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Indy Pro Series race
The Indy Pro Series race got underway and we made our way back to the suite to enjoy some open-wheel racing. It was some exciting racing, especially through the chicane, where numerous entries went off course. Cars would break traction (losing contact with the track surface, causing the tires to spin without gripping) in turn 12, leaving visible tire smoke. Indy cars do not use grooved tires, but flat-surfaced racing tires.
While up in the suite, we were able to chat with our host, Gary (pictured with his girlfriend). Gary's company provided the ambulance services for the track during the event. We can't thank Gary enough for allowing us to join them. Later, Bob and Steve (below), made use of the stadium seating outside the suite to take in some racing action. Great views of the track, fabulous food and fun company...what more can you ask for?!
Grand Prix pit road prep
At the conclusion of the Indy Pro series event, we made our way down to the pit road area where the Grand Prix entries were beginning to prepare in earnest for their race.
Race broadcasts, in general, use reporters to not only provide the color and race commentary, but also to educate the viewers about the cars themselves. Below left is what is referred to as the 'cutaway car'. It purposefully has fenders and covers missing to demonstrate how the cars are built (and what can break).
The crews have replacement sets of tires, fuel and 'war wagons' in their designated pit area. The 'war wagons' house spare parts and tools, as well as weather tracking equipment and the communications devices to be able to speak with their driver during the race, and television monitors. The pit crews watch the same race coverage as you or I on live television to aid them in the standings, cautions, etc.
Grand Prix garage prep
We made our way back to the garage area and Sara, Steve and I stopped to pose in front of the safety trucks. These trucks are parked around the track during the race to aid them in reaching a car off course, or one involved in an accident, more quickly. They are even equipped with fire hoses and tanks to allow them to start immediate fire-fighting efforts if necessary.
The garage was abuzz with pre-race activity. Cars were being towed (you thought fuel mileage for an SUV was bad, hah!) to the fueling tanker for their initial tank full. The cars are pulled without the front nose section and a temporary spoiler, or rear wing. Below left, you can see the tanker in the background, the on guard firefighter in the center, and the Klein-sponsored car after fueling in the foreground.
Grand Prix cars move out to pit road
Soon after, the cars were brought out to their respective pit stalls and final preparations began.
