Is the Indy 500 qualifying weekend worth a visit......

[quattro]

.....when you cannot get to either race?

Guys

My annual leave block falls all wrong in May. And despite my best efforts cannot change it.

Can't make the Indianapolis Road race coz my shift ends at 0700 in the morning over here in the UK.

Can make the qualifying weekend in the middle of the two week break. 

Can't make the 500 coz I am back on duty at 0700 in the morning.

Original tenative plan was to go to Lauzitsring for the DTM race via Prague.

But done that DTM race twice before in recent years.

Then the Mrs says Indiana looks far more interesting a place to visit than she first thought

and was it worth looking at visiting the Speedway?

Yeah OK luv. Like I am gonna say no!

So. It is not a race but part of the greater event.

Presumably its all going off through May.

Museums to visit, stores to blow money on kits and die casts and maybe even some local dirt track stuff to watch?

Of course nothing beats an actual race but would it be worth it?

[2lapsdown]

If you've never been to the Speedway then by all means I'd say go. Admittedly, qualifying isn't what it used to be but just being on the grounds is an experience. My first visit was 1968 and every time I go back it's very special. I think you both would enjoy the environment in and around the Speedway. Indy is a very friendly city and you'll be treated well. Main Street in Speedway offers race shops and great dining among other things. Just avoid the Taco Bell on 16th street after dark. LOL!

John

[clm1545]

I agree with John. IMS is a very special place, if you have never been, then go by all means. You can also head out to Raceway Park for some great action. Just remember that we drive on the "correct" side of the road.

[jaw12287]

As with other posters, I would agree that it is definitely worth it if you have never been. While nothing compares to the buzz the place has on race day morning, there's always something special about that place...especially when there are cars on the track. Besides, it may be enough to make her catch the racing bug herself. Worked for me with my soon-to-be wife, took her to qualifying one year, then the 500 the next year, now she yells at the TV when we're watching a race and something happens that she doesn't like or agree with. I may have created a monster but I'm okay with that 

Heres a few perks:

1. It is much less crowded, which gives you the opportunity to move around and check out different views without having to have tickets (great for scouting out where you would eventually like to sit for Race day if you're willing to cough up some coin)

2. The museum is right there to knock out a quick history lesson or get some shopping done. There is a clearance store that is usually open right next to the museum that you can pick up some goodies for cheap....er than normal.

3. You may inadvertently bump into some celebs in the museum/gift shop. In the past, I've run into Kanaan taking his kids shopping, Arie Luyendyk Jr. with some woman who wasn't a Bachelorette Contestant admiring his Dad's car, and Helio on his way to film something for the pre-race show.

4. Tons of great food options downtown and in the suburbs

5. As others have mentioned, there is usually something going on out at Raceway Park. 

6. Usually, the atmosphere is more relaxed so drivers and crew members are a little more willing to chat in most cases. You might pick up some intel or gossip if you talk to the right people

[quattro]

Thank you guys. Appreciate the feedback.

Might seem like a long way to go for the wrong weekend but did the Daytona 24 test weekend once

and then ended up going back three years running for the race.

Jaw. Did the conversion job a few years back on my good lady.

We are still having the her Rossi vs my Wickens debate.......

What swayed it for her was the idea of also visiting Marion and Fairmount in Indiana

given her fascination for James Dean.

A trip to a circuit somewhere in the world for us usually means having something else of interest to visit.

GP in Austin last year also included visits to San Antonio, Houston (Go Astros!) and Galveston.

clm1545. Got the hang of driving on the 'correct' side of the road but some of us silly race fans over

here josh about only turning left whilst in Indianapolis.

How do you turn right in Indianapolis? Turn left three times. Uurrgghhhh.........

Trip to Belgium this week. Get back and start looking at the cost and the logistics of this now probable trip

with the likelihood of coming in via Chicago..... Don't ask.