Comments on: 2009 Indy 500: The Final Starting Field, Weather Forecast, and the Roots of an Indy 500 Obsession

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 25 May 2009 14:26:16 +0000

we’ll a Helio hat-trick. Nice! What a race.

By: EJWasson

EJWasson — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:45:06 +0000

It’s always kind of fun to root for the “bad boy” of whatever sport you follow. I think in IndyCar world, PT is definitely a love him or hate him kind of guy, and is great for the sport. I was glad to see he was signed on for the two Canadian races this season, now if he can just get full time sponsorship…then we gout ourselves a legitimate BAD BOY!!!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:35:53 +0000

So, I guess I’m not the only Paul Tracy fan here!

My money is on Danica – it’s no fun going with the favorites!!

By: EJWasson

EJWasson — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:49:42 +0000

Thanks Andrew.

I have to admit, a Patrick win…or a Briscoe win would not surprise me. I am still feeling a Helio Castroneves victory on Sunday. Everythings going his way this month. Quickest on Pole Day..and today the Prosecution has DROPPED THE FINAL CHARGE against him, so he is now 100% NOT GUILTY on the tax evasion front. I think that wind behind his 224mph sails will be too much to pass on race day.

If it’s not Helio, here are my other picks:

Tony Kanaan
Danica Patrick
Scott Dixon
Paul Tracy

Whoever wins…let’s hope for a safe race…and a dry one.

Thanks for reading.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:43:15 +0000

Have fun at the race – make sure you take lots of pics for us! … I can’t wait for this years 500. That being said, I never attend things in my city!! … always put off till the last minute..

I think you always think you’ll have time to buy the tickets, then when you actually decide to go, and round up all your friends, it’s either sold-out, you get sticker shock or you end up with alternative plans.

I think Dancia Patrick can pull it off … the bookies have her at the 4th highest odds, so if there’s some smash up or the like she could shoot through and win it. http://www.betonline.com/sports-betting/Indy-500-odds-1004.aspx

Anyone rooting for Briscoe?

By: EJWasson

EJWasson — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:19:36 +0000

Thanks JRod.

It’s just an amazing day and I am ready! I will take plenty of pics, and we’ll have a nice recap on Tuesday for our readers.

You know, a lot of people talk bad about IndyCar racing, or throw up some excuse about “the split” or a number of reasons why it’s not what it once was…and I just don’t agree.

The fact is that the Indianapolis 500 is still the WORLDS LARGEST SINGLE DAY SPORTING EVENT. So, if that’s a measure of how bad the crowds have been..well, we’ll take that.

There’s just something about being there…once your senses have experienced that place on race day… you “get it”. Maybe someday JRod… I highly recommend it…in case you couldn’t tell that this week.

By: JRod

JRod — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:07:38 +0000

Great post EJ. I cannot believe that I grew up in Indiana and never attended an Indy 500. For whatever reason I never got into racing, but I couldn’t help getting caught up in the Memorial Day excitement and still read about and followed the race, even though I had no idea who the names were that I was reading.

Loved the anecdote about your dad. And I’m thinking that if I had gone to the race, and my first experience included seeing a naked woman, that very well might have set me up for a life of loving the Indy 500 too!

Have a great time this weekend. I’m looking forward to some pics next week!