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IMS encourages virtual Carb Day celebrations

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Officials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are insisting Friday is still Carb Day, and are inviting race fans to celebrate without ever leaving their porches.

The virtual Miller Lite Carb Day has a full schedule and a series of social media hashtags to keep everyone connected throughout the day.

According to the IMS website, the official #500atHome weekend begins with a virtual Carb Day, followed by a virtual Legends Day and a virtual Indianapolis 500 Sunday.

Friday’s events begin with a push to break out your #500Fashion by dressing up and sharing photos on social media. The merchandise outlets with IMS are holding a 30% off sale for all items labeled with the date May 24, 2020 Indianapolis 500. IMS asks you send to your photos via tweet (@IMS) with the hashtag #500Fashion.

IMS is also partnering with several radio stations including SiriusXM’s IndyCarNation to bring listeners fresh commentary from former and current Indy 500 drivers. The Smiley Morning Show on 99.5 WZPL promises to recap some of the best Carb Day moments, and 1070 The Fan tweeted out a special message from 2014 Carb Day performer Sammy Hagar.

“Just want to say I hope you enjoy the virtual 500 this weekend from your homes and my buddies talking about Carb Day. 2014 I played Carb Day. it was such a blast, the crowd was great and everything. I just can’t wait for things to get back to normal and get the Indy 500 back on track. The return of the 500! Enjoy everything. Peace and love. Stay safe,” said Hagar in the video post.

Starting at 9 a.m., Downtown Indy, Inc will host Urban Blend on Zoom and speak with Allison Melangton, senior vice president of events for Penske Entertainment Corp. The Zoom webinar will dive into her journey from the Super Bowl to the Speedway, her community-minded vision for events and the exciting road ahead, according to IMS.

From noon to 2 p.m., you can join in a virtual Pit Stop Challenge through IMS social media channels and watch highlights from the best previous challenges.

IMS also encourages you to throw your own porch party and share photos on social media with the hashtag #SocialDistancePorching. It adds that you never know who or what may drop by the most decorated porches.

And from 6-7 p.m., 104.5 WJJK will host a jam session featuring former Carb Day acts including Foreigner, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steve Miller Band and Poison.

Read more about virtual Legends Day and Indy 500 events at the IMS website.