Anyone been to the USGP in Indy?

[BuffaloBoxster]

I'm planning a trip this year. In the past, for like a champ car race I've always done general admission and wandered the track, rather than see the same two corners all day long. Is this a good idea at Indianapolis? Or are grandstands a necessity? Any hidden gems in the grandstands where I might see a large amount of action for a lower price than the turn one stand?

Any other tips?

[Pilot2519j]

My son bought me as a surprise the weekend package to the Canadian GP. My wife daughter and daughter in law to be are all jealous that we are going and spending four days of GP frenzy.
PS We are going in the Boxster. What can possible top this?
Im so lucky!!! :cool:

[Pilot2519j]

I'm planning a trip this year. In the past, for like a champ car race I've always done general admission and wandered the track, rather than see the same two corners all day long. Is this a good idea at Indianapolis? Or are grandstands a necessity? Any hidden gems in the grandstands where I might see a large amount of action for a lower price than the turn one stand?

Any other tips?

Ear plugs, plenty of fast film ASA 400 pr 800 Telephoto zoom or telephoto wide angle. I believe that in Indi GP there is a long straightaway that the racers draft the car ahead and then lunge to pass. That would be a great to watch the race. Maybe a radio if they have closed circuit coverage. Enjoy your day at the races :cheers:

[BuffaloBoxster]

I believe that in Indi GP there is a long straightaway that the racers draft the car ahead and then lunge to pass. That would be a great to watch the race.

That would be turn 1, and it's the most expensive grandstand in the place... :(

[pez]

I usually go each year, a great place to go and watch is at the infield around turns 8,9,10 but get there early as the best spots go quick! One year we sat at the grandstands about 10 rows up from P4 at the starting line and moved to the infield after the race had started. Nothing is as amazing as the sound of V-10’s at a standing start :D that might be worth it if you haven’t experienced it!

-Chris

[SpeedRcr]

Turn one tickets are the best if you can find them for a decent price. But for your first year I would recommend just getting the cheapest tickets they sell ($45 for the inside of turn 13) so you can wander around the infield. There are a lot of excellent spectator "mounds" and you can see and experience the cars. I like standing on/near the bridge on the Hullman Blvd straight. It provides an awesome perspective of the braking performance of these cars. The faster guys (Schumi, Kimi, Alonso ect) hit 7th gear just as they reach the bridge (approx 180 mph) before throwing the anchor. If you time it right you should be able to get some nice photos of the glowing rotors. It is an experience to behold...I highly recommend it.

Hopefully, I will have a Boxster to take there this year :)

Erik

[BuffaloBoxster]

We've actually decided to sit in the paddock grandstand. We figured it was worth it to be under cover in case we get another deluge like a couple years back. We will be spending a lot of time though wandering the track. That's been my usual MO for CART and what not and I've always had good luck with it.

[9000RPMan]

I went to the USGP in 2003. We sat directly across from the Ferrari pits. It was really fun. The parties in camping lot #1 on Saturday night were INCREDIBLE! But as much fun as Indy was, Montreal is even better. I have gone to almost all the Canadian GPs since 1986. I have sat in just about every stand around the track. Stand 11 is a great spot, as are any of the seats at the old pits hairpin. For ease of travel, for the food, for the night life (can you say strip clubs?), Montreal is much better than Indy. I probably not be taking my boxster, as it is my friend's turn to drive. The drive to Montreal in and of itself is 1/4 of the fun of the week. The New York State Thruway is a nice drive. Oh, I have hit 178 MPH in a Ferrari, 150 in a Corvette and 135 in a Porsche 944 on my way there! P.S. do not tell the NY State Police! :D :D

[BuffaloBoxster]

You think I'm gonna tell the NYS police anything? Unless it's gonna get me out of jail? :)

We were going to do Monreal, in fact it was my first choice, but the date didn't work out this year so Indy it is. We'll probably do Canada next year - or perhaps even a European race.

[9000RPMan]

If you do a European race, try to make it Monza. The crowd there is incredible! Plus, its one of the classic tracks on the GP circuit. I was at Monza for the 1998 Italian GP, a Ferrari 1-2 and the crowd went NUTZ!

[BuffaloBoxster]

It would probably be one of the classic circuits - Spa, Monza, Silverstone or Hockenheim - even though Hockenheim's been chopped up.

[9000RPMan]

I have always wanted to go to Spa. My cousin from Rome has gone and he loves it there. Unfortunately, from what I hear, the stands and the track area in general is a bit shoddy. Maybe thats why his wife doesnt like it there.... Before I shuttle off this mortal coil, I want to stand at Eau Rouge and see and F1 car take it flat!