Fallbrook's Fellmann will be back in pit at Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Kaspar Fellmann of Fallbrook will be the tire specialist for the A.J. Foyt Racing team's car No. 33 when Chris Hemsworth, the hammer-wielding Asgardian in the "Avengers," raises the white flag Sunday, May 27, to start the 102nd running of the Indianapolis 500.

More than 300,000 spectators will be in attendance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing," which will be televised live on ABC beginning at 9 a.m.

Fellmann, who will be marking his 24th year at the "Brickyard," is excited to have 27-year-old Australian James Davison in the driver's seat.

"James crashed into the wall (May 17) going 260 miles per hour at the trials, but fortunately was not hurt," said Fellmann. "We stayed up all night rebuilding the car, and he impressed all by bringing us from last place to the nineteenth starting position the next day.

"We have won more classics than any other team – four – and feel very optimistic with James and this car," continued Fellmann. "Believe me, we hate losing more than we like winning."

Fellmann said the Indy 500 is an amazing race.

"This is the fastest race in the world," Fellmann said. "Just imagine a five-lane freeway from Main and Fallbrook streets to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco with 33 of the world's fastest cars racing to get there in less than two hours. That is an easy trip compared to racing in a two-mile oval always drifting left for 250 laps."

Fellmann's whirlwind schedule had him in Lexington, Ohio, – where his team won the Mid-Ohio Sports Car race May 5 – and returning to Fallbrook for one day before leaving for Indy, where he supervised the building of the team's garage.

"After Indy, I will be in fabulous Fallbrook (May 30) when my fiancee, America Wilson, and our friends will hit Mariscos El Pacifico for their incredible shrimp dishes," Fellmann said. "Then I repack and leave the next day for Paris and the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. My family, in my home country of Switzerland, is having a family reunion on my day off in Paris, and I'll be there."

Fellmann is hoping the people of Fallbrook will back his team at the Indy 500.

"Tell all my fellow villagers to root number 33 to victory," Fellmann said.