Today's visit to the Speedway

[meirafan]

After attending my Grandmother's funeral I decided to take my wife and two boys to the track today on the way home to KY, to chear everyone up. I never get use to the excitement of being at the track. We went in the museum and took the track tour, and bought $70 worth of souvenirs. Have done it all before, but what is better than being on the track seeing the prettiest view (the front stretch at Indy) in the world on a sunny day?

I for one am appreciative that the track is family owned, they don't beg for or use taxpayer money, provide the three highest attended races/sporting events in the world, millions of dollars of economic impact to the city of Indianapolis, provide THE GREATEST SPECTICLE IN RACING, and make the series that provides the best racing action in the world possible!

Reguardless of all the political bs, shortened season, and tough times attracting sponsors, we still have Indy, and as long as the Indy 500 is ran, there is nothing that can compare with that race. Daytona is a joke and has no drama. "Indy is everything," as AJ would say.

Hats off to you IMS!

PS. My four year old son was devistated that the cars were not running today, I told him we were going to see the race cars, and didn't clarify the ones in the museum not on the track. I got an earfull all the way down to I-74. Guess I deserved it.

[brickyard1911]

My four year old son was devistated that the cars were not running today, I told him we were going to see the race cars, and didn't clarify the ones in the museum not on the track. I got an earfull all the way down to I-74. Guess I deserved it.

He'll get over it and will probably remember your visit the rest of his life. Start them young and get them hooked! Good job!

[IndyMJH]

Great post.

I live in Speedway, and I NEVER tire of going to the speedway. Even when the place is covered with snow.

Prayers to your grandmother!!!

[Dawg99]

[color=black]I never get use to the excitement of being at the track.

There really is something about going into the tunnel and comming up on the museum there. I'm awestruck every time.

[IndyJim]

There really is something about going into the tunnel and comming up on the museum there. I'm awestruck every time.

Yep, It hits me two times, once when I glance up at get my first view of the stands, and then going under the track!

[Broadway Joe]

[color=black] Daytona is a joke and has no drama. "Indy is everything," as AJ would say.

I was thinking that I feel the same way you do until you slammed Daytona.

From the speed runs on the sand at Ormond Beach, to the first beach races, to the super speedway built west of town, this area has a special place in
the history of racing in the U.S too.

[ND500BARB]

Great post!

I think that those of us who are lucky enough to live here in Indy often may take for granted the magnificence of what is right in our backyard.

Just two weeks ago I felt like a great cheeseburger, so just on a whim, hopped in my car and made the 20 minute drive down to the Flag Room. As I drive south on Georgetown heading towards 16th Street, the main stretch is on my left and I can just hear the sounds and feel the excotement of all the years past. Then I make the turn into the track and as I travel under the tunnel I can "hear" the sounds of the cars racing overhead......it's just awesome!!!!!

People can say what they want about IMS and the Hulman/George family but they have given so much to this community.....for so many years.....they pay mega-bucks in taxes.....but have never once received any money from the city to keep or maintain this magnificent facility.

I say, "Thanks for all the memories.....and for all that is yet to come!"

[roadracer]

Kinda been having the urge to get down there myself, happens every year about now.

It's a kick every time. Next sunny day...

[fivehundred2go]

Went by it a week ago - just being close to it does bring back the memories. I can remember riding with my parents north on Georgetown Road looking at the gray board fence - anyone else remember that - and being told of the "500." I wish I knew how old I was when that happened.

Does anyone know when there will be cars on the track - I need a dose of "speed."

[roadracer]

Does anyone know when there will be cars on the track - I need a dose of "speed."

Well it's pretty much sometime in April, at least it has been for a while. You, Paul, David, and me, that makes four of us in the South end, plus that guy from Illinois.

Not long now...

[meirafan]

I was thinking that I feel the same way you do until you slammed Daytona.

From the speed runs on the sand at Ormond Beach, to the first beach races, to the super speedway built west of town, this area has a special place in
the history of racing in the U.S too.

I am not saying it isn't a special place, just not the Great American Race that they say it is. You know the "Super Bowl of Auto Racing". Where do they get off with that? Indy has been around since 1909 and the first race in 1911. If any race deserves to be called the Great American Race it is Indy. Indy put auto racing on the map. And the Super Bowl of auto racing, come on... That's what I mean about a joke, not the track or the race it's self, I should have clarified this point a little more. I am sure that you wouldn't disagree with those facts. It is the largest sporting event in the world, and has more world wide viewers than any other sporting event including the Super Bowl. Daytona isn't even 2nd or 3rd. Nope, the Brickyard 400 or Allstate 400 is second, followed by the Formula 1 race at Indy.

[TM1511]

I am not saying it isn't a special place, just not the Great American Race that they say it is. You know the "Super Bowl of Auto Racing". Where do they get off with that? Indy has been around since 1909 and the first race in 1911. If any race deserves to be called the Great American Race it is Indy. Indy put auto racing on the map. And the Super Bowl of auto racing, come on... That's what I mean about a joke, not the track or the race it's self, I should have clarified this point a little more. I am sure that you wouldn't disagree with those facts.

This is your opinion. Sounds like you are too much in love with IMS and take a defensive stance when it comes to Daytona. Indy always called itself the Greatest Spectacle in Racing while Daytona adopted the "Great American Race" I would say both fit the bill. Daytona is becoming "the Super Bowl" of Auto Racing. Did you notice the new commercials that came out during this past Sunday's race. Daytona is the Great American Race because it is truly an American event.

Have you ever been to Daytona USA and taken the track tour? As a race fan, you should go. I think you will enjoy yourself.

[atlindycarfan]

Ive done the daytona usa thing, ive rode the track and had the orange trick done to show the banking....its quaint. it has its own place and the race is a tradition to break the february druthers.....

BUT

Comparing daytona to indy in any respect borders on comparing the speedrome to indy...INDY breathes history...and thats without setting a foot in the museum......INDY didnt start as a dirt track down by the river....indy IS.....where it started....

Call Daytona the great american race.....

Call INDY, the greatest SPECTACLE in racing..

nuff said

[Walter Zoomie]

My vacation schedule this year: May 8 through May 30.

It'll be a productive month! Guess where I'll be....

[cheeseczar]

Have you ever been to Daytona USA and taken the track tour? As a race fan, you should go. I think you will enjoy yourself.

I am a fan of travel, TM, and people tell me all the time that I'd enjoy New York City. I simply have zero desire to go there. Same with Daytona Speedway, I guess.(shrugging)

I suppose folks in love with Daytona feel somewhat the same as those who have been to Indy. But after having been to Indy many times, I can't imagine that particular feeling anywhere else. It's all good no matter what people are into, however.

Way before Brickyard Crossing was even a thought (1962), my Father took me to a practice day. As we walked toward that tunnel I saw Bud Tinglestad on a flyer go past on the chute. It's my earliest memory of T.H.E. Speedway and one that it burned in my mind (sniff, sniff). I still see and hear that car each time I pass thru the tunnel these days. Ralstin's ghosts I think!