The Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Posted on November 7, 2020 by vanbraman

I have been thinking of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this week as I have been teaching virtually in Indianapolis.

Of course this has made my mind wander to memories of the Indianapolis 500.

My furthest back clear memory of the race was visiting my great aunt Esther and that her husband Walter was all excited about the race. We were able to watch part of the race with him. The memory is a clear one, and I can even remember the book that I was reading that weekend. I don’t remember the exact year, but it was probably when I was about 7 or 8.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianaopolis, Indianapolis 500, Brickyard, Gasoline Alley, Memorial Day WeekendI have watched a few of the races throughout the years. However, they are mostly run when I am at church services which are much more important.

I do have another great memory of the speedway. Back in 2009 I visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with my friend David who lives not far from the speedway.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianaopolis, Indianapolis 500, Brickyard, Gasoline Alley, Memorial Day WeekendThe speedway was constructed in 1909, so we were there in the centennial year.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianaopolis, Indianapolis 500, Brickyard, Gasoline Alley, Memorial Day WeekendWe first visited the museum and saw a lot of old racing cars as well as a lot of other memorabilia associated with the track.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianaopolis, Indianapolis 500, Brickyard, Gasoline Alley, Memorial Day WeekendWe also saw the Borg-Warner trophy which is presented to the winner of the Indianapolis 500.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianaopolis, Indianapolis 500, Brickyard, Gasoline Alley, Memorial Day WeekendI also got to sit in a race car. I felt really big. It would not have been a comfortable ride for 500 miles.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianaopolis, Indianapolis 500, Brickyard, Gasoline Alley, Memorial Day WeekendWe also went on a tour of the infield of the track. Unfortunately there were cars on the track so we were not able to visit the starting line or walk out on the track. We were not even allowed to leave the bus.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indianaopolis, Indianapolis 500, Brickyard, Gasoline Alley, Memorial Day WeekendWe did drive through Gasoline Alley and saw where the cars are worked on.

Overall it was a nice visit to the track. Especially as both David and I took a lot of pictures.

Have you ever been to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Steven

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Virtually in Indianapolis

Posted on November 6, 2020 by vanbraman

This week I have been virtually in Indianapolis. I am teaching a hybrid remote course working with a mentor for the hands-on portion of the course. I am observing from my dining room table, but the schedule of the course is on Eastern Time.

That means that I have to be up very early. Luckily the commute is only down the hallway as I have to start at 6 in the morning which is well before the time I usually get up.

It is also a bit of a pain as when they break for lunch the morning is barely started here. While they are breaking for lunch I am having a mid-morning snack and taking the shower I skipped first thing in the morning. Then I am trying to figure out a quick lunch while they take the afternoon break.

Indianapolis, family friends, house guestSince I have been virtually in Indianapolis I have been thinking of my last visit there 11 years ago. I had been teaching a class in nearby Crawfordsville, so let some family friends know that I was in the area. They invited me to come visit them after the class was done and spend some time with them before heading off to the airport

Indianapolis, sailors, soldiers, monument, circleI arrived early enough in the evening so that we were able to visit the Soldiers and Sailors monument in downtown Indianapolis. It is a fantastic monument.

family friends, indianapolis.I really enjoyed spending time with David and Karen. They have been good family friends for a very long time. Karen has been a good friend of my Mother since they were growing up together back in Iowa.

family friends, david, IndianapolisHere is a rare picture of me without a beard. I am looking at this picture and am thankful that I have lost a bit of weight since that time. My hair looks a lot darker also, must have been because we were in the shadows.

Indianapolis, statehouse, downtownAfter visiting the monument we walked over toward the Indiana Statehouse. I remember having a nice dinner at a Cuban restaurant, but do not have any pictures

My students are staying right in this area, so it was definitely in my thoughts this week.

I have more memories from the trip, so will probably share more of them in the next week.

Steven

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