Re: Critique my end of May racing trip
 

Originally Posted by hungthrottlepodcast:
Does everybody agree with this?

It's not if I agree or disagree. Gas City is our normal Friday night track and Kokomo is our normal Sunday night track. Both run great shows and I certainly wouldn't say that they are the only races you should attend while you are visiting. You certainly won't go wrong by hitting these tracks though.

I personally think that all of the Indiana tracks offer exciting racing on a regular basis. That I guess is why whenever possible we try to attend at least one race per season at most of the race tracks in Indiana. Of course, we also like all types of racing so it really doesn't matter to us what is running.

We are really spoiled here in the Hoosier State as we have many fine facilities that offer great racing on both pavement and dirt.

Don't lose a bunch of sleep worrying about what tracks to hit. You probably won't go wrong no matter where you end up. Enjoy the races and there is always next year to hit the ones you don't see this year.

Re: Critique my end of May racing trip
 

Originally Posted by hungthrottlepodcast:
I've lurked this website for years and decided to post.

Coming down from WI for some open wheel racing at the end of May. The main event is the Indy 500 which I got some free tickets to, but I really enjoy local short track racing more than anything. Was able to visit Bloomington and Haubstadt last year during sprint week and loved it.

So, the plan is to come down on Wed. May 22 for the sprint car race at Terre Haute that night. We are staying in Greencastle.

Thursday, I got no plan for the day so maybe someone has a good idea? Maybe a shop tour or something cool like that. Did the Indy Museum last year, so want to do something different. Then Thursday night out to the Fairgrounds for the Silver Crown race.

Friday we plan on hanging at IMS for carb. day. Is there anything that is a must not miss during that day? I'm 44, and the guy with me coming in from CA is 60, so we are not interested in concerts or partying hard. That night he wants to go to a BBQ at Judges BBQ (any good??), but I'm more for finding a good short track show. Anybody got some good ideas?

Saturday, pretty sure we will relax until heading out to Anderson for the Little 500. It's a show I've always wanted to attend. What time should we arrive? If there is a better show close by I could be talked into that.

Lastly, on Sunday we are heading to the Indy 500. Been to it several times over the years and enjoy it every time.

Well, what do you think? Tips or opinions greatly appreciated.

I made the trek down from Wisconsin a couple years ago to help on a car for the Little 500. I will never miss that race again. Super cool! Im planning on hitting Gas City this year on Friday, Little 500 Saturday and Kokomo Sunday night. After carb day, watch the Indy Lights race. Was a great show last year (sometimes 3 wide). Then the Pit stop challenge is right after. Pretty cool to watch a few rounds of that. Piece of advice for the Little 500. Get seats in a corner (Turn 1 has a good view). Your head will feel like it wants to roll off your body if its going back and forth watching 500 green flag laps. Would be great to meet up with a fellow Cheesehead to watch some open wheel racing!

Re: Critique my end of May racing trip
 

Originally Posted by Andrew S. Quinn:
If you actually want to see a race after the 500,I'd recommend going to Kokomo.

We went to Kokomo 3 of the last 4 years. Had fun, but the wife wants to head home after the 500. I'm going to try & fast-talk her into stopping off at Angell Park. She loves watching Midgets & gets to see Sprint Cars every Friday night, so I might have a chance.

steiny
:32:

Re: Critique my end of May racing trip
 

Good luck!

For anyone looking for some racing earlier Saturday afternoon or attending the memorabilia shows at the state fairgrounds, USAC quarter midgets will be running at 1 pm on May 25th at Mini Indy Speedway located on the northeast corner of the State fairgrounds. Stop by and see kids from 5-16 put on some great racing! If the fairgrounds is charging for parking it's $5 a car to get in, if not, it's totally free! Last weeks 10 car 40 lap Sr Honda race included a 3 car battle for the lead while in lapped traffic resulting in 6 lead changes, until with 7 laps to go, when the leader crashed 3 wide trying to get under a lapped car. Very entertaining unless you were the dad of the race leader (cough cough). ;)

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Re: Critique my end of May racing trip
 

Originally Posted by Stealth87:
I made the trek down from Wisconsin a couple years ago to help on a car for the Little 500. I will never miss that race again. Super cool! Im planning on hitting Gas City this year on Friday, Little 500 Saturday and Kokomo Sunday night. After carb day, watch the Indy Lights race. Was a great show last year (sometimes 3 wide). Then the Pit stop challenge is right after. Pretty cool to watch a few rounds of that. Piece of advice for the Little 500. Get seats in a corner (Turn 1 has a good view). Your head will feel like it wants to roll off your body if its going back and forth watching 500 green flag laps. Would be great to meet up with a fellow Cheesehead to watch some open wheel racing!

Yup, the Little 500 is a lock for us now. And I love sitting in turn 1 for all races. I have not been to Anderson in about 30 years, way back when ASA used to run the Red Bud 400 there (I think it used to be 400 laps and not the current 300, but somebody can correct me if I'm wrong). And since we will both be there, meeting up for a beer or soda seems in order.

Re: Critique my end of May racing trip
 

Another question,

Which one would be a good track to go into the pits at? Looking for one where we can get there when the pits open, hang around and watch practice and qualifying, and then head up into the stands for the races.

Re: Critique my end of May racing trip
 

Originally Posted by hungthrottlepodcast:
Another question,

Which one would be a good track to go into the pits at? Looking for one where we can get there when the pits open, hang around and watch practice and qualifying, and then head up into the stands for the races.

Heading down to the infield of the fairgrounds is pretty cool (and easily accessable since there is a tunnel going under the track). Couple years ago I parked in the infield, and watched qualifying from turn 3 then headed up to the grandstands for racing. However it got a little expensive since I paid for parking in the infield and a pit pass, then paid for a grandstand seat. But it was a great experience tho. They really haul around that place!

Re: Critique my end of May racing trip
 

Last year I wasn't charged extra to watch the race from the Grandstand with my Pit Pass at the Hoosier 100. It's not like they need all those seats for the public. I have been charged to do so other years at all 3 Miles.

steiny
crewman SC #43
crewchief TSCS #12
:32:

Re: Critique my end of May racing trip
 

Couple of other questions...

Will we have any problem getting good seats on Saturday for the Little 500 at Anderson if we don't buy ahead of time? I'd rather not purchase ahead because of the weather.

Also, I think Bloomington and Gas City both run on Friday night, which show is better?