Don't forget the earplugs

This past Sunday, I made my second trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The first time was way back in fourth grade for a field trip to the time trials, and the only thing I can remember as a 10-year-old was that it was loud, and I couldn't get the cars to go slow enough so I could catch them on my little kiddy camera.\nBeing born and raised in Indiana, you hear all about the 500 and the big weekend surrounding it. Every year we end up watching it on television -- making sure to catch the biggest race in the world.\nHearing that it's the biggest racing event really doesn't put it into perspective until you actually get there and see the thousands upon thousands of people (an estimated 250,000) -- all waiting to see 33 little cars race around a track 200 times. \nOn Sunday, I got to see enough to know what all the hype is about. The fans, the speed, the noise -- everything about the 500 was right there in front of us, and we got to experience it without a remote control in hand and without the comfort of an air-conditioned living room. \nThe traffic was horrible and there was the smell of stale cigars and grills in the air. Just as at any sporting event, scalpers sifted through the streets and some sat on the corners trying to look as pathetic as possible bearing signs that read, "I need tickets."\nThe build up to the race was really worth pushing our way to our seats. Men and women from our armed forces rode around the track as thousands of Americans stood and waved, cheering in appreciation for their efforts. I even got to hear and see the Brady Bunch mom sing "America the Beautiful" and Gomer bring everyone to their feet with "Back Home Again in Indiana" -- everything to make me proud not only to be an American, but a Hoosier as well.\nThose are things you have to see and experience in person. I know now that it's just not the same watching it through a television screen.\nUnlike many, I don't follow drivers and know all about them before I get there. All I really knew about this year was the fact that Bruno Junqueira qualified for pole position and Robby Gordon sports my favorite number, 31, and that I would root for him during the race. Our seats on the first turn allowed us to see the first big crash right in front of us, and that alone was well worth admission. I just hoped my buddy Robby could get past his best fifth place spot -- but unfortunately for the rest of the race, he stayed near tenth.\nAfter my experience this weekend and finding out for myself why this race is such a big deal, I urge everyone to find a way to get to the Indianapolis 500. If you're from Indiana, you should be embarrassed if you haven't gone yet -- I'm embarrassed I hadn't gone until this year. And if you think it wouldn't be any fun -- I know when I think of typical car racing, I think how boring it has to be to just sit and watch cars go 'round and 'round for hours -- I assure you though, this race is anything but boring. \nNext time, though, I'll be sure to bring the earplugs.