The Eldora Speedway is an iconic American track that sprawls across the rolling hills of southern Ohio. Founded in 1927, the track is steeped in history and is known for its unique atmosphere and fantastic atmosphere. If you find yourself in Ohio, you should definitely check out the Speedway – a place that is still referred to as the “Granddaddy of All American Road Racing Tracks”.
With the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 just around the corner, it’s a great time to be a motorsport enthusiast. You’ll find a list of events lined up over the next few months that you might want to check out.
One such event is the Eldora Speedway. If you’re in the area and want to catch a piece of the action, here’s how you can do it.
Watch The Dream Practice And Qualifying
One of the most iconic sights at the Speedway is the pre-race parade. As the cars and bikes come in for a final once-over before the big race, the drivers take a moment to wave and smile at the fans that have turned out in large numbers to cheer them on.
Throughout the month of May, you’ll find the cars from the top NASCAR teams lining up for practice and qualifying on Friday and Saturday mornings. These are the cars that will be battling it out for the checkered flag on the Sunday afternoon race. Watching the practice sessions is a great way to get a feel for the shape of the field and form an idea of what to expect on race day. The best part is that you can often get a good view of the entire field from the stands.
On the weekend of May 24th, the NASCAR cars will be running in the summer heat which can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The drivers are likely to be pushing close to the very limit to find a way to improve their positions on the starting grid, so you should expect plenty of exciting moments. The combination of fast racing and high temperatures make this an uncomfortable prospect for spectators, especially those of us that are not used to the heat. The stress and strain of the physical exertion could potentially cause health problems, so you’d better make sure you’re prepared for the occasion. Bring a water bottle, some ice packs and plenty of sunscreen to avoid overheating. Plus, it would be wise to dress in lightweight, comfortable clothes. The last thing you want to do is spend the entire race in discomfort.
Watch The Race From The Pit Lane
On the day of the race, the fans enter the fray at the start of the race in the form of military vehicles that stream into the starting grid. Teams of volunteers in period costumes stand ready to wave the flag and sound the horn as the engines rev and the racing begins. The race then follows a very traditional path, with the front runners driving towards the center of the track and the mid-packers trying to follow close behind. Finally, the backmarkers are hoping to make a break for it towards the end of the race.
The reason this is one of the most exciting parts of the race is that you never know who is going to emerge as the winner. The leaders might crash out in spectacular fashion, leaving the rest of the field to fight it out for the win. Or, a mechanical problem could affect one of the top drivers, handing victory to a deserving contender. Lots of unpredictable occurrences could happen, leading to some fantastic racing.
The good news is that you don’t have to be in the grandstands to catch all the action. The entire track will be open for business for the fans who are there in person and for the thousands watching the race on TV. Whether you’re in the bleachers, on the side of the track, or in the stands, you’ll experience the full impact of the speedway. If you decide to follow the Indy car race on TV, you’ll only see a small portion of the track. The rest is hidden from sight behind the walls, ensuring that only the lucky fans in the grandstands see all of it. Being there in person is the key to seeing everything.
Watch The Party At The Finish Line
When the checkered flag falls, the drivers come tearing down the main straight towards a huge open-air party. People in general admission tickets can converge on the grid area to celebrate with the drivers as they come in for a final flying lap. Some fans even bring their own refreshments to the party in the form of coolers full of beer, soft drinks, and snacks. The party is a great way to cap off a long afternoon and a great opportunity for families, friends, and fans to get together. A lot of people having a good time, pumping their fists in the air and yelling “Go, Joe!” at the top of their lungs. The overall atmosphere is one of jubilation as the drivers come in for a final, adrenaline-filled sprint to the line. And what line it is – the Indianapolis Speedway! The entire city comes alive as a collective expression of joy as the colors fade and the smoke clears.
As incredible as this might sound, there’s still more. You can actually watch the race in its entirety from the air. The Indy website, indycar.com, has details on how to do it. Check out www.indycar.com/tickets/totalspeedway.html for more information. It doesn’t get much more American than that. Even former President Barack Obama has commented on this historic track.
If you’re in the area and want to take in some of the action, make sure to check out the Eldora Speedway. With the combination of an iconic track and some fantastic weather, it’s a great place to be. The fans there are some of the most dedicated in the country. And if you can, make sure to catch a piece of the action via live stream. You’ll feel as if you’re there in the flesh, rubbing shoulders with the heroes of motorsport. What a way to watch the greatest race of all time!