Thoughts From the Indianapolis 500 (vanity)

[Kimmers]

I had the pleasure of attending the Indy 500 today.

We have great seats located behind the pits and just shy of the start finish line. Because of our location we are able to see the pre race activities first hand.

Of course attending the race are the usual Hollywood celebs. Jack Nicholson, Patrick Dempsey, a couple actors from Lost and Prison break, to name a few. They were introduced twice, once while they were standing around with their celeb peers and once when they were paraded in front of the crowd while riding in the back of convertables. I have to say there was not much of a reaction from the crowd for Hollywood.

Compare this to the introduction of Americas finest, our military. The crowds were on their feet loud and proud waving signs provided by the 500 stating "We Support Our Troops". I even noticed crews from the various race teams showing their support. Florence Henderson sang "God Bless America" along with many of the 500 crowd. The most poignant moment came when the noise of the crowd of 300-500,00 were silenced by the playing of Taps honoring our fallen.

It was a good day to be at the track and a great day to be an American. God bless this country and God bless our men and women in the Military.

[oceanview]

how close was that flying debris to you?

[nuconvert]

That was quite a finish

[FlingWingFlyer]

You should have seen the pre-race at Charlotte (Coke 600). Flat awesome. The Army even fired a salute.

[Kimmers]

That happened at the entrance of the pits where we used to have seats. We now sit about a half mile down the way. I do not think anyone was severely injured, at least I hope not. I always pray for a safe race for all.

[ThreePuttinDude]

Hey Kimmers, who about some pix??

[Kimmers]

Awsome finish, I was hoping for an Andretti 1&2.

[SaveTheChief]

I was also hoping for an Andretti 1 & 2 finish. It looked like they could have done it, but apparently Hornish was holding something back for the very end. The energy at that place during the last six laps must have been amazing.

I experienced the Indy 500 once in 1999, and would recommend it to everyone. Between all the pomp and ceremony and the adrenaline rush of the race, there is noting quite like it.

[Kimmers]

Amen to that.

I have to admit the middle of the race can get a bit long and in todays case really hot.

[SaveTheChief]

I was wondering how you fared in the heat. When I went, we were lucky enough to sit in the shade.

And you're right. The middle of the race does get a bit long, especially when there are a large number of accidents -- which is why I prefer Formula 1 racing over IRL or NASCAR.

[Kimmers]

It really was miserable. I drank a lot of water, one beer and a lemonade. Fluids were key today.

Hey had a bit of F1 racing today when the drivers had to maneuver around the accident/cleanup between those 2 drivers and the beginning of the pits.

[Dumpster Baby]

Many years ago I had a near experience with flying race car parts. I was at the local drag strip, and was leaning on the front fender of an ambulance. A gas dragster had a clutch/flywheel explosion on the line and a spectator over in the grandstands got fragged. The ambulance crew jumped in and tried to get over there, but the right front tire was flat. After the excitement settled down the ambulance crew changed the tire and found a gaping hole in the tread. A fist sized chunk of pressure plate had missed my shin by about 6 inches and took out the tire. The noise on the line was so loud at the time that I didn't hear the loud clunk that shrapnel must have made when it hit the wheel inside the tire. I could have lost my left leg that night.

[HighWheeler]

"The most poignant moment came when the noise of the crowd of 300-500,00 were silenced by the playing of Taps honoring our fallen."


- -- --


That was an INCREDIBLE moment. Hundreds of thousands of people went stone-quiet in a matter of seconds after the start of Taps. I have NEVER seen anything like it. I was stunned. The bugler was very good, and I bet he was proud when everyone went so quiet so fast.


As far as the hollywood Clowns Parade, all I could hear from everyone around us was "who's that?" and "who cares?".


We were at the 4th turn and saw a lot of fire and destruction all day. Watching Buddy Rice scrambling out of his burning car in front of us in turn four was pretty exciting.

[Kimmers]

I cried....

[Kimmers]

I do wonder if Hollywood crowd noticed the difference in the fans reaction between them and our Military.

The 500 does such a great job of honoring our Military.

[MotleyGirl70]

Exciting finish.

[HighWheeler]

"I do wonder if Hollywood crowd noticed the difference in the fans reaction between them and our Military."


The strong ovations that the Miltary received and the Hollywood clowns didn't receive explains a lot why those Attention Seekers hate the military.