ABC Race Broadcast Will Track Drivers' Biotelemetry

For the first time, the ABC broadcast of the Indianapolis 500 will track drivers' heart rates during the race and how they change under stressful situations. Dr. Terry Lyles, an internationally recognized expert in human performance, stress management and life coaching, developed a biotelemetry system that will be worn by Jakes Jakes, driver of the No. 7 Schmidt Peterson Motorsports Honda, and Sage Karam, driver of the No. 8 Comfort Revolution/Big Machine Records Chevrolet, in the race.

Jakes and Karam will each wear a sensor on the left side of their chest, near the base of the heart. Readings from the sensor will be sent through the race cars' on-board telemetry, allowing the ESPN production crew to capture the data for use on the broadcast.

"We'll be able to show the viewers how a drivers' baseline heart rate can fluctuate under stress and anxiety levels during the race, under G-force in the corners and how it changes when the driver is about the experience a pit stop," said Dr. Jerry Punch, one of ABC's pit reporters.

The 99th Indianapolis 500 will be broadcast on ABC for the 51st consecutive year, with the pre-race show beginning at 11 a.m. ET May 24.

"We're always looking for better ways to serve fans and this is an opportunity to bring the viewers something they've never seen before," said Rich Feinberg, vice president of production for ESPN.

The Indianapolis 500 may also be heard on the IMS Radio Network, including affiliate stations, XM 209, Sirius 212 and indycar.com.

Contact:

Mike Kitchel

mkitchel@indycar.com

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