Randy Suits

Our Best Indy Race and Camping Trip

My lovely wife Eve, who always lives each day with gusto,

Remember Memorial Day weekend 2006, the second year Danica Patrick drove the Indianapolis 500. Our first Indy Race had been the prior year, when as a rookie driver, Danica finished fourth after leading 19 laps near the end of the race. She was a definite sentimental favorite of most of the women in attendance and when she roared into the lead, it seemed that every female spectator instantly rose and cheered the darling of the 2005 Indy race circuit. Even most of the men, surprised though they were, lifted their voices to cheer as well. That was a fun year because it was our first race, everything was new and Danica Patrick added excitement to an already action packed race. We had learned in 2005 that thousands of race fans come to Indianapolis in campers or vans and some sleep in their cars the night before the race. They rendevous to party, renew an annual tradition and avoid expensive hotels which must be booked a year in advance when they are checking out. (thousands of ardent race fans do just that) One of my work associates arrives at the track at about 5:00 AM and parks, along with hundreds of other race enthusiasts, in the center of the 2 1/2 mile oval track. In a spirit of adventure, we drove the van and found no parking places on the street (every one was taken by 3 or 4 in the afternoon). At the home of Hungarian immigrants we saw a sign offering a parking place for the night for $30.00. We backed into the yard beside a father and his son who for 10 years had pitched a tent between the home and their car on the eve of the race. Like children we laughed in the back of the van. It was humid and hot and I was a bit cramped for leg room but we slept like babies until about 6:00 AM when the street began to clammer in activity. It was race day and everyone was excited! Our hosts offered bathroom facilities in the parking fee and when we went in to shower and change, we found toast, some nice strong Hungarian coffee and eastern European hospitality. We visited with our hosts for about an hour and began our 8 block walk to the track. Our pre-race activities included a walk in the inner track where you looked at every drivers shop, spending extra time at the Danica Patrick shop, buying mementos, souvenirs and gifts for the grandchildren. The race was loud and we truly enjoyed the excitement of a split second, come from behind victory at the finish line, by Sam Hornish. Outstanding! After the race we had dinner in downtown Indianapolis before starting home. Rather than pay $184 for one night at a hotel we opted for the van again. Exhausted, we slept soundly for six hours at a rest area off Interstate 65 and then sped toward home. We stopped at a Bob Evans Restaurant in Lafayette, IN for a hearty breakfast. Bisquits, Bob Evans sausage gravy, home fries and eggs over easy for me and you had an omelette. As usual, you availed yourself of a taste off my plate. Though we saved at least $400 in hotel fees we remember most the thrill of living on the edge that Memorial Day weekend. There is much tradition in not only the event but most of all in the participants. All in all the 2006 Indianapolis 500 Race was our best Indy race and camping trip.

You make living fun and I am so in love with you, Kochany