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What To Do At The Indianapolis 500

Green flag for the start of the 99th Indianapolis 500. [Russ Lake Photo]

Green flag for the start of the 99th Indianapolis 500. [Russ Lake Photo]

Had it not been for the war years that the race was cancelled; two races during WW-1 (1917-1918) and four during WW-2 (1942-1945), the 100th race would have been held in 2010 and all of the hoopla would be over.

But hoopla it is in large portions as we head for Sunday and finally the running of that Centennial 500 that has been building momentum for these past months.

Rather than do our usual Indy Car race preview, this week we’ll look at something you can do in the Circle City/Speedway area while you wait for Sunday’s green flag.

• One of the best new things at the Speedway is the “Pin Exchange.” Located south of the Pagoda in one of the former F1 garages, the idea is to bring your Indy racing-related pins to trade for any that are on the board at the time of your visit. Trading is one-for-one and limited to two trades at a time. Pins seem to fall into Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and other IMS event and driver categories. HINT: Look for a gold pin with the 100th 500 logo on it. There are just 500 of them and a few are on the trade board at various times. Others are distributed by celebrities (Pippa Mann was there last week) but times aren’t announced in advance.

• Take a walk just a few blocks SW of the track’s new main entrance and see what’s been done along Main St. in the Town of Speedway. New buildings in recent years include Sarah Fisher’s indoor go-kart track and grill, the Dallara race car facility and restaurant, several new bars and cafes and a number of antique shops and art galleries containing some Indy 500-related items. A street party will occur on Saturday night between 10th St. and the new round-about at 16th St.

• The 100th race weekend would seem to be a great time to visit the track’s museum located between Turns 1-2 in the infield. At times the facility is criticized for being out- dated and in need of more modern museum displays and interactive displays, however it does contain a treasure-trove of race cars and other race-related items. Some say that IMS is looking at a needed remodel and expansion of the facility, but that is likely several years away.

• While you’re at the Museum, get a ticket for a trip around the track in a van with a taped narration of what you’re seeing. The times for track trips may be limited on this busy weekend, but it gives great perspective as to the size of the track.

• Prior to race day, when it will be too crowded, take a 2.5-mile walk around the entire inner track. Walk in the same counter-clockwise mode that the race cars run.

• On Saturday, come to the track early for the 500 Memorabilia show located in a building on the south side of the Plaza behind the Pagoda. Also attend the Full-field autograph session on the Plaza (9-10:00 AM), or the Former Driver Autograph Sessions (A-Noon-1:00 PM) or (B-1:30-2:30 PM) North Chalet at the Plaza.

• A highlight of the IMS 500 experience is attending Saturday’s Public Drivers’ Meeting (10:30-11:00 AM) in the Tower Terrace area north of the Pagoda. Serious directions to the drivers are probably kept for a more private meeting, but it’s fun to see all 33 drivers together. Great photo-op.

• All tickets, both reserved and general admission have been sold. Even corporate suites are sold-out and the track has added more. Upwards of 350,000 fans are expected and parking will certainly be tight. Check for availability of shuttle buses that will be running constantly on race morning from several points downtown and at the airport (which is recommended due to the large parking area for your vehicle and its proximity to the track). Do get a map on-line or at your hotel and have a plan before you set out for the track. If all else fails, look west of the track for parking in someone’s yard.

• Most of all have fun, walk along the south fence of the Garage area and hope to see some cars or drivers. Buy some souvenirs, and above all, BE IN YOUR SEATS EARLY to enjoy what’s said to be a spectacular pre-race show.

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