Indy 500 Festivities

Most people think of Indianapolis 500 as a one-day race Memorial Day weekend.  As any Hoosier knows, it's an entire month of events.  Kicking off with the largest mini-marathon (35,000 participants), it also includes several days of practice, 4 days of qualifications, Carb Day, and a parade.  Below are a variety of pictures throughout the month.  This is the sixth year Brian has taken the boys to the track during one of the qualification days.  The boys have a great time, especially the trip to Mug 'N Bun after the track.

Bryant Fast Track | Pole Day | Bryant Dealer Rally | Parade | Race Day

Bryant Fast Track Day      Back to Top
Brian was able to serve as a host for Bryant customers during a practice day. The practice was rained out but he was able to join them for a tour of the Andretti Green garage.

Bryant customer stand around Tony's car in the garage as a member of his team shares all that goes into making a fast race car	Two customers discuss what it would be like to drive a race car 225 miles per hour
The seat is custom made for each driver to maximize comfort	The steering wheel alone is $40k
The engine cover and side pod carry many of the sponsors including Bryant	Marco Andretti's Indiana Jones car to celebrate the release of the fourth movie

Pole Day      Back to Top
Brian and the boys attended the end of Pole Day, the first day of qualifications.  The boys still only have patience for a short time but enjoy going to the track.

Kylan, Erik and Kristofer watch the qualifications	The flag people sit high above the start-finish line
The pagoda towers above victory circle and houses most of the media during the month of May	Cornhole is becoming more popular, even at the Indianapolis 500!
Tony Kanaan's pits were next to Danica Patrick	Marco Andretti's pit
"I still can't hear you!"	Kylan is always acting goofy
Danica Patrick talks about the race with her crew
Kylan and Kristofer are looking for Tony Kanaan	Dan Wheldon starts one final chance at the pole but ends up qualifying second
Tony Kanaan with his pit crew	Scott Dixon celebrates his pole victory
Erik and Kristofer watch the drivers pass	We joked that Ronald McDonald didn't come for autographs; Justin Wilson is 6' 3", unusual for an IndyCar driver

Bryant Dealer Rally Dinner      Back to Top
During race weekend, Bryant hosts about 400 customers from around the country.  The Friday night dinner features a photo opportunity with Tony Kanaan's car and a chance to hear TK speak.

Erik, Kristofer and Kylan with Bryantman and Pup (who's hidden)	What's going over there?
Erik poses with a replica of Tony Kanaan's car	The boys get to meet Tony (Kristofer is still in shock)
Tony spoke on stage with Bryant brand manager, Kevin Dudash

Indy 500 Parade      Back to Top
The 500 Festival Parade is one of the 3 largest parades in the United States (Macy's and Rose Bowl are the others).  The estimated crowd was 250,000 people.  We joined the Bryant group near the end of the route.

The Fedjes await the parade	Kylan and Kristofer wave their American flags
Kristofer watches the parade up close
Bryantman in the parade but left Pup at home	Brian's co-worker, Greg Wilson, helped to handle the baloon sponsored by Bryant
Ed Carpenter sporting some crazy shades, they matched the bright yellow color of his car	Scott Dixon is excited for the race
Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough - are you sure they are not dating (she sang the National Anthem at the race)	Go Tony!
Sarah Fisher is excited to be back in Indy	Danica waves to all her fans
Deborah from "Everybody Loves Raymond" - Parade Grand Marshall	This was Jenna Elfman, star of Dharma and Greg but it didn't look like her
Comedianne, Ruth Buzzi is always a fan favorite	We think this was the latest winner of America's Top Model
Mario Andretti is the patriarch of a great racing family	The Pink Panther balloon
Jim Nabors returned after missing last year to sing "Back Home Again in Indiana"	Florence Henderson is back this year (and Kristofer remembered to smile)
Alison Sweeney from "The Biggest Loser"
Slash from Guns and Roses (I honestly didn't notice his wife when I took this picture)	The famous Borg Warner trophy is not to be touched with bare hands
The Chinese Dragons are very cultural	This is the famous briefcase brigade

Race Day      Back to Top
Brian was a bus captain for the Bryant group and took a few photos during the race.  It was a beautiful day with sunny skies and temps in the upper 70s.  The race had the second most caution laps and Scott Dixon won from the pole.  It wasn't the most exciting race but fun was had by all.  Tony Kanaan took the lead on lap 94 but spun out while getting passed on lap 106.  He was then hit by Sarah Fisher and was out of the race.

I spotted this cool golf cart cruising around the garage area (Andretti's garage is in the background)	This Bryant banner flew over the parade and race
Marco's crew gets ready for pre-race activities	Tony started outside Row 2 in the 6th qualifying position
The crowd along the main straightaway is something to see; this also shows why seats in this area don't give you a good view of the track	This is looking up to our seat in the SW Vista
Marco Andretti's pit identifer	Balloons are released during the singing of "Back Home Again in Indiana"
The giant American flag with at least 100 people holding it	The traditional flyover with the scoring tower, pagoda, flag, and a Danica fan in view
Ryan Brisco and the first few rows working one of the first warm-up laps	Tony was a popular favorite and was leading when he crashed on lap 106
The start of the race was clean and we had a great view of Turn 1	Graham Rahal was the first out as eventual winner Scott Dixon moves through the south chute
The safety crew directs the cars to the bottom of the track to avoid debris	A member of the safety crew runs to Danica's car after she is hit in the pits; the crowd went crazy a few minutes later when Danice jumped out of her car and started walking toward Brisco's car with a purpose