Indy 500

The Indy 500 was all it was billed to be - a great race, lot's of action, and of course Michael Andretti's car breaking while running up front. Incredible disappointment, but almost expected. No wonder he's retiring - who can stand 14 years of that bad luck? To lead over 400 laps at Indy and never win is a cruel statistic that painfully illustrates just how hard it is to win this race.

Beyond the race, the event holds a lot of meaning for me. I grew up in a house where the 500 was a Big Deal. Years before the race was shown on television, we used to go to the Cornell Theater in Burbank, Cali, and watch the race on what was known as closed circuit TV. So I've watched probably the last 35 races, and in 2001, my Dad and I finally went to the race live. We had a great time, one of those rare father and son things you hardly ever get to experience, but when you do, you understand the meaning.

So to go this year, with the memory of my Dad very much present (he passed away last year), this being Michael Andretti's (my all-time favorite driver) last race, well there was no way not to go. Thanks to one of my good friends who works in the auto race industry, my wife and I had great seats and VIP passes that let us hang out in the garage area and on the start finish line as the cars and drivers were brought out. It was incredible - very racer chaser, but still just so cool to be essentially rubbing shoulders with the likes of Helio Castroneves, Mario Andretti, Roger Penske, etc. We hung out at Michael's car, and stood next to him during the National Anthem. It was almost surreal.

And then just before the command to start their engines was given, I stood next to the scoring tower as the stealth bomber flew over. It was a poignant and emotional moment for me as the memory of my father, the race, and the realization that I was standing at the very spot that was a cornerstone of our relationship. And later, as Michael Andretti led 28 laps, I know that my Dad was smiling down on me, glad to see Michael out in front and dominating as usual. For me, all was perfect at the 2003 Indianapolis 500.

5/27/03