The Hoosier Race Report: It Doesn’t Matter

By Danny Burton

Danny Burton’s Hoosier Race Report appears courtesy of OpenWheelRacers.com

If you’ve ever been to the Indianapolis 500, or listened to it on the radio, or watched it on the television, and if you’re a race fan, then you have a really good idea of the tension and excitement that grips you in those final hours before the green flag is waved. For many, the best way to get the most out of their Indy experience is to get there as early as possible. Kick back and watch the place fill up slowly but surely. If one has a view of the pits, getting your seat early is a great way to watch the teams prepare for the big day. For a true race fan, or even just an Indy 500 fan, it is a memorable experience. For a few hours, troubles of all sorts float away. Whatever issues that the 500 has, or open wheel racing has, all go away for that brief and glorious time. Until the checkered flag waves, it doesn’t matter.

It doesn’t matter that the 500 isn’t what it used to be for many. But then, what is?

It doesn’t matter that the dirt track racers that used to dominate the starting lineup aren’t there any more. As the field of 33 take the green, one may wish that a Dave Darland or Donny Schatz, to name only two, were in the lineup, but that isn’t foremost on one’s mind as they thunder into the first turn.

It doesn’t matter that the IRL has turned into CART Part Two and the sanctioning body that used to be CART is gasping for breath. The “split” is old news by now. This isn’t St. Petersburg or some road course; this is the Show.

It doesn’t matter if there is any talk of re-unification. Or not. Who cares? Drop the flag and let ‘em all go.

It doesn’t matter if beer costs more than two gallons of milk. Or if you have to walk four miles to and from your seat. Or if you’re stuck in traffic for two hours after the race. Or if you’re sitting behind Jabba the Hutt.

It doesn’t matter if the days of new track records are over. There is still plenty of speed and plenty of competition.

It doesn’t matter if the field is strung out at the start these days, in order that a safe start ensure, instead of the past disasters.

It doesn’t matter if the TV and/or radio people talk too much. Chances are they are as excited as you are. Or they should be.

It doesn’t matter if you’re sitting in the aisle seat and a few people in your row have the tiniest bladders in the world. Well, as long as they don’t cause you to miss anything worthwhile.

It doesn’t matter if you think that Tony George has ruined this place. Or, for that matter, if you think he saved it.

It doesn’t matter if these aren’t the 33 best racers in the world. The 33 best have never made up any starting lineup at Indy, though there were a few years when it came close. These will be the 33 who made it of those who tried.

It doesn’t matter who won last year, or the year before. This is a new year and things are different. You never know, the most recent champ may not even make the field. (Yeah, not likely, I know.)

It doesn’t matter that three or four teams, each with three or four cars, will dominate. Most certainly one of those will win. But once the green waves, the only team orders will probably be “don’t crash into each other.”

It doesn’t matter, to a large extent, how much money the winner gets. Drinking that milk and hoisting the Borg-Warner in the air is quite priceless.

It doesn’t matter that NASCAR has eclipsed open wheel racing in America. This is still Indy and on this day, this is the race. Even Humpy Wheeler down in Charlotte will tell you that as this master promoter has built up the 600 miler into an event that rivals the 500, but has not surpassed it. Yet.

It doesn’t matter that “our boys”, Tony, Ryan, Jeffy, and so many more have gone south to where not only the money is, but the opportunities as well.

It doesn’t matter that bringing a sponsor is as crucial as driving ability. All the money in the world won’t hide a lack of talent. Driving ability will help attract sponsors and/or car owners.

It doesn’t matter if a good portion of the crowd can’t identify half the drivers. A good portion of the crowd understands that just being there is enough. And hard core fans, who know most, if not all, of the lineup, will enjoy it even more.

It doesn’t matter who you’re with at the race. If you’re with someone special, the moment is to be enjoyed. If you’re recalling 500’s of the past that you attended with someone special, the memories are to be enjoyed.

It doesn’t matter if you’re even at the race. You could be in front of a TV, or listening to the radio. If you are, your imagination will get a well-deserved workout. Those of us who remember can be thankful for those such as Sid Collins, a man who could paint whole pictures using only his words.

It doesn’t matter if you have a sense of history or not. A huge part of the appeal of the 500 is its history. And for those who are aware of that, the appreciation must be even greater. You don’t have to know who Patrick Bedard or Ralph Hepburn was, but it surely does not hurt.

It doesn’t matter if all the cars have the same engine and/or chassis. Like a few other traditions, the days of “home-made” cars and engines are gone.

It doesn’t matter that foreign born drivers dominate the lineup. Indy fans have shown that they can root for a “furriner” as well as a Yank, though we usually prefer to root for our own. Nationalism isn’t exactly dead. No matter where these people are from, all 33 must be admired for their desire, ability, and living their dream.

It doesn’t matter any more that women have invaded the starting field. There may be three ladies this year in the lineup. The novelty is wearing off. That is good.

What does matter is that it’s the month of May in Indiana. There are dozens of short track races all over the state leading up what remains the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Throughout the year we gripe about the way things are going in the little world of open wheel racing, but on the fourth Sunday in May, we stop long enough to enjoy. For short while, it’s as it should be.

Many thanks to the one who helped in the composition of the preceding.

Applying for the job as Paris Hilton’s agent, I’m…

Danny Burton

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