In the world of motor sports, Memorial Day weekend is known as Racing’s Greatest Weekend. Between Formula 1 in Monaco and Indy cars racing in Indianapolis followed by Nascar racing in Charlotte, it’s a race lover’s dream.
Speeds will top 200mph and tempers will flair, cars will crash, memories will be made, winners will be crowned, and the fallen will be remembered.
The 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner will not be present, but he is not forgotten. Dan Wheldon died last year in crash in Las Vegas. I imagine his friends and family will have him in the front of their minds today. I know he’s in mine. I enjoyed watching him race.
In today’s Indy race, I haven’t yet decided who I am going to pull for. My mom has been a life-long Andretti fan, from Mario down to Marco, so I could carry on that tradition, but… I do like Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Will Power, and Ryan Briscoe. More than likely, I’ll be pulling for a good race.
Following the Indy 500, will be the Nascar Coca-Cola 600. Y’all know where my heart is for Nascar racing. I’m pulling for that #18 of Kyle Busch, but unless he can get up front, I’m just not sure… From the Camping World Truck race, to the All-Star Race, to yesterday’s Nationwide race, being up front, in the lead, is key. A fast car that does well on the long runs. If the handling of the car goes away on long green flag racing, then the driver is going to have trouble.
It’s hot outside today and it’s going to get hotter. I’ll be sweltering!
This is what I’m hoping to see at the end of the night…
Y’all know what a huge race fan I am, what my household is… The other drivers being pulled for are Jimmie Johnson #48, Tony Stewart #14, Dave Blaney #36, Dale Earnhardt, Jr #88 (no comment, y’all. he’s my mom’s driver), Bobby Labonte #47 and I’d really like to see Jeff Gordon #24 have a good day. Those I’d like to see spin and exit the race early… Denny Hamlin #11. 😉
There will be a tribute to the military at the 600 as well. It always gives me chills, even in 100 degree heat. I hold the military in very high regard, ever since I wanted to join way back when. This year, Nascar and Charlotte Motor Speedway had it arranged to where tickets could be purchased for members of our armed services so they could attend today’s race. I purchased one of those tickets.
Now, I have work to finish before the green flags drop…
~lissa
