For as long as my boys can remember I have been a Tony Kanaan fan. AJ Foyt was my first favorite followed by Arie Luyendyk. When Arie retired from racing at the Indy 500 I needed a new favorite. I don’t remember actively looking for a new favorite. It just happened naturally. Tony was always impressive at Indy and I immediately liked him. He was my Indy 500 pick for many years. In 2013 when he finally won the race I was beyond thrilled.
So it is odd that Tony Kanaan is one of the few drivers I have never really met. I got his autograph once but he barely looked up from the photo book to notice me. Just another fan asking. He didn’t realize I was one of his biggest fans, well maybe not biggest but a long time fan and he had always been my favorite. Zach was fortunate enough to meet him at Road America and got a great selfie with him. Hopefully I can do the same one day, maybe even without crying.
Zach meets Tony Kanaan.
I met both AJ and Arie long after they retired so maybe the same will be true with Tony. If my experience with Tony comes even close to the neat conversations I had with AJ and Arie it will be worth the wait.
First thing Arie asked me was if I was a Tony Kanaan fan. I responded I was an Arie fan before Tony.
I never saw Tony Kanaan win a race in person but we were at the Bommarito 500 last year and saw Tony get a podium win. It was a great day for Tony and AJ Foyt Racing.
Tony on the podium!
My first IndyCar memorabilia are Tony Kanaan shirts. I have Big Machine vodka even though I’m not a huge vodka fan. I have Tony Kanaan, Big Machine hand sanitizer. I purchased a Cabernet Sauvignon featuring Tony Kanaan’s 2013 Indianapolis 500 win from Foyt Family Wines. Safe to say I love and support all things Tony Kanaan.
2010 qualifying at IndyBoys and I celebrating Tony today.
When Tony announced he would be joining AJ Foyt Racing I was thrilled. I was extremely hopeful that TK would be a wonderful asset to the struggling Foyt team. I was also thrilled to have my original and absolute favorite driver, AJ, team up with my current favorite. Since AJ and Arie have some history it’s fun having AJ and Tony together. I love the respect AJ has for Tony and I’m grateful for the partnership. I wish they had done better but I remain hopeful for the Foyt teams future.
So as the hour nears for Tony’s last ride I have mixed emotions. I’m excited to watch him race today after yesterday’s 9th place finish and I’m sad to know it could be his last race. My son came in and asked if I was crying yet. Well I may have teared up a bit when we took some pictures earlier.
Tony, have a great race today. Enjoy every minute. Hope we see you back in 2021 for the Indianapolis 500 and other races. Thank you for being such a fun driver to cheer for. I never grow tired of watching you pass several cars on restarts. Thank you for the leadership roles you had among the drivers, including a heartbreaking day when we lost Dan Wheldon. Thank you for the laughs and pranks pulled over the years that just endeared us to you even more. Yep, here come the tears.
Usually the night before the Indianapolis 500 I am way to excited to sleep. I’m still super excited but I was able to sleep just fine. My Month of May routine was thrown off though by having the race in August. While I’m usually not at the Speedway for race day, I am there a few of the days leading up to the race. Of course we missed that too this year. From home I still enjoy Carb Day and the Pit Stop Competition and always watch the parade. This year those didn’t happen. So I’d didn’t expect to have much that made me smile in the days leading up to the race but I was so wrong.
If you have read my blog even just once before you know I follow IndyCar because I love the teams and drivers. The cars and speed are just a bonus for me. I would watch these guys (and gals) even if they played ping pong. The way the interact with the fans, the fun the have with each other, the amazing things they do for the community, that is why I love IndyCar. They were thrown a curveball this year but still hit a home run.
I watched the driver’s meeting Saturday morning. It opened with each driver sitting in someone’s regular race seat. They called out that fan by name and said they would be keeping their seat warm for them until next year. I teared up watching and tear up again writing. It was the absolute sweetest gesture. It didn’t get old after a few drivers either. It was so fun to watch. Several of the recipients of the messages tweeted out how very cool that was for them. I can only imagine.
The drivers meeting itself was a bit odd with the drivers applauding each other and not many others there but there were some fun conversations with drivers. A highlight was Marco Andretti discussing how his grandfather Mario and father Michael would be leading the field in the two seater. Marco laughed saying, “I can’t believe I’m on the pole and I’m still starting behind these guys.” Honestly, I’m guessing he will have to work hard to not think about it too much at race start because you don’t want to be overcome with emotions and that will be a pretty special time.
Surprise! After the driver’s meeting the 33 drivers all got in the pace cars and did an impromptu parade down Main Street. Wow! That would have been so fun to see. Then for an even bigger surprise the drivers stopped at the house of some lucky ticket holders and surprised them with a visit and a bag of IndyCar swag. I’ve seen so many videos of these visits. How fun! Have you ever heard me say IndyCar drivers are the best? Well it’s true and they continue to prove it.
Doug Boles, the president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is pretty cool too. He watched Pole Day out in the parking lot with the fans who had gathered. He visited fans with Simon Pagenaud and he issued his first ever decree. The “Keep Your Streak” decree was issued declaring that your streak will remain intact even though you are unable to watch in person this year. For some they will always feel that their streak was broken but for some this might help sooth the pain of missing. At the very least it was another sweet gesture to try and make the race weekend special for the fans and let them know how much they truly are appreciated.
So after all that race day is coming alive. While I slept great, I woke early. I’m getting anxious, nervous for the drivers and am so eager to see the green flag drop and learn who will drink the milk after the 500 mile race. I’m feeling both a readiness to get started and also am trying to slow the clock down so we can enjoy every moment.
I hope wherever you are watching from today that even though this race has such a different feel you are able to keep some traditions, start some new ones and find joy in the day we call Christmas for race fans. It’s not the day we wanted but it is still race day and I wish you all a great one.
For many of you this years running of the 104th Indianapolis 500 is a huge disappointment. You had planned to be at the Speedway sitting in your regular spots, chatting with friends, cheering the drivers and enjoying a pork tenderloin. I disappointed for those of you who want to be there. My Indy 500 traditions are a bit different. I have only attended twice in 2015 and 2019. Memorial Day is a busy weekend at my house as my husbands birthday falls on the 27th. He is not a fan so we celebrate on Saturday with him (regardless of the date) and watch the race on Sunday. I supply plenty of snacks to lure my family in so they watch some of the race with me. We also have a family pool for the winner.
Don’t misunderstand though. I still have a huge love for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. My boys and I attend at least one weekend every May. First it was for qualifying and more recently the GP of Indy. Until this year we never missed a road course race at Indy. Even when we drive through town on Spring Break I look for that small piece of 465 where you can see the pagoda from the highway. We never stop but I make sure I see the beautiful pagoda and remind myself I will be down soon and stand in her shadow as we enjoy the road race or qualifying weekends.
Even with my love of Indy I was hesitant to attend my first 500. The crowds seemed overwhelming. Parking sounded horrible. The weather could make the day miserable. In 2015 we decided it was time to see it in person. Mike Knapp offered to help us navigate the day and we couldn’t have had a better day. Weather was perfect, amazing finish even if it wasn’t the driver we wanted and plenty of friends. We thoroughly enjoyed the pre race festivities and the roar of 33 cars flying by – well words can’t really describe. The 2019 race was very similar and I’m so thankful we were able to attend.
There is a lot though that you miss from the actual race when at the track and for me personally my tradition is watching from home. It’s how I enjoy the race. It was how I planned to watch in 2020 even before the pandemic hit. Now it is everyone’s plan. Fans are not allowed at the race and many are extremely disappointed. Well it’s not all bad. There are some benefits of watching from home.
The two biggest benefits are being able to follow the race much easier and air conditioning!
Even with my scanner or the IndyCar radio broadcast on I enjoy seeing the cars being discussed. I enjoy the replays and I immensely enjoy the pre race specials that are put together with behind the scenes stories of the drivers and teams. Back Home Again in Indiana is one of my favorite pre race traditions and I loved hearing it at the track but I love seeing Jim Cornelison and seeing the band and the drivers. I could hear it at the Speedway but not really see it. I’ve sat near turn one and turn two. I can see lots of race action but I see much more on TV. Side by side coverage allows me to not miss too much during commercials and I can even pause for a bathroom break. At the Speedway I wore my big bulky headphones into the restroom. If a great pass is made or one of our favorites has a mishap or takes the lead I can call the family in and replay it for them. I truly enjoy watching the race at home.
I watch in a room we call our sunroom. We have a 60 inch TV and the most comfortable couch ever. I make a taco dip with cream cheese, veggies and chips and make sure the family watches at least the start. If it’s raining I am dry and enjoy the pre race show. If it’s hot I turn up the air conditioning and keep comfortable. My seats at IMS have not had backs. I’m aching by the time the green flag drops. Even though our first race was only in the high 70’s, lower 80’s the sun made it feel much hotter. The boys needed a break during the 2015 race and we walked from our seats to the fountain to dip their feet and missed about 50 laps of racing. I was prepared that could happen but for someone who watches every minute and even takes notes during the race I hated missing out some of the action. There is something to be said for watching indoors.
When the race is over there will be no fighting the crowds or long walks back to the car. You won’t need to shower before dinner or even wait in long lines with a million other race fans to get a seat at a table. Your WiFi won’t have any issues and you will be able to tweet and update Facebook immediately.
Now I know a few of the things I’ve addressed are also things Roger Penske has addressed. Roger has added big screen TV’s and 5G to the facility. He has spruced our beautiful track up more than we could imagine with new signage, paint and flowers. I’m sure the on site experience this year would have been better than any previous year. Hopefully, some of us can experience it in October. Until then I hope those of you who regularly attend the Indy 500 can appreciate some of the things I’ve mentioned above and enjoy the race from home. My heart breaks for those of you who are missing your traditions. Traditions that might go back 50 years or more. I truly understand the disappointment of not being there. I made a trip down in May just to walk by and peek in the gates, dinner at Dawson’s and meet up with a few friends. If you can’t stand the thought of not being there then go. Hear the cars, see the fans, smell the rubber. No one can take that from us. If a trip isn’t an option then I promise you will still enjoy this race on TV. I’ve been watching since 1985 and every race still feels like Christmas morning.
Roger sent a letter to ticket holders and Indy 500 fans. He is eager to get us all back doing what we love.
Dear Indianapolis Motor Speedway Fan,
I will miss you on Sunday.
Believe me, there is no one more than me who wanted fans to be able to watch the 104th Running of the Indy 500 in person.
It is disappointing to run the event without all of you here, but I know our drivers are determined and ready to put on a world-class show for everyone watching at home.
Especially now, during these difficult times, gathering with friends and loved ones for cherished traditions means so much. Hundreds of thousands of fans return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway every year, savoring the final note of “Back Home Again in Indiana” and cheering for some of the world’s greatest drivers. The roar of the crowd goes with the roar of the engines. I wanted you here.
For Indianapolis and Indiana, in general, the Indy 500 means so much. This is especially true for our Race Day staff and local businesses in Indianapolis, who count on the Month of May to boost their income and take care of their families.
But given the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Marion County, running the race without fans was the right decision.
My family and I purchased the Speedway and INDYCAR for the long-term. As much as I wanted to open our gates, even at 25 percent capacity, protecting our fans and “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” for the long term is more important.
When fans return in 2021, you will see many of the improvements we’ve made, including more than 30 new LED video boards, 5G connectivity and refreshed concession stands and restrooms. The winning driver and car are now lifted atop Victory Podium, allowing more fans to see the iconic post-race celebration. More improvements, all focused on our fans, are on the way.
When I was 14 years old, my father took me to the Speedway to watch the race. It was 1951, and Lee Wallard won it. I was able to put on a helmet and sit in a race car. I’ll never forget that experience. That special day shaped the rest of my life and made me who I am. It’s why I care so much about the Speedway and INDYCAR racing. It’s why the fan experience will always be my top priority.
Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to seeing you next May.
And drivers – start your engines.
Roger Penske
With Roger at the helm we know that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is in good hands. We will return and it will be better than ever. Until then I hope you enjoy the race this year even if it is a huge change from your regular traditions. Happy Race Day everyone!
Let me know your favorite traditions or what you will miss the most.
When deciding what to wear this morning I did not choose my Marco Andretti shirt. I did not want to do anything to jinx his chances of winning the pole. Now I don’t really believe that I could have jinxed him him but it seemed to unreal to believe that Marco would win and in the end I decided to not take the chance. I wore my 100th running shirt and laughed to myself wondering if perhaps I was jinxing Alexander Rossi. Yikes! Maybe I did.
Marco Andretti was fastest in qualifying on day one of qualifications. He has always been a strong contender at the Indianapolis 500 and nearly won his first race at the track. Sometimes it appears Marco is his own worst enemy. He practices well but when it’s time to qualify he struggles and often doesn’t perform well during a race. The Indianapolis 500 is one race where he does show his true potential though and we have seen good speed and results from him there.
Marco has had four podium finishes at Indy but let’s be honest- no one remembers those. Only winners are remembered. Perhaps his 2006 second place comes to mind because he was so close to winning but I honestly can’t remember the others.
Marco has had Bryan Herta working with him the last few years. Bryan was behind Dan Weldon’s 2011 win and Alexander Rossi’s 2016 win. I’m sure hoping Bryan can work his magic and pull out another win with Marco!
So today I did some work to get the boys ready for school which begins tomorrow here at home- remote learning for my sophomore and senior. Then I sat down ready to watch the fast nine. Takuma Sato had a great run and held the top stop for a couple runs. Graham Rahal struggled a lot and had the slowest speed. Alex Palou held his own as did Rinus VeeKay. Great results for the rookies in the field. Scott Dixon had a great run and I would not have been surprised if he won the pole. James Hinchcliffe did not perform as hoped for the first Andretti car out. Alexander Rossi was the slowest of the fast nine. It was not looking so good for Andretti. Ryan Hunter-Reay was faster than other teammates but didn’t come close to Dixon’s pace. I felt sick as Marco went out and took the green flag. He had been so fast but would he hold on? His first lap was faster than Dixon’s but his second and third were a bit slower. I could not stand the thought of Marco losing out by just a few hundredths of a second but he didn’t. It was Dixon that lost out. Marco won the pole! Marco’s average speed was 231.068 as compared to Scott Dixon’s 231.051. History was made folks and it was amazing to watch. It is absolutely not fair that fans were not there because the roar in the stands would be so much louder than we could have imagined.
Many believe that Marco is only racing because his name is Andretti. I have always been a Marco fan. He might get in his head and hold himself back but I’ve always believed he has the talent to win. Marco has won twice before, 2006 in Sonoma and 2011 in Iowa. I admit I’ve thought in the last few years that maybe he should do like Ed Carpenter and just run the ovals. Those seem to be his strong point. He proved that today on the biggest oval. I’m a fan though and I’m thankful he is running full time.
I was thrilled to watch Marco win that pole. It was so close and that just added to the drama. My eyes teared up as we learned he was indeed faster that Scott Dixon. Amazing! Ha! Take that all you Marco haters. I say all the time that of course a win at Indy is the ultimate goal but winning the pole also puts you in the history books. You will always be known as a Indianapolis 500 Pole Winner. There is something to be said for that. Great job Marco!
Now just 500 miles to go!
Ryan Hunter-Reay congratulating Marco.James and his creepy mask!Father and sonYep Marco! I was crying too.
During the afternoon practice NBCSN Gold showed reaction around Indy. Fans gathered outside the track all cheered. Watching the reaction from the Penske garage was priceless. Such a popular driver winning the Pole. It was amazing. So wish I could have been there! History was made!
Make sure you check out the afternoon practice because there was also an interview with Mario. His smile says it all! What a great day for the Andretti family!
Congratulations Marco! 500 miles to go! Go get them!
ikissedthebricks 