Sept. is right around the corner and it's time for all of us that have love of F1 racing to think about the Indy F1 race. These questions are directed to those of you that went last year. What are the best tickets to buy, and what was the cost? Where did you stay, and how far was it from the track? It maybe too late to get tickets. Last year it was sold out well before the race, and that might be the case for this years race as well. If you went, what did you think of the event? Any info. would be helpful.

 

I stayed at a relative of a project manager's place that I knew very casually. So basically me and my friend Chris, walked into these people's lives for a few days, about four days, and had the best time of our lives.

Tickets, I got mine beforehand, but unless you are wanting a specific spot, don't bother, just get them through a scalper before the race. They usually go for half face value, maybe even just fifty bucks. Tickets are 68-75 if I recall correctly, and then go up for special seating.

Bring a raincoat - just in case, and a few layers of clothing, again, just in case. Last year, it was raining and chilly - at least chilly for me, born & raised in the South.

 

one other note, the nsx guys at www.nsxsc.com are getting a batch of tickets - inquire with bill or see the posts referring to them - he is also trying to get a tent for the NSX's - which I'll have my S2000 there if I have the funds to go.

 

My husband and I went last year and have everything set for this years race. Last year there were alot people selling tickets around the track but even if you don't get tickets for race day I would highly recommend going to the practices and qualifying on Friday and Saturday. It is open seating for $25 and we thought it was much better than the race itself. The drivers are out on the track more and more action in the pits for two days straight instead of an hour or so on Sunday.

Hotels were a bit of a challenge. We made this years reservations in January and got close to Indianapolis. Last year we stayed up in Lafayette and it was an hour drive to and from the track each day. A bit tiring but well worth every minute.

I would also recommend bringing in your own food. The lines at the concession stands were unbelievable. We stopped at the local grocery store every night and picked up chips and subs and took it into the track the next day.

Let us know if you make it. Wish we could take the S2000 but the drive would take away too much time from the track!

 

Chipster:

Last year we booked our reservations in February, but the hotel didn't finish its renovation in time. We luckily found a hotel in Lafayette: quite fortunate because Purdue's homecoming game was that weekend and everything for 100 miles was booked solid.

We were in the Paddock just after the start/finish line. They were pretty good seats as the best overtaking opportunity is at the end of the front straight (remember Villaneuve passing Frentzen, then overshooting turn 1?), but I was told that Section J or the NW Vista gives you a better view of turn 1 and some of the infield twisties. I also heard that they opened the NE Vista at the last moment and that would give you the best view of the infield action. As I recall, tickets were about $75 - $85 for the Paddock, but less (I think) for J or the Vistas.

Plan to take a jacket or buy one there (I got a great deal on a Ferrari jacket: the last one they had and--what a blessing--it was the right size!) because it can be overcast, drizzly, or raining. And if you're in the grandstand, bring earplugs!

Also, as you're leaving, walk as far away from the stands as you can because there are hundreds of idiots who delight in pouring their beer (or whatever) on the pedestrians below.

Have fun and let us hear about it when you return.

 

I am working with the NSX guys up here who have been in touch with Honda to have special space just for our NSX's and S2000's. No guarantees, but as soon as I know more, I'll DEFINITELY keep you posted. This will be an awesome event, but even MORE awesome if we secure this space, which will be a high profile kind of thing...more to follow!

 

man ..... my friend who went last year said he had the most fun comparing to all other races he had went, including the jet-engine drag races ......

how does it feel to stand next to the track, watch the ferrari and the mclaren down shift and feel you heart and body move as they move a gear, and watch the rotors turn red ..... and watch them morph away from the corner ......

 

drag races are fun, but there's nothing like seventeenthousandfiveundredrevolutionsperminute revving down the last turn and shifting...oh...oh...oh....oh...Oh...OH........... ......sorry, I'm getting my 'O' face on now. =)

 

This sounds great! I think you folks can relate to my F1 fever! My wife just looks at me and shakes her head. When the race coverage begins and I break out the extra speakers and TURN IT UP for the entire race. I get chills as those V 10's pull away from the line. I am still not sure if traction control is a good thing or not, but at least nobody has been hurt in a start as a result of it's failure. A couple of close calls, but no damage. The thought of getting close to F1 Ferrari, Jag, or hell any of them has got me grinning as I post this thread. I only hope I can make it!

 

Anybody have a lead on a hotel or place to stay with availability?

Sounds like tickets are not a problem and best not purchased in advance...