Indy Zombie

After a little self reflection, I’ve come to view myself as one of those Zombie’s who mindlessly replicate actions in death that they used to perform in life. The only difference being that rather than shuffling around the mall, I’ll be watching the race.

I remember the race being such a big event; easily on a par with the Super Bowl...I know, I know, that's lost its luster too.

Now, not even GRM types have bothered to make any mention of it.

So, will anybody else be watching and if so, will you have spittle slowly oozing from a corner of your lip?

I’ll be watching and I’ll be caring but I’ll do it knowing that I’m going the way of the Dodo bird.

Watching what?

Bhahaha...berkley you RossD

There is this semi-large race in Indiana this weekend, featuring funny looking cars with no fenders, and one hot chick. I think.

I'll watch it if I'm around the house anyhow but for the most part racing on TV just doesn't do it for me. If I'm watching on TV, I'd rather just get some highlights.

My uncle and his kids/grandkids go every year in person, I'd really like to make that trip sometime. But it never seems to work out schedule-wise.

I've never watched the 500. It seems like it would more fun if my friends were into it, and watched it all together like the superbowl. when it comes to racing, i'm... forever alone

There are some of us who LOVE the Indy 500. Joe Gearin (who's on vacation to attend) has been going for 18(or more?) years without missing a single one.

Personally, I'm drawn to it for the history and experience of it, but the race itself doesn't pull me in. 4 turns? 500 miles? Not quite my cup of tea.

I hear very good things about next years' rule changes though. We'll see...

In reply to nderwater:

provide free food n beer... friends will come

I'm going! Just found out yesterday of free tickets available, convinced girlfriend to attend and change plans.

My MOTHER (the lady who was not into cars) would drag us down for the week prior but not the actual race. It was an annual rite for about 10 years. While I loved it, I never understood why we never stayed for the race. I was told that regardless of who won the race, the best part of the event happened before and the race never mattered.

I'll watch as much as the schedule allows.

I love racing, including the I500. It's a tarnished spectacle and pre-race TV coverage is abysmal as are all the commercial breaks. Good thing I can tell time and use the mute button.

The Speedway itself is a daunting and impressive place and the history is palpable even as you walk up to the grandstands; you can't help but feel it. And, it is overwhelming when you enter and explore the infield museum.

So, a definite dose of Monaco in the morning, less-committed interest in the I500 and the Coke 600 is pretty much hit or miss.

I'd like to go in person one day.

But no plans to watch it, or really any other TV this weekend. I'll be getting all pruny in Grand Lake in less than 48 hours.

In reply to Tom Heath:

I've been to the track twice, but never for the race. Once was for a quali weekend and there were still a couple hundred thousand fans there. The second time was on a drive-by while headed to the June Sprints. It was week after the cold-induced wreck fest but the walls had already been re-painted to mask the tire marks and wheel scrapes. They couldn't hide all the skid marks, though.

That second trip included a one lap bus ride around the track; for a buck (or so) it was worth it. The highlight of that morning was visiting the museum. It doesn't matter what you're into, if you're a gear head, the Indy museum should make everyone's bucket list.

I'm with Oldsaw on this one. The place just reeks of so much racing history; and one never knows what will happen. Look at qualifying this year.

Where's the highest Penske car qualified again? And what happened over at Andretti/? racing? And who fueled the Target cars....

For the first time in many a year, there is some real interest in the race from those who follow it. Qualifying wasn't a yawner.

A jammed wheel nut on the last stop, a computer chip deciding to go on vacation coming out of turn 4 on the last lap...whatever.

GP2 followed by Monaco, then Indy, and maybe a little Coke 600. AND Lime Rock on monday! We all wait for this time of year.

Sure, I miss the "almost run what you brung" innovative days of Indy; times have changed. That's why there's vintage racing...

In reply to RX Reven':

I'm even worse, I follow the whole series! I'll be watching it. Qualifying was actually pretty exciting at the end when Tag got the pole. I think it will get much more interesting next year when they have engine and chassis variation. At least I hope so.

cwh wrote: There is this semi-large race in Indiana this weekend, featuring funny looking cars with no fenders, and one hot chick. I think.

Simona De Silvestro? Pippa Mann? Ana Beatriz?

So, to the last few posters...

Could you give a quick overview of what is going on, or perhaps a link to an article that sets up the race?

These things are a lot like other sports, the more you know the back story and the setup, the more interesting it is.

VERSUS will show the qualifying Friday evening and also show the pre-race parade. They just won't be showing the merry go round they call a race on Sunday.

Simona is the woman to watch; ladie's got talent Danica can't approach. Simona just needs a little more seat time, and bit bolder stratagist. I saw her run in a lower class at Lime Rock, and get the $50k check for series champ. I had no idea who she was--or she was a "she" until the victory stand.

Aircooled: USA today usually runs an insert/esction in their friday paper for the race. And the versus reairing will be worth watching.

I'll watch the race this weekend. Always enjoy the Coca-Cola 600. Charlotte is a great track.

Tom Heath wrote: I hear very good things about next years' rule changes though. We'll see...

Are they going to make 1/2 the cars go clockwise and the other half counterclockwise? Then maybe it'll have a bit more interest.

I stopped watching after the "split". The race is just a shadow of its' former self. I don't keep tabs as much on it anymore, but weren't they having a hard time filling the field with 33 cars not too long ago?

I'll watch the Coke 600.

I'll watch Monaco for sure. Always Tivo F1 practice, qualifying, and the races. I won't watch Indy or the coke race. No interest what so ever. What I would rather watch any day is something like the SCCA runoffs. Billboards going around in circles is not my thing I guess. Despite the drivers' skills, the speed of the cars, the history, the backstories, it reminds me of sitting in traffic and I do not enjoy that.

I'll pay attention when they move away from Spec-racing and move towards Formula racing again. Not Formula 1, but a basic formula for the car and let the teams come up with something interesting and safe. Alternative power systems, active aero, etc. Let the free thinkers reign supreme again.

T.J. wrote: I'll watch Monaco for sure. Always Tivo F1 practice, qualifying, and the races. I won't watch Indy or the coke race. No interest what so ever. What I would rather watch any day is something like the SCCA runoffs. Billboards going around in circles is not my thing I guess. Despite the drivers' skills, the speed of the cars, the history, the backstories, it reminds me of sitting in traffic and I do not enjoy that.

Yeah, F1 for sure. My wife always makes me watch the start of the 500 and until she gets bored which is about 4 laps. Then she wants to see who won.

Then we can go do something more interesting like counting how many bricks are in a wall.

We watched it last year and my wife already mentioned she wants to watch it again.

Given that the alternative is probably her watching housewives of wherever I don't mind watching the Indy 500. Actually quite enjoyed it last year.