2024 Indy 500-- Part 1: No Legion for Us This Year

This will be a short account of the days at the Speedway.  I will go into more detail later in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

I met Sue and Paul in Ingleside and they drove their RV to Indianapolis, where we had a spot about 7 miles from the IMS at the Raceview Family Campground (located across from Indianapolis' "other" race track, the Lucas Oil Raceway.

For the past ten Indy 500s we had been at the Speedway American Legion Post 500 RV campground right across the street from the Indy 500 but were unable to get our spot this year because they were rebuilding the place.

Drove to the Legion and were not happy to find that no construction had been done and our usual spot was empty.  We  had a talk with the people there and evidently it was a big old case of misunderstanding.  Hopefully we will be back there next year.

But, a friend who camps by there had an extra parking ticket so we didn't have to purchase one of them.  Had a couple drinks at the Legion and back to the RV park.

--RoadDog

Just Got Back From Indy-- Part 4

MAY 25TH, 2014:  We stuck around for the crowds to leave and saw Ryan Hunter-Reays' victory lap.  Walked back to the Rv for some cookin' and went to last call at 7 PM of the American Legion and ran into some real interesting characters.

We watched the replay of the whole race in the evening to see...the rest of the story.  Hey, we missed that.

MAY 26TH, 2014:  Most of outside stuff put up last night.  Drove about 50 miles on I-65 and pulled over for a Slider Attack.  Arrived in Round Lake about five hours after leaving.  Tickets, gas and camping came to $300.

Dropped some Indy stuff off at Indy fanatic Terri's and went to J's, Hello Folks and the Legion on the way home.

We did not watch the Hawks-Kings game at all as it came on too late (8 PM) and we don't get NBC  Sports.

Thanks a Lot, NBC.  I'll  Remember This.  --RoadDog


RETIREE Q&A:  Q:  What is considered formal attire for retirees?  A:  Tied shoes.  (I tei mine because otherwise I would trip.)

Just Got Back from Indy 500-- Part 3: Race Day

May 25, 2014:

Awakened by announcements and activity inside the track, just a couple hundred yards away.  Big line for the Legion buffet, but good eating and bacon very crispy.

Much easier entry this time.  Last year some folks got in right as the race began.

Climbed way up to our seats on the catwalk, as far up as you can go right between the first and second turns.  Great seats, but now up to $186 (from $150).

The new race listing of top 16 cars made it easier to keep up with the "angry bees" going around track.  Overall, I knew who was leading most of the time and would recognize them as they zipped by.  I was pulling for James Hinchcliffe and Ed Carpenter who were right in the running for most of the race.

For 149 laps there were no caution flags so they were really driving hard.  The last 51 laps, however, a bit rougher with a lot of crashes.  Worst for me was when my two guys crashed into each other and slid over to right in front of us.  Carpenter was ready to punch out Hinchcliffe when he got out of his wrecked car.

Ryan Hunter-Reay won the race.

--IndyDog

Just Got Back from Indy-- Part 2: May 24th

May 24, 2014:

This was my 63rd birthday.

  After Paul made a great chirrizo and eggs breakfast, we walked over to the Legends Day event at the track.  It costs $10 to get in, but a whole lot of stuff is open.  Watched some of the Drivers Meeting, walked through the Gasoline Alley area where the cars are located and saw several of them outside.

I also went to the memorabilia show and didn't buy anything.  I am making every effort not to get "hooked totally" on the Indy 500 and start buying stuff.  So far, I haven't in my three years of going.  Then went to the Chevy Experience area and had a look at one of the 2014 Camaro Indy 500 pace cars.  I was impressed with the new 2014 Malibus and Impalas.

--RoadDog


RETIREE Q&A:  Q:  How many retirees to change a light bulb?  A:  Only one, but it might take all day.

Just Got Back from Indy 500-- Part 1

Always a great time out at the track.

FRIDAY, MAY 23RD:  The drive to the track.  We parked the RV at the American Legion right across from the track.  After "we're here drinks" we walked over to the town of Speedway's Main Street area and listened to a band for awhile at Barbecue and Bourbon, even though Sue and Paul couldn't go into the roped off area because they didn't have ids.  You'd think that at age 58 you wouldn't need an id.

Went to Dawson's for a bucket.  They went back to the RV.  I went back to the first band (as I had my id) and listened to them and had some really fine giant wings and corn on the cob drenched in their delicious bbq sauce..

I then went to the Rockin' on Main Street event and listened to a band and got Al Unser, Jr.'s autograph.

Back to the RV and then we went to the Legion and listened to a blues band.

'Cue, Suds and Bands.  --RoadDog

RETIREE Q&A:  Q: "When is a retiree's bedtime?"  A: "Two hours after he fall asleep on the couch."