Thursday morning update from GP of Indianapolis

Sam Schmidt (in wheelchair) has his Indy Garage all pimped out

Lucille Dust/AR1.com

Good morning from a different looking Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The sun Is shinning on the new things that have been built for the 100th running Indy 500, which is just 17 days away. The new green chairs on the main straight are glistening as the Pro Mazda cars are practicing on the road course. And the turn 2 Fuzzy Vodka Suite is so green!

This is the 3rd year for the Angie's List Grand Prix. We are keeping our eyes on Simon Pagenaud, who won the first Grand Prix of Indy driving for Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. Pagenaud is leading the points for this season and has won 2 races this season driving for Team Penske. His confidence is about as big as his smile.

Speaking of Schmidt Peterson Motorsports, Sam Schmidt unveiled Mikhail Aleshin livery for the month of May this morning. He also unveiled the inside of his team's garages with a totally different look. Beautiful murals adorn the walls with pictures of vintage cars from the Indy 500 and the famous Pagoda. And a picture of the Indy Cars coming down the main straight with the Arrow/Lucas Oil sponsored car that James Hinchcliffe currently drives. The cars are parked horizontally inside the garage so all spectators car view the entire car. Schmidt joked with Doug Boles that we he was going for the prize of the best looking garage on Gasoline Alley! Quite impressive makeover.

Practice for the IndyCars starts at 11 am today. Second practice is scheduled for 3 pm. The threat of thunderstorms is expected later today. Storms moved through the area last night at dinner time. So we might get to use those newly designed rain tires after all today! Lucille Dust reporting from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway