A Different Month of May
Written by Douglas Brown · May 21, 2005
I grew up in Indianapolis. I love(d) the Speedway and all it’s symbolism and glory. I went with my Dad, my Grandfather, my friends. I’d drag along anyone who would dare to go. I even went by myself a few times just to hear, see and feel all that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is about.
I watched as Tom Sneva broke the 200 mph barrier. Screamed my lungs out as Johncock and Mears battled to the end. Witnessed Gordon Smiley’s fatal crash from Turn 4. I was there when Jacques ran two extra laps, and have heard the words “Andretti is slowing” for both Mario and Michael. I remember Stan Fox’s crash and many of Penske’s strategic wins. All in all, I’ve been there for the heartache, the drama and the joy of many drivers, races and fans.
Then, The Split. I won’t give that any more time than it deserves, but do note that I have not attended nor really paid much attention to “The Race” (as it’s known in Indiana) for the past 10 years. Mostly out of protest, but also because much of my family stopped going, my friends were disinterested and I resented the fact that Tony took so much away from me, and all of us.
This year, I’ve decided to go back. I’ve been to all the F1 races at Indy, so it’s not my first return to the hallowed ground that is IMS, but it will be my first ‘500′ since my ABC Online days back in 1999.
Already, I’m finding it difficult to get re-engaged despite the fact that I love these upside-down land jets and the people that pilot them. I’m one for faster AND safer not one or the other, and even with league-regulated specs enjoy the technology and the mechanics of these “cars.”
That said, I’m really confused.
What happened to “The Month of May”? Now we have full weekdays without practice or even track activity? Bumping on Pole Day? Being able to withdraw your car after an accepted time and run again for the pole? Unlimited qualifying attempts? What happened to three strikes and you’re out? Even with these multiple-run regulations, we still only fill 11 spots on each day? (Luckily, the rain ruined that effort, but it’s still totally off-the-wall and runs counter to the “traditions” that make Indy (supposedly) the Founding Father of All Races.
Back in the day, Pole Day meant everyone that had a car, or even four decent tires, an engine and a “liscensed” driver would make a run for the top spot. The drama of the day was centered on who had the guts, and sometimes the equipment, to dare run fastest of them all. There have always been favorites or those with favors, but back then everyone tried to be on Pole. The two middle days filled the field with the likes of the Whittington brothers, the various Bettenhausen’s or the many Lazier’s and then the last day was Bubble Day. Unlike this past weekend – was there a hint of tension when Jeff Bucknum made his last run? Not in my house – “Bump Day” was THE nail-biter session when a few good souls made their way into (or out of) the field. Those that ran too close to the edge or into the wall made their attempts. Some made it, others did not. How many times did Dick Snider sweat through a Sunday in May?
I remember Penske NOT making the race. I recall a cardboard cut-out of Bobby Rahal on 16th Street on Race Day ’saying,’ “I need Tickets.” It’s happened to the best and the worst (Where’s Ed Pimm when you need him?) That drama has been obliterated with so many other Indy 500 rituals. The excitement of Pole Day, Qualifying and Bump Day has been reduced to a mere snippet of what they once were. For me, that’s just another in the long string of events that keeps the IRL in my periphery rather than my focus.
Frankly, since day one I’ve been anti-IRL, against multiple Open Wheel Racing series, and for some time reluctant to attend another 500. I tried really hard last weekend to lose my cynicism and gather some energy and support for the event. I’m not sure that’s happened just yet.
When the IRL invents rules on the fly and justifies them as changes “for the fans,” I, as a racing-blooded Hoosier-Male take real offense. I understand the changing times and new markets and attempts to generate more interest and a bigger fan base.
For me, however, they’d do better to bring me back by staying with what we know – tradition and unscripted, de-regulated drama. I want to like The Race again. I really do. I want to be interested, engaged and cheer for the dark horse, second-weekend fastest qualifier to win from mid pack. I really do.
But if these people and places and situation can’t evolve during The Month of May, then I have no one to cheer for and little energy to bring with me to the track. I really don’t.
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Now you have Kenny Brack! Fastest car in the field after a few hours behind the wheel. The triumphant return of a good guy who has earned another go at it.