A Day at the Speedway

This past Sunday I was lucky enough to spend the day with some of my family, which was extra special because this wasn't an extensively planned trip...it was all thrown together in the week prior! Every year, my dad makes his way up for the Brickyard 400 and this year, my brother and sister came along with him. Ironically enough, Nick's mom won tickets to the race through work so we had the opportunity to go, too. We didn't jump on the chance to go at first (neither of us are NASCAR fans) but the more I thought about it, I really wanted to see my family even if it was only for a brief hello. Nick (somewhat begrudgingly) decided to go so the three of us woke up before the sun and ventured down to Speedway, IN. 

We met up with my family at a nearby shopping plaza and followed each other closer to the track to find parking. We were able to park together on one of the side streets (fo' free), packed some coolers, and started walking. And walking. And walking. If you've never been to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I would first suggest that you attempt to go at least once in your life. I would then suggest that you wear comfortable shoes because you will do a ton of walking! Even if you don't like racing, you'll enjoy yourself. The sheer size of the place is something you can't comprehend until you are actually there. I went for the first time last year for the Indy 500 and was shocked at how gigantic it was. Like I said, I'm not a NASCAR fan, but the environment is just so exciting, it's nearly impossible not to have a good time!

Once we got into the track, we walked around and took in the sights for close to two hours. We made our way to the south end of the track and then made our way back to our seats, on the north side. 

Sibling love

The Pagoda

We sat in our original seats for the start of the race but eventually made our way to where my dad's seats were. There was plenty of room and much warmer where he was! I never thought I'd be cold sitting at a race at the end of July...but I was! It was the coldest Brickyard in history and the wind didn't help matters. But I will gladly take a chilly day at the track over the brutal heat I experienced at the 500 last year (which was the hottest in history...so at least I have those neat stats going for me).

All in all, it was a great day and I'm so glad I got to see some of my family! And I already can't wait until next year's 500...only 298 days and counting!