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Special Motorsports Event - MythBusters Tackle IndyCar Subjects


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Indianapolis, Sep. 27, 2012: "MythBusters" co-host Grant Imahara says the inverted running IndyCar has been the No. 1 subject the staff has wanted to tackle through the show's 10 years on the air.

"Up till now we're only missing three things to do the myth: A track that is either helical or some sort of round tunnel that we drive through, a driver and an IndyCar," Imahara said. "We would love to do that one if we had the opportunity. It's something that is theoretically possible, it's physics and it involves IndyCars going at fast speeds. It's like a trifecta of coolness."

In lieu of those ingredients, the team is tackling other subjects at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this week for an IZOD IndyCar Series-featured episode that will air this spring.

The Emmy-nominated Discovery Channel series, which mixes scientific method with curiosity and ingenuity to create a signature style of experimentation, begins a new season in October.

"When the chance to collaborate with Indy came up, we were all excited," Imahara said. "Coming to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the place is just dripping with history. It's also a much larger place than what I imagined."

The on-air talent, which includes hosts Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage along with co-hosts Tory Belleci, Kari Byron and Imahara, was filmed driving on the racetrack in a minivan for the projected show opening.

"I can't imagine going around at 220-plus mph; it must be incredible," Imahara said. "There is a huge amount of science, engineering and physics that goes into an IndyCar. It's not just four wheels and an engine. It's neat to see all of that, and it's really cool."

Team Penske driver Ryan Briscoe and the No. 2 IZOD car also will be featured.

"You always learn interesting facts you might not even think about," said Briscoe, an avid viewer. "I was talking with Jamie and Adam a lot about the performance aspects of an IndyCar, power to weight ratio, downforce and all those little things that make IndyCars unique. It will be a great chance to showcase IndyCars to a different crowd around the world as well."