Walter Zoomie’s World: 2006 Indy 500 Pictorial - May 10

By Walter Zoomie

Well, it looks like a washout…

…so I think I might stay home today.

I thought I’d wax a little nostalgic for a moment. This is a picture I took back in the mid 80’s in the turn four infield. The turn four infield is gone now.

That’s my two good racing buddies Eddie (L), and his cousin Shimster (R), and my 1973 Chevy Impala coupe, with an awesome stereo using my uncle’s Heathkit speakers on the roof of the car.

We were listening to Bad Company’s Deal With The Preacher. I don’t think there were any preachers in the infield that day.

Our shorts were very short in the 80’s, but we were not short on beer!

Eddie, the Impala, and the speakers, are all gone now. I miss Eddie, especially this time of year.

Parked kinda kitty-corner behind us that day was a carload of dancers. I’m not sure which ballet they performed at, but maybe it was the Windsor ballet. Maybe they were Canadian…

They were very friendly and sociable, and they made many new pals.

It was a typical hot, May day at Indy. The ballet dancers decided it was time for a cool drink.

Apparently they didn’t have cups or bottles or cans, so they had to use a funnel and a length of hose to drink with. Canadians are resourceful people!!

It wasn’t long until one of the ballet dancers, suffering from a slight case of the vapors, decided it would be a good time for a nap. She found a nice shady place to take a short rest from the day’s activities. Her friend is helping her to settle in…

OK… so I lied…

I ended up going to the track anyhow. I have issues…

Anyhoo… I got there just as Jeff Simmons tagged the wall. Here’s a shot of the car on the hook.

Luckily, Simmons wasn’t hurt. I saw him walking back into Gasoline Alley after his little shunt. He looked a little embarrassed. I know how he feels.

This one time, I was pulling away from my house in my car while my dad was out front watching. I didn’t look behind me before I pulled away from the curb, and I sideswiped a neighbor who was driving down the street. Boy, did I feel silly! Simmons probably feels silly too, I bet.

The car wasn’t damaged too bad.

Bobby Rahal has an awesome set of tools, kinda like a TV repairman, so I expect the team will be able to fix up the car no problem.

If you look real close, you can see how the left front tire is flat-spotted all the way down to the cords. I’m guessing that tire won’t be recapped.

I’m beginning to think this car is snake bit. I told the crew they oughta put this sled in a shredder, or at least repaint it so there’s no more green on it.

Here’s a picture of Indy 500 Champion Eddie Cheever. Eddie could give lessons to certain Indy 500 Champion drivers on how to not look like a dork.

Eddie is being interviewed by a female version of the media. The look on Eddie’s face says, “Hey Zoomie! I’d like to date this young woman!”

I hear you Eddie, but I would like to see her eat a sandwich first.

I have seen this young lady interviewing other drivers in the garage area. She asks pointed, probing, racing-related questions like, “So, I hear you just got married. Where did you honeymoon?”

Young, female media types get very good access…better than most of the guy media people. I wonder why?

Here’s Dario Judd after turning some hot laps today.

Dario slapped the wall yesterday…really more of a love tap. I hope he brought enough pairs of skivvies to last him the month.

He is married to Ashley. Ashley is not the typical AGR babe. She’s had a sandwich or two. She looks healthy. She could be a Hoosier. I haven’t seen Ashley yet this month. Maybe she’s making a movie somewhere, and can’t be bothered.

Bryan Herta and crew returning to the garages when the rain began…

Bryan is right there with the rest of his team, posting good speeds. I’ve heard it said that he is quite the card, cutting up and playing jokes. So why does he always seem so sad?
Is it a tears-of-the-clown kinda thing?

Clowns scare me.

Rick Mears and Sam Hornish Jr….

I saw Rick win Indy four times. He made it look easy, even though I know it wasn’t.

Sam would sell his new wife to win at Indy, but he may not need to. He’s burning up the track. This might be his year.

I bet Roger Penske made Sam shave off his soul patch.

Many of the crew of Team Penske smoke cigarettes. I wonder if they get their squares for free?

PJ Chesson and Team Carmelo head back out to the track.

They are still chasing a setup. I’d sure like to see them do well, but I think they’ve worn out their engine.

I’d work for them for free if I could help them, but what could I do besides sweep the floor or wax the car?

PJ told me if I don’t quit stalking him, he’s gonna kick my butt.

About Walter Zoomie's World: Walter Zoomie has kindly allowed a number of his entertaining tales of adventure to be published by IndianaRacing.net. You can read more at his official blog: Walter Zoomie's World. Also, be sure to check out the hundreds of fantastic vintage racing photos taken by his father Rick, a former Indianapolis newspaper reporter and photographer.