Race Report: The Sights and Sounds of the 102nd Indy 500

When 2018 Indy 500 winner Will Power crossed the iconic yard of bricks, he capped off what was a whirlwind weekend of festivities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As part of our collaboration with TAG Heuer, Watchonista was given backstage access to the speedway to cover all of the happenings.
 

We indulged in our fair share of Indiana traditions, such as tenderloins (a breaded and fried pork cutlet), carb day (the last practice before the big race), and even a friendly game of cornhole (aka bean bag toss). It was a weekend we won’t soon forget.
 

Upon entering Speedway, Indiana (yes that’s the actual name of the town), you are transported to a racing village unlike anything I’ve seen. What’s more, TAG Heuer’s logo is front row center on nearly every turnstile and advertisement around the Indy oval. Atop the famous pagoda tower is six-foot-tall text with the new slogan of the Indy 500 “This is Indy, This is May” it’s clear that the track, the fans, and the brand all take participation in this race seriously.
 

For TAG Heuer’s, participation at Indy wasn’t new, in fact, this was the third year that TAG Heuer sponsored the race as official timekeeper. For the 2018 edition, TAG Heuer elevated their activities at the track by partnering with a few renowned friends and partners of the brand. The highlights were TAG Heuer’s art provocateur Alec Monopoly painting the racing helmet worn by TAG Heuer brand ambassador Alexander Rossi, and the attendance of actor and ambassador Chris Hemsworth, who waved the green flag to begin the race. While Rossi finished in fourth position, he still remained positive, by remarking,

“For me, there is no other race like the Indy 500. The thrill of competing at Indy is the embodiment of TAG Heuer’s moto #DontCrackUnderPressure and I am grateful for their continued support of me as a driver and the sport of moto racing.”
 

With an official hashtag like that, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention why we were ultimately all gathered with our friends from TAG Heuer. Watches!
 

TAG Heuer has a rich connection to motor sport and in 2018 these initiatives have been bolstered by the addition of an even wider array of racing related novelties. In speaking with VP, Marketing Andrea Soriani, the case was made that TAG Heuer hasn’t made a single men’s watch that couldn’t be used in a race setting. Which he’s correct in saying, the Monaco, Autavia, Carrera, Formula 1, Calibre 16, and Heuer 01all take inspiration from motor sports.
 

For Indy, TAG Heuer unveiled updated versions of their Heuer 01 and Formula 1 Indy 500 editions. With both pieces receiving the official logo of the 102^nd Running of the Indy 500 and matching aesthetic and color changes. Available in mechanical (Carrera Calibre Heuer 01) and quartz (Formula 1). These Indy 500 editions are both sized at 43mm and come with two price points that are sure to appeal to novice and experienced collectors. The Formula 1 Indy Edition is priced at just $1,700, while the decadently skeletonized Heuer 01 chrono Indy edition comes in at $6,050. You can learn all about these pieces HERE.