascar #chicago #grantpark #downtown #racing #city

Are you aware that NASCAR is back in Chicago? This weekend's second Chicago Street Race is a chance for NASCAR to deliver on what it planned last year before torrential rain disrupted the event. The big picture: The 2.2-mile course that weaves through Grant Park was a tough sell to a city not as consumed with racing as other sports, but NASCAR is using it to attract a wider, more diverse fan base. Friction point: Even before last year's event was disrupted by rain, commuters were mad about street closures in the Loop, downtown residents and alders complained about noise and pollution, and Taste of Chicago fans were frustrated the event lost its summertime Chi slot. Between the lines: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot brokered the city's contract with NASCAR, which runs through 2025, so some thought Mayor Brandon Johnson would wave it goodbye once he took office in 2023. -The agreement can be terminated with at least 180 days' notice without compensation or damages. Reality check: He didn't. But NASCAR and the city negotiated for six fewer days of race set-up and breakdown — from 25 to 19 — for this year's race. What they're saying: "Our unparalleled skyline provides a stunning backdrop for NASCAR's television and streaming audiences, and that's to say nothing of the economic benefits that come with the event," Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce CEO Jack Lavin told Axios in a statement. Zoom in: Saturday's lineup includes The Loop 110 (50 laps), performances by Buddy Guy, the Black Keys and the Chainsmokers, and Q&As with drivers. -The big race, Grant Park 165 (75 laps), is Sunday at 3:30pm with performances by Lauren Alaina and Keith Urban earlier in the afternoon. -NBC will also broadcast the races. If you go: Two-day tickets start at $269 and go up to more than $3,000 for hospitality suites. -New this year is a general admission one-day ticket for $150, with kids free on Saturday and $45 on Sunday (alongside an adult ticket). -Metra has also announced more trains will be running for the event. #nascar #chicago #grantpark #downtown #racing #city

This is Spike (great name for a race car driver, right?). Spike’s story isn’t unlike a lot of racers at motorsports’ lower levels who face the stark financial reality of not knowing if they’ll have the money to race next season. It’s an ever-present fact that shapes their approach to the sport they hope and dream can one day be their life. No tomorrow means every race matters. So Spike’s perspective is simple: Racing isn’t about luck. Hard work is the variable he backs. It wins. Flat out. As a single-make spec series, the GR Cup is a positively disruptive platform in racing — reducing costs and making the sport more accessible to prospective drivers endeavoring to make the jump to the next level. Spike is that archetypal racer. The reason why this format was brought to life, and proof that it works. So, everyone, meet Spike. Hope you like him (and his story) as much as we do. ✌️

🔎 INSIDE THE COMPACT INDYCAR SCHEDULE 🔍 📚 | I have done a lot of digging in recent weeks to craft the piece linked below, delving into the impact of the compact IndyCar calendar on the paddock. 🗓️ | We have just come off the back of five successive weeks on track and the newly-released 2025 schedule boasts 14 races in the final 18 weekends. 💡 | This piece has insights from a whole host of drivers from recent weeks as I canvassed their views on whether they like such a constant period of races. ➕ | There is also some fascinating insight from a mechanic’s perspective and how they deal with these sorts of periods. 📝 | Details include the prospect of more successive races next year and the exhaustion felt by teams and drivers, but also the rewarding nature of the schedule. 🤔 | Also: why some relish this sort of period, the difference that management can make and how it can help to build momentum for drivers and the series. 📲 | You can read my full feature for DIVEBOMB Motorsport Magazine below! 👇 #INDYCAR

Community update regarding the upcoming NASCAR Chicago Street Race and the road closures: New Round of NASCAR Chicago Street Race Closures, Including DuSable Lake Shore Drive: Major street closures are underway for the 2024 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, which is set to take place on July 6 and 7. This round of closures includes significant roadways, notably DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Several road closures have already been implemented in preparation for the race. Compared to last year's construction period of 25 days, the 2024 course setup and breakdown are expected to take a total of 19 days. Key details: - DuSable Lake Shore Drive Closures: Starting from Monday, July 1, closures on DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be in effect. Full closures on the Drive are scheduled for Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7. - Minimizing Impacts: City of Chicago and NASCAR officials are actively working to minimize the impact of street closures, parking restrictions, reroutes, and traffic disruptions. All businesses and residences will remain accessible during course setup, race weekend, and the breakdown. - Taste of Chicago Festival: The race has also prompted a shift in the timelines for the Taste of Chicago festival, which typically occurs in July. This year, the festival will take place in September. Stay informed and plan your travel accordingly! Need Immediate Disaster Response? Are you facing an emergency and need a reliable disaster response team? Contact Skyline Property Restoration now! Fill out the form on our website, send us an email, or give us a call. Our team is committed to responding promptly and efficiently to meet your needs. - Contact form: https://lnkd.in/gK56YHuQ Contact Information: Skyline Property Restoration - Address: 13821 Harrison Street, Blue Island, Illinois 60406 - Phone: (708) 629-0563 - Email: [email protected] - Website: Skyline Property Restoration: https://lnkd.in/gF6SGpsd Follow Us: - Facebook: Skyline Property Restoration: https://lnkd.in/ghg3mG24 - YouTube: Skyline Property Restoration: https://lnkd.in/ghFAGjmN - LinkedIn: Skyline Property Restoration: https://lnkd.in/gAkk6gXF - Instagram: Skyline Property Restoration: https://lnkd.in/ggcam-Xd - Testimonials - Skyline Property Restoration: https://lnkd.in/gF6SGpsd Feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance! We are OPEN we work 365/24/7 🏢📞📧🌟 - 24-Hour Emergency Response Service. Contact us at 888-5-SKYLINE #NASCARChicago #ChicagoStreetRace #GrantParkRace #NASCAR2024 #RaceWeekend