Monday, May 30, 2005
Indy 500
I watch the Indy 500 yesterday. This used to be my favorite race in the world. At least until all the millionaires decided to ruin it for the common folk. It's just not the same. Greed ruins another special day. I can remember when growing up all the hype about Indy - Memorial Day was part and parcel of the event. Even Jim Nabors singing that moldy Back Home in Indiana fit. Then, and I don't the whats or whys, the owners and drivers decided to split up and turn it into some hack of a race.
I can't really tell you why it no longer excites me like it did. There's still a bunch of hype and fast cars -- although I have no idea who most of the drivers are anymore. I put that more to my age, than anything else. NASCAR seems to be all you hear about these days - much more than Indy open wheels.
I must admit I was impressed by Danica. I first heard about her in the pre-race interview and thought she sounded like she was much too full of herself. She may still be, but she seems to be able to drive - and then some. Even with the minor goofs of a stall and a spin, she came back to damn near win. Recovering after mistakes like that is what separates veterans from rookies. Another couple of gallons of methanol and she might just have done it. Congratulations to her and Rahal racing. By the way, Bobby Rahal was one of my favorite drivers in his day. Bald, a little paunchy and best of all, wearing glasses - he was a driver who I could aspire to. Good job all around.
2fers: Rahal Racing and Indy 500
