If you are even the slightest bit interested in auto racing then chances are that you know everything that goes on over at the Indianapolis 500, or Indy 500 as it's more affectionately known. Even if you're not into auto racing very much at all chances are that you've at least heard of the race and know that it takes place in Indianapolis usually one weekend out of the year. But why is the Indy 500 so special and why does everyone go crazy over watching automobiles race around a racetrack? There are hundreds of thousands of people who attend the event each year; there's no doubt that these people tend to chomp at the bit whenever they hear anything remotely mentioned about the race!
What's It All About?
Professional auto racing has always been something that many people like to enjoy throughout the years and it's more than just about the races that are run with the cars, although that's part of it. Being the Indy 500, though, professional auto racing individuals race their cars 500 miles around the racetrack, and this is something that takes hours to complete. The cars that are used during this auto racing weekend are specially-constructed cars so that they can obtain speed well over 200 miles per hour, attempting to beat out anyone that gets in their way during the race.
May: The Racing Month
Even though the Indy 500 auto racing weekend typically takes place during the last weekend in May of the year, it's hard not to notice all the other festivities that go on throughout the month if you're from Indianapolis. Furthermore, many people have come to vacation throughout all of Indianapolis for the entire month, or part of the month, to enjoy the other facets of auto racing that there are to enjoy. If you have never been to the area throughout the month of May, though, you may not know that events take place every weekend leading up to the big auto racing Indy 500 weekend. It's true, though, and trial-runs of automobiles, professional auto racing individuals starting up their cars to practice for the big race, as well as a whole host of other events.
Anybody who is simply interested in auto racing, and not necessarily too excited about seeing the Big Race during the last weekend in may, has the chance to experience all things related to auto racing during the whole month. What's more, some of the more exciting things come out the week before the big auto racing weekend in an attempt to forecast how great the coming weekend will be. For example, the Friday before the weekend is traditionally called Carb Day, usually features plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Singers and bands, like Kid Rock, have performed at the Indianapolis 500 weekend event; there are food stands, plenty of music acts to enjoy, as well as other activities that are meant to herald the start of the big race.
All in all, if you're an auto racing enthusiast than the Indianapolis 500 is definitely a weekend that you don't want to miss. Whether you watch it on television or in person, many people get excited about this great event and it's a weekend to remember for all time!
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