Living in Speedway in May

For a race fan, living in Speedway in the month of May is a dream come true.

A bronze badge is a must and I had one. It provided me access to IMS and the garages every day except race day. I took advantage of that and made it over on Opening Day, Fast Friday, all 4 days of qualifications and Carb Day. I definitely got my money's worth... and a bunch of up close photos of all the drivers and their cars.

Carb Day was moved to Friday this year. The weather was warm and sunny and the crowd showed up in mass. The final practice saw Buddy Lazier stuff his car in the turn 4 wall, the Futaba Freedom 100 for the Menards Infiniti Pro Series was won by Jaime Camara, Sam Hornish's Penske team won the Pit Stop Competition, and The Black Crowes entertained the drunk college students, who in turn entertained those of us older folks in attendance.

The night before the 500 was interesting. I'd driven through on previous Saturday afternoons, but had never seen Georgetown road after dark on the night before the 500. With it just being a 2 and 1/2 block walk to 16th and Georgetown, a walk down Georgetown was a must... and quite the experience. Beads and Beer were staples. And what happens at 16th and Georgetown, stays at 16th and Georgetown. It's a must see at least once in everyone's life.

Waking up on Race Day knowing I didn't have to drive anywhere was THE BEST! I was able to squeeze 9 cars on my property so friends and family had free parking. Seeing the normally quiet 15th Street absolutely packed with cars and people before the race and completely empty 2 hours after the race was surreal.

It was a great month of May and now only 11 more months til the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500.