Indy 500 Race Day

Today is Race Day. Here in Indianapolis, that is a HUGE deal. There are parties, parades , balls and the race on Sunday.

Believe it or not, I have lived in Indy all of my adult life and have  had  NEVER been to the track before. As a teenager,  I worked at the Coca Cola plant just across the street from the track. So, I did see some of the characters in attendance - not to mention the traffic.

Well, I am no longer a track virgin. Our office is celebrating 5 years and part of the fun was a trip for Indianapolis Business Operations employees to the track. At first, I wasn't planning on attending. Why ruin my record?

I changed my mind and went with several co-workers to see what this was all about.  I never, ever paid attention to how people got into the track. Homeowners and businesses sell parking "spots"every year. So, I assumed that's where folks parked. Who knew that you drive under the track to get to the middle of the track to park? Well, maybe I was the only one. It fascinated me.

Rain was scheduled for the day. Thankfully, we had a suite - with food. The track was not visible from the suite. Basically, it was a small room on Garage Alley ( I think that's what it's called).

I never actually made it to see the cars on the track , but I could hear them. I did see some cars in the garage area.

The crowd this day was nothing like I had expected. I expected  - well, let's just leave it at that.
There were some unusual characters, but most were regular folks.  There were fun things to do in various areas. I left earlier - just before the big rain. So, that's about as much as I saw.

Did I have fun? Sort of - it was interesting. Would I go back? Probably not.

Don't get me wrong. I think the race would be cool to see. I just am not a huge fan of crowds.

Have you been? What are your thoughts?