Show And Tell Us Your Special Indy 500 Memories And Moments
  Show And Tell Us Your Special Indy 500 Memories And Moments |
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#21 
03-17-2008 07:56 PM |
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 Lloyd Ruby Story My favorite Lloyd Ruby story: Took my two oldest sons (they were 8 and 9 at the time) to Indy in 1993. We went to the exhibits between turns 1 and 2 on the Friday before the race. My oldest son entered and won a trip in the pace car along with around 20 other people. We stood in line and heard someone say that famous people were driving the pace cars. I didn't think that was true. My youngest son was really upset that he didn't win, but then one of the track people (I have to admit, the people that work at the 500 are the NICEST people in the world!) asked if my youngest son and I would like to sit in the back seat. We said sure. So we get into the 1993 Camaro Z28 and I look at the driver and it sure looks like Lloyd Ruby. So I politely ask, "and who would our driver be?" Back comes in a soft Texas drawl, "Lloyd Ruby." I was thrilled, but my sons had never heard of him. I then said, "boys, if there was any justice in this world, this gentleman would have won at least two Indy 500's." Lloyd just said, "it wasn't meant to be." We also ask him who the other drivers were, he said that Jim Rathmann was in front of us and James Garner was behind us. We go around the track at about 60 mph. As Rathmann pulls in between 1 and 2, Mr. Ruby says "Ole Rathmann just drives too slow, I'm going to give you another lap." He takes off through 2 and hits about 130 on the back stretch. He hauls that Camaro into three and I'm thinking that at least I'm going to die happy! He then slows it down in four because they are painting the turn 4 wall. He then apologizes for having to slow down. That was the thrill of my life. I know that my sons enjoyed it, but not as much as I did. Being from Arizona, Roger McCluskey was my favorite driver, but Lloyd Ruby was a close second. Thanks, Glenn 
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#22
03-17-2008 08:05 PM |
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Front page of the Indianapolis Star! I took my 2 oldest sons to the Speedway for the first time in 1993. They were 8 and 9 years old. We were at Carb day when a photographer came up and asked me to sign a release to use a photo of my sons. I signed it, however, when a second photographer asked me to do the same an hour late I figured it must be a very common thing and I figured the photos would never be used. We had a great time at the race, then on the way home, someone on the airplane ride home said, "that was a nice photo of your son on the cover of the Star!" Luckily we had several friends that kept the paper and sent us the front page. Sure enough, there was a color photo of my 8 year old son on the cover of the Friday Indianapolis Star. He was giving a thumbs up sign and had his tongue sticking out. I remember the moment. It was the moment when his favorite driver, Al Unser Jr, was leaving the pits to hit the track on carb day. I've always thought it would be a cool story to cover his trip to Indy this year as a follow up 15 years later. He has graduated from college and works as a Financial Analyst for Edward Jones.
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#23
03-17-2008 09:14 PM |
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2003 INDY 500 IN 2005 MY SON CODY & MYSELF WENT TO THE RACE IN A TOUR BUS. WE SAT IN TURN 2 AND HE ENJOYED THE RACE VERY MUCH. WHEN WE GOT BACK HOME I ASKED HIM HOW HE LIKED HIS FIRST INDY 500. HE SAID IS WAS GREAT. WHEN I ASKED HIM WHAT HE LIKED ABOUT IT I WAS SUPRISED BY HIS ANSWER. HE LIKED THE BUS BECAUSE IT HAD A BATHROOM AND DRINKS.
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#24
03-17-2008 11:23 PM |
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A special place As a young boy in the mid 1970's my father and I would always listen to the race in the detached garage at our home in Pennsylvania, as we prepared for a family picnic on Memorial Day. I can remember rooting for Mario Andretti every year with my father, back then the race was not televised live, but later that evening. Even though Mario did not win, I remember hoping that night things would change and he would win when we watched it on TV, surprisingly the results were always the same. Every year while listing on the radio, I would badger my father "can we go next year", over and over again. I always got the same response "maybe". Many years later, I had graduated from college and moved west, a friend of mine had a ticket fo the 1993 Indy 500, he did not even have to ask, my answer was yes! After we got to the stands inside of turn 3 he asked me what I tought. My response was I needed two tickets for the next year. That year it was about lap 105 not a cloud in the sky and Mario Andretti had made a pass into the lead in turn 1. I could hear the crowd all they way in turn 3. I remember hoping it would rain and Mario would have gotten another 500, but there was not a cloud in the sky and he unfortunately did not finish the race. Well you guessed it my father and I went to the 1994 Indy 500 together, and I am happy to say the 92nd running will be our 15th Indy 500. I have several fiends that join us fo the race and we make a grand time of it. But the one thing that is always special is the time my father and I can share at a place we both hold sacred, and as holy ground. Things have changed and my wife, kids and I have moved 6 times over the past 10 years with our careers, but now I am in Illinois, and I hope to take my kids to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for qualifications this year. I hope to share with them what I have been able to share with my father over the past 15 years. Thank you IMS, this is truely a special place. Chris Miller
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#25
03-18-2008 06:23 PM |
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Indy Memories I don't think I have one memory in particular, it is everything associated with the 500. My first was '86 and I still get the same feelings every year when I walk through the gates for the first time. It is the hair on the back of my neck standing up when the field comes by me for the first time. It is the laughs I have with my family who attends also. Our Indy Pool we have every year (that I have won only once since '86). It is the whole experience that love to re-live every year with my family and friends, and the experience that I can't wait to share with my son in the next couple of years, when he starts coming with the family on race weekend.
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#26
03-19-2008 01:03 AM |
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Scott Brayton I have been coming to the Indy 500 since I was 9 years old, since the cold may race of 1992, and I have been hooked since. I have been to the last 16 races and encountered many great experiences, so many I could probably write a book. The most favorite one of mine that I will never forget is of Scott Brayton. It was brief, but memorable. Since Scott has passed there has been an award in his owner to the driver that best exemplifies his sprit through out the month of may, the truth to me is that though the winners have had a spirit all their own, none will ever come close to matching the kind of person Scott was. I was a fan of his before he passed for this very reason. I would collect autographs as any kid would, and Indy Car drivers were the best athletes at graciously being accessible to all people. I remember in 1993, I was able to get into the garage after the race due to a photographer giving me a media pass after he was done with it. I had been hanging around in there for a while and I was even able to get into Penske's garage and meet most of them right after the race. At the end of all the commotion and long after drivers had disappeared, there was Scott Brayton being interviewed on Donald Davidson’s radio show. I waited eagerly to get his autograph, hoping I could get a moment to step up and not be nervous to ask for it, I didn't want to interrupt. Eventually my mom grew tired of waiting and we decided it was time to leave and go home. I had walked all the way out to the back entrance towards the museum, when before I exit the garage area I hear someone yelling for us to hold up a second as he was running towards us. To my surprise it was Scott Brayton running up to me with a rolled up poster in his hands that he had autographed for me. All I remember is that he said he could see me waiting there patiently to talk with him and that he was unable to break from what he was doing, but that he wanted me to have the poster of his car and his hat. I never could have known that day how lucky I really was to have that experience as Scotty passed away just a few years later. I did have one more moment with him in 1996 when the IRL was formed. He and Tony Stewart, an unknown rookie, were signing autographs for a handful of people at Union Station in downtown Indy. I had drawn a picture of Tony Stewart that he signed for me, but Scott Brayton was much more enthusiastic about, asking me questions about how I did it and how long it took me, I was just a kid. I felt bad cause had I known that I was going to have such a reaction from Scotty then I would have drawn the picture for him instead. Scott was a great man and I can only say to those who win the trophy that while they have a piece of metal saying they resemble the spirit of Scott Brayton, which is all it will ever be. Scott Brayton was one of a kind and will always be held in high regards by this race fan that got a few chances to have some memorable moments over the few years I attended the races while Scott was with us. Thank you Scott.
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#27
03-19-2008 09:16 AM |
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A Father's Love My father, Charlie Robison was a camera man with WFBM TV for the 1949 & 1950 "500", so the 500 has always had a special place in our hearts. In 1975 the family was at the race and my father was able to get a pit pass which would allow us to go down on the track and take pictures of the cars and drivers. I took the pass down to the gate in front of the tower and was turned away. The reason? I was wearing shorts. Going back to our seats in Tower Terrace my father asked why I was back so soon. I told him my sad story and he jumped up and I followed. Now my dad was a modest hoosier and when we went to the restroom below the stands and changed pants with me that was one of best memories. I got on the track and have some wonderful photographs while dad sat in the stands getting a sunburn on his very white legs. God bless you dad and rest in peace.
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#28
03-20-2008 10:29 AM |
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re: My 500 Memories I used to go to pole day from 1985 to 1995 then the cars split. My great Grandpa went to the first ever time trials and so every year since then one person in our family have made the treck to pole day. I have books from the 1911 race all the way up until last year. I can still remember my dad and I getting up at 4:30a.m. getting ready and stopping at 5:30 a.m. for donuts and chocolate milk. We made the 3 and 1/2 hour drive to indy and would get there at 8a.m. indy time and watch practice and pole day qualifing. Then head home. WOW! What a trip. I remember a time when Hiro Matsuda crashed as we were watching practice and seeing parts go every where. And Roberto Gurerro going 232 miles per hour and Tom Carnegie saying HEEE'S OONN ITTT! AND IITT'S AAA NEEEWW TTRRAACCKK RRECCOORRD!. What memories.
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#29
03-20-2008 03:05 PM |
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nice hat! My grandpa and my dad have been taking us to the '500' for years, and always said that every time you walk through the gates, you never know what to expect. Oh what great books any one of us long-time fans could write filled with such memories! One particular year, 2005, stands out for me as one of my favorites. The night before the race, a friend of mine purchased a very unique hat on Georgetown, and somehow convinced me to wear it on Race Day. After one of the more exciting races, my family embarked on its annual excursion to the infield, Gasoline Alley, and to the yard of bricks. As the sun was setting over the main grandstands and we approached Victory Lane, a familiar figure was standing around, recounting and absorbing the accounts of the day. Yes, the newly crowned champion, Dan Wheldon! After some congratulatory remarks, I asked him to stand next to me for a picture. He was all too happy to oblige. Then, jokingly, I asked him to wear the hat for the picture, to which he replied, "Why not?" The resulting picture has quickly become legendary amongst my family and friends.
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#30
03-22-2008 08:20 PM |
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My first Indy 500 It was 1965 and my uncle got tickets and took my Dad, Mom and me to the race. We set in a little wooden stand between turns one and two. The prerace bands and activities were great. When Mr. Homan said gentelmen start your engeins my Dad said watch this the start is the greatest moment in sports. When the cars came by on the first lap I was standing with the hair on the back of my neck standing straight up. After 100 laps my Dad told me it was time to sit down. I still get the same goose bumps at the start of each race ever since and I have missed only one race since in 1973 (when I had sugery) or I would have never missed a race.
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#31
03-24-2008 09:53 PM |
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Greatest Spectacle in "Raining" 2005 was my first year going to the Indianapolis 500 Qualifications. It was Pole Day weekend and I was really nervous because I didn't know who any of the drivers were. I was 9 years old at the time. When it started raining, I was a little down because we were going to leave earlier than I had wanted to. My family and I had decided to stick around Gasoline Alley a little while longer to see if any drivers would come around. We were just about to leave when Helio Castroneves was nice enough to come out in the rain and sign some autographs! I was very embarrassed because my face was all smudged from having my face painted checkered, and the pen that i gave Helio wouldn't write! "This pen doesn't write" Helio said. Someone offered another pen and Helio waited in the rain to sign my hat. I was very very happy that he was paitent enough to wait in the rain. That is one of my most memorable experiences at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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#32
03-25-2008 01:32 PM |
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So Many Memories My first year coming to "The Greatest Spectacle In Racing" was 1988. I was 10 years old and still remember it to this day. I have been back every year since. I've sat in the rain for days waiting to hear those engines. I've walked through a tornado, never been so wet in my life. Its the only place in the world where large trash bags are exceptable "fashion"! I've been so hot I could hardly stand it. And cold! I've seen so many GREAT drivers. Rick Mears, A.J., Mario & Michael Andretti, Gordon Johncock, Johnny Rutherford, Al Sr. & Al Jr., Helio, Gil, and Sammy just to name a few! And so many GREAT races. Emo and Little Al when Jr. ended up in the wall. Rick Mears and Michael Andretti exchancing the lead in '91! Little Al beating Scott Goodyear at the line. But the best one ever was Sam Hornish Jr. in 2006! I'll never forget that one! Indy holds a special place in my heart. It started with just me and my Grandfather in 1988. Then my Uncle Jim started coming with us in 1992. Other family members have attended throughout the years. In 1999 I started taking some friends with me. Uncle Jim ended up buying a home and moving to the Indianapolis area. He expects 20-25 people staying at his house over race weekend. I also have a 5 year old son that I cannot wait to take to INDY and pass on the tradition.
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#33
03-25-2008 06:14 PM |
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Indy 500 Memories My family started going to Indy in 1952. We now attend Indy with over 20 family and friends from several different states each year. I have only missed 2 races since 1962. There have been many memorable races such as, in 1964 my hero A. J. Foyt's second win, 1972 Salt Walther's fiery crash on the front stretch, the great Nigel Mansell with a car parked on top of him in the third turn, and many, many others. But my most memorable races was my first in 1962, when the terrible crash that took the life of the "clown prince of racing" Eddie Sachs and being on the front stretch when the great A.J. Foyt Jr. won his fourth Indy 500. I hope to enjoy going Indy racing for many years to come and love the view from the 3rd turn at the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing".
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#34
03-26-2008 02:13 PM |
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My Dad and Grandpa I was 10 years old in 1968. My Dad and my Grandpa took me to the first day of qualifications. I had received a hand-held stopwatch from my Grandma and Grandpa for my birthday earlier in the year. I was now going to use it at the greatest racetrack in the world. What a thrill it was to have timed the first official 170 MPH lap with my little stopwatch! My Grandpa died just 4 years later, so this is a cherished memory that I will never forget.
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#35
03-29-2008 07:06 PM |
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re: Indy 500 Memories Great memories I've been going since 1959 and like you love the 3rd turn seats. One correction is the Sachs/MacDonald accident was 1964. Almost decided never to go back. It seemed like no one really wanted to win that one. A truly sad day. Quote: Originally Posted by Rabon Hinkle My family started going to Indy in 1952. We now attend Indy with over 20 family and friends from several different states each year. I have only missed 2 races since 1962. There have been many memorable races such as, in 1964 my hero A. J. Foyt's second win, 1972 Salt Walther's fiery crash on the front stretch, the great Nigel Mansell with a car parked on top of him in the third turn, and many, many others. But my most memorable races was my first in 1962, when the terrible crash that took the life of the "clown prince of racing" Eddie Sachs and being on the front stretch when the great A.J. Foyt Jr. won his fourth Indy 500. I hope to enjoy going Indy racing for many years to come and love the view from the 3rd turn at the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing".
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#36
03-30-2008 11:48 PM |
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4790 West 16th Street: the Greatest Place on Earth, and a Family Tradition Having attended my first Indianapolis 500 in 1973 as a wide-eyed eight year old and every “500” since, it is difficult to define one great experience at the Speedway, but a multitude come to mind. Countless Qualification Days and hearing John Totten describe the run “both left side wheels just below the white line”, Tom Carnegie with the “time and speed report” and bellowing “AND IT’S A NEW TRACK RECORD”, and Jim Phillippe conducting the post-run interview and imploring the crowd to cheer for a great run with “he can hear you now”. Race Days highlighted by A.J. Foyt’s fourth “500” win in 1977 and sharing the victory lap with Mr. Hulman, the compelling last 10 laps of the 1982 Race, with virtually everyone cheering so loudly for the veteran Gordon Johncock to hold off a surging youngster named Rick Mears that the engines were barely audible, and the stunning last second pass for victory by Sam Hornish in 2006. The history of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race fascinate me, and perhaps that is partially attributable to my family’s history at The 500. My paternal grandfather attended his first “500” in 1937 at the invitation of a friend, and essentially stayed in Indianapolis for the rest of his life. My maternal grandfather attended every “500” from 1951 to 1985. My father attended every “500” from 1946 to 2002, except 1959 when the Navy had him in Cuba “taking care of Fidel” as dad always said. An uncle has attended every Race since 1951, and in the same Stand B seats since 1955. But it is my dad taking me to the Speedway and The 500 for so many years that had the greatest impact. Dad was on the Safety Patrol for 33 years, and the thrill of coming in on Race Day before the gates opened was hard to describe. My dad passed away in 2003, but certainly passed on a love of the Indianapolis 500 that I am now passing on to my children. Thankfully, they have taken to the Speedway and the Month of May at a very young age and I look forward to sharing their big days at 4790 West 16th Street with them for many years to come.
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#37
04-01-2008 04:51 PM |
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Young fan My uncle Jeff (who hasnt missed a race since 1971) took me to my first Indy 500 when I was 8. Now 23 years later I wont miss it for anything. Last March we had our 1st child and I decided to start her alittle earlier than 8, in this picture taken at the museum she is sitting in an Indycar at 4weeks old.
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#38
04-02-2008 09:48 PM |
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Tradition The Indianapolis 500 has always been a tradition in our family. Memorial Day consisted of sitting around the radio listening to the race. 21 years ago, I sent in for tickets to our first "live" race. Our first tickets were for the 1988 race. Our seats were in the backstretch, and we arrived around 6:30. The sights and sounds were awesome, and Mario had bad luck again, coasting to a stop in the backstretch. The next day, we waited in line several hours to get tickets to the following year's race. We were upgraded to the Tower Terrace, and have been ticket holders ever since. I have been very fortunate, because my dad and son saw several races with us before my dad passed away a few years ago. Now I'm carrying on the tradition with our grandkids. I know we'll build many happy memories with them!
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#39
04-05-2008 05:19 PM |
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The American dream becomes a reality for As a young boy, in a rural town in Pennsylvania, my father listened to the Indy 500 on the radio. He would hurry to the local store to purchase a car magazine that did a special feature on the drivers of the 500 prior to the race. He had no idea where Indianapolis even was, but it came to life in his home once a year! My father grew up to be an outstanding mechanic working on local race cars as well as sprint cars. In 1970, he walked through the famous gates of the 500 for the first time. Completely in awe of the place. He shared that dream with his family. On and off for the last 35 years my father and his family and friends have walked through those gates many times and shared many wonderful memories. We have met some of the most wonderful people (and lost some.) My father fulfilled his ultimate dream, working on a car that won the Indy 500 (Kenny Brack with AJ Foyt.) To win the most prestigious race in the country working with the most prestigious name in racing is greater than a little boy in some little farm town in Pennsylvania could have ever dreamed.
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#40
04-18-2008 11:54 AM |
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First time at the track It was 1985 and my brother, Cory and I went to the Indy for the first time for practice. This day we would meet Mario Andretti and Danny Sullivan, They were friendly, talked to us and signed some autographs. We had found our favorite drivers. I can remember the thrill of the cars in the distance peaking out of turn 4, screaming pass and disappearing again into turn 1. It was surreal to see these drivers and machines up close. The sights of these legends in person, the smells and sounds of the engines, I can’t imagine anything better. I can look at this photo and still remember the enthusiasm and awe of being there for the first time. Every year after, our parents brought us down to the track. It was usually for practice and time trials. By 1991 we were going to our first race. We’ve been to everyone since. We saw Rick Mears win his fourth 500. We were there when AJ Foyt made his last lap. We saw Helio climb the fence and Marco nearly win it. We saw Goodyear and Little Al fight to the finish. Actually we almost didn’t that year. It was 1992. It was my Mom, Dad, Cory and I. The day was ridiculously cold. Filled with wrecks and cautions, Michael Andretti dominated the race. With about 15 laps to go, my dad thought it best we leave early and beat traffic. Regardless of my arguments not to leave, we left our turn 3 seats and headed for the car. While walking between turn 3 and 4, on the outside of the stands, a huge roar erupted from the crowd. I, with my headphones still on, told Dad that “Michael’s out.” Quickly we ran to turn 4 and thanks to a generous “yellow shirt,” we were allowed to watch the closing laps from the stairs, with an improved view straight down the front stretch. Lesson learned, don’t ever leave early. What was once just the family at the race, has now turned into our own family and friends. Every year, it seems we recruit a new fan. This year will be the 18th 500 in a row, for Cory and I. Someday soon it’ll be our own kids at the track for the first time meeting their new heroes and experiencing the signs, smells and sounds that capture us so many years ago. I can’t imagine not being at Indy. I can barely remember a time without it. This photo captures the child like excitement that still greets me every time I visit Indy.
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