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Start your engines! It's time to mark your calendars for May 24 as we rev up for "Carb Day", the final practice session before the biggest race event of the year. Despite its name, "Carb Day" actually has nothing to do with carbohydrates and everything to do with carburetors. Historic in its origin, the name comes from the final tuning of carburetors that teams would perform under conditions similar to those on race day. Interesting fact is, no qualified car has used a carburetor since 1963. Yet, the name stuck and what we have today is a thrilling spectacle of motorsports magic complete with a pit stop contest, a support race, and a concert. So, buckle up as we race towards the excitement of Carb Day festivities! It's full speed ahead!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Last Use of Carburetors</div><div class='timeline-text'>This was the last year that any qualified car in the big race used carburetors, marking the end of this mechanical era, but the origin of 'Carb Day'. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1977</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pit Stop Contest Debut</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Pit Stop Challenge debuted this year, becoming a fixture of Carb Day to test crews' efficiency and speed under pressure.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Carb Day Concert</div><div class='timeline-text'>The final practice day was expanded to include concerts, adding a dose of entertainment to the high-octane event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Shortened to 'Carb Day'</div><div class='timeline-text'>"Carburetion Day" was officially shortened to "Carb Day", a term used colloquially for final practice day before the big race since then. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Indy Lights Freedom 100</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Indy Lights Freedom 100 support race was moved to Carb Day, amplifying the day's racing excitement. </div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Carb Day Moved to Friday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Carb Day was moved to the Friday before the race, which has remained its scheduled day ever since. </div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Throw a Carb Day party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite your fellow racing fanatics over for a Carb Day party! You can watch the final practice session together and engage in friendly competition by betting on which team will win the Pit Stop Challenge. In terms of food, how about sticking to the theme by serving carb-heavy foods?</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visit the racetrack</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you live near a racetrack or are in Indianapolis, why not soak up the atmosphere in person? You can catch the final practice session and other festivities on Carb Day and kick off your race weekend.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Make carburetor crafts</h3><p class='facts-text'>In honor of the day's historical origins, why not make some carburetor inspired crafts? It could be as simple as drawing or painting one, or you could get more involved by creating carburetor-themed clothing or jewelry.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Listen to past concert performances</h3><p class='facts-text'>Music is a big part of Carb Day, so leading up to the day, spend some time listening to past Carb Day concert performances. This can help build the excitement and get you in the spirit for the race!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a virtual Carb Day</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you can't make it to the track or get together physically, why not host a virtual Carb Day party? You can all log on to watch the final practice session together and talk about who you think will win the race. You could also run your own virtual Pit Stop Challenge with some racing video games!</p></div></div>
<div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>It's dramatic and thrilling</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Carb Day is the last practice session before the big race, adding an element of tension and drama. Teams are fine-tuning their cars, making last-minute adjustments and preparations. The atmosphere is electric as everyone anticipates what the race will bring.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>It's a multifaceted event</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Carb Day isn't just about car tuning, it's a diverse event that includes a pit stop contest, a support race, and a concert. These aspects make the day entertaining not just for hardcore racing fans but also music lovers and casual observers.</p></div></div><div class='whywelove-item'><div class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 class='whywelove-title'>It has a rich history and heritage</h3><p class='whywelove-text'>Despite its misleading name, Carb Day is steeped in history. The name dates back to when teams would tune their carburetors under similar conditions to race day. Even though modern cars no longer have carburetors, the tradition and spirit of the day live on.</p></div></div>
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