GOING TO USGP

We've been for the last 2 years but show up Saturday and leave Monday morning. Because of that we haven't explored much past the downtown. We show up down at the track around 10 or so just to walk around and see all of the fans, the vendors, etc...We usually only see 1 race a year so want to enjoy the atmosphere as much as the race. There is usually a pretty good Fchat group and many times they go out to dinner on Friday or Saturday night so just keep an eye out for the thread to start down the road. We can't go this year since it's over the 4th and it conflicts with other plans. Have fun

 

I got my tickets a few weeks ago. I'll be getting there thursday so don't miss anything on track. This will be my first GP so I'm real excited. For those who have gone before, isn't the pit walk on Friday??

Mark

 

We will be arriving Thursday and leaving Monday. Staying downtown. Went in '04 and had a great time, missed last year because of work. The racetrack has already charged my credit card for the race day tickets, but havent received them yet. Requested section H or J rows q or above.

 

Be sure not to miss the alternative events... the Supercup racing last year was awesome and so was the Formula BMW, especially after meeting one of the drivers the night before.

 

OK, here's a USGP related question:

I would like to take the wife somewhere nice on either the thursday or friday night - the opera or a symphony. Anyone know of anything that might be going on? Failing that does anyone know of any really nice restaurants?

 

All the locals recommended it and I found it very good.

 

The pit walk usually takes place on a Thursday because on-track activities (practice, etc.) begin Friday morning...

 

I will be flying out Tuesday Late and arriving in on Early Wednesday this year so that I can check out the downtown area. Have my tickets for Sunday. Still need to get Friday & Saturday Generals & parking for the 4 days. Can you believe after what happened last year, I still want to go. I do need to support the Hometown Favorite (Scott Speed). Bringing the wife. We'll see if she is still a C. Klien fan or if she will switch to another driver. I am definately looking forward to going. My Banker is from Indy and he definately recommends St. Elmo's.

 

Downtown, I too would go for St. Elmo's. It is considered a tradition.

 

Parking on race day, I would really recommend the airport or the downtown location where the shuttle buses run. No delays, drop you off near turn 1 (oval), and pick you up and take you back to your car with no delay.

 

Last year I drove and parked across the street from the main gate. Had no problems. Of course I did get there kinda early all 4 days.

 

I'm finalizing my plans now....

I've gone to every Indianapolis USGP.

I was trying to get some of the free "Michelin" tickets, but it looks like they don't give them to the real fans like me....

It sounds like the speedway is going to give the Michelin tickets to locals to fill the stands up....

Ironic because I'll be shocked if there's more than 100K people there on raceday.

 

Thank you very much.

Mark

 

Y'all might contact the track regarding the "car corral". If you take one of the car marques they allow to participate, you can park inside the speedway on the back straight for the Indy 500. It's then only a fairly short walk across the golf course to the grandstands. There was no cost (they use the cars as part of the visitor attractions) though you do have to have a ticket to the race in order to participate and must also obtain a "car corral" pass in advance. We've done this the past couple of years and it is very nice. Just something to consider.
Ciao,
John

 

St. Elmos'. It is an old fashioned steakhouse. While Morton's is better, St. Elmos's has a huge racing tradition, and you will find a lot of F1 team people there doing some entertaining. Be sure to order the prawn cocktail, and have a bite with a heaping portion of the sauce...

 

Circle car show is always Friday evening, downtown. There are lots of other events in Indy, like music for the wives. Just go to ticketmaster.com and look on the dates you want. There is no activity by the local FCA chapter that I know of (and I am a member). Our website isn't even updated yet this year last time i checked, although I sent the webmaster a message to get with it!

 

we have been meeting for the past four years for dinner. do a search as there are many past threads with photos. as the date gets closer rob usually posts a thread for a head count and suggestions for the location for this year. see you there.

 

I'm still iffy about going. My friend and I have our hotel, flight and rental car arrangements, but he's not sure if he can get the time off from work. So there may be a cancellation. Who knows.

If my prayers are answered and we ARE able to go, I'm totally down for an Fchat meet. Just tell me when and where!

 

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96287

Come on, Carolinians!

 

Count me in. I was there last year( for my very 1st F1 experience) & I will go this year. Can't decide to go just for race day or not. Oh here is some video I took of Team Ferrari last year.
http://media.putfile.com/USGP-2005-Ferrari

 

Is that from a digital camera?

I did the same with my digital. I have several videos from last year. I will do the same this year.

 

Ya it was from a digital camera. Schumi followed RB, every once in a while a Redbull & Minardi car would sputter by.