Noblesville native preps for first Indy 500 run

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) - The stage is set for opening weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and for one rookie driver, this moment feels like a lifetime in the making.

“Growing up around the speedway, this is a special time,” Noblesville native Bryan Clauson said Friday while standing on the Yard of Bricks. “To actually be out here and be a part of the festivities and the Indy 500 is special not only for myself, but for my family, friends and everybody involved.”

Clauson will make his IndyCar debut in the No. 39 car for Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing. The former USAC open-wheel star was one of seven drivers to complete the three required speed phases during Rookie Orientation on Thursday.

“I think it’s going to be cool here at Indy to have Bryan in a car,” said team owner Sarah Fisher. “There’s a lot of short track fans that are really hungry for that type of driver to cheer for, so I think you’re going to be impressed with how many fans come out and support him.”

There’s no doubt Fisher’s team will have plenty of support from the local racing community this May. Clauson is reuniting with his friend and former Indy Lights teammate Josef Newgarden, another young American driver with big time talent.

“We get along really good. If you see us throughout the month, we’re joking around and beating up on each other,” Clauson said, laughing. “But we have a lot of fun, and it’s a great fit. We’re two rookies, but I think we’re two qualified rookies, and we’re going to make some noise this month.”

Fisher made her rookie debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway 12 years ago, and she said her advice to the two young drivers is to soak up every moment of the next two weeks.

“It goes by so fast. It’s hard to remember all the stories,” she said. “(I told them to) write it all down if they have to.”