A conversation with Little 500 itself

Little 500 weighs heavily on the minds of many students, faculty and alumni as one of the biggest events of the year. \nCommentary from coaches, riders and fans has been sought extensively and found readily. Talk of tradition, strategy, victory and alcohol have been in the spotlight in such comments.\nBut no one asks Little 500 what it thinks of itself. Maybe Little 500 is annoyed by overcrowding and drunken fans. Does it actually favor one team over the other? Does it wonder why nobody ever rides the other way?\nI sat down with the 2007 Little 500 to get answers to these questions and more and found out some things you might not expect.\nJacob Stewart: Thanks for sitting down with us today. I know you’re busy and we’re happy you could get a few minutes. Let’s kick things off. The people surrounding you speak highly of tradition that you bring to IU. Is it something you’re considering during your running?\nLittle 500: Traditionally, I sleep most of the time that riders are on the track. I kind of wonder why I’m such a big deal. I am a big deal, by the way. Here’s what I don’t get. A bunch a people hop on bicycles and ride around and around. 20th Century Fox comes out, takes a few shots, chats with a few riders and produces a movie. Bam! I’m famous and Fox is rollin’ in the dough. I still haven’t seen that royalties check, by the way. You think you can help me with that?\nJS: I’ll see what I can do. Besides your tradition, you’re known for inciting an alcoholic frenzy at IU all during your week. What do you think about this phenomenon?\nL5: Well, Jake, what can I say? I’m just a baller. Everybody likes me and I’m a party animal. The fans think they can drink. Let me have that bottle of Everclear and I’ll show you how it’s done. FIJI’s come close, but they aren’t me. I know how to throw down. I’ve got a couple of hotties coming over later. Ever hear of a body shot?\nJS: Maybe. Anyway, back to the real story. Anything you’re anticipating about the outcome of the two races?\nL5: I’ve talked with both the track and the wind, and they know what to do. Suffice it to say I won’t make it easy on the riders to cross that finish line with all their skin intact. Expect a few wrecks if I can manage to set them up. And let me know what happens afterward. I’ll be asleep after all.\nJS: Pick up the IDS for race results. Or check us out online at idsnews.com. Blatant advertising plugs aside, and to wrap things up, what can we expect out of you in the future?\nL5: You can expect me to keep hangin’ around. You guys will beat me to death every year only to resurrect me the next. I hate the damn press. But I guess I’ll just keep it fresh and continue to throw in some new kinks every now and then. Hope you all enjoy.\nSo go the thoughts of Little 500. It seems a little bitter, doesn’t it? Oh well. Here’s to hoping your Little 500 experience fulfills all your fantasies!