This Saturday we went along to the NASCAR qualifying at the Indy Motor Speedway. This is a big deal over here, almost like a religion. There are references to racing everywhere, from bill boards to mayonnaise bottles and it’s all anyone talked about this week. A temporary city is assembled around the track over the few days of practice, qualifying and racing with campervans, tents and stalls erected everywhere. There is a great atmosphere around the place and a complete cross section of society. The track and stadium is definitely the biggest sporting arena I have ever seen, it is simply awesome. After we finally found our way in the drivers were going out onto the track for a practice session. I cannot adequately describe just how loud these cars are when they roar past you but suffice to say there is not much conversation going on in the stands! Apparently it is even louder on race day when all 43 cars are out on track together and earplugs are a necessity. After watching the first practice session we went to look around the museum for a while, it is great value for only $3. I even managed to find search out the few Scottish winners the track has had. There was also a great little film all about the history of the track and how it got the nickname ‘the brickyard’. After the first gravel and dirt track failed stand up to the intense racing it was decided that the whole thing would be paved with over 3.5 million brick blocks. Having had some experience laying only small areas of similar blocks I can safely that I do not envy those workers one bit!
On Saturday night some of the friends we have met who live in our complex decided to have a Scottish themed night in our honour, needless to say this was a good excuse to get the kilt out! All round it was a good night and we enjoyed some delicious semi-Scottish food and good chat.
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