When I first went to the Indy 500 in 2010, it was my first solo trip abroad, exciting but also nervous, never really put it down to much but probably because Americans drive on the wrong side of the road, the right, not left, the right way. Anyway, it was such an amazing experience, I spent time in Chicago and then drove down to Indianapolis. The racing aside, one thing that really stood out for me was the fans, the community, everything about the people at the race. I was made to feel so welcome, great conversations, stories and more to tell. I decided I needed to return, sooner rather than later!
So in 2011, back I came, not for the 500, but for Texas, Milwaukee and Iowa. Since I was going to be around a lot more I had more time to check out the race tracks, fan areas and more. It was also the first time I saw the Indycar Fan Village, a new addition for 2011, so I hung round there for a bit. I’m sure most stateside reading this already know about it so I won’t go into detail, but for those who don't the Fan Village is an area hosted by Indycar where there and stands, exhibitions, displays and more. But the main focus is the stage where drivers, owners, series personal all attend for presentations and Q & A sessions. This was the first time I met Trevor Anthony, the host / emcee. Having a funny accent worked well, what the hell was a sunburnt Englishman doing out in the mid day sun, and heat... Mad dogs and all that right? So by the time I rocked up at Iowa three weeks later I had managed to meet with a few people from the Fan Village and build up a few connections and contacts, and really was Adrian the English guy. Those who attended an Indycar race in 2011 will know you automatically qualified for a ticket for the end of season race at Las Vegas, we joked about seeing each other again. I was broke, and I couldn't afford to go back until I was bumped off my flight home by Delta, cheers for the compensation guys!
So October came round and luckily I was able to fit the trip in with work, rocked up at the track and straight to the Fan Village to see old faces, Liza, Brian and Trev amongst others. We had some events planned so throughout the weekend we met up again. I don't need, nor want to go over the 16th, you all know. I wasn't sure how I felt about returning to the track again, it was the first fatality I had been at and I really did not know how to personally deal with it and move on. Thankfully, I soon remembered the reason I love Indycar, the people, everyone who I had met and knew I wanted to see again. So followed some serious working weeks and back I went for a four week trip, this time back to Indianapolis, Detroit and Texas.
Awesome doesn't cover the trip or do it justice. This time round I was far more engaged with twitter and used to get in touch with so many people and arranged to meet up. The Fan Village was the ideal place, not only the attraction of the drivers, Q and A sessions, autographs etc but again making plans away from the track. Some fun times followed at bars, barns and other places over the month, it really was something to be an outsider but to feel included by those working with the series in all various capacities.
So we come to today, I have been a huge fan and advocate (you can tell) of the Fan Village in what it provided to me as a fan but also on a personal level with so many friendships being formed. Having read Trevor's facebook post that he won't be back with the Fan Village for 2014 I had to post just to say thank you for the passion, enthusiasm and fun you brought to the race weekend. Your successor has a hell of a task to emulate what you brought to the Village.
Sadly, for various reasons, all those who I have the pleasure to call friends from the Fan Village won’t be there next time round, but there is always a road I can deviate from for a beer! But in the mean time, thanks for the memories.
So in 2011, back I came, not for the 500, but for Texas, Milwaukee and Iowa. Since I was going to be around a lot more I had more time to check out the race tracks, fan areas and more. It was also the first time I saw the Indycar Fan Village, a new addition for 2011, so I hung round there for a bit. I’m sure most stateside reading this already know about it so I won’t go into detail, but for those who don't the Fan Village is an area hosted by Indycar where there and stands, exhibitions, displays and more. But the main focus is the stage where drivers, owners, series personal all attend for presentations and Q & A sessions. This was the first time I met Trevor Anthony, the host / emcee. Having a funny accent worked well, what the hell was a sunburnt Englishman doing out in the mid day sun, and heat... Mad dogs and all that right? So by the time I rocked up at Iowa three weeks later I had managed to meet with a few people from the Fan Village and build up a few connections and contacts, and really was Adrian the English guy. Those who attended an Indycar race in 2011 will know you automatically qualified for a ticket for the end of season race at Las Vegas, we joked about seeing each other again. I was broke, and I couldn't afford to go back until I was bumped off my flight home by Delta, cheers for the compensation guys!
So October came round and luckily I was able to fit the trip in with work, rocked up at the track and straight to the Fan Village to see old faces, Liza, Brian and Trev amongst others. We had some events planned so throughout the weekend we met up again. I don't need, nor want to go over the 16th, you all know. I wasn't sure how I felt about returning to the track again, it was the first fatality I had been at and I really did not know how to personally deal with it and move on. Thankfully, I soon remembered the reason I love Indycar, the people, everyone who I had met and knew I wanted to see again. So followed some serious working weeks and back I went for a four week trip, this time back to Indianapolis, Detroit and Texas.
Awesome doesn't cover the trip or do it justice. This time round I was far more engaged with twitter and used to get in touch with so many people and arranged to meet up. The Fan Village was the ideal place, not only the attraction of the drivers, Q and A sessions, autographs etc but again making plans away from the track. Some fun times followed at bars, barns and other places over the month, it really was something to be an outsider but to feel included by those working with the series in all various capacities.
So we come to today, I have been a huge fan and advocate (you can tell) of the Fan Village in what it provided to me as a fan but also on a personal level with so many friendships being formed. Having read Trevor's facebook post that he won't be back with the Fan Village for 2014 I had to post just to say thank you for the passion, enthusiasm and fun you brought to the race weekend. Your successor has a hell of a task to emulate what you brought to the Village.
Sadly, for various reasons, all those who I have the pleasure to call friends from the Fan Village won’t be there next time round, but there is always a road I can deviate from for a beer! But in the mean time, thanks for the memories.
A few months later, after a lot of badgering from Liza that I should blog, this website started, it's her fault!
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