Each Memorial Day weekend, people come from all over the country to witness the greatest spectacle in racing. What is not to love about the fastest cars in the world traveling at breakneck speeds. And for the lucky residents of Indiana it is all going down right here in the Hoosier State. \nA lot has changed since the first race in 1911. Over the years the Indianapolis 500 has evolved into more than just a car race. Today it is a major entertainment event. If you are heading up to the Brickyard this year, race fan or not, here are some of the things to see this Memorial Day weekend:
Miller Light Carb Day
Indianapolis Motor Speedway\nFriday, May 26 (gates open at 8 am)\n$10
It is the final day of practice, the last day for racers to hone their skills on the track, and the last day for fans to see their favorite drivers burn some rubber before the big race. It is Carb Day (it stands for Carburetion Day, not Carbohydrate day as the "low carb" sponsor might suggest). It is not only the final day of practice, but an entire day of entertainment at the track.\nThe day begins with a brief final practice for the racers from 11 a.m. to noon. Following the practice is the Freedom 100, a 40-lap, 100-mile race featuring the developing talent of the Indy Racing League. The race is scheduled to last from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30p.m. Next is the Checkers/Rally's Pit Stop Challenge. See who the fastest pit crew is \nas eight teams compete for bragging rites and an $80,000 purse. Finally the day will conclude with the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. This year's featured artists are the B52s and Third Eye Blind.
The IPL 500 Festival Parade
Downtown Indianapolis\nSaturday, May 27 at Noon\nFree
Once again, one of the biggest parades in the nation will be making its way through downtown Indianapolis. This year, it will be led by the Food Network's Rachel Ray and this year's pace car driver for the race, Lance Armstrong. The theme of this year's parade is "Celebrate the Spectacle," and it will be a salute to the history and tradition of the month-long celebration leading up to the race. Representatives from the festival hope to make this year's parade a memorable one.\n"We want to up the wow factor to keep people coming back," said Chad Antcliff of the 500 Festival board. "Get there early to stake out your seat."\nEven if you do miss the parade you will have another chance to see it televised locally on WISH-TV in Indianapolis at 8 p.m. and nationally on ESPN 2 at 6 p.m. \nFor more information, including an exact parade route, go to the IPL 500 Festival website. http://www.500festival.com/parade
The 90th Indianapolis 500
Indianapolis Motor Speedway\nSunday, May 28\n$20 for infield
In case you forgot, there is a race too. The 90th running of the Indianapolis 500 promises to be a good one, but it might be hard to top last year's last minute drama as Danica Patrick dropped out of the lead in the last moments leaving Dan Wheldon to take the crown. Both of the high profile competitors will be back this year to race for the checkered flag. If you are going to attend the race this year to see who will make it to the winner's circle, here are a few tips to remember:\nBring some earplugs. These cars are incredibly loud. And not just loud like your roommate's '87 Buick Regal with the rusted out muffler either. These things are built like jets and they sound like them too. If you have been to the race before you probably already understand, but if this is going to be your first year going to the race, don't make a rookie mistake and come without some auditory protection or you will be going home with some major ringing in your ears. \nBring your own food and drinks. Culinary delights at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are going to run you somewhere between an arm and a leg. On the upside, you are allowed to bring a cooler into the race with you. Coolers can be no larger than 14 by 14 inches and glass containers are not permited. A word of warning, all coolers are subject to search as you enter the Speedway, so it is probably not a good idea to bring your frozen opium supply with you to the race.\nEven if you aren't a big race fan you can still have a good time. The infield is a massive place that has tons of non-car related activities. \nIn theory one could go to the Indianapolis 500 and never see a car.
