After complimentary breakfast at the Comfort Inn & Suites where we are staying, we were off to the racetrack. Mary stayed behind at the hotel with Aunt Bev to help watch the little ones, swim, and hang out.
The night before when we were out at supper, I was told by one of the veteran race goers that the race is big, fast, hot, smelly, and loud. I was not disappointed on any count there. What WAS surprising was how much I enjoyed myself. The race I found out was also: thrilling, exciting, and compelling. It’s not just a race—it’s a major sporting event. I was overwhelmed by the nearly half million people that attend this event. Also, the family tradition and bond that my cousins have enjoyed for the last 25 years at this event was a wonderful experience I was honored to be a part of—it’s more than just about being at the race for this family’s custom!
We walked around the infield before the race taking in the sights and activities. Down in the pit at Gasoline Alley we sneak some pictures over the crowd at the guardrail to take some pictures of the cars and the crews getting in place. The pre-race formalities and traditions of Florence Henderson and Jim Neighbors singing really set the mood for the announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen start your engines!”
The weather conditions remained perfect for the race throughout the day, but there were still several yellow flags. Our seats were in the Southwest Vista section between the first and second turns, so we did get to see firsthand the most spectacular crash of the day between Vitor Meira and Raphael Matos.
Watching Helio win his third Indy 500 and cheering Danica on who came in third was the highlight of the race for me. We remained in the stands to watch Helio take his victory lap in the pace car.
We finished off the day with a great dinner at Buca de beppos in downtown Indianapolis—the best Italian food I’ve ever tasted!!! Mary and the boys went swimming in the hotel pool one last time when we got back and now we need to get to bed so we can get on with the part of the trip Mary is waiting for—DISNEY WORLD!!!!
The night before when we were out at supper, I was told by one of the veteran race goers that the race is big, fast, hot, smelly, and loud. I was not disappointed on any count there. What WAS surprising was how much I enjoyed myself. The race I found out was also: thrilling, exciting, and compelling. It’s not just a race—it’s a major sporting event. I was overwhelmed by the nearly half million people that attend this event. Also, the family tradition and bond that my cousins have enjoyed for the last 25 years at this event was a wonderful experience I was honored to be a part of—it’s more than just about being at the race for this family’s custom!
We walked around the infield before the race taking in the sights and activities. Down in the pit at Gasoline Alley we sneak some pictures over the crowd at the guardrail to take some pictures of the cars and the crews getting in place. The pre-race formalities and traditions of Florence Henderson and Jim Neighbors singing really set the mood for the announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen start your engines!”
The weather conditions remained perfect for the race throughout the day, but there were still several yellow flags. Our seats were in the Southwest Vista section between the first and second turns, so we did get to see firsthand the most spectacular crash of the day between Vitor Meira and Raphael Matos.
Watching Helio win his third Indy 500 and cheering Danica on who came in third was the highlight of the race for me. We remained in the stands to watch Helio take his victory lap in the pace car.
We finished off the day with a great dinner at Buca de beppos in downtown Indianapolis—the best Italian food I’ve ever tasted!!! Mary and the boys went swimming in the hotel pool one last time when we got back and now we need to get to bed so we can get on with the part of the trip Mary is waiting for—DISNEY WORLD!!!!
So glad you are having fun! Sounds like a great day.Love Joel
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're enjoying your trip thus far! Hope you have a blast at Disney.
ReplyDelete~Britt