The Indy 500 is this weekend!
Since the 31st event in the book, the Indy 500, is coming up this weekend, I thought it would be helpful to share some tips from the book, but here’s a little random information first. The Indianapolis 500 boasts one of the largest attendances and highest television and radio rating of any single-day-sporting event on a nationwide basis. While it is televised live throughout the nation on ABC, local residents must attend the event to see it as the network blacks it out in the immediate area. The Indy 500 attracts well over a quarter million casual fans and race enthusiasts each year. It has enjoyed over ninety runnings for the coveted Borg-Warner Trophy. While its scope is national, the Indy 500 is truly a community event for the residents of Indianapolis.
Now for those tips I promised. These tips will give you an insider’s edge on the best ways to watch the event. The first tip is, no seat will provide you with a full view of the entire track, so watching can be a struggle from time to time. JumboTron video screens will keep you up on the action. The “E” Penthouse is located at the entrance to turn one and provides a view of the entire straightaway. Hospitality suites are the way to go. Tip number two, attend Carb Day the Friday before the Indianapolis 500. It’s the last practice for the Indy cars before the race and always a blast. Tip number three, and probably the best advice I can give you, get to the track early! With so many in attendance, it’s important to beat the crowds and soak up the event’s ambiance. I would advise being in your seat about ninety minutes prior to the start of the event just to see all of the pageantry and pre-race events. And it would not be the Indy 500 if you did not purchase and wear and Indy 500 shirt customized with the name and number of your favorite driver.
So I hope these tips will help you make the most out of your trip to the Indy 500 and remember, this events is “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”!
