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Headline: Growing up within earshot of the track.

Message: Oh where to begin? Having been raised practically in the shadow of the track; there are so many memeories. From the times my parents would load all us kids up into the car and head to the track for practice & qualifications, back in the '50's, until today; the Speedway has been a part of my life. Like many households in the early '60's, we had mechanics and crew members living in our basement. What heady stuff for a 11-12 yr old boy. Then the nights, yes nights before the 500, when people parked and lined up for the race on 16th St. My friends and I used to sell ice to the "campers". Although living out your car doesn't sound much like camping. We would be amazed at the distances these people would travel for this once a year event.Ohio,Michigan,Pennsylvania.Far away places to a young boy living on Holmes Ave. Finally I got to see my first race; 1963. My Dad took me and we stood inside the south chute between turns 1&2. It was a magical year. Drivers were flirting with the 150mph speed barrier. All the legendary drivers were racing; Foyt, Ward, Sachs, Rathman, Marshman, Parnelli, Sutton, etc. There were Novi's,Watson Roadster's, and maybe a couple funny looking rear-engined cars. But Parnelli was king that day. And I remember seeing him work that wheel, back & forth as he drove. Since then I have seen the whole gamut of emotions at the track. From the glory of winning, to the tragedy of death. I've watched AJ get his 2nd, 3rd and 4th wins. And I saw Sachs, MacDonald, Savage, killed chasing that golden dream. I've seen fantastic finishes and heartbreaking losses(Parnelli and the turbine). I guess I can't say which is my most memorable moment. Every memory has had an effect and made a lasting impression. I've never missed a race since I hounded my father to take me to my first 500 in '63. From the days laying on the blanket in backstretch in the '50. To the wildest things I'd seen in the Snakepit in the '60's. And through the terrible month of May in '73. The Speedway is a part of my life. Part of my history. These memories I will take with me to the end of days. But new memories are on the horizon. I eagerly anticipate the future 500's and wonder what memories they hold for me and my children, and grandchildren.

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