SPEEDWAY, Ind. — As the drivers hit the track on Carb Day for one last practice before the Indianapolis 500, back in the motor coach lot, several pups were waiting patiently for their owners to return.
13INside Track host Laura Steele got a chance to meet some of the dogs behind the drivers.
Lauren and Tony Kanaan have a 15-year-old Westie named Fedo. They rescued him when he was around seven and he’s been a part of the Kanaan family ever since. Fedo even sports an adorable race-themed bandana in support of his dad.
Lauren said Tony has always been a dog person.
“He’s just always had them, he grew up with Westies, so regardless of how the race goes or how his car was or what kind of mood he’s in, he’s always going to be happy to see ya, no matter what.”
Josef and Ashley Newgarden travel with their dog, Axel. They rescued Axel less than a year ago from Wags and Walks in Nashville, Tenn., where the couple lives.
“You can’t not be happy when you have a puppy, so it’s so good," Ashley said.
She said Axel has helped Josef throughout the season, especially if he’s had a rough day on the track.
But the most famous dog in the IndyCar paddock likely hangs out with driver Simon Pagenaud. The 2019 Indy 500 winner and his dog, Norman, are fan favorites at IMS. Norman even joined his owner in victory lane after his 500 win.
“Norman’s bringing me...he’s brought me so much joy and just comfort coming back to the motorhome, even when I have a bad day. When I have a great day, it’s also awesome,” said Pagenaud. “It’s just such a great companionship.”
On Carb Day, Pagenaud, along with Julius-K9, announced a $5,000 donation to the K-9 Comfort program at Lutheran Church Charities. The AKC pure-bred golden retrievers are deployed to offer emotional support following tragic events. They were most recently here in Indianapolis following the mass shooting at the FedEx Ground facility.
“That’s really what this is about,” said Pagenaud. “You know, these dogs bring comfort to people who’ve had trauma.”
The LCC dogs also offer support at hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. To learn more about the program, click here.