Around here we break our backs just to earn a buck
We never get ahead but we have enough
I watch people leave and then come right back
I never wanted any part of that
And I’m proud to say I love this place
Good ol’ small town USA
Give me a Saturday night, my baby by my side
David Allan Coe and a six pack of Light
An old dirt road and I’ll be just fine
Give me a Sunday morning that’s full of grace
A simple life and I’ll be okay
Here in small town USA
– Justin Moore
Saturday 25 May 2024
The day before the Indianapolis 500 dawned bright and sunny, and it’s supposed to stay that way all day. Unfortunately – but not surprisingly, as the forecast has remained stable all week – there is rain forecast for tomorrow and perhaps some minor tornado activity as well. Apparently there is a dry window following the mid-morning storms in which the race can be run, before there are more storms later in the evening. We’ll see…
Out to IMS this morning for the public driver’s meeting and a bit of a tour around the place courtesy of Lewis Franck. After saying goodbye to Lewis, we wandered into the garages and continued our tour. There were a few cars being worked on, but mostly the area was quiet.
Ate brunch at a cafe on Main Street in Speedway, Indiana, just a stone’s throw from the track. Opposite to the garages, Main Street was heaving with people, and the atmosphere was fantastic. The restaurants and bars must love race weekends. Shout-out to the very old guy in the Dodge Caravan (a van commonly used by families) people mover playing Motley Crue’s “Kickstart My Heart” with heavy bass as he drove up and down Main Street. The things you see…
We spent the afternoon and evening at Ryan’s parents’ home in Carmel, with a bunch of other people from all corners of the world, including some familiar faces from last year who have returned, and some new faces who fit in brilliantly. Everyone is a big and loud family now, united by a shared love of the Indianapolis 500. Great to hang and chat with so many people.
One of the attendees was Richard Hay, a British broadcaster who came to Australia 13 times in the 1980’s and 1990’s to call the Bathurst 1000 in the days of Mike Raymond and Allan Moffat leading the coverage. He spoke fondly of them, and Bruce McAvaney (who hosted a bunch of those broadcasts) and others, including the late Doug Mulray, and his time spent in Australia. He works in sportscars now, with Ryan. It is indeed a very small world.
Dinner was pulled chicken and two different kinds of ribs, with all the usual American sides like coleslaw. Lots of laughs and plenty of discussion about the weather and who might be drinking the milk in victory lane tomorrow.
Shout-out to Bruce and Kim Myrehn who are lovely people and great hosts. Had a really excellent night. Race day tomorrow…weather permitting.
kitchtrips 