“Jack, you just dont know what Indy means..”

Little Al deals with it on a whole different level, But Brother Indy can relate to that statement. The process and sacrifices it takes to get to Indy in May every year is different for all of us, but the reward is great. For me It starts in June, when you start thinking of ways to get back. Skip that latte on the way to work, that will buy a track burger. Go out for lunch today?, no, that will buy one more trinket at the IMS giftshop. I tell people that im going to Indy in May. A typical response is “I thought the Brickyard 400 was in August?, oh, your going to see those open wheel cars, Hey that German dude in the Ferarri is something else!”

I shrug my shoulders and walk away, and long for the company of the people that do get it. The ones that can spot the difference between a Dallara and a Panoz from a 5/8 mile straight away. The ones that know that Milk on Memorial Day weekend is worth more than its weight in gold. The ones that knew who Helio was before he traded his hyphen for a pair of dancing shoes. We all gather in May for the same thing, to be part of something that cant really be explained.

For Brother Indy it started in 1980, the first 500 i remember watching as a kid on TV. I remember the clean lines of that bright yellow Chaparrel, and thought it was the most stunning piece of machinery i had ever seen. As fate would have it, the first time i attended indy in 2000, the first race car i saw on track during preracewas Lone Star JR taking his race winning mount from 1980 out for a spin, he even had his distinctive helmet on from that race. I admit getting teary eyed for that one. Back in the days when the race was not shown live, i remember trying to resist the urge to find a radio and listen in during the day, as not to spoil watching the race later that evening. For 20 years the mistique and legend of Indianapolis built up in me, and it was a mythical place in my head that became real when i got to go in 2000, witnessing JPM win in his first try, and I remember being annoyed that he did not seem to show the reverance for Indy that i had.

Dr Indy and Brother Indy have been back every year since. I find my way back every year, even when odds are against me, to be among those who do know what Indy means. Yes, Little Al, I know what Indy means, as well as any fan can!

Let us know what Indy Means to You.

Posted: 05|24|08 at 11:36 pm. Filed under: IRL, Indianapolis, Indy 500, Videos.
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