Originally Posted by Ernie Steinke

Me and a group of friends have been going to the 500 now since 2000 and love watching the race from the viewing hill on the backstretch.  For us it's the best way to watch the race.  We love being able to stretch out on our blankets and lawn chairs.  Our day begins at 2:00 A.M. when we leave our small town in Ohio.  We rent a fifteen passenjer van now that takes the 10 to 12 of us and all our supplies to the speedway.  We arrive around 5:00 and jockey for a spot to get in line when the cannon goes off.  After getting parked in the infield its party time.  My brother in law who lives in Indy always gets to the hill first and gets us the same spot every year.  His wife works for the speedway in Human Resources so he gets a prime parking spot and is able to get to the hill early.  Its so much fun spending the entire day on the backstretch.  Seeing that first lap when the come out of turn two when they are just getting up to speed is breathtaking.  I've become a big fan of open wheel racing and have been going to the speedway every Saturday in May for a couple years now.  (Having a sister-in-law in Human Resources really has its perks for a credential or pit pass).  My father-in-law even became a yellow shirt last year.  It wears him out being out there all day every weekend but he loves it.  My eleven year old son loves to be at the speedway also and just thinks its the coolest thing watching the cars and seeing the drivers.  The place is so big with so much past and tradition.  For my family and friends the 500 has become a tradition that will keep on going every year from now on.  The backstretch is the place for us to enjoy the race.  I know this.  It beats sitting on hard metal bleacher all day!