Sunday BgK and I attended our first Indy 500 race. We had crazy VIP seats, which just added to the excitement of the day. Here are 13 things I learned about IRL racing/found cool/just had to share about Sunday:
1) Fighter jets flying over during the last notes of the National Anthem are WICKED–widly breathtaking!
2) The lap around the track of red, white and blue trucks filled with troops on active duty gave me shivers. 250,000 people were on their feet, cheering on the soldiers for their lap. It gave me goose bumps and made me proud–regardless of your stance on the war, I believe it’s incredibly important to support the troops.
3) The cars first swerve all over the track to warm up their tires. Who knew? Not me.
4) When the yellow flag goes out, the cars all get in a single file line. It’s very impressive. And slower, so it’s easier to watch.
5) VIP Suites are the way to see the race! Open bar, free lunch, private potties…
6) Although it’s a little dorky, hearing “Back Home Again in Indiana” was kind of sweet.
7) Mrs. Brady can sing!
8) With 500 miles to race, you can easily meet a friend, walk around a bit and get back to your seat and really not miss all that much.
9) Sarah Fisher has her own car these days. Seriously, it’s Sarah Fisher Racing. I think that sends a great message to aspiring female race car drivers.
10) Danica Patrick’s car is hot. Seriously. Have you seen it?
11) Her car was not nearly as hot as she was when she got bumped out of the race. Anger was exuding from the core of her being. She was pissed. Check it.
12) After seeing Cars 500 times, it’s hard not the think of the movie during a real auto race.
13) Traveling without a potty-training food-allergic toddler was liberating for the day–I can’t remember the last time my bag held only four things: cash, id, lip gloss and sunscreen.
So I know we were there with about 249. 998 others…were you one of them??
Leaving the house with only FOUR THINGS? Like porn, I tell ya, just thinking about it…NaComLeavMo porn…
I went years ago sans the special seating, though I did get to sit inthe stands as opposed to the infield craziness! In our section, there was a man who walked on his hands up and down the steps of the stands–amazing!
This year my bro and sis-in-law went, but I havent heard stories yet. I love the pic of you two! You were pretty for the event!
Sounds like you had fun! God bless.
I have never been to a NASCAR event, but you make it sound like lots of fun—and you confirm other stories I have heard. I did attend a vintage car race once–it was pretty cool, but not like NASCAR—more like the Keeneland Race Track in Kentucky!
Praise the Lord, I was NOT!!! But if you’re normally sporting a potty training/food alergy toddler, then I would say you were DUE a day like this! Four things? All you need is a pocket!
Nice…it sounds like you had a good time. Happy TT.
I never watch racing before 😀
Mine in here Thanks
Here from NaComLeavMo… I’ve never actually seen more than 1-2 laps of a race, so I didn’t know most of that, either. They skid around to warm up the tires? Dunno about racing, but physics is cool.
I used to love going to all forms of motor racing. It was always exciting.
Not a fan of the races but it looks like a good time!
That’s pretty cool, glad you had fun!
I’m not a racing fun, but your post makes me want to be.
Visiting from NCLM.
My famil goes every year. I’ve never been because I am not a race fan, but you make it sound like fun:) Especially in the VIP section:)
Glad you had a nice, relaxing day!
I love NASCAR (have been an addicted fan since 1993) so most of the nuances are the same (they not only warm up the tires by swerving during pace laps, they also do it during caution flags to “knock down” any loose rubber on the tires).
We had the opportunity to be special guests of a race sponsor and had a blast (Atlanta NASCAR race); all other races we go to we are walking in the crowds like everyone else.
I have to agree, the most impressive moment is when the military jets fly over head and you think the air will explode – Awesome!
Wow, such fun! I am so glad you loved it! Race fan now?
Alyson LID 01/27/06 IA China
NaCommLeavMo
Here from NaComLeavMo.
Thanks for the troop support (regardless of war-opinions) 🙂 and I agree on the jets, but I’m partial since my hubby flies them (minus the fancy paint and add some combat, but you get the point). I’m jealous of your toddler-free day, sounds like you had fun!