Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

I am all in. I say every year I am not going back. Why the Hell do we do this. LOL.. I would not change a thing.. The people, the sport, and the fun.. Sometimes.?????????.

The Cotten's can add to this comment. We have always had fun..

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

My first Indy as a spectator was 1980. I have been involved with most since then as a crew person, owner or driver. Indy is a commitment for sure, but it doesn't get cooler than Indy!

I have been fortunate at Indy, but I have taken more butt whoopin than I have given. It is still the place to be if you can get there.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

I first went to indy in 1970, I won't be 60 for another 19 days. I didn't even know where the track was the first year I went, I stopped at the White Castle accross from the 500 track and asked someone for directions to the Nationals. Camped out the first few years and first raced there in 1974. I waited in line for 6 hours to make my first time trial in 74. I either spectated or raced there every year from 1970 to 1999 and then in 2000 built a new house and couldn't get away. I was lucky to make it to the class finals 7 times and win class 4 times, the last time I raced there was 1999, but my car was always slow there and I got beat up on, on many occasions. I have helped a few friends the last three years and would like to race there again but it just isn't possible right now. I still have my car and truck and trailer but it wouldn't make the program the way it is, so It ain't going, besides I don't have any grade points. But I hope to be going this year by helping some friends race a new car so maybe I will see some of the many friends I have met over the years, it is allways the biggest race ever and the one everyone wants to win. I have been to many races over the years and the only that even came close was the class nationals but it wasn't Indy.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

indy spectator with late bob hills, drove car to campground at night ... tow hubs 1972 i was 14 ... first race was 1980 i think took 4 years to qualify... im 52 today > 38 years only missed three = 35 trips to indy

captain
damn that a lot of $$$ nhra has hooked me for at just one track

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

1982 was my first Indy trip and ive been every year since. 48yrs old.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

My first Indy was 1968, my brother was just back from his first Tour in Vietnam as a Helicopter pilot and thought he would bring his little brother to Indy and experience racing first hand. I've loved it ever since, didn't miss many but I sure remember the Camping grounds and even remember the onsite jail for the more inebriated or enlighted souls of the 70's. My favorite story(which I've shared in a past post) was Don Prud'homme stopping with his truck,funny car and station wagon to help my brother and I get back on the road after our on tow vehicle was broken on the side of the road. Incredible, would that happen now... I still love Indy but only stay from Wed to Saturday, can't stand the Clown and Circus show the pro's have become(but understand that they have bills to pay and gives us a place to watch some great sportsmans racing). I'm bring my youngest (22yrs old for her first trip before she starts on her Military career). We can now bring our kids, which is not what was possible in the past.lol Claude

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

My first Indy was Detroit 1959, my dad took us out there at 7:00 am came back and picked us up at around 8:00 pm all three day Sat Sun Mon have not missed one (US Nationals) since 1959 been at least 1 day since. Not this year just isn't the same, all the crying and bit chin. I guess it's lost that loving feeling.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

been there since 1964

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

I'm a little past the under 60 limit (63 to be exact). My first year as a spectator was 1966. My first year working Indy was 1973. I hope I got a few years left working there in my future.

Travis

(Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by me on this forum are exactly that, my opinions.)

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

First Indy was 1968. Stayed at the "Indianapolis Motor Speedway hotel"! (just a 11 year old hanging with my father).
Well...43 years later... still hanging with my father! We've only missed a handful or less in those 43 years.
If you haven't been there, you won't understand what you're missing! Sure it's not the same now.... but... It's still INDY!

ps.... 52 years old

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Just a spectator and fan of Stock and Superstock (you don't see me leave the stands once the pro's run)

I'm 29 years old, and this will be my 23rd consecutive trip to the Big Go. Its a yearly father/son trip.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

been there a few times.
only time i went with dad was the year buster jumped on hood of grumpys car as it was raining hard at 1000' sunshine on line think it was 1972 or 3
this comes to mind as this is dad's birthday 97 if he was still here jim

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

i have not missed a indy nats in thirty four years.i just turned fifty last month.do i win a prize?? lol!

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Thanks for posting. Love it or hate it.. It's INDY

Jim Blankenship Who is your Dad??????///

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Bobby B. You say every year that your not going to Indy, but you always end up there. I assume the trip to Bowling Green is still going to be part of your trip. Are you running both cars or just one? Talk to you later.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Well I'm 60 now (June) but I've only been to Indy twice. '89 & '90. Class winner both years and top 5 qualifier both years (#1 for 3 days!). Did the Bowling Green thing then Indy both years. Got to know Travis very well one of those years, can't remember which year. Must have been '89 'cause we had a "party" at a couple of events that year. "I was younger then, I'm older than that now". Jim:rolleyes:

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

I have been to the Nats as a spectator 20+ times since 1985. It helps that I grew up in Indy - now I stay at my brother's house 15 minutes from the track.

My top highlights are seeing Big Daddy win in Swamp Rat XXX in '86, wrenching on Darrell Marvel's Hemi Cuda the last few years, and watching my cousin win 3 rounds in Super Gas at his first Nationals in 2003.

I typically go only on Thursday and Friday, I am just not into the Pro's any more. I don't plan on missing any for a long time. By the time I am 60 I will have been to the Nats about 40 times!

I've raced at IRP many times, but never the Nationals.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Who remembers these INDY moments?

Ed "THE ACE" McCulloch driving his funnycar back down the return road and to the pits after smoking the tires during what i think was the first round loss of the BIGBUD Shootout?

Buddy Morrison flipping Buster Couch off during prostock eliminations or timetrials? and getting kicked out of the park then Buster dropped his popcorn all over the starting line. Maybe during the prostock challenge can't remember?

PRICELESS INDY MOMENTS!!

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Travis,
Your older than dirt.
Been going since 1969. The year the snake had the big wreck on top in.
Drag racing IS an addiction.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Well, I've attendened the US Nats since 1974, And I've raced every US Nats since they added S/C , 1989 or 90 , ( where Joe on this) . However, looks like I'm retired from the driving duties, my grandbrat Hayden is taking his first shot at the Nats. this year.

How cool would that be, for him to win ! Sumptin I couldn't get done ! lol lol

Rick

Oh! and I'm 57

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

bobby my dad is/was just my dad never raced only been to maybe 5 races
8/9/1914 was his birthday.
i did call bobby blankenship stock winner at indy 25 th year dad as we worked same place for years .



like jim said a few up i turned 60 in july so i am younger :-)


jim

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Jim thanks for the answer.. I keep saying that I am "NEVER" going back to INDY, but somehow I always end up there..

Bill Bogues: I was entered but with Brittney and her dentist work.. Her being in BC. and not going back south until after Indy I am going to with draw. Just waiting to see if things change but that will not happen.. Camaro is not put back together but Dallas and Houston looks great with both cars..
I am going to wear out Terry Emmons.. LOL

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Dad has either raced or attended INDY for the last 35 years and he is 58. The only one he has missed in that time is 1991.
I have be attended Indy for 18 years (only 7 years with a car) and I am only 28.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

I've raced or attended Indy at least 20 times, my first was 1973. I also raced the 25th and 50th anniversaries of the race all with the same car. I'm looking forward to racing at Indy again soon. I just turned 60 in February.

Casey Miles
248H Stock?

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

thanks charlie bob now i do feel old 2 more than your dad
least i am younger than J L , painter ,woodro, dirt etc jim

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

Well He may not be under 60 (72 this year) But My dad has been to more consecutive Indy's than anyone. This year will be 55 consecutive Indy's the only ones he has missed is when it was in great bend Kansas, and he goes from thrusday til monday Every year. With any luck at all he'll be there this year as a car owner and crew on our comp car.

I'm 38 now and I'm over 20. 26 if My Math is right, 16 of those as a driver the rest as a crew member of Spectator.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

I'm 57 yrs old. My first Indy was 1972. I was a Freshman at the Univ. of Cincinnati and crew member on the Gretcho Bros. AA/FA, along with Bob Calinchek and Kenny Kish. The only Indy I've missed since was 1980 when my son was born. 9/16/80. (Damn ex wife was due 9/1 and late as usual.) I think that's 37 years. JB.

Re: Who been to Indy 20 years plus "UNDER 60"
 

enjoy all the stories,hope to make some in near future.I have only got to go once 07
Sat& Sun.
Mike Taylor 3601