Since its inaugural race in 1911, America’s Indy500 has been one of the greatest racing spectacle in the world.
Attracting more than 400,000 fans every year, the oval track — a.k.a the Brickyard — is steeped in tradition and history.
For the first time, the celebrated Indy500 weekend — the 91st edition — will have an Indian representation when Chennai youngster Armaan Ebrahim takes his Fan Force United car out to compete in the feeder series (Indy Lights).
Armaan, who has been enjoying the build-up to the racing extravaganza, shares his experience.
You have to see it to believe it. It’s been a carnival atmosphere here at the Indianapolis and people are going crazy about this weekend’s Indy500 race.
The build-up is spread over a month with a lot of roadshows and marketing events. I always knew that the Indy500 is mega, but I never expected the track to be bursting at the seams right from the testing day.
There are several two-seater Indycars taking people for rides on the streets! Schools bringing children and educating them on the history of the race.
I was pleasantly surprised when I came to know how much the general spectator knew about the drivers who are competing. Their knowledge is immense.
My first experience on the Brickyard was a fortnight ago when I tested there. It’s one hell of a track and like no other in the world.
My team had prepared a solid car and I was able to get on it faster than I thought. The track consists of four corners and they are all flat.
You cannot afford to lift the throttle because as soon as a driver lifts you lose all your RPM and a ton of speed.
Average speed of 190 mph feels pretty wild. The main challenge is when you have to deal with the 20 other cars on the grid.
Drafting behind one another is total different experience, because of the draft (slipstream) the car gains speed but loses downforce. So no grip!
My team Fan Force United got a last minute call from Group Lotus asking them to run ex-F1 driver Jean Alesi in the Indy500, so for the last two weeks I have been able to spend all my time at the track watching and interacting with Alesi.
I am trying to learn as much as possible because that’s the series I want to move up to. For now, my focus is firm on the Brickyard and going flat out!