SPEED Sees Super Bowl as Bonus for Speedway

(posted May 25)

SPEED (Speedway People Encouraging Equal Development) members discussed Indy's 2012 Super Bowl and its impact on Speedway during its May 21 meeting.

Jo Ellen Dotlich said she views the Super Bowl as a mixed blessing. SPEED's concern is how the Super Bowl award will impact the SRC's time table. Dotlich is concerned the SRC will try to move redevelopment at a faster pace in hopes the town could be prepared for the Super Bowl.

Dotlich preferred the SRC not dig up the roads until after the Super Bowl and instead encourage IMS CEO Tony George to tear down the Brickyard Plaza to build a new hotel to accommodate Super Bowl fans. She contended the SRC could build the roads after the Super Bowl is over.

Dotlich stressed that she is not against the redevelopment or the 500. It is still a thrill for her to drive so close to the track via Georgetown Road or 16th Street. She said that one of the reasons that makes Speedway unique is the 500's accessibility. She said that Royce Stiening, who is married to the widow of 500 driver Pat O'Conner, parks at Speedway Industrial Park. O'Conner was killed in a first lap crash in the 1958 race.