5-22-26-Texas Roadhouse INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)— The smell of fresh-baked rolls and slow-cooked ribs filled the studio Friday as representatives from Texas Roadhouse discussed the restaurant chain’s partnership with Indianapolis 500 driver Jacob Abel. The Louisville-based chain is sponsoring Abel and the Abel Motorsports No. 51 car for Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, creating what company representatives described as a natural connection between Louisville and Indianapolis.Jade Poor, a Texas Roadhouse representative, said while showcasing several race-weekend menu items, “We say we brought Louisville to Indianapolis this year. It’s really, really cool.” Abel, a rookie at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has already been making stops at both Texas Roadhouse and sister restaurant Bubba’s 33 ahead of race day. “He’s been eating up some rolls at Texas Roadhouse,” Poor said. “He’s going to carb load.” The partnership brings together two Louisville brands on one of motorsports’ biggest stages. Jade compared the excitement surrounding the Indianapolis 500 to another major Kentucky tradition. “We have a different kind of horsepower down there with the Kentucky Derby,” she said. “So we’re excited to see him take it on at IMS.” Abel’s No. 51 car will feature the Texas Roadhouse logo during Sunday’s race around the 2.5-mile oval. For fans planning to watch from home, Texas Roadhouse is offering carryout options designed for race day gatherings. The menu includes hand-cut steaks, slow-cooked ribs, chicken critters family packs and made-from-scratch rolls sold by the dozen. “If you just want to grab a couple dozen rolls out the door, they’re always a great crowd pleaser,” Poor said. Restaurant locations throughout Indianapolis, along with Bubba’s 33 locations, also will show the race on televisions at their bar areas. “All of our stores have TVs around all of the bars, so we always invite people to come out and watch the race,” Poor said. “Come on out, watch the race, get it to go — whatever you need. We’ve got your back.” The studio appearance also highlighted several menu favorites, including the chain’s signature blossom appetizer and the newer “fire blossom,” a spicier variation of the original. The Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For more information, visit www.texasroadhouse.com. ...read more read less