A Masterful 500, a Fitting Tribute

Well, it’s the last day of the month of May.  The 96^th edition of the greatest race is in the books. I decided to let the race sink in a little bit before I wrote about it.  Of course, now that I’ve read all the accounts and commentary from the race, surely my interpretation will be undoubtedly biased.  There were so many great storylines, so much excitement but what struck me the most, of all things was how quiet the engines sounded!  I mean, I was preparing to put in my earplugs on the first lap but wanted to hear the unfiltered roar just once and as the field whizzed by the North Chute that first time I could not believe the reduction in volume from years past.  I mean the old cars pushed the pain threshold in terms of sound, but I could actually carry on a conversation over these cars!  So what does that have to do with anything?  Hell, I don’t know.  It’s just my observation.   Of course there is so much more about Sunday’s race to be remarked upon.  First, I guess my career as a race prognosticator is certainly in question.  My pick to win, Will Power, didn’t  even see the the second half of the race, although I nailed 2nd place with Scott Dixon.  The rest of my top 5 picks were a total bust.  But I take solace in the fact that while I didn't predict his final position correctly, I did pick Rubens for Rookie of the Year. Not bad for his first oval race.

In terms of the race experience itself, well, it was as it always is for me, an almost spiritual experience. No matter how many times I venture to the Brickyard for the 500--and this was my 24th time--it casts an ineffable spell over me.  From the very moment I turn off of 30th Street and first catch site of the mighty grandstands to the time I traipse back to my car exhausted, sweaty, and suburned. Each year, the Indy Experience looms so large in my mind and soul that quite often the end result is but an afterthought to me.  Oh sure, I would have liked to see Takuma Sato complete that pass or TK to finally get his chance in Victory Lane, but such are the vagaries of the Brickyard.   Though I’m not a huge Dario fan, he earned my unending respect not only by winning a highly competitive race, but for his tearful, heartfelt Victory Lane tribute to his fallen friend Dan Wheldon.  Dario now rightfully joins his place among the masters of the 500 alongside Wilbur Shaw, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser and others who have won it three times.  The question becomes now, will he become the next four time winner…or perhaps the first five time victor? I wouldn’t be at all surprised.  One thing is for sure, I will be there next year to find out!