By RICHIE HALL
CARMEL – The Indianapolis area loves its Indy 500 drivers, and those drivers are always willing to show the love right back.
Gary from Java House (left) is about to go national in commercials for Java House that are set to air during the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. Gary is pictured with Matt Thompson from Java House and Ed Carpenter Racing; Thompson produced the commercials. (Richie Hall)
The drivers of Ed Carpenter Racing – Carpenter, 2016 champion Alexander Rossi and Christian Rasmussen – came up to Clay Terrace in Carmel Wednesday afternoon for an appearance at Java House. The three men greeted fans and signed autographs for two hours; with the fans waiting in a line outside of the door for most of that time.
“One of the things that makes the 500 specifically so special is just how the city of Indianapolis gets excited for the event,” said Carpenter, a three-time Indy 500 pole winner who finished second in 2018. “As soon as the calendar rolls over from April to May, you see checkered flags in people’s yards and around town and different decorations. So, it’s really a city-wide celebration.”
Java House has 12 locations throughout Indiana, including three in Carmel and one in Fishers. The Clay Terrace store was the first to open in May 2019 and has become a favorite stop for Rasmussen. The Danish-born Rasmussen now lives in Carmel and said when he goes to get coffee, “this will be where I go.”
Rasmussen joined Ed Carpenter Racing in 2023. He competed in the 500 for the first time in 2024, finishing in 12th place.
“It’s really cool to feel the support of everyone,” said Rasmussen. He appreciates the Java House events – the store has links to ECR and its merchandise on its website, with the drivers getting to meet race fans at all of Java House’s different locations.
Rasmussen said it’s been “super fun” to get closer to the race fans, “because when we’re out at the Speedway, it’s very limited time that we have to do all this sort of stuff, because we’re obviously busy with other stuff. So, it’s been cool to have the time to do that and to, again, feel the support of it.”
Java House is a brand of Indiana-based Heartland Food Products Group, and its owner Ted Gelov became a co-owner of ECR last September. The company will air national television ads during this year’s Indy 500, featuring the ECR drivers and Danica Patrick, who drove to six top 10 Indy 500 finishes, including third place in 2009.
The commercials will also feature Gary from Java House, who was at the event entertaining those in attendance.
“It’s an exciting moment here,” said Gary. He mentioned the “hundreds of excited fans “getting autographs, memorabilia and the opportunity to talk with the drivers.
“They’ll never forget this experience,” said Gary.
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