Renowned for its thrilling races and quirky art installations, Barber Motorsports Park never fail to astonish fans. During this year’s IndyCar race, one of its most eccentric attractions took an unexpected tumble, causing a moment of chaos and laughter on the track. A mannequin named Georgina, suspended from a bridge overlooking the circuit, has become an iconic fixture at the park over the years. Delighting visitors with her whimsical presence, Georgina has become a fan-favorite. However, midway through the 2024 IndyCar race, Georgina made an unplanned descent, surprising both drivers and spectators alike.
Team Penske driver meets Georgina
Scott McLaughlin, who clinched victory for Team Penske during the race, shared his initial reaction to the unusual sight. McLaughlin admitted, “I was a little mad.” However, he quickly realized that the dummy’s presence hadn’t affected the race outcome. “I love the artistic stuff,” McLaughlin remarked, while adding, “But it probably doesn’t need to be above the track to cause a yellow like that. It’s probably what will change next year maybe.”
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Despite Georgina’s unexpected descent onto the track, there was no yellow flag raised at the time. She was removed during a caution period a few laps later after a separate incident involving Sting Ray Robb’s crash. Runner-up Will Power initially thought the yellow was for Georgina and joked about the bizarre scenario. “Yellow comes out and there’s a lady lying on the side,” Power recalled. “You’re kidding me. There’s a yellow for that lady? That would have been funny if it came in someone’s cockpit. ‘There’s a lady attacking me!'”
However, the funniest of it all was McLaughlin’s social media update after the race. Stating that he had to meet the ‘old girl’ since she nearly ruined his race, McLaughlin posted,
Had to meet the ol’girl even though she nearly ruined my race. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/mAtaJRSTY8
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) April 28, 2024
But jokes apart, it seems the Team Penske driver also revealed how he had expected it.
McLaughlin offers a serious perspective on the incident
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Both McLaughlin and Power acknowledged the quirkiness of the incident. Reflecting on the incident, Power humorously suggested, “They’re going to have to seriously get some good cables (in the future). Did someone run over it?”
There’s a mannequin that hangs from the bridge at Barber Motorsports Park.
This year, it fell.
📺 : #INDYCAR | NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/u41clxZC1x
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) April 28, 2024
On the other hand, McLaughlin, while appreciating the track’s atmosphere and its owner’s sense of humor, also expressed a slightly more serious perspective. “I thought it was a matter of time before Georgina eventually detached from the bridge,” he admitted. “Yeah, if I lost to that, to a lady that fell off … I won’t say anymore. It was a mannequin. It wasn’t a real person.”
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Moreover, while amused by the incident, the Team Penske driver also acknowledged the potential safety concerns. “I love the artistic stuff, but it probably doesn’t need to be above the track to cause a yellow like that,” he remarked. “It’s probably what will change next year maybe. I do love that part of this. It’s unique. It’s just a fun track.”
Well, safety hazard or not, Georgina certainly stole the show this year!