This past Sunday I was once again privileged to be able to attend the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500. Beautiful blue skies, temps in the low 80s and a field of cars separated by only 4 miles an hour led to one of the pleasurable races I've ever had the pleasure to attend.
Only two weeks prior to this, I got to go see the Inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis on the newly built road course in the infield.
I got to witness Jim Nabors sing "Back Home Again In Indiana" for the last time, which truly put tears in my eyes. Our seats were on turn 3, six rows up, which put us only about 40 feet from the track. About 5 feet further out, the cars carrying dignitaries passed us, again, just a mere 45 feet away, and I had the pleasure of seeing several people, including Jim Nabors, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, as well as several past champions of the Greatest Spectacle In Racing. I got to see three turbine powered cars take a parade lap around the track, and listen to the strange whisper quiet power plants as they drove by us.
And then, the 500 mile race itself, with a vast number of leaders, lead changes, and the second closest finish in Indianapolis 500 history. All of this happening less than 50 feet in front of me. And while the seats were not on the main straightaway, they were excellent and provided us with so much action to watch.
And best of all, I got to share this experience with my good friend Joe, who got us the tickets thru his place of employment. This entire experience cost us each $10, which was half of what we paid to park in someone's yard.
We already are making plans to go back next year for the 99th running of the Indy 500, as well as this year's Moto GP motorcycle race and the running of the Brickyard 400.
I am so blessed to live within an hour of the greatest race course in the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
I can't wait until I get to go to this magical place once again in just a few weeks.
