First Timers Tell their Experiences at the Race!

Loved every minute we were there and will absolutely be back. I don't think we will be able to do it every year, but we will certainly be back many more times. I'd love to take more friends next year. We were only in town from 9:00 Saturday morning until 5:00 Sunday afternoon, but we loved it. We did the grounds tour and museum two summers ago and we both agreed that we were SO glad we'd been there before and already had a chance to gawk, be amazed and take pictures. We would have been totally overwhelmed and starstuck if we'd never been there before.

I had a blast roaming around on Saturday. The Speedway was like a huge park, and everyone seemed to just enjoy being there, which I'm sure was the case for all us. I'm so glad I waited in line to go through the museum again because it was worth it to see all those race winning cars.

Sleeping Saturday night in the Coke lot was a bit of a challenge but that was expected. I guess I'm a little different from most people. I go to races for the racing. I don't go for the camping, the partying and the socializing. I know that appeals to a lot of people but I go for the racing. I go to bed early and wake up without a hangover. But I know I'm in a pretty vast majority in that regard!

I was pleased and impressed with how efficiently they got people through the gates on Sunday. Its nice to go to a place where you can still take in a cooler with drinks and snacks, and not have to pay $7.50 for a beer and $4 for water. Thanks to IMS for that, its greatly appreciated.

As for the race...the reason I REALLY wanted this to by my first 500 was I knew the Centenial celebration would be a BFD. The parade of champions and the parade of vintage cars was awesome, and a great photo opportunity. I got to see and hear Gomer sing "back home again", taps and the flyover. Our seats were great, the breeze was heavenly and the race was FANTASTIC!

On top of all of it, we were simply amazed at how easily we got into and out of the Speedway. We stayed in our seats to hear all the post race interviews and see the victory lap in the pace car. When we walked back to car we explored on foot to find the easiest way out and were rolling on the Interestate within half an hour of starting up the car. I was pretty amazed by that.

The wife has no interest in racing (or sports of any kind) but she thoroughly enjoyed the cultural experience and being part of something so big. For me, it was important to see and experience the Indianapolis 500 in person. It was a very special day for me and it gave me memories that I will hold on to forever. It was a remarkable experience. The only bad thing was that we kind of did this on a whim, so I did not have a chance to make any plans to meet fellow TF members, but as I said, we will definitely be back.

I've been a huge racing fan for about 18 years. I was a CART / Champcar loyalist throughout the split years, which is partly why I had not attended a 500 until now. This is the fourth season of "post unification" but I am still so thankful for it. I am totally bullish on Indycar and have never been more enthusiastic about it, especially now that I can say I've been to the Indy 500.

Thank you to everyone at IMS and everyone who helps make the 500 what it is. You gave me one of the best experiences of my life.