IndyCar returns to Phoenix Raceway this weekend for the second consecutive year, with President BRYAN SPERBER having spent the last few weeks making sure it's all-systems-go at the track. With a full slate of qualifiers and fan events leading up to Saturday night's main event, Sperber took some time to dish on the close-knit atmosphere at the track between drivers and fans, as well as how he'll spend his time throughout one of his busiest weekends of the year.
CELEBRATING THE SPEED KING: Thursday night we hosted a celebration at the Heard Museum for the careers of HELIO CASTRONEVES and TONY KANAAN. It was a really special night with a lot of IndyCar racing icons hanging about. Those two have had such a great impact not only on IndyCar but on racing in general. It’s hard to believe they've been around 20 years and they’ve been such great ambassadors for the sport. That was just a fun way to get the weekend started. Friday we’ve got a very full day of actives at the track that culminate with qualifying under the lights. Beach Whiskey and Outback Steakhouse have come on board to sponsor qualifying day and last year we had Helio shatter a 20+ year track record. We literally crowned him the "Speed King of Phoenix Raceway." So Friday night he has to defend that crown and if he doesn’t win the pole he’s going to have to relinquish it.
NOT A CLOUD IN THE SKY: Saturday is race day and the weather is supposed to be fantastic. The high is supposed to be around 83 and sunny. We’ve also got USAC Silver Crown Champ Car Series Qualifying in the afternoon as well. We could get to see a preview of who the next big driver may be down the line. We also have a full field of over 40 vintage IndyCars coming for the fans and this is the first year we’ve done it. Historically significant cars from the ‘30s all the way to the late '80s. There'll be a whole host of legendary IndyCar drivers like TOM SNEVA and DICK SIMON who will be here signing autographs. And also the band EVE 6 will get things kick-started with a concert for the fans and then we’ll get the Desert Diamond going under the lights around 6:30pm.
KEEP THE PEOPLE HAPPY: I don’t get to see too many laps during the races. We’re roaming around the property from the media center to the parking area, checking in on all things operationally. Then the track will have some guests who I like to spend time with and then honestly the race itself is over in the blink of an eye. When it’s over I’ll head to the infield for the trophy presentation and then it’s a wrap. We work so hard to get the track ready to go and then literally in a second it’s over. Physically it does take its toll a little bit, but it’s always exciting. We almost always have drama on the track and seeing fans leave with a smile on their face is intensely gratifying. We produce these events to delight the fans and when we hit the mark it’s a great feeling.
FEET IN THE SAND: My wife and I love to travel and cook. You could call us food and wine people. TV-wise we like "HAWAII FIVE-O" quite a bit. We’ve also started taking family trips down to Hawaii as well that we save up for all year. We really blow it out and have a great time. It took us many years to get out there but my wife finally convinced me and it really is a magical place. Sports-wise outside of racing I’m also a huge Seminoles fan having attended Florida State.
