Another Little 500 is in the books as the Cutters capture the 61st annual race. Despite the chilly weather and pouring down rain, thousands of fans packed Bill Armstrong Stadium at Indiana University for the men’s race on Saturday.
The fans got into the race from the beginning shouting support for their team and usually against their neighbor. One this is also for sure, nobody was cheering for the Cutters except the Cutters themselves.
The group has flat out dominated in recent years, winning the last five races—that’s unprecedented territory.
The race was very very quiet for the most part with only a couple crashes. About a quarter of the way into the race, the Cutters were involved in a big crash and almost went a lap behind. They willed back though and were able to edge Phi Delta Theta for the top spot.
I am still baffled by the last lap decision made by Phi Delts. Riding even with the Cutters professional rider Eric Young, they opted to make an exchange, ultimately handing away the 1st place finish. I don’t think it would have made a difference but in doing so, the Cutters won by nearly a half of lap.
Below are the top-ten finishers.
1. Cutters
2. Phi Delta Theta
3. Sigma Chi
4. Delta Tau Delta
5. Acacia
6. Black Key Bulls
7. Hoosier Climber?
8. Delta Chi
9. Sigma Nu Fraternity
10. Phi Kappa Psi
The atmosphere, support and parties are unmatched during Little 500. This week is one for students to remember with three huge concerts all week: Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Rick Ross on Tuesday, GLOWfest featuring Pretty Lights and Chiddy Bang on Thursday, and Wiz Khalifa with Mac Miller on Friday.
Below is a video from the weekend where I tried to capture the spirit of the race. In it, you will see introductions and the parade lap from the women’s race on Friday, and my fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi sending-off their riders to the men’s race. Phi Psi started 17th and finished 10th.