Some photo’s from the weekend race in Iowa. We had a wonderful time. I can’t recommend the place enough. The Iowa Speedway really puts an emphasis on the fan experience, and the fans that turned out were well behaved. None of the unruly debauchery you’d get at a NASCAR race.
It had rained pretty heavily before we got there, and I didn’t have great hopes that they’d be able to get the race in.
A soggy Iowa Speedway at 9:30 am
After checking out our seats, and the midway, we headed to the Fan Walk in the infield. I was expecting the fan walk to be a pretty mundane experience, maybe a 100 yards of roped off area where we could squint to see the cars coming and going from the garages. After all, it was only $10 admission and my son was free.
I was not prepared for this…
The "Captain" Roger Penske - Team owner, Captain of Industry, Demigod...
We were actually inside of the garages. The access was incredible. I am not sure if I am more impressed with the IndyCar Series for allowing such access for the fans, or the fans for being responsible enough adults to have the access and not ruin it.
Scott Dixon's crew preparing the car
I was totally geeked out by the experience. My son loved it, and was impressed when we ran into E.J. Viso trying to get his scooter started.
Maybe that #13 is really bad luck.
#13 - E.J. Viso
We spent an hour wandering the garage area, looking for the rich and famous. In addition to Mr. Penske, and E.J. Viso, we saw Tony George CEO of the IRL, and Gold Medal winning Iowa gymnast Shawn Johnson. Alas, we did not see the other famous Iowan in attendance. I am refering to the Pressdog of course.
Shortly thereafter, the sun came out and the track crew had the track dried and ready to go on time. Much hoopla and introductions ensued, and 42,000 people were on their feet waving little green Iowa Ethanol Flags for the start.
green! green! green!
happy race fans
Alas, E.J.’s day did not end so well.
if it weren't for bad luck...
Oh yeah, the race was pretty cool too.
Fabulous. Excellent stuff. Thanks for coming. I’m glad you had a rockin’ time, because you’re the customer. We have hospitality vigilante gangs in Iowa who go kick the ass of anyone who isn’t sufficiently welcoming of visitors. I was racing around during the weekend, in the media center much of the time, trying to stay out of the way, keeping a low profile. Maybe next year I’ll wear a pdog shirt and you can shout if you see me. Thanks again for coming to our race and helping get it extended for two more years.
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