In this jam-packed episode of Beyond the Checkered, Charlie and Kathleen Kimball break down every dramatic, emotional, and chaotic moment from the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. From bike traffic jams and Blackhawk helicopters to heartbreaking crashes and triumphant celebrations, the duo relives race weekend from every angle—on and off the track. With insider insight from Charlie’s years behind the wheel and Kathleen’s boots-on-the-ground perspective, this episode offers something for both longtime race fans and curious newcomers.
⏱️ Time-Stamped Highlights:
[00:00:00] – Why this episode is late: post-race exhaustion and real-life catching up.
[00:04:15] – Carb Day arrival and the story behind their insider access and parking hack.
[00:06:39] – The community magic of Lot 6 and the Speedway's unmatched atmosphere.
[00:11:10] – Charlie’s interviews with Connor Daly, Kyle Larson, Tony Kanaan & Doug Boles.
[00:20:00] – “Back Home Again in Indiana” hits them right in the feels. Ugly cry alert.
[00:24:18] – The heartbreak of Scott McLaughlin’s crash before the green flag.
[00:29:37] – Scott Dixon's brake fire: how brake heat warms tires from the inside.
[00:44:54] – Rossi’s fiery pit lane disaster and how the team avoided catastrophe.
[00:47:27] – Kyle Larson’s crash, and Sting Ray Robb’s literal bath in the tire barrier water.
[00:55:32] – Why blue flags didn’t help the final laps play out differently.
[01:03:47] – Alex Palou’s celebration and what made it so personal and joyous.
[01:06:46] – Over 7 million fans watched. Here's why Fox nailed the broadcast.
[01:12:08] – Dixon’s epic joke at the banquet and Charlie’s Detroit race predictions.
