Advice needed for a first-timer!

[flywheel011]

Hello All,

I've finally bit the bullet and registered on Trackforum after years of lurking. But I've done so because I'm looking for advice from veteran fans. This year will be my 9th Indy 500, but I've only ever been to the track on race day with my family. However, this year life has been good to me, and I've been given the opportunity to spend the Month of May in Indy (believe me, excited doesn't even begin to describe it). Tickets are purchased, and the bronze badge has been ordered. Now I'm starting to think about things such as where to park, where to eat, what not to miss out on, and essentially how not to look like the new kid. Any and all advice is gratefully welcomed!

[Darth Airbox]

Hello All,

I've finally bit the bullet and registered on Trackforum after years of lurking. But I've done so because I'm looking for advice from veteran fans. This year will be my 9th Indy 500, but I've only ever been to the track on race day with my family. However, this year life has been good to me, and I've been given the opportunity to spend the Month of May in Indy (believe me, excited doesn't even begin to describe it). Tickets are purchased, and the bronze badge has been ordered. Now I'm starting to think about things such as where to park, where to eat, what not to miss out on, and essentially how not to look like the new kid. Any and all advice is gratefully welcomed!

Welcome

Where to park depends on where your tickets are located at.

[flywheel011]

Welcome

Where to park depends on where your tickets are located at.

Well we're good for parking on race day, but I'm thinking about on practice/qualifying days. As far as I'm aware the bronze badge doesn't necessarily get me parking, but I really have no idea how the system works, if I'll have to pay, etc.

[sherold]

Well we're good for parking on race day, but I'm thinking about on practice/qualifying days. As far as I'm aware the bronze badge doesn't necessarily get me parking, but I really have no idea how the system works, if I'll have to pay, etc.

I always like to park at Brickyard Crossing next to Turn 2 and walk in for practice/quals. I love rolling down the window as I pull up listening for the cars. Hearing them echo off the stands as I walk in. Walking under the tunnel hearing them rush over the top of you. It also gives you a good starting point for the day to go up to the turn 2 mounds and scope out your potential seating places for the day. E Penthouse is a view that you definitely want to experience, looking down on the cars coming through 1 is pretty unique.

Keep in mind where you park depends on how much walking you want to do as well.

[indycarbear]

I always park inside so I can't help you there but for eating...

Go to Harry & Izzy's in downtown and St. Elmos. Stop by the Slippery Noodle for some live music if your into that. Broad Ripple is a decent place to hangout and have some drinks, you might even bump into a good number of team members out and about. For a nice Saturday lunch before the race and if the weather is nice go to Ricks Boatyard.

Wear comfortable shoes and pants, I prefer nike golf pants because they keep me cool. Pack a rain poncho and some of these

http://www.mcmaster.com/#shoe-covers/=r1tcn3

I always keep a pair in my locker or my toolbox, no one likes wet feet.

Hat, sunglasses, chapstick(the wind will dry you out), sunscreen, butt cushion if you go into the stands (I guess some people do this?), bino's, a scanner could be fun I suppose but its pretty much the same for everyone. Ok clear down clear behind, -20 to TK, Dixie coming out below you your gonna clear him, TK backing off wants to run with you, bla bla. Then you hear how bad the car is in traffic and it has a massive push and on and on most of this conversation happens in the box when the driver is plugged into the wired intercom but every now and then they let loose over the radio. For all the bland conversations that happen every now and then you get a real keeper.

Some of the teams will setup to practice stops in the garage area along the south fence or in front of the garages depending on weather, timing, crowds and so on. Tech entrance is a good place to see all the cars come through once looking nice and fresh still and its usually pretty fun conversations going on there as well.

If by chance you manage to get into pitlane while cars are on track, my favorite place to watch is from the outer pit wall/inner track wall sign board area, if you can get close to the timing tower and hangout there for a bit you are in for a treat. Watching the cars come out of 4 and look like they are aiming right at you is pretty mega the first time, after that it is still pretty damn cool.

[IndyCarChad]

I too park inside, so I'm not much help there. I will say be sure to dress warmer for the morning, but be prepared to (potentially) sweat it out on a 90 degree sunny afternoon. Also be sure to wear comfortable shoes. There are plenty of places to eat. Of course Charlie Brown's for breakfast & the Mug N Bun for lunch are what everyone will tell you. If you're like me and like healthier options, there are plenty of choices within a couple of miles of the track (shopping center on Crawfordsville Road just East of 465. If you are staying downtown, you have virtually everything you could ever imagine within walking distance.

I've been able to go to the track every day during the whole "Month of May" for the last few years, and it truly is as enjoyable as it sounds. Even on rainy days, I find that there is plenty to do. This is where I get caught up on most of my stuff in the media center. Still, every day is unique and different, which makes it even better. I have my own checklist of items that I run through before I leave for the track each morning. Some of these include things like my camera, sunglasses, water/snacks, iPad, jacket, etc. Oh yea, don't forget your badge.

Maybe we'll run into each other one day and I'll take you around a few of my favorite spots for taking pictures, if that's something you're interested in. Congrats on getting to spend all that time at the speedway, and have fun!

[in the marbles]

beer. bring tons of it. you'd be surprised how much you can drink in an entire day at the track.

[richie]

Don't forget to hit many of the local short tracks that are running in the area throughout the month of May.

5-9 Gas City – King of Indiana Sprint Series, Midgets, ¾ Midgets, Modifieds
5-10 Lincoln Park Speedway - Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Bombers
5-10 Lawrenceburg – Sprint Cars, Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Hornets
5-10 Tri-State – World of Outlaws
5-11 Kokomo - Sprint Cars, Street Stocks & Thunder Cars
5-16 Gas City – Sprint Cars, Midgets, USAC HPD Midgets, Modifieds, Thunder Cars
5-16 Bloomington - Sprint Cars, Super Stocks, Modifieds & Hornets
5-17 Lucas Oil Raceway – USAC Silver Crown
5-17 Lincoln Park Speedway - Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Bombers
5-17 Lawrenceburg – King of Indiana Sprint Series, Modifieds, Pure Stocks
5-17 Baer Field – Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series
5-17 Paragon – Regular Show (Sprint Cars, Super Stocks, Bombers, Hornets)
5-18 Kokomo - Sprint Cars, Street Stocks & Thunder Cars
5-21 Terre Haute – USAC Sprint Cars “Tony Hulman Classic”
5-21 Anderson – Little 500 Practice and Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Series
5-22 Anderson – Little 500 Pole Day
5-22 Indiana State Fairgrounds – USAC Silver Crown “Hoosier 100”
5-23 Little 500 Bump Day
5-23 Gas City - Sprint Cars, Midgets, UMRA ¾ Midgets, Modifieds, Thunder Cars
5-23 Bloomington – MSCS Sprint Cars, Super Stocks, Modifieds & Hornets
5-23 Speedrome – USAC HPD Midgets
5-24 Anderson – Little 500 (33 Sprint Cars for 500 Laps on a ¼ mile track!)
5-24 Lucas Oil Raceway – USAC Midgets, Pro Mazda, USF2000 “Night Before the 500”
5-24 Lincoln Park Speedway MSCS Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Bombers
5-25 Kokomo - Sprint Cars, Street Stocks, Thunder Cars & UMP Modifieds
5-25 Tri-State – King of Indiana Sprint Series
5-26 Lawrenceburg – World of Outlaws Sprint Cars

[Racewknd]

beer. bring tons of it. you'd be surprised how much you can drink in an entire day at the track.

Obviously you and I are logistical geniuses...this advice can't be ignored. You want to avoid buying track beer unless absolutely forced into it. Plus, if you still have beer in the last hour, other desparate drunks will pay you $5-$10 for a single.

[Turn13]

Hello All,

I've finally bit the bullet and registered on Trackforum after years of lurking. But I've done so because I'm looking for advice from veteran fans. This year will be my 9th Indy 500, but I've only ever been to the track on race day with my family. However, this year life has been good to me, and I've been given the opportunity to spend the Month of May in Indy (believe me, excited doesn't even begin to describe it). Tickets are purchased, and the bronze badge has been ordered. Now I'm starting to think about things such as where to park, where to eat, what not to miss out on, and essentially how not to look like the new kid. Any and all advice is gratefully welcomed!

Welcome aboard

You should be able to park inside the track and catch a shuttle to Gasoline Alley. Last year, they also had golf carts to take you to E Stand on practice / qualification days.

Dawson's on Main Street is within a decent walk from E Stand Not sure if the new Daredevil Brew Pub will be open by then. Hafta check. Probably not.

There may be some notorious beer-theivin' camera-wielding degenerates hanging out at the stands on top of the F1 garages inside T1.

I especially enjoy early mornings in the garage area. Check out the motorcycles that the drivers and team members park along the fence on the south side.

No shame in looking like a new kid. I'm twenty years younger evey time I show up.

Grounds Tours in May:

Thursday, 5/29
Friday, 5/30
Saturday, 5/31

The 4th Annual Celebration of Automobiles is worth your time, too, on 5/10

[KevMcNJ]

beer. bring tons of it. you'd be surprised how much you can drink in an entire day at the track.

Where are you sitting?

[NoviVespa]

No advice, but, welcome to TrackForum.

==

[millrace]

Hello All,

I've finally bit the bullet and registered on Trackforum after years of lurking. But I've done so because I'm looking for advice from veteran fans. This year will be my 9th Indy 500, but I've only ever been to the track on race day with my family. However, this year life has been good to me, and I've been given the opportunity to spend the Month of May in Indy (believe me, excited doesn't even begin to describe it). Tickets are purchased, and the bronze badge has been ordered. Now I'm starting to think about things such as where to park, where to eat, what not to miss out on, and essentially how not to look like the new kid. Any and all advice is gratefully welcomed!

One thing I can tell you - do not miss the Dallara factory down the street. Go have lunch and an Italian coffee there and tour the place. You won't be disappointed- the simulators are worth it and it's just great fun for an Indycar fan. And don't forget that Italian coffee- they really do it right there.

[Mannishboy]

If your going during the month of May you need to figure out where you want to sit or see. Because, this is important, you have to know where to enter the track. If you enter on the south side off of 16th street during practice days, the yellow shirts will park you in the gravel lot inside turn one. This is a good location because you're close to the suites / f1 garages. the top row above the suites is prime location for car watching. You will usually be in front of the last pit stall. Usually the Penske team. Behind them is usually Andretti. You are also pretty close to gasoline alley and the garages and the plaza.
Now on the other hand, if you come in off 30th street (through the north forty) only God knows where they will park you. Usually in the"Bermuda Triangle" that is the third turn infield. Then it's a long walk or wait for a tram to take you where the action is. I find that as a waste of valuable time.
If you come in off of Georgetown rd, insist on going to turn one. Sometimes you can get lucky at cut across(right) in the gravel lot that is used for the media right behind the tower terrace just north of the Pagoda. There you have it. That's my 43 years of experience. I'm there every day. Oh yeah, one more thing, sunscreen, beer, backpack, and layer your clothing.
parking inside the track is free.

[Indysince92]

I'm glad you get the chance to experience the month of May! My main advice is to sit different places and make sure to check out as many vantage points as you can. It's nice to be at the speedway without the crowds so you can wander about and check things out. I'd agree with everyone else about comfortable shoes and as much beer as you can bring. Enjoy!