The Mile Looked Great Today

[AFColt]

I got to the track just before quals started, and was really happy with how the place looked. The Andrettis have the sponsors everywhere, and the walls are painted a very distinctive blue. I was using the Milwaukee IndyFest app for iphone, which is sort of neat in pointing out the general direction of where things are. It was orderly, the volunteers were on it, and for the first time perhaps ever, RC Cola was the cola of choice from vendors.

Really, the whole track has this street festival vibe going on, with tons going on in the infield. I'm really impressed with what they've put together, and I hope word spreads.

Not too bad of a crowd for a Friday--we'll have to see what walk-up sales are like tomorrow. I really hope they hit around that 20k number--that gives some hope for the future of the event. And no, it's not too late to drive all night, sleep in your car, and go to tomorrow's festivities. I think we're in for a good one.

[Pelican Joe]

I agree. I was impressed by the set-up and the crowd for qualifying. Didn't get a chance to check out the infield...but we'll do so tomorrow. Andretti has set the table...it's up to the community to kick in and buy some seats!

[DaveL]

I got to the track just before quals started, and was really happy with how the place looked. The Andrettis have the sponsors everywhere, and the walls are painted a very distinctive blue. I was using the Milwaukee IndyFest app for iphone, which is sort of neat in pointing out the general direction of where things are. It was orderly, the volunteers were on it, and for the first time perhaps ever, RC Cola was the cola of choice from vendors.

Really, the whole track has this street festival vibe going on, with tons going on in the infield. I'm really impressed with what they've put together, and I hope word spreads.

Not too bad of a crowd for a Friday--we'll have to see what walk-up sales are like tomorrow. I really hope they hit around that 20k number--that gives some hope for the future of the event. And no, it's not too late to drive all night, sleep in your car, and go to tomorrow's festivities. I think we're in for a good one.

I agree with all of the above. I was also impressed with how clean the grounds were. I just wish there would have been more shade. I'm fried.

[Hitokiri]

+1

[texacostar05]

My son (age 5 ) and I drove up from Indy today..excellent time..infield was so much fun for both of us..he rode the rides I watched the cars then we made our way to grandstands for quals..just an awesome setup by Andretti..really funny I never liked the andrettis growing up but I really respect and appreciate what they have done for the sport over the last 10 years.

[LotusClark92]

I was very pleased with everything about the setup and organization. Great family fun stuff. Well laid out. Good training and organization. Hard to believe they did this in such a short time. It was hard to judge anything overall because it was a Friday. I hope the weather continues to cooperate though and that we have a very good turn out for Saturday. (And a great race too!!)

[pb]

Cool report, AF.

[Chaparral4]

Things looked good. Only one complaint from me. We no longer can get to the low fence in turns 3 and 4 with exception to one small area between the exit of 4 and the tunnel. The only other place I got really good, clear photography was from the pit lane. There was a wall at the north end of the pit lane, adjacent to where they bring the cars out from the paddock. A number of us stood there and could get some good shots as the cars entered the pits. On track shots were a challenge though as there wasn't much lead (due to obstructions) out of four and onto the front stretch to get good shots consistently.

It's really disappointing that the Mile has become the realm of the high fence and the bane to anyone that want's good photography. I'm glad I popped for the expense of the pit pass but in years past the price of a paddock pass would've allowed the same access.

[Chaparral4]

It looked like the Marcus Club workers had the easiest day for anyone working at the track. I walked by a few times and took a look inside but it didn't appear too many people popped for the $200 for the "ultimate VIP experience" (which did not include the required general admission to get to the paddock or the price of a Pit pass). What I could see of the food, it did look pretty good though.

Anyone here pop for the Marcus Club? What are your opinions?

[millrace]

I got to the track just before quals started, and was really happy with how the place looked. The Andrettis have the sponsors everywhere, and the walls are painted a very distinctive blue. I was using the Milwaukee IndyFest app for iphone, which is sort of neat in pointing out the general direction of where things are. It was orderly, the volunteers were on it, and for the first time perhaps ever, RC Cola was the cola of choice from vendors.

Really, the whole track has this street festival vibe going on, with tons going on in the infield. I'm really impressed with what they've put together, and I hope word spreads.

Not too bad of a crowd for a Friday--we'll have to see what walk-up sales are like tomorrow. I really hope they hit around that 20k number--that gives some hope for the future of the event. And no, it's not too late to drive all night, sleep in your car, and go to tomorrow's festivities. I think we're in for a good one.

Thanks for the report. I have a hard time thinking that 20,000 is enough to sustain anything when you are talking about the costs of these cars and drivers. But I understand that the intent is to set a bar and look for growth, so I agree that would be better than last time.

[LotusClark92]

Things looked good. Only one complaint from me. We no longer can get to the low fence in turns 3 and 4 with exception to one small area between the exit of 4 and the tunnel. The only other place I got really good, clear photography was from the pit lane. There was a wall at the north end of the pit lane, adjacent to where they bring the cars out from the paddock. A number of us stood there and could get some good shots as the cars entered the pits. On track shots were a challenge though as there wasn't much lead (due to obstructions) out of four and onto the front stretch to get good shots consistently.

It's really disappointing that the Mile has become the realm of the high fence and the bane to anyone that want's good photography. I'm glad I popped for the expense of the pit pass but in years past the price of a paddock pass would've allowed the same access.

I was just mentioning the fencing off of the turn 3-4 end to someone. It was about as close as you could ever get to the actual track with an unobstructed view. Amazing actually! I'll leave the danger discussion to others and it's not the end of the world for me. I was really pleased with so many other things that were done right.

[Unzerdog]

Things looked good. Only one complaint from me. We no longer can get to the low fence in turns 3 and 4 with exception to one small area between the exit of 4 and the tunnel. The only other place I got really good, clear photography was from the pit lane. There was a wall at the north end of the pit lane, adjacent to where they bring the cars out from the paddock. A number of us stood there and could get some good shots as the cars entered the pits. On track shots were a challenge though as there wasn't much lead (due to obstructions) out of four and onto the front stretch to get good shots consistently.

It's really disappointing that the Mile has become the realm of the high fence and the bane to anyone that want's good photography. I'm glad I popped for the expense of the pit pass but in years past the price of a paddock pass would've allowed the same access.

Andretti is top notch in putting on an event. It sounds like he brought St. Pete to the Mile. As a photographer myself, I understand every bit of your angst regarding high fences and obstructions. My belief is that as the series "Grows" they are being alot more restrictive regarding fan photogs. They sealed up St. Pete, it was virtually impossible to get a clean shot anywhere. 2 layers of fencing 3 feet apart all the way around. Only at a TV camera or a flag station could you shoot through their cut out in their fence. then you were only shooting throuigh 1 layer of fence and over the workers shoulder. The ovals are really difficult to get track shots, All my years at Richmond, I never was able to get that awesome track shot. BUT I could sit right on the pit wall during practices just shooting driver portraits all day long, as close as you can possibly get. I would go to St. Pete to get my track shots. It was a nice mix.

Good luck, don't give up. There is a magic spot somewhere, the fun is in finding it.

[Thoer]

My wife and I had a great time and the crowd seemed very good considering the terrible turnout last year. I've got to hand it to Chevy for the booth with the best freebies, a race t-shirt. We will be in Section 401 row 31 seats1&2. If anyone is nearby -stop by and say hello!

[Nigel Red5]

Great to hear it sounds like they are pulling out all the stops at the mile. I think it was a good choice to run the race Saturday and avoid Fathers day. I can't wait to see what they do in Baltimore. I know they have had far less time to plan, but I think the original race was a great layout that can only be improved

[Ren Butler]

What time is the green flag? Not the coverage window, but the actual start of the race.

Somebody here always seems to know.

[Thoer]

12:30 according to the email from Andretti Marketing last night.

[Ren Butler]

Thanks. I guess that's 1:30 EDT...