Going To Indy This Year

[Ralphy]

First time I will see the Indianapolis 500. Can any of you guys give me some does and don't s for the weekend? I think I will be in the turn 3 to 4 area.

Ralphy

[IndyCobra]

I can start with some help. Post other questions as you have them.

First, which grandstand are you sitting in? If it's the NE Vista, great. If not, your seats may be down lower and it will be difficult to see as much as some other locations. Also, you will be facing the sun all day with no relief so if it is a sunny day, be sure to wear lots of sun screen, a hat, and some sun glasses.

Park in the Coke lot north of the field. It's an easy walk to your seats from there. Come via Georgetown Road and 30th Street routes.

Traffic starts to build early. If you are not driving in but taking the busses/cabs, they will drop you off on Main street in Speedway, and your seats will be over a mile away at the other end of the track. I would drive in early.

Spend a bunch of time walking around Gasoline Alley and the Tower Terrace area before the race. You'll see lots of people. Also, the museum is at the south end of the field and is free and pretty awsome.

Also, I almost forgot. The opening ceremonies are some of the most awe inspiring in all of sports. I love to find seats in the main grandstand across from the pits just for that. You see it on TV but it doesn't capture the reality of it when you are there in person. When you look down the main straight and see well over 200,000 people in the stands, and they play "Back home again in Indiana", well, I get choked up. You'll have a blast as long as the weather cooperates.

[Silverback51]

Not going to make it this year, but it's on my list to do in the next couple years.

Got a question regarding handicapped parking and access. My walking is somewhat limited. Do they have provisions for that?

[Ralphy]

Thanks for the heads up being in the sun IndyCobra. That alone is worth my asking. I'm pretty sure the seats are good ones. The father in-law gets them through his company, that they buy yearly. I need to ask him exactly where the seats are and also do some reading on line.

Do they still have issues with the winds blowing in turn four?

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Ralphy

[IndyCobra]

Originally Posted by Silverback51

Not going to make it this year, but it's on my list to do in the next couple years.

Got a question regarding handicapped parking and access. My walking is somewhat limited. Do they have provisions for that?

Yes. There is ample handicap parking. It is all in the infield and that just happens to be the toughest spot to get to driving. If you leave early, it shouldn't be a problem but expect to sit in traffic for at least several hours. I would recommend taking a taxi or bus to the track. I wouldn't be surprised if they have special runs just for you.

If you have the money (about $250), you can take a helicopter from downtown out to the track. Drops you off right behind Gasoline Alley.

[IndyCobra]

Originally Posted by Ralphy

Thanks for the heads up being in the sun IndyCobra. That alone is worth my asking. I'm pretty sure the seats are good ones. The father in-law gets them through his company, that they buy yearly. I need to ask him exactly where the seats are and also do some reading on line.

Do they still have issues with the winds blowing in turn four?

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Ralphy

Not sure what you are referring to. The weather traditionally blows out of the southwest which would be across the infield and into turn three. Since that end of the track is covered with grandstands, the wind swirls around at the North end. But it can be blowing from any direction.

It can also be hotter than heck or freezing. Just depends. I went one year in shorts and a tee shirt and the high temp was about 55 with a hefty wind to boot. I spent most of the race huddled next to a corn dog stand trying to keep warm.

[Ralphy]

It's was always said that there is an opening between some grandstands, I think in turn 4. The opening allows winds to cross the track and cars lose their ground effects.

[IndyCobra]

Never heard that. Learn something new every day. High in turn three is a good place to watch the race, lots of action on this corner. You will have a lot of fun. Let me know if I can help you with anything.

[Ralphy]

The worst problem with big tracks? Walking, a lot! LOL!


Ralphy