Waving drivers

[3-wide]

One of the most vivid images I retain from those great Sid Collins et al radio broadcasts of “Greatest Spectacle In Racing” was the announcer’s around the track noting many of the drivers waving to the crowd on the parade lap.
Am I correct in assuming that this little tradition has been abandoned, whether officially or unofficially? If that is correct, my guess is that the reason is that today’s drivers have many tasks to attend to in the laps leading up to the green flag, e.g. checking gauges, testing the radio, scrubbing in the tires, etc. But IMHO what has been lost has been a touch of drama that had significant impact.

With today’s Indy cars giving us less of a look at the drivers than ever, wouldn’t a few drivers waving to the crowd on the parade laps bring back a bit of the humanity of the event? Add a bit more drama to ‘the Spectacle?’ Or is this just another old grey beard mumbling about “the good old days.”

[Eagle104]

I always picture Eddie Sachs doing this. Big waves! One-in-a-million, he was!

I want to say I remember AJ doing it all along. Johncock, too. Gary Bettenhausen?

----------------------

"Or is this just another old grey beard mumbling about “the good old days.”

Hey '3', it had better be. Afterall, you did checkmark that box on your application for admittance to our nostalgia forum!

[grogg]

Johnny Rutherford was a good one for waving to the crowd. Since he was one of my favorites I always was sure to pick him out in the starting field.

I can remember Salt Walther waving to the crowd just before his qualification at Indy a year after his terrible crash. That was a special moment.

[slinger]

I always thought this was a very nice touch along with the crowd waving back at the drivers.Even at small races,it helps connect the crowd to the event.I remember all those ARDC midget races where the announcer would call for everyone in the crowd to wave something white as the field passed on it's parade lap and the drivers would all wave back.

Stirring stuff!I loved it!

[Nashvilleman]

My first 500 was in 1983. I remember a lot of drivers waving. I think even A.J. held up a red glove. That was cool.

[lajolla92037]

Originally posted by Eagle104:
<STRONG>I always picture Eddie Sachs doing this. Big waves! One-in-a-million, he was!

I want to say I remember AJ doing it all along.

</STRONG>

I remember A J waving a LOT, it's just sometimes he forgot to hold up all of his fingers!!!!!!!!

[Raceworder]

I believe the IRL must "import" as much Indianapolis as they can to each and every other IRL race on the schedule...toward that end, I proposed more than a year and a half ago that the "Indy 3-Wide Salute" be a part of parade laps at each IRL race.

As 3-wide suggests with this thread, saluting their fans before the race naturally endears drivers to those who've paid their hard-earned money to attend. It's just good, common (and business) sense.

The 4-wide fan salute is one of the most recognizable staples of a WOO program - I believe having the IRLers forming in rows of 3 before the green would not only be an attractive sight to those in attendance and those watching on TV, but it'd also naturally instill more precision discipline for fyling starts. And, the future will demand that precision as it will demand at least 30 IRL cars line-up for a race...

[Teej]

I remember a story about Aj Foyt driving the first lap of the Hoosier Hundred one handed while waving to the crowd as he led the first lap of the race. Don't know if it is true or not, but it does make for a good story...



"I'm not a guy who is looking for trouble but I'm not a guy who is going to back off either." - Juan Montoya

[Dick Ralstin]

Hey teej,

Come on now teej, that is one I would have to see to believe.

I don't believe there was ever a driver, the Texan, Larson, Branson, Hinnerschitz, Bryan, Bobby, Al or any of the rest, who could drive the first lap of a Champ Dirt race one handed, waving to the crowd, with 17 mad Champ Dirt cars chewing on his a$$.

To begin with the tracks were always watered to hoped for perfection between qualifying and the 100 mile feature, thus making the dirt surface slicker than you know what.

On this slick surface if you didn't take all four corners sideways you were either running last or parked.

I would like for you to show me a man who can make a lap by turning right while going left with just enough power to keep his car from going over the fence --- all the while smiling for the camera and waving to the fans.

Sorry teej but if you meet the guy again who told you that story please find out what he drinks, it must be 110 proof.

[Teej]

Mr. Ralstin ruined my fun. I was wondering how many people would believe that story!



"I'm not a guy who is looking for trouble but I'm not a guy who is going to back off either." - Juan Montoya

[3-wide]

If Foyt had led a first lap with one arm in the air, I guarantee you he wasn't waving to the fans. It would have been intended for the rest of the field and if you looked real close, you'd see that middle finger was carrying the message.

[Eagle104]

St. Peter(chuckling): ...haha, no, that's not AJ Foyt, it's God, he just thinks he's AJ Foyt!


A classic!

[Professor Joe]

Originally posted by Dick Ralstin:
<STRONG>I would like for you to show me a man who can make a lap by turning right while going left with just enough power to keep his car from going over the fence --- all the while smiling for the camera and waving to the fans.</STRONG>

Well, Dick, Gary Bettenhausen did it one handed, but he rarely smiled and he couldn't get that other arm to wave....