Memorial Day weekend and the Indy 500 have always been intertwined for me. I remember as a child, waking up every year to the sound of race cars racing through the living room full blast. My dad would get up early and tune in to the Indy 500 and then turn the volume way up so everyone in the house would wake up. In fact, I think everyone on the block woke up! The sound was so loud that the house shook with the race cars booming through the living room.
That’s how our day started every year. For the Fourth of July, he’d wake us up in an equally rude manner but I’ll save that for my post in July! Other weekends my dad would wake us with a loud, shrill whistle and thunderous hand clapping. It wasn’t fun at the time but looking back, it could have been worse even though at the time we moaned and groaned about it.
So what am I doing this year? I’m actually watching the Indy 500. It’s good to see some of the old names like Andretti, and Foyt.
Old habits die hard.
Old habits do die hard. I’ve never been a fan of The Indy, but those who are (in my experience) are a zealous, slightly crazed lot.
I need some sort of yearly tradition.
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i have never been to indy,, but i have been to the budweiser 500 and the daytona 500,, and let me tell you,, loud on tv is nothing compared to being there… wow…
hope you enjoyed the race!!
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I live just north of Indy. I’ve been to the raceway during qualifying, but never for a race. Watched the race . . . first one in a while . . . and so wanted to see Danika kick some ass. Almost happened . . .
Then we watched NASCAR. Much more exciting, I must admit.
Have a great day!
Brian
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I’ve been a little wary of professional racing ever since my mother told me a story about seeing a man decapitated at Portland Speedway … he was in the wrong position, passed under something, and that was the end of that.
Oddly, this does not impact my desire to drive a racecar. Hmmmm.
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My dad always watched the race, too. So does my husband although he had to work yesterday and missed the end.
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Did you get a good look at the young Andretti and Foyt? They both look about 12, and drive like they’re 30.
Paisley’s right. It’s much louder in person. Gives me goosebumps. 🙂
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I don’t get it. Cars running around and around, for a bazillion laps. I think they should throw in some other things to make it more interesting. A screaming baby in the backseat, for instance. Hot coffee spilling in the driver’s lap.
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I can’t relate much to watching cars running around and around (see Heathenly’s perfect comment above), but I can relate to doing things for old times’ sake–doing them because remind you of your childhood or your loved ones who are no longer around.
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Ever watch formula one racing?
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Yes, Jax: Crotch coffee would be a welcome addition to any race. Imagine the color commentary.
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