You bring out my inner redneck...

To continue on with the festivities of the week I (Jon) was able to score some tickets to an Indy car race in Richmond courtesy of SunTrust. It was actually a weekend of racing that started on Friday and ended with the SunTrust Indy Challenge that we went to.

It has been a few years since my last race and was long overdue. Just like any other sport, concert, etc., these things are always much more enjoyable live. If you have never been to a race before I would say it parallels a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert.

The tailgating is unbelievable... you would be amazed at the type of folks that ride up in these $100k+ motor homes and camper trailers. The parking lot is normally a party days before the race. Loud music and lots and lots of drinking.

I figured if you lined up 32 people you'd have a full set of teeth (barely). The women are typically a little heavyset, they decide to show more and cover less. The men: as sure as you'd find a Marine with a high and tight, you'd find a race fan with a mullet. And don't worry, plenty of tattoos on everyone. The great thing about race fans is that they know how to have a GREAT time.
And the race - Loud, fast cars.

It was a perfect night for a race. The weather cooperated and it wasn't over crowded - couldn't be any better. Indy racing is a lot different than NASCAR racing, but fun none the less. I chatted to dad about how it seems to come down to not wrecking your car and pit timing. There are only 20 cars in the field and they would pit about every 100 laps and didn't do a lot of passing. Those laps went fast; rightfully so when you're driving 220+mph. I am sure all these elements change when they race a road course and my hat is off to all the drivers because I know I couldn't do what they do.
If I had to pick one over the other it would definitely be Sprint Cup Series. And if you have never been to a race... I highly recommend it!