Beyond the Bricks Podcast

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen discuss some of the drivers where Indianapolis made their name. Bob Harkey is the first driver that Jake and Mike dive into where they discuss how unique he was. The next driver the guys discuss is Roger Rager and how he used a stock block off of a school bus with 72,000 miles already on it during the 1980 Indy 500. The final driver Jake and Mike discuss is Jerry Sneva and how he would do anything to make sure he got a car in the race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen first pay tribute to Art Pollard, who died 49 years ago Thursday at IMS. They also bust some myths about the Indianapolis 500, dating back to the race's inception. We hear from Donald Davidson on IMS lore such as whether Ray Harroun actually won the first Indy 500. We also hear from Donald about 1913 winner Jules Goux, who drank champagne during the race. Later, Jake and Mike discuss myths from the 50s and 60s, including one about Jim Clark’s legendary win in 1965.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen look back on some of the jubilant celebrations in victory circle at the Indianapolis 500. We go all the way back to the 50s and hear from drivers such as Bill Vukovich and Jimmy Bryan, then A.J. Foyt and Jimmy Clark, and all the way up to present day. Jake and Mike discuss some of the traditions in victory lane, such as the celebratory drink of milk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Beyond The Bricks, it’s Helio Castroneves’ 47th birthday, and Jake Query and Mike Thomsen talk about the legendary career of the four-time Indianapolis 500 winner. We hear from Helio about his upbringing in Brazil, where his infectious energy comes from, and why he started climbing the fence after race wins.  Jake and Mike discuss how Castroneves ended up with Team Penske amid tragic circumstances and recount the controversial ending of the 2002 Indy 500. Later, Helio tells us who inspired his racing career, and we listen to some of the broadcast calls from his wins at 16th and Georgetown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen take a trip down memory lane, and listen to some of the music that includes the Indianapolis 500. We hear tracks from drivers, such as Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, and 1995 Indianapolis 500 winner Jacques Villeneuve.  Later, we listen to an A.J. Foyt tribute song, and end with some past favorites, including Menudo’s smash hit “Indianapolis" from 1983.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen look back on the life of Al Unser, who passed away last year at the age of 87. We hear historic audio from Al Sr. about how his love of racing got started in Albuquerque.  Jake and Mike talk about the origin of the legendary “Johnny Lightning Special,” which Unser won the Indy 500 with in 1970 and ‘71. Later, we hear more historic audio from the career of the second man to win the 500 four times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen celebrate some of the great traditions of the Indianapolis 500. We hear some renditions of “(Back Home Again in) Indiana” from before when Jim Nabors became the beloved performer of the song, as well as some of the earliest radio calls from 16th and Georgetown.  We learn from Donald Davidson about how the race became known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” and listen to historic audio from three-time winner Wilbur Shaw and two-time champ Bill Vukovich.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen take a look at a pair of Indy 500 rookies in 1981, Josele Garza and Kevin Cogan. They talk about Garza’s hot start at Indianapolis in ‘81, and how he learned from three-time champion Bobby Unser.  Jake and Mike discuss the origins of “(Back Home Again in) Indiana” at the Indy 500. Later, we hear historic audio from Josele Garza, including him taking phone calls from fans on the “Talk From Gasoline Alley” in 1982. To wrap up the show, the guys look at the career of Kevin Cogan, who is perhaps unfairly best known for the crash at the start of the 1982 500.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second Beyond The Bricks of the month, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen talk about the legendary Mario Andretti. To start the show, Jake pays tribute to Johnny Aitken, the winningest driver in IMS history, who would’ve turned 137 years old on Tuesday. We hear historic audio from Mario’s career, from his humble beginnings in racing, to becoming arguably the most famous race car driver in the world, and winning the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500.  Later, Jake and Mike talk about Mario’s spectacular versatility, and we hear from the legend about his win at Sebring in 1970. The guys discuss his rotten luck at Indy throughout the latter stages of his career, and go in-depth on the controversial 1981 Indy 500, as well as his final car in 1994.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond The Bricks returns with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen. On the first show of the month, Jake and Mike take a look back on the life and career of Sid Collins, the first “Voice of the 500” on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. On the 45th anniversary of the tragic passing of Sid, we hear historic audio from his career, including his eulogy of Eddie Sachs. They discuss Sid’s massive legacy, and also talk about his decision to bring a young Donald Davidson onto the Radio Network in 1964. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the final “Beyond the Bricks” for the year, and Jake and Mike look back on the quartet four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500. They discuss and celebrate the thrilling finish from the 2021 Indy 500 when Helio Castroneves captured his fourth victory. Jake and Mike talk about  how the fans reacted to Helio’s fourth win and how special the celebration was. The guys talk with the legend Donald Davidson, the Historian Emeritus of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to continue to discuss four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500. Donald remembers wins from each of the historic four-timers: A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears and Helio Castroneves, and talks about how lucky race fans are to have all four. In the final segment, Donald rejoins us to talk about the relationship between Rick Mears and Helio Castroneves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Parnelli Jones’ 88th birthday, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen discuss the career of the 1963 Indy 500 winner. They talk about how Rufus Jones became known as Parnelli and we hear some historic audio, including from his ‘63 victory and how winning the “500” changed his life. They’re joined by Donald Davidson, Historian Emeritus of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, to talk about Parnelli’s many close calls in the Indy 500, and how Jones is one of the best to ever drive at 16th and Georgetown, even though he had just seven starts. We hear from Parnelli about his rivalry with A.J. Foyt, and continue talking with Donald Davidson. To wrap up the show, Donald remembers his former coworker and friend Bob Jenkins, who passed away earlier this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Query and Mike Thomsen continue to talk about the history of the Brickyard 400, including some of their favorite memories and trivia from the 27-year-old event. They’re joined by veteran NASCAR broadcaster Matt Yocum discuss some of the best drivers to never win the Indianapolis 500, the decline in popularity of the Brickyard, including the tire debacle of 2008, and what winning at IMS means to NASCAR drivers. Later, they discuss with Matt about how racing on the IMS road course could reinvigorate Brickyard weekend and look back at the 2005 Brickyard, when Tony Stewart finally made it to Victory Lane at 16th and Georgetown. In the final segment, Jake and Mike further talk about the tire issues in 2008. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday on Beyond the Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen look back at the history of NASCAR at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including the famous 1992 tire test that ultimately led to the inaugural Brickyard 400 in 1994. They discuss Davey Allison and Tim Richmond, two drivers who never had the chance to compete in the Brickyard, and the rivalry between fans of IndyCar and NASCAR. In the second segment, they talk about the smashing success of the Brickyard in the 90s, including how the first race helped launch Jeff Gordon into stardom and the massive entry lists in early years. Jake and Mike wrap up by talking about the 1995 Brickyard and the reverence Dale Earnhardt had for 16th and Georgetown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond the Bricks returns with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, and the guys look back on the life and career of Bob Jenkins, who passed away Monday at the age of 73. We play the tribute put together by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and listen to some of his iconic calls from IMS, on both radio and television. Bob’s successor on the IMS Radio Network Mike King calls in to talk about Bob’s reverence for the Indy 500 and how humble the Hall of Famer was. The current “Voice of the 500” Mark Jaynes joins Beyond the Bricks to continue to celebrate his close friend and colleague. Finally, two-time Indianapolis 500 runner-up and former TV broadcast partner Scott Goodyear joins the show to talk about how fortunate he felt to be able to work with the one and only Bob Jenkins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen.  They highlight near misses during the 1990s decade including a few by Scott Goodyear, a couple by Michael Andretti, and Emerson Fittipaldi. They also hear from Rick Mears after winning his 4th Indy 500 in 1991 and Scott Goodyear after he lost the race by passing the pace car in 1995 and why he stayed out after he was stopped scoring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they remember the late great Dan Wheldon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and 2011, and chronicle his career as well as some other 2021 Indy 500 field trivia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they discuss the big names of the Indianapolis 500. They talk about the winner of the inaugural Race in 1911 Ray Harroun, 1915 winner Ralph Depalma and AJ Foyt. They play audio clips from way back in the day where you can hear what they sounded like. They talk about how the future and those who are broadcasting it or involved in the history of it will look back on the current races of the Indianapolis 500 as well. They also play what could be the oldest audio ever recorded from the Indianapolis 500 in 1939.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they discuss milk in victory lane and that Emerson Fittipaldi drank orange juice instead in 1993 with his grandson Pietro being rewarded by the American Dairy Association as the Fastest Rookie. They remember 1995 Rookie of the Year Andre Ribeiro. The main topic of the show is memorabilia of the Indianapolis 500 with audio clips. They also take phone calls from people with what memorabilia they have and how rare it may be. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they recap Indianapolis 500 qualifying and begin to preview the race with trivia. They also dive into the main subject and play songs that mention the Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or its participants in the great race including the great Menudo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they highlight near misses of the 1980s including the 1982 finish for Rick Mears losing in close finish to Gordan Johncock, Al Unser Jr trying to block for his dad in 1983, Kevin Cogan getting passed by Bobby Rahal in 1986, Roberto Guerrero stalling in the pits while leading in 1987 and more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen they profile tonight four time Indianapolis 500 Champion, Daytona 500 Champion and legend AJ Foyt. Former Historian of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Donald Davidson joins Jake and Mike to talk about AJs career and what he means to the Speedway. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they discuss the life and career of long time voice of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tom Carnegie as he led the Public Address team for sixty years from 1946-2006.  They talk about his famous calls and how he came up with his famous sayings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Trackside Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they talk about how special the Month of May is, favorite events in Month of May, the throwback liveries in this years race. The main profile tonight is three-time champion of the Indianapolis 500 Lone Star JR, Johnny Rutherford and his wins in 1974, 1976, and 1980. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they profile Four time Indianapolis 500 Champion Al Unser Sr. He won the Indianapolis 500 in 1970,1971,1978,and 1987. They discuss his top moments, car names, sponsors and how Johnny Lightning came to be. The show includes calls of Al's wins, and drivers talking about him as well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they discuss past and notable car names to ever race in the Indianapolis 500 including the Mr. Wise Buys Carpet Special driven by Joe Saldana, Roger McCluskey Sauerkraut Floss Special, Johnny Lightning Special driven by Al Unser. Al Unser Jr Coors Light Silver Bullet 1983 rookie car to name a few.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they look back at the Arie Luyendyk Track Record qualifying run from May 12, 1996. They go back and talk more about the British invasion. Former IMS Historian Donald Davidson joins the show to talk about Jochen Rindt and why he didn't adapt to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and other topics involving the British invasion to Indianapolis.  Jake, Mike and Donald discuss former F1 Drivers who came to Indianapolis for the 500. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen discuss the 1960s decade and chronicle drivers like Jack Brabham, Jim Clark, Graham Hill. They discuss the British invasion that took place over the decade to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They also discuss the long time taboos at the Speedway in its history.  They discuss Motorsports' Triple Crown the Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix and 24 hours of Le Mans and the only driver to accomplish it in Graham Hill.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they discuss notable celebrities at the Indianapolis 500 including Clark Gable, Dinah Shore, Jayne Mansfield, Caesar Romero, Evel Knievel, and Tony Hulman to name a few highlighted tonight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen remember Gordon Smiley and his short tenue at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway before his tragic accident on Qualifying day in 1982.  They play clips from this night in 1982 from The Talk From Gasoline Alley, five days before his passing.  Jake gives a great eulogy to Jovy Marcelo who was killed during Practice in 1992. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they talk about the history of the music and pageantry surrounding the Indianapolis 500.  This includes the history of the balloon launch, Purdue band, Back Home Again in Indiana. They also talk about the evolution of the IMS Radio Network and ABC Sports Broadcasts over the years from Sid Collins to Mark Jaynes as voices of the Indianapolis 500 on radio.  They talk about all the guys who anchored the ABC Broadcasts as well from Jim Lampley and Jim McKay to  Paul Page and Bob Jenkins. They also get into the Delta Force intro and how Paul decided to use it for the ABC Broadcast intros. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen recap the 1948 Gold Cup races and driver Bob Barker.  Donald Davidson joins the show to talk about his hero growing up Jimmy Bryan as well as Sam Hanks and more in the 1950s. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they discuss the races of the 1950s as well as the cars and drivers who made the decade special.   They also discuss the misspelling of Johnnie Parsons on the Borg Warner Trophy. They profile and talk about Troy Ruttman the youngest winner of the 500 in 1952 as well as Sid Collins the first voice of the 500. At the end of the show, Jake and Mike talk about Bill Vukovich and his win in 1953-1954 before being killed in 1955.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the first ever episode of Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they honor Donald Davidson and he heads into retirement and put the Talk of Gasoline Alley in the rafters so to speak.  They also remember three time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser who passed away on Sunday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they honor Donald Davidson, talk about that it was his choice to not do Talk of Gasoline Alley. Also they reflect upon the 1981 Indianapolis 500 with Bobby Unser and Mario Andretti and dive into the controversy surrounding the race. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.