Posted on 05/10/2016 10:18:25 AM PDT by gymbeau
I sure was. That year I performed in my HS marching band - we marched around the track prior to the race. I believe the race got rained out a couple days in a row before they could run it. Gordon Johncock finally won it.
Go to Mike’s Speedway Lounge. A dive bar by the railroad underpass. It looks scary as s#!+ but a fun place with a lot of race regulars. You know you’ve been accepted if you get invited upstairs to ogle the crowd from the balcony.
You’ve got to walk the streets from just past Mike’s to the front entrance and kick all the crushed beer cans. It’s like walking on an aluminum street. (At least it was like that a few years ago!)
Hurry to any crowd that is cheering! Likely to see boobies.
Do take a walk around the perimeter of the infield. You will likely never again see that many drunks, stoners, sleazy women, and crazy goings on as the infield.
The race is amazingly short! For 500 miles, it is only about 2 1/2 hours. A blink of an eye when you are there.
Be prepared to wait forever to get out afterword. Take a book and enjoy. Don’t try to crowd out. It isn’t fun.
Enjoy!
that was the race that drew me in as a 9 year old..Salt Walther crash on the opening lap the first day...Swede Savage crash on the last day:
Savage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzYUZFQr-K4
Walther: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHo8VnOYC_8
I saw Scott Brayton’s crash. Definitely sobering to witness.
Indianapolis has witnessed it’s share of carnage. They used to run nitro powered motorcycles at the US Nationals at Raceway Park until one blew and scattered pieces of the rider all over the crowd.
weather (seems fine, usually, on TV)
Indy weather is unpredictable. Get the dollar store type of rain coats, bring jackets (could be in the 40’s) and sun screen (Could be 90 and sunny)
mosquitoes
Not much of a problem at the track. Not many of the Zika carrier type of mosquitoes here. They don’t overwinter here.
places to go
Art Museum is good. Strippers at PT’s are good looking if you are into that. Broadripple is the bar scene. ST Elmo’s is the iconic steak house. See what venues are at Lucas Oil Stadium during your stay. Go for a walk in the infield during the race to see some crazy people. Northern suburbs of the city are the nice area. If you can book it there are fast as hell go-carts racing pretty close to the track. Allow a day or two to recover from the beating your body will get from the go-carts. Sullivans is a very nice near northside restaurant/steak house. Better than Ruth Chris. Conner Prairy is something to do. If you have time Nashville in Brown county is artsy fartsy and quant. (tourist trap)
People to do.
Champs. North side. It is a meat market.
...every thing ‘ God luvs America’ says is true. I will be going for the 4th time. Here’s my amended list:
1. Raincoat
1b. Sunblock (Guess I should mention that. Myself being a descendant of African folk, I never use the stuff. But you may need it)
2. There’s a Speedway gas station near the track. Pretty cool place to hang out the night before (especially if you like bikes).
3. Georgetown Ave: back in the day, it was kind like Marti-Gras in New Orleans (oh yeah, beads and all). Don’t know if they’ve moved that or clamped down on it yet. (not a place for kids)
4. There is a noon parade in town somewhere. If you’re in the area, look that up.
5. If you’re gonna party hard, drink non-alcoholic stuff on race day. If it’s like 85+ at race time, the cars make it hotter. Don’t de-hydrate yourself.
6. Ear protection - a must. They sell headsets that give you race details in live time. worth the investment, IMHO.
7. During race time, if you’re near or at turns 1 or 3, always be aware of what’s coming at you. Yes, there’s a huge fence to prevent debris form hitting the audiance, but I’ve witness two wrecks that also sent high-speed material almost over that fence (no kidding - the crash happened just past turn 2, and I was at turn 3.
8. Most important: It should go without saying that those-who-shall-not-be-named would love to turn this American sporting event into an International news story (get my drift?). Thus, on the way in and during you’re time there, if you see something, say something.
And if you see (you-know-what) and you’re pretty sure of what’s about to go down, kill it before it kills us.
Oh and I’m staying near the Airport; sitting near turn #3, getting in Friday night.
just my $.02
jimjohn - OUT
I once raced in Indy. 500 miles later, I was in Kansas City.
I think I won.
Hope you like big crowds and lots of noise. If so, enjoy the hell out of it. Sunscreen/water/favorite OTC pain med (aspirin/Advil/Aleve,Tylenol etc.) and maybe a pillow to ease the butt. Get food early and drink early and have a plan in case you’re separated.
its funny you say sunblock...when i got to the track race day (about 7:45AM) there was a slight drizzle...slowly the sun came out and by 10AM it was shining brightly...
i was lucky enough to have pit and track passes before the race...bottom line was i came home with a tan!!
“Any advice for Indianapolis for the 500?”
Drive fast. Turn left.
btw- i was at the track three days and didn’t see a single insect...a few liberals but no insects...
I remember the Johncock win. The mechanics made adjustments to his set up on the final pit stop. I watched as the pit crew adjusted the down-force up front. After the race I remember Johncock saying, paraphrased, “Yeah, they made adjustments and the car went to hell!” ;-)
Also, Mears made his move too late in the race.
That ship has sailed!
Going to The Who tonight in Calgary.
Thanks,
Jim
I’m supposed to get a review Jag XF and it should have it.
Thanks,
Jim
Seriously, bring ear plugs or muffs. I double up and wear both.
Ha! A relaxing cat enjoying the day!
I put these papers in this accordion-style folder!
There’s no need to bother Jack. Jack’s got work to do.
I’ll just take the smaller car.
Dad was an engineer for Clint Brawner and Jimmy Bryan the year he won it. 1958. Dad was also the last person to ever speak to Vuky Sr. In the can in Gasoline Alley. Grandpa worked for Harry Miller in the 30’s - later Offenhauser.
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