Indy Essentials?

#31 08-23-2006, 10:31 AM

Yes, yes! And I've already offered to Linda that I would host and post them. btw....that's an open offer to all.

#32 08-23-2006, 10:37 AM

Hey Linda, you have received a great list of must haves. Can't speak for the personal female stuff but you already know what those things are. Kelly can PM you with the "must not forget things".

In regards to the debate over ear plugs, I say bring something! I personally don't like the cheapie orange or yellow ones on a string that you have to carefully insert into each ear. They take more time to get in correctly than they are worth, IMO. I like the orange (typically) band type that you can move down around your neck or somewhere else on your head/hat when you want to talk/listen to someone when the Nitro/Alcohol cars aren't running. I too am old enough to know that I've done ENOUGH damage to my hearing since my youth, and would prefer not to spend my retirement years deaf or wearing dual hearing aids. I started going to the drags in the 60's and have always watched nitro racing, and other than a once in awhile "leave the ear plugs out to relive my youth" moment of insanity, I pretty much keep them in. I've been to my share of rock concerts too, and clubs/bars with live bands and I don't need that anymore.

I too recommend some sort of padded seat as aluminum or wood are not comfortable for anyone hours on end. This past year I broke down and bought a pair of nice stadium seats with aluminum frames that fold up as they have a padded seat bottom and back-rest. It made all the difference in the world, especially for my wife. I know from history that she doesn't like sitting long if she is uncomfortable, and she sometimes can't handle sitting in a car seat for hours. We actually base the purchase of her new car(s) on which car (out of many brands) had the most comfortable seats and seat backs. The shape, style, color, or any other options mean nothing to her if the seats are not comfortable to her. (note: she isn't overweight either)

So, a hat, sunscreen, a sweatshirt or light jacket, maybe a portable fan as Judy mentioned, and the cold wet handkerchief is a great idea, and those ear plugs, and a pad (or stadium seat) for comfort, and $$$$$ and even if you just have a basic digital camera, take it! Binoculars might be nice, never thought to bring them. Have a great time. Indy is one race I have to make in my lifetime, but haven't yet. Kinda like the Mecca of Drag Racing !!

#33 08-23-2006, 12:07 PM

Yes, I'm a member of the "hearing protection for blown cars club". I use the industrial-looking headphones and they work great! I can't stand the foam plugs - they never seem to fit my ears.

Another thing that I take is a foam seat pad. I found a great one at a camping store - it's really intended for hunters but it's perfect for racing. It's called a "Bun Saver", comes in a nice woodland camo, and is a smallish self-inflating pad. Got mine for $14 CDN so it's cheap and easy to pack since it comes with a strap you can wrap around the seat and then hang it off my backpack straps for the LONG walk to the car. Oh yeah, I also take all the water I can fit in my backpack - usually I take 1 from the fridge and 2 frozen ones - the frozen ones melt during the day and help keep my sandwiches cool. Enjoy!!

#34 08-23-2006, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Ghio Jr

Please, I beg you... DO NOT TAKE EAR PLUGS!! It's a DRAG RACE, they are loud o.k. If you want to wear earplugs go to a baseball game or somewhere else... They just ruin the overall experience of the sensory overload you are going to experience... I wore them the first time I warmed up a TOP FUEL car and I could not tell you a thing that was going on... They just seem to make things seem muffled and not real... My sister usually brings these things...Take your lip gloss and a compact with a mirror so you can get the flakes of rubber off your face... Other then that, just bring your patience... and whatever Kelly told ya!

But please leave the earplugs in the bag... I beg you...

Have a great time!!!

There are going to be ALOT of people (crew people also) that will be wearing ear plugs or headphones. Decide for your self if you want to use them or not, but at least take some.

Have Fun!!!!

#35 08-23-2006, 12:14 PM

as for the padded seats. I've picked up freebie ones the last couple of years there. Ameriquest was giving them out (with snake standing there siGNing them.

#36 08-23-2006, 02:29 PM

I can no longer be without earplugs for the loud cars. Many years of rock and roll (drummer) and fuel cars. Pain.

I usually get a bunch of those anti-bacterial moist towlette packets before the weekend and put them in my back pockets. Many times, hand washing facilities are not what they should be. I am a germophobe and they are very handy right before you eat or when putting those index fingers in the ear canal as those fuel cars go by.

X-BALM is mandatory lip protection.

#37 08-23-2006, 03:20 PM

I don't think anyone has touched base on the biggest thing to remember when going to indy is:

THEY DONT SELL BEER IN INDIANA ON SUNDAY!

Plan accordingly. Also note State Police have been known to set up DWI checkpoints outside the track, so think when you drink.

#38 08-23-2006, 03:32 PM

yeap no beer on sundays will hanna, i think ohio is the same but thats all right , indy ess. jack daniels and crown. but i do buy beer for those who want some. but like u said think b4 u drink

#39 08-23-2006, 10:23 PM

For racers in the alcohol classes and comp, Sunday is a long day. You run round one in the morning, then you're done. I know alot of Comp guys go play golf the rest of the day.

All it takes is running out of beer once on a Sunday up there...

#40 08-24-2006, 10:17 AM

One essential for me is a plastic baggie with some baby wipes. I use them to wipe down my arms, head, and the back of my neck during and after a long and sweaty day. I was just getting packed and noticed I no longer have any in the house...wow that's a shock! Kids sure are growing up! So I will be picking up a travel pack of wipes I guess...

Another trick I use is to by a pack of plastic bubble bags for shipping things in the mail. They are cheap and they make a light seat cushion that fits in my travel bag. (no pink backpack at Indy PJ...sorry LOL )

one week from today for me.......wooo hooo!

#41 08-24-2006, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linda Smith

Okay, Indy is getting close and it's the first 'big race' that I've ever went to. I just want to make sure that I have everything packed that will be needed at a race. This is where you all come in...

Some of you have gone to so many races over the years. What are the 'must haves' and 'for heaven's sake, what did I ever bring that for' that you'd care to relate? I have the sunblock, a hat, sunglasses - what else?

Can't possibly begin to tell you how excited I am to go to this race. I want to meet John Force and yes, Kelly, I'm planning on finally meeting Ron, too. :-) We can't go to the DSR Open House because the pastor's recovering from surgery so my workload is heavier but, hopefully, most of the racers will be at the track.

Thanks for your input!
Linda
aka Fast455

Linda... I know you are excited about going to Indy... & you did receive some very good advice here.. however, if you listen to "ALL" of it you will need a FOOD CARRIAGE from A&P to carry all you "Stuff"

also you will need 2 helpers to help you get it all up to your seat..

To be honest as I mentioned before.. all I take is $$ binoculars.. & I pick up a free copy or 2 of National Dragster to sit on in the stands... Travel as light as you possibly can... trust me its a very long day to carry all the S**T around..

#42 08-24-2006, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Panuzzo

Linda... I know you are excited about going to Indy... & you did receive some very good advice here.. however, if you listen to "ALL" of it you will need a FOOD CARRIAGE from A&P to carry all you "Stuff"

also you will need 2 helpers to help you get it all up to your seat..

To be honest as I mentioned before.. all I take is $$ binoculars.. & I pick up a free copy or 2 of National Dragster to sit on in the stands... Travel as light as you possibly can... trust me its a very long day to carry all the S**T around..

John,

You make good points there about lugging all that stuff around. I know the feeling. Actually, I used to do the same thing you suggested, grab one or two ND's and use them for padding, and other than substituting my camera for your binoculars, I traveled just about as light. When I'm solo, that's what I usually do, but this past year decided to go the comfort route with the stadium seats, and they were fairly light, but cumbersome even folded up, although they come with sholder straps which helped. I changed my tune this past year when I finally convinced my wife to join me at the races. I figured I better make her experience as comfortable as possible or she'd be wanting to head home by lunchtime. And you know what, she even tried to pull that on me anyways, but I didn't budge as I told her we drove too far to watch one round of Pro qualifying, and she was gonna have to cool her jets. The day was hot and somewhat miserable in the sun up to that point (mid-80's) at the Gators, but then some clouds and breezes moved in, and that made all the difference in the world. We ended up staying until 6:00 pm or possibly a bit later.

So the best advice is travel light, and if some of this stuff is somewhat unnecessary, leave it in the car, and hopefully you can park close enough to get to it if need be.

#43 08-24-2006, 05:35 PM

The Jacket idea is a very sensible idea...I have been there before as the temp dropped all day, and was very chilly toward late afternoon.
Just leave it in the car, just in case.
I, also, am more concerned about traveling light. What we always do is NOT eat all day (start with a good breakfast) and just hydrate, then after the race we go to Steak-n-shake in Plainfield.

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