2024 Indy 500-- Part 2: 'Emo'

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Drove back to the IMS (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and parked by Tom's.  Walked the short distance to the race track and paid $20 to get in for Legends Day.

Sue and Paul wanted to walk around so I just stayed by the Pagoda and talked with race fans.  Some had been coming for over thirty times.  Many had stood in line for a long time to get autographs and take pictures of the racers in tomorrow's running of the famous race.

A guy came by and was drawing lots of attention.  I asked another fan who he was and he said "Emo."  Emo didn't mean anything to me so looked the name up on the cell phone and found out he was Emerson Fittipaldi, who won the Indy race twice, once in 1989 and again in 1993.

His grandson is running in the Indy 500 this year.

Back to the campground and had a very pleasant evening sitting outside.

--RoadDog

The 2022 Indy 500

MAY 29, 2022, Sunday

We had two flyovers, one with Jim Cornelison singing "Back Home Again in Indiana" and then, of course "The Star-Spangled Banner."  Jim Cornelison has evidently inherited the honor of singing this song from the late Jim Nabors.  Of course, he is a Chicago Blackhawk favorite as he sings the National Anthem for home games.  

My favorite Indy racer is Alexander Rossi and he was all the way back in the 7th row, so, as they say, he had quite a road to hoe.  He ended up finishing fifth, 4.9 seconds behind first place winner Marcus Ericsson.  None of us had ever heard of Marcus Ericsson, but we know him now.

Congrats to Marcus Ericcson.

Stuck around to watch the award and victory lap as well as the kissing of the yard of bricks at the start/finish line and to let more of the people leave.

Went back to the RV, but when we went over to the Legion for cocktails, they had already closed so we were forced to have our drinks at the RV, bbq some meat and talk aout the race.

Paul and I tried to stay up and watch the replay of the race, but only made it half way through before we had to go to sleep.  We think it might be because we're getting old or sitting out in the sun that long.

I will be writing in a lot more detail about the Indy 500 in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog at some point in the future.

--RoadDog

Indy Here We Come: Race Day Arrives

Continued from June 11.

SUNDAY, MAY 29

Race Day is here.  The Indy 500, and my 10th straight trip to see it (other than, of course 2020 when no spectators were allowed inside the track).  I never thought I'd get hooked on any kind of car racing, but must admit I'm into Indy Car now.

We just have to cross the street from the Legion and we are there.  But then, its a long walk to get to our seats, which now cost $215.  I never thought I'd pay that much for any ticket either.  But, its the Greatest Spectacle in Racing as they say.

The, there are those mean old horrible stairs to clmb.  Those have been wearing me out ever since I first went.  I can take them when there is a crowd and a few steps at a time, but straight up, no.  It took me two stops this time to get the numbness gone in my knees.

The Indy 500 is  strange because they allow you to bring beer cans and plastic bottles in.  However, I don't drink anything until the last quarter of the race as there is no way I am going down and back up those stairs.

The Indy 500, in addition to bing a car race is also probably the biggest salute to our military in the whole country.  The opening ceremonies are all about them.

--RoadDog

Just Got Back from Indy

The reason why there were no posts this past weekend was that I was out of town on another trip to the Indy 500.  This was my tenth straight trip (not counting 2020 when it was held without spectators and in August because of the you-know what.

Always a great time and we have as good of a spot to stay as you can ger.  My friends park their RV at the American Legion Post 500, right across Georgetown Avenue which is next to the race track.  Can't get much closer than that.

We had bands at the Legion, lots of craziness in the camp area, and, of course, one of the best races ever and the first time in two years where things seemed a little more normal.  Last year, many of the weekend events were cancelled and only 138,000 allowed inside.  I understand Sunday they were only a few thousand shy of a sell out.

I'll be writing more about it in my RoadDog's RoadLog blog.

--RoadDog

No FP for Me, Fall Arrives, Donovan's, Trivia, Sunnyside, Craft Brews, Da Bears and a Fish Fry

WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 22

Fall has arrived and with it considerably cooler in the morning  I haven't sat out FP (Front Porch) for the last several days.  Went to Donovan's Reef as we do most every Wednesday to play live trivia with Jeff and enjoy the cheap beers.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

We went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg and I enjoyed this month's Thursday special which was the craft beer called Beach Blonde for $2 a pint.  I really like craft beers (but definitely not IPAs), but do not like paying $5 to $7 for one.  I am what you call a cheap drinker.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Still no FP.  Fall has definitely arrived.  Lots of talk around here about the Bears moving to Arlington Heights since they have evidently bought Arlington Park Race Track.  Makes no difference to me.

Met Kevin, Kelly, Barb and Glen at Cuda's for their fish fry.

--RoadDog

Just Got Back From Indy 500-- Part 6: A Racing We Go

There were seven former Indy winners running as well as six rookies.

It would be hard to explain the sound of 33 of those engines starting up at once.  Then they do three laps, the first one three across and then, the Green Flag.  Go!!  Everyone stands for the beginning of the race and nothing like seeing then come roaring around Turn 1.  The fun has started.

It seemed that they were trying to get at least half the race in as fast as possible to keep ahead of rain if it should come.  Speeds were high, but no one was taking big chances so only one yellow flag when a car's engine froze up.  There were real high speeds.  The only problems were in the pits where injuries and crashes took place.

For much of the race, it was pole sitter Simon Pagenaud versus Ed Carpenter.  At lap 178 there was a five car accident and the red flag came out.  The race restarted with ten laps to go and then it was the most excitable racing you could imagine with a regular battle between Pagenaud and Alexander Rossi for first.

Pagenaud won.  Just a few years ago he was almost out of racing.

We went back to the RV for cocktails and then into the Legion for awhile.  John left to start his drive back to Arizona.  For the second year in a row, Sue, Paul and I were too tired to watch the replay of the race.  Our excuse was that we had had too much fun already.  And, we're sticking to it.

Not Only Did I Not Get Wet Today, But I Also Got A Bit of a Sunburn.  --RoadDog

Final Boating?, Civil War, SNOW, Stucky's and Sunnyside

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Had my favorite breakfast meal at McDonald's, the steak, egg and cheese bagel.  And, they use real steak.  And those caramelized onions!!    Drove to Hebron and picked up the boat where we kept it in a barn over the winter.  Since we are planning on selling it this spring, this could be the last time.  We have been boaters since 1985, but that time is ending. Met the Usual Suspects at the Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Drove to Crystal Lake for the McHenry County Civil War Round Table discussion group, topic the Battle of Shiloh.  Then took the truck into the emission testing station where it passed.  All week the weather had predicted a snow storm.  The rain turned  to snow about 10:30, but didn't stick on the roads.  We ended up with three inches on the deck rails and a white covering on the grass.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

Big meltdown of the snow.  None left by evening.  We went to Stucky's and watched NASCAR and the Chicago Cubs and White Sox games..  A couple we know came in with their two six-month-old huskie (NIU spelling) puppies so had to go out and play with them on the deck.  Also, a former student of mine came in and remembered "Demerit Points."  Something all my former students remember.

Snow At the End of April?  Don't Even Think About Calling It Warming!!  --RoadDog

A PLETHORA OF TIDBITS:  A cardigan worn by a man is sometimes called a mandigan.

Nothing Like a Summer Around Here-- Part 2: Old Indy Cars and the Legion

JULY 13, FRIDAY

Glenn drove me to the 24th Annual Miller At Milwaukee Indy car Event at the Milwaukee Mile at the Wisconsin State Fair Grounds  in West Allis.  They had probably 50 old Indy Cars, all the way from 1909 to 1970.  Seven years I would never have gone since I wasn't interested in Indy Car Racing, but now that I have been to the Indy 500 six times,  Kind of like a doggy park for old Indy cars.  Take 'em out and let 'em RUN.

This is a chance for owners of the old vehicles to get out on a track on run 'em as they are intended.

I especially liked the real early ones which had a driver and mechanic behind the wheel.  I'll write more about this in my RoadDog's RoadLog Blog later.

We went to the Fox Lake American Legion for 50-50 but didn't win anything.

Hinchcliffe Makes Comeback, Scores the Pole-- Part 2

Starting practice for the 2016, Indy 500, Hichcliffe was quick nearly every day, but no one expected him to win the pole position for the 100th Running.

His first attempt at qualifying was not up to expectations, so with time running out and the end of the racing day approaching, he made a second attempt and wound up shocking everyone with a speed of 230.946, the day's best speed for the provisional pole.

Then on Sunday, in the fast-nine shootout he had to beat Josef Newgarden's 230.700 for the pole.

His first lap was close to that time, and lap 2 better at 230.940 and lap 3 was 230.765 and lap 4 left him with a four-lap average of 230.760, just .060 seconds ahead of Newgarden and the top spot for race day.

Setting the Pole for My Man Hinch.  --RoadDog

James Hinchcliffe's My Man

From the May 25, 2016, Speedway (Ind) Press.  "The Top Three Qualifiers for the 100th Running of the 2016 Indy 500"

Pole position  (Best Speed in Qualifying Rounds)

No. 5 James Hinchcliffe, 230.760 mph.

Second:

No. 21 Josef Newgarden, 230.700 mph

Third:

No. 28  Ryan Hunter-Reay, 230.648

Sure Not Much Time Between Them.  --RoadDog

Eight Things About Indy 500's Attendance-- Part 1: How Much Are 350,000 Fans

From the May 27, 2016, Indianapolis Star "Eight things to compare on race's attendance" by Allison Carter.

The 350,000 fans who attended Sunday's Indy 500 race were more than the usual 250,000 or so who attend.  But, it was the 100th running of the event and a whole lot of folks wanted to be a part of it.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway does not release official attendance figures.  But, I would say there were a whole lot more people than usual just considering walking around difficulties and stands that usually aren't very full were now full.

SO, HOW MUCH IS 350,000 PEOPLE?

1.  It is as big as the populations of Indiana cities South Bend and Fort Wayne, combined.

2.  That's 37% of the entire population of Marion County (where Indianapolis is located).  Marion County has the 55th largest population in the United States.

3.  It is 59% of the entire population of Wyoming.

That's a Lot O' People.  --RoadDog

YOU'RE OLD IF YOU REMEMBER:  When all your teachers wore either neckties or had their hair done everyday.

Just Got Back From Indy-- Part 2: Chance Encounter with Juan Pablo Montoya

MAY 23, SATURDAY

Paul made up some his special breakfast then we walked across the street to the Speedway, paid out $10 apiece and saw vintage race cars running the track.  I was especially impressed with the 1910s double-seater (when a mechanic had to accompany the driver).

Walked by a race car with several people standing around it and John and Paul stopped.  I went back and they told me one of them was a race car driver named Juan Pablo Montoya from Colombia.  He was standing about ten feet away.  He won the Indy 500 the next day, coming from #30 to take the winner's flag.

We then walked and walked and walked around Gasoline Alley and over to the Hall of Fame Museum where we got a close look at the vintage cars that were racing around the track.  Went to several venues and saw huge lines waiting for autographs.

Bought lots and lots of souvenirs, this year's 99th running being held on May 24th, my 64th birthday.

Back to the RV for drinks and cookout and then went to the Legion for a good country rock band named Night Critters and then saw the Blackhawks-Ducks NHL Playoff game.

--RoadDog

Watchin' the Doggies Run

New Year's Eve, my buddy Bob called from out in Iowa to say Little Tommy and some of the other Magee (now Round Lake Middle School) teachers were getting together at the Dairyland Park in Kenosha on the 3rd to bet on the dog races.

I drove the thirty miles there and paid $1 to park (hear that Chicago) and got to waive the usual $3 ticket to get in (something about senior day on Wednesdays). Went upstairs to the clubhouse and that is a great place to watch the race, either live or on TV. For some reason, there were a lot of "old folks" in attendance.

Little Tommy has a reputation of betting on any and everything and he was living up to it. Fortunately for him, he is usually lucky when it comes to betting. Not only could you bet on the dog race, but there were several horse races going on. Good thing he is in such good shape as he was constantly running up to counter to place bets.

Bob retired from Magee two years before me, but still has kids in college so is teaching at a Catholic school in Mt. Prospect. Mike retired this past June. Little Tommy, Jason, and Terri are still teaching, but Little Tommy will be retiring in five years, but the other two have a long way to go.

I ended up losing $10, which is not bad for me. I know that I don't have a lot of luck, so bet in moderation. Plus, you know, I'm on what they call a fixed income.

Love the Names of Those Dogs. --RoadDog

Speaking of the Fair: Baseball and Bad Beatles Tribute Band

The Kenosha County Fair is held this time of the year in Wilmot, Wisconsin, about eight miles north of us in Spring Grove, Illinois.

It is held on grounds located behind the high school that include Wilmot Raceway where Sprint cars make a lot of noise and flip over. It costs $7 for adults, and includes live entertainment.

Lots of good food, vendors, midway rides and games, and, exhibitors. Of, course, I always go to the local groups to buy food. Not only are they generally cheaper, but also I like to keep the money in the area. I had a loaded brat at one place.

TALKING BASEBALL

Talked with a couple about the Brewers who are battling it out with the Cubs and now also the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central Division. I had read an article about the old Milwaukee Braves and their trip to the World Series 50 years ago. That great team included Warren Spahn, Hank Aaron, and Eddie Matthews. The guy remembered this team well. It was about seven years before I got into baseball, so I hadn't ever heard of the team, other than a lot of the players. They had a rookie that came to be nicknamed "Hurricane" Hazel who was called up in July and went on quite a hitting spree to get the Braves there. That was his only good year though. His last name was Hazel, and, of course, there had been that hurricane three years earlier.

Both of us were big fans of the great '82 Bewers team with Molitor, Yount, Cooper, Thomas, etc., who also went to the World Series before losing to the dastardly Cardinals.  We believe that if Rollie  Fingers, the relief pitcher, had not been injured that the Brew Crew would have won as every game they lost, they led in the late innings, but Brewer relievers were horrible.

Enjoyed the Robinson Racing Pigs and was waiting around for American English, a Beatles tribute band, to take the stage at 8 PM. Spent some time walking through, and smelling, the livestock buildings.

WORST-EVER BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND

Like I said, American English was supposed to start at 8, so I got there a little before then. There was nowhere to sit and the ground was way too wet, so I stood and waited and waited and waited. All we were getting were sound checks and guitar tuning from their roadies. That is not what I call a Beatles show.

I finally left at 8:30 and they still hadn't started. I don't know about them, but I consider my time a bit more valuable than that. That showed little respect.

Possibly, they were waiting for the end of the IRA Outlaw Sprint race that started at 7. Those cars make a LOT of noise. Perhaps they didn't want to compete. They should have told us if they were.

Told the lady at the gate that I wasn't happy about the whole thing. This was a big reason why I had driven there and paid my admission.

Good and Bad Times at the Fair. --RoadDog