Thanks to everyone who has taken time out to read and share the first two parts of our look back at memories your first Indycar race. You can find the here - Part One & Part Two.
Our final part begins in 1967 with Keith Jones, my first IndyCar race was the 1967 Indy 500, the year of Parnelli in the Whooshmobile STP turbine car and A.J. Foyt's third win. I was in second grade, and as a kid growing up in Indy, the neighbourhood debates over who was the best driver were always heated. I remember the disappointment of seeing Parnelli drop out, then the big cloud of tire smoke coming out of turn four, and A.J. crossing the ricks for the chequered flag. A lot has changed since then, but the thrill of watching IndyCars hasn't.
Our final part begins in 1967 with Keith Jones, my first IndyCar race was the 1967 Indy 500, the year of Parnelli in the Whooshmobile STP turbine car and A.J. Foyt's third win. I was in second grade, and as a kid growing up in Indy, the neighbourhood debates over who was the best driver were always heated. I remember the disappointment of seeing Parnelli drop out, then the big cloud of tire smoke coming out of turn four, and A.J. crossing the ricks for the chequered flag. A lot has changed since then, but the thrill of watching IndyCars hasn't.
Chris Dunbar first race was the final of the three trips that CART / Champ Car made across the Atlantic was the 2003 London Champ Car Trophy at Brands Hatch. My best memory of the event was seeing the amazing fan village, tonnes of promo from Ford UK who seemed pretty pleased to have the event at Brands Hatch, also Turn 1 (Paddock Hill) run off was paved, this according to the PA announcer was for the first time since the USAC visit in the late 1970's.
Having followed the CART/Indycar series since Mansell went over there I'd always wanted to experience it, Richard Topham had a friend who lived in Chi-town at the time that knew someone with an apartment in Lafayette so I bought the tickets and persuaded my friend to take me.
It wasn't really an Indy weekend, just a day trip really, the plan was to drive down the night before and go to the track on the day. Something I always regret, turning up a few hours before just for the race but time didn't really permit any more than that. Still, it was the Indy 500 and I was going to be there.
I remember the drive in, seeing tents pitched for miles around, we didn't have any parking sorted so had to drive around. Decided to take a 'neighbour' up on their offer of using their front lawn to park up for about $50. When in Rome etc.
Having followed the CART/Indycar series since Mansell went over there I'd always wanted to experience it, Richard Topham had a friend who lived in Chi-town at the time that knew someone with an apartment in Lafayette so I bought the tickets and persuaded my friend to take me.
It wasn't really an Indy weekend, just a day trip really, the plan was to drive down the night before and go to the track on the day. Something I always regret, turning up a few hours before just for the race but time didn't really permit any more than that. Still, it was the Indy 500 and I was going to be there.
I remember the drive in, seeing tents pitched for miles around, we didn't have any parking sorted so had to drive around. Decided to take a 'neighbour' up on their offer of using their front lawn to park up for about $50. When in Rome etc.
I don't really remember much, the plan was to take in a cooler box full of beer but the temp was mid nineties so the cooler box was filled with water instead. I don't think iv ever been in the open in such a sweat box atmosphere. Turn 3 was pretty damn hot.
I remember the obligatory drivers/celebrity parade lap, not having a clue who any of them were really. Then the cars came out and did their warm up laps. My friend if we're honest was there for me. He wasn't really into motor sport, bit of a baseball fan really. Fascination with numbers and RBI's or whatever and not cars that go round and round and round..a lot.
When the green flag dropped somewhere in the distance I was excited, like when I saw a Vulcan bomber years ago at Finningley and that roar when it goes past. My buddy was less excited, we could see them in the distance coming off the 2nd turn and had a great view of them coming towards us at 220 mph on Lap 1. As the 30 something cars went past the sound and smell was immense. My buddy turned to me and just said 'Holy ****'. I think he was impressed.
The race itself wasn't that memorable for the most part, Dan Wheldon looked like he was going to walk away with it, I think he led for over half the race. There were very few yellows and he seemed unstoppable. Of the 'foreign' drivers Hornish was always one to look out for, having seen his passes on the 'marbles' on other ovals on TV back home I always had the respect as a driver to want to win. If it wasn't Dan or Dario winning he would be my third choice.
I remember the obligatory drivers/celebrity parade lap, not having a clue who any of them were really. Then the cars came out and did their warm up laps. My friend if we're honest was there for me. He wasn't really into motor sport, bit of a baseball fan really. Fascination with numbers and RBI's or whatever and not cars that go round and round and round..a lot.
When the green flag dropped somewhere in the distance I was excited, like when I saw a Vulcan bomber years ago at Finningley and that roar when it goes past. My buddy was less excited, we could see them in the distance coming off the 2nd turn and had a great view of them coming towards us at 220 mph on Lap 1. As the 30 something cars went past the sound and smell was immense. My buddy turned to me and just said 'Holy ****'. I think he was impressed.
The race itself wasn't that memorable for the most part, Dan Wheldon looked like he was going to walk away with it, I think he led for over half the race. There were very few yellows and he seemed unstoppable. Of the 'foreign' drivers Hornish was always one to look out for, having seen his passes on the 'marbles' on other ovals on TV back home I always had the respect as a driver to want to win. If it wasn't Dan or Dario winning he would be my third choice.
So the last few laps Hornish was scything through the field after a drive through and everyone was cheering an Andretti win be it Marco or Michael it seemed. Following the race from the 3rd Turn you could see Hornish was catching and then 2 or 3 laps out it looked like he had wasted a glorious opportunity to pass and it was over. The crowd around me were celebrating a Marco Andretti win and not being able to see the finish line I watched the scoring tower as it swapped 26 and 6 into first place went crazy, although that may have been the heat as well. A brilliant finale to an amazing experience. It wasn't til I got back to see the re-run on tv to see how close the finish was.
Amazing day and experience. The only souvenirs I got of the day were a 90th Indy coffee mug, very English, and the most sunburnt ears iv ever experienced.
Amazing day and experience. The only souvenirs I got of the day were a 90th Indy coffee mug, very English, and the most sunburnt ears iv ever experienced.
Norm Sellgren first race was with his son to Edmonton in 2008, my son met and hung out with Dan Weldon and got a Diecast signed which he still has seven years later.
And finally, Adrian Rickard, having follow CART with late night highlights on Channel 5's Live and Dangerous shows, this teenager was extremely excited when they announced they were coming to Rockingham in Northamptonshire. The lead up was somewhat muted having been only a matter of weeks since the terror attacks in New York and Washington. Compounded with the horrific accident that nearly took Alex Zanardi's life in Lausitz the week before, the atmosphere leading was subdude. But come race day you could focus on the track, and it was weeping... which delayed the start, which resulted in a shorter race due to loosing daylight. Memories of the race... the noise, the speed, the cars, anyone following CART during this period will fully know and understand how breathaking these cars were seeing them first hand. Then we come to the last laps. My dad and I were sat high in the Turn 1 grandstand, surrounded by Swedes, heavily backing Kenny Bräck, we, on the basis that they had a facotry close(ish) to where we were from were supporting Penske and Gil de Ferren. I'll let the video below explain the rest...
And finally, Adrian Rickard, having follow CART with late night highlights on Channel 5's Live and Dangerous shows, this teenager was extremely excited when they announced they were coming to Rockingham in Northamptonshire. The lead up was somewhat muted having been only a matter of weeks since the terror attacks in New York and Washington. Compounded with the horrific accident that nearly took Alex Zanardi's life in Lausitz the week before, the atmosphere leading was subdude. But come race day you could focus on the track, and it was weeping... which delayed the start, which resulted in a shorter race due to loosing daylight. Memories of the race... the noise, the speed, the cars, anyone following CART during this period will fully know and understand how breathaking these cars were seeing them first hand. Then we come to the last laps. My dad and I were sat high in the Turn 1 grandstand, surrounded by Swedes, heavily backing Kenny Bräck, we, on the basis that they had a facotry close(ish) to where we were from were supporting Penske and Gil de Ferren. I'll let the video below explain the rest...
Again thank you to everyone who contributed to the three parts of 'My First Indycar Race', hopefully some new fans will make first memories in the coming months. I would appreciate if you took a little time to check out Sporting Memories and read about the work they do, and understanding the importance of sharing your memories with friends and family.
Part One
Part Two
Part One
Part Two