RACE CONTROL • 97
H
ow can I explain the excitement
I’m feeling to return to see the Indy
500 for the second time after my
first encounter last year at the
most famous racetrack. It really does touch
you and leave a lasting feeling deep inside you
forever. From that first walk under the tunnel to
the track infield, to the smell of the corn dogs
and the sheer vibe in the air this really is Indy
and this is May.
I’ve been counting the weeks and even the days
for quite a while now thinking of those amazing
days ahead and the early wake up on race day as
we hit the 465 to head off to the track to hear that
canon go off at 6am in the morning to welcome
race day in. This really is Indy.
The excitement of who is it going to be drinking
milk later that day, who gets the fame ,the prestige,
the glory of winning the 500 who will be the one
the track gods allow this to be in 2019. We look
forward to it been safe race for everyone as these
drivers risk it all but racing is racing and we wish
them all gods speed and a safe return home some
three hours later after that green flag waved them
off. It’s a buzz that fills the air mixed with the
gasoline whiff and the hint of pressure thats in
the air that you just cant help but feel on race day
or any day actually when you at the Speedway.
Over 100 years of action have taken place at this
great stadium and now 103 will be in the books
come May.
Seeing the drivers faces and catching a slight
pensive and nervous look from them to the raw
desire and private rituals are what make these
racing greats even greater. The pressure to
deliver is often outweighed but the sheer desire
to claim the one race that drives them more than
any other.
Leading up to the big day there is a lot going
on there is just so much happening its so hard to
take it all in at times. Teams are under so much
pressure to get everything running in top order so
the garages have plenty of action going on. This
is very much a team game and these guys work
countless hours to ensure the driver is given the
very best shot come race day. Its not just the race
week its months of planning pretty much starting
straight after the last 500 because thats what it
means. You could stand and watch for hours as
they fine tune the car or suddenly you may see a
team hurriedly replacing a major component to
the car, it all adds to the excitement leading up to
not only qualifying but the race.
This year we are set to see more than the gird
of 33 attempt to make the race and no one will
forget the dramas of last year when two big names
missed out. The stress of it all comes to the surface
in that moment. I wouldn’t want to be a driver who
doesn’t qualify for the 500, It must be devastating
to be out of the play and know that sometimes its
only bare thousands of seconds between making
the show and having that chance to smell the glory
and yes there are plenty of tears when they don’t
and plenty of tears when they do.
Carb Day just days before the race kicks off the
first time you really notice the crowds building and
