$ Matters with Mary

Photo from Indy 500 Webpage (left)

Harry, Gary and Bob (right)

Destination: Chicago

My husband Gary is a Master at planning vacations. For us getting there is half the fun. So he looked for places to explore along the way that would break up the drive and add to our adventure.

From Cincinnati first stop Indianapolis. Have you picked up that we are sports fans? Guess what is in Indianapolis? The Indianapolis Motor Speedway! (IMS) Coming from NASCAR country (Bob and Harry attended school with the Labonte and Petty kids, and Brian Vickers was in Bob’s graduating class) we had to see one of the most famous race tracks in the world. And if you are near Indy this weekend check out the Brickyard 400.

Have you dreamed about racing around the Indy 500 race track? You can! For $25 they offer a tour that drives you around the 2.5 mile on a bus. It was an absolute riot and gives you a totally different perspective than watching on TV or in the stands. Going around a racetrack -where speeds reach 225 miles an hour - in a bus was too funny to pass up. Oh Yeah it also includes a 90 minute bus ride with a very knowledgeable Museum staff member providing a historical journey of the speedway. You will stop at notable IMS landmarks normally only open to officials, drivers and teams – like the Media Center, Gasoline Alley, and the “Yard of Bricks” at the start/finish line. Afterwards check out the Hall of Fame Museum - admission is included in your tour fee.

This tour was a good value for the $. Between the bus tour, Museum, and gift shop you could spend hours laughing, learning, and enjoying a piece of American history. Having watched the Indy 500 every Memorial Weekend for decades it was cool to see it in person.

For a mere $6 a person you can have a very Affordable outing and good time. You can take a 15 minute narrated bus tour around the 2.5 mile track for $3. This is a good option for those who aren’t big race fans but want to see the facility. The difference is this tour doesn’t stop at the Media Center, Gasoline Alley, etc you just drive by them. Then for another $3 you can tour the Museum. Big plus – Parking is free.

Next week – still on our way to Chicago

Until next time – I’m looking for fun in your city………………………….