Working my second Indianapolis 500 was again amazing. There is nothing like covering the largest single day sporting event in the world! The access is unprecedented and 95% of the drivers are fun to work with.
This year had the usual drama. How much practice time would the teams have to work with, what driver would be on the verge of missing the race and who would crash.
The amount of media that come in for the race are ridiculous. Just ABC/ESPN alone flies in over 100 people for their Sunday broadcast. Most of the staff is working all week long—recording promos, stories, introductions and planning the broadcast.
The morning traffic problems translated in a huge increase in race day attendance. Many of my friends that attending the race told me it took them nearly two hours to get to the track. Fortunately for me, WTHR had a police escort so it took me just fifteen minutes.
Early in the morning, I helped and hung out with the sports reporters. Most of the Indianapolis stations do a full-blown morning show beginning at 5am from the track. Because of the drivers busy schedules, we called the drivers PR people to schedule a morning interview. Most cooperated and we had on. Others did not (cough…Danica).
Then I had a chance to get a quick bite to eat. In the very-crowed media room, they were serving chicken, baked beans, cole slaw, and apple-cinnamon rolls.
Following lunch, I made it a priority to go out on the front straight-away as the cars were being put on the track and for opening ceremonies.
These get me every time. God Bless America, the National Anthem, a flyover, Back Home Again in Indiana, and a 21-gun salute. It was very memorable and truly special.
The crowds left the track, the drivers started their engines and AJ Foyt led them out in the pace car. This year was thrilling and we were following tons of storylines. How would Team Penske finish, would any of women make a run, will an unknown win the race and how will Danica do? Those were just some of the storylines.
During the race I helped get interviews from those that crashed after they went through the medical center, aided the reporters and logged the race for the Sunday night show.
I had a blast once again covering the race. The trouble from here on out may be attending the race without the all-access I have had. One thing I do know, I plan on making it a tradition to attend every race I can.
Now I’m off to the annual Victory Banquet, this year held at the brand new J.W. Marriott.