It was actually hotter this year for the Indy 500 than the Brickyard 400, but that is not usually the case. The 500 this year had a near capacity crowd, but the heat was so intense you could see the open grandstands becoming less populated as the day progressed. The entire north end of the track was virtually empty for the Brickyard 400, while the covered stands had a decent count.
Even if they add lights, the 500 should always remain a day event. We've lost a lot of traditions over the years; I sure wouldn't want to see that one go. I've been to every 500 since 1965, and all of the Brickyard 400's. I enjoy the challenge of getting up very early in the morning, getting to my parking space, watching the crowd arrive, then hustling back to Haubstadt for another race after the 500, or enjoying a leisurely drive back through Mooresville and a meal at Gray Brothers after the Brickyard. If they run the Brickyard at night, that would end that.