I love this race. I love that place. I've been a road racer lover from the first time I could read a car magazine but Indy is so special - the history, the track, the challenge of racing on a track that was designed for 50 mph or something like that! It's awesome. My first time there was 1963 and I've been there many times since. My first time driving the track was 1982 and again in 1989. I have so much respect for the challenge that track presents in qualifying that I can only say that I hold my breath when I see the awesome speeds and when really great driver's admit they too are holding their breath you have to appreciate it even if you've never been there.

This year's qualifying was no exception. The OMG wreck yesterday! Watching the top 9 compete today. I can't wait to watch this year's 500.

 

I have never been to Indy (long story about how I missed out back when I was the National Sales Manager for the Motorsport Division of Bell Helmets by days) But, the speeds are incredible. It is difficult for me to conceive making 90* turns at those speeds that are faster by about 80 MPH faster than I have even been on two or four wheels.

 

Back in the day the only coverage was on radio and only partial at that. Quite a fantastic history with the 4 cylinder Offys, turbines, rear engine Fords, on and on. I've always been fascinated by the race and the drivers. Still watch it every year, even though it has changed a lot and is no longer the only big show in town.

 

One of my favorite as well.

 

Been there once. Sat low between turns 1 and 2. Had VIP passes with Rahal-Letterman Racing and got to meet both of them, plus speeches by Danica Patrick, Buddy Rice and then 'next year's' member, Graham Rahal, then a paddock tour.

Being there, the whole spectacle, etc. is just one more thing on my car list to check off. People asked me about the speed, and the cars. A friend asked me when I got back if you can see the numbers on the car to identify them as they are going by.... My answer was something like "Number on the car? I'm not sure I could even tell you the color of the cars!". That's how fast they go by when you're low. Up top (I moved up for some pictures) you get a different view, but down low, it's blur, noise and air pressure. Just truly unbelievable!

 

Never miss watching Indy. It is a true American tradition for me. Like Jim, I remember listening to the radio broadcast when I was a kid. I worked a flag station at Indy for MotoGP, (F1 of motorcycle racing), but have never witnessed the Indy 500 live. it is on the bucket list.

 

I can appreciate that. I took the video below at MotoGP. I dare you to spot the motorcycle. The Bikes "only" do about 210mph at the end of the straight. Can't imagine what the cars are like.

 

I've been to 5 Indy 500's and 3 of the Brickyard 400's, plus 1 of the F1 races.

It is such an incredible event--from the first high school marching band to the fly overs, and everything inbetween.

 

And,Bourdais will be out of the game,for a few weeks.

 

How have the cars powered by Honda, been doing? I've tried to keep up with F1. Ferrari is doing better. McLaren-Honda... not so good.