100 days

Despite the ever-increasing depth of snow outside my window today, chassis-related events coupled with our first planning meeting last week have stirred the spirit to more firmly focus on 'the trip'. 

100 days sounds like a big number but, in truth, isn't. It's just barely enough time to coordinate the elements necessary for a proper trip. This being the 7th trip with this group, the planning has become a bit easier, but each year poses its own obstacles which must be overcome. The primary needs, however, are firmly trenched into the budget: location (Speedway camp lots), lodging (campers), beverages (water - for when the beer runs out), and of course food (primo grilled meats to be exact).

Everyone has their favorite camp food, but ours is not simple fare.  Burgers, brats, dogs and potato salad are generally eschewed for a more civilized palate.  The menu is annually given extra attention and love with a grilling phenom and our very own 4-star chef. It's not uncommon to find this on our plates at Indy (less the expensive linens and flatware, of course)... 

Budget variables such as 'entertainment', 'sundries', and 'hospitality' can often be the death of our budget, but also have historically provided some of the more priceless (albeit confidential) moments of the Indy trip.  I've found that the more organic and spontaneous those spirited events are, the better, so planning and budgeting for those is right out.

Now with mind distracted by furthering the details of the upcoming trip, I must put away this blog. 100 days is seeming like about 50 too few, but 50 days ago would've had me making lists, calling friends, and discussing budgets... on Christmas.

Ah, well, so it goes every year, time to grab another gear...

Just Tryin' To Be Helpful...

It's becoming clear to me that one of two things is happening regarding the Carb Day concert announcement: One, it is SOOO awesome that to avoid a raucous and potentially dangerous stampede of people overrunning the ticketing office, they just can't release the band name until proper security and safety preparations have been set; orrrr, Two, they haven't found a 'suitable' act yet.

Being in a somewhat pessimistic mode regarding the Speedway's leadership, I tend to think the latter is the odds-on favorite of being closest to the truth.  In my typical way, I would like to assist by humbly submitting some possible acts for consideration:

1.  The Who.  I realize they're coming off a less-than-stellar appearance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show.  I realize they've lost half of the originals.  Their best days are clearly behind them.  As a fan, I am well aware of all of this.  They are in their mid-60s after all and still can kick ass so I just want them to do one, nice, tight, generation-spanning, show of ass-kicking rock-n-roll lasting one glorious hour (not that halftime medley crap).  Six songs; My Generation, I Can't Explain, The Real Me, You Better You Bet, Baba O'Riley, Who Are You, and finish with of 'Won't Get Fooled Again'.  I want to hear Roger scream, live, one last time.  What could have you more amped up for the rest of the weekend than that?  I can't imagine short of something that involves 'pharmaceuticals'.

2. There isn't a #2.  The Who is it for 2010, end of.

PS Whether you like Queen or not, if your neck hair doesn't stand up starting at the 4:15 mark of the SOOO awesome video link, you likely wouldn't appreciate 33 cars roaring down on Lap 1 of the Indy 500 (be sure to click the option to watch "Lap 1" in 720HD), Just sayin'. 

The Hallowed Grounds

Winter provides an unusual opportunity to see the speedway in its dormancy.

Part of a work-related responsibility is to travel to Indy four times a year and at least three of those trips will involve a waypoint through the Museum and gift shop.  In typical fashion yesterday, I had stopped through on my way out of town and, despite missing the museum closing time, visited the recently remodeled (and very nice) gift shop.  The staff was typically friendly, helpful, and even chatty.  I enjoy this little interlude while perusing the new stock and looking for kids gifts (that they don't already have).

On my way out of the building, I noticed traces of snow on the track, near the walls in turn 1, the south chute, and turn 2.  I stopped in my tracks, struck at how I had never noticed this before.  Maybe I've never see it with snow present.  Very odd indeed I thought with some melting areas recalling the infamous weepers that would crop up nearly every race weekend in turn 3.  I also thought of a promotion photo used on the IMS website a few years ago with the still gorgeous old #32 Marmon Wasp on the snow-covered, front straight and how unusual that seemed. 

It also got my thoughts turned to the warmth of May and what lies ahead.  As I drove out I recalled that Al Unser once said he got chills every time he drives under the tunnel entering the track.

I got them entering and leaving.