Memories-Indy

Whew, busy time. Here I am taking time out because the race is on rain delay. I have always loved the Indy 500, even before I really was exposed to racing. Every Memorial Day Weekend, it was the sign for me that summer was going into full swing. Jim Nabors sang "Back Home in Indiana", someone announced "gentlemen, start your engines", and then there was the exciting sound of the engines running, the race, the crashes, the winner, and the milk. Mario Andretti always seemed to be the favorite choice. At least, that is the name I remember.

My first real experiences with racing were with go-karts. I learned quickly how to help in the pit, just from watching. This is the least expensive racing, but still costly. It has changed a lot since I was there in the 80's. My favorite races were on dirt, not asphault. I was able to watch stocks and sprints. I loved going to the fairgrounds in Canadaigua on Saturday nights to watch the stocks on dirt. The fried dough was great, but better with each lap as the dirt flew into the bleachers and onto the fried dough. I could never tell if I was crunching on sugar or dirt.

I was very fortunate to be able to go to "the Brickyard". It was way back in 1990 for pole day, the first day of qualifying. Another nurse I worked with got my excitement going even more before I went because she had been there.

The track is actually in Speedway, not Indianapolis. There are small homes there all around the track. I can remember my anticipation in Speedway as we drove bumper to bumper and still most of the time. The other drivers were cordial, and we would joke, asking, "where is the race track?" We had the radio going with reports of what was happening in the pits. I really was hoping to see Paul Newman, but he walked through the pits while we were stuck in traffic.

Entrance was cheap back then, and you could sit where ever you wanted. Parking was on the infield, not outside the track. We could walk through the pits, we could walk into the garage. All the mechanics were dressed in very clean white overhauls.

The trophy is just awesome with each winner's head molded into it. I have no idea, but it seems like they never run out of room filling up that grand trophy. I did get to see Rick Mears, this was the year after his ankles were injured in a crash the previous racing season. I could also see the change in his nose from after burns in another accident. He's still just as handsome.

We left after everyone else because we cooked dinner on a camping stove while waiting for the heavy traffic to dwindle. On the way out, I was able to get a security guard to sell me his shirt, maybe for way more than he paid for it, but I still get to wear it every year during the race.

It's so exciting this year because there are 3 lady drivers. Milka is out now. I'm really rooting for Danicka. She's in 3rd while they are still drying the track. I want to see the race continue.

Because of my latex allergy, I am no longer able to go to these races. I was angery when I first realized this. It was another big loss in my life. I've overcome that now. I can be just as excited watching, listening, and having the wonderfull memories that I have. I can still smell the gas fumes. My neighbors always seem to go away on this great day, so I can turn the volume up to the top and feel like I'm right there.

Sounds like the race may get underway again. I sure hope so for Danicka. I just heard, 45 minutes to go, drying the track. Sure hope that gives a good amount of time with some daylight.

Sal