rec.autos.simulators

I have booked a trip to Indy to watch the 400 this year. I haven't
bought the race tix, though, as I'd like to get as much input as I can
as to what seats or areas of the track are best to see. I fully
understand that no seat will allow a view of the entire track,
however, I'd like to maximize my entertainment, while keeping some
financial sense. That is the biggest bang for the buck.

I have seen that there are the Jumbotron type monitors around the
track in various locations. What is the viewing like on these? Can you
see okay even at a slight to moderate angle?

The Tower Terrace or Pit Terrace seats seem interesting as they are
close to the pit area and possibly (if I can find anyone to confirm
it) a jumbotron monitor opposite it.

Any suggestions on purchasing seats, where to sit, where NOT to sit,
when to arrive or any other info of importance is appreciated.

I am sure that there are plenty of ppl. in RAS that have either gone
to the Indy 500 or the Brickyard 400.

Thanks.

Dave

    I've attended the last 5 Indy 500's, and the first USGP held there (The
only good thing about the split was that I was able to get tickets)  Are you
staying/camping in Indy or are you driving in for the race?  Also try
parking in the "Coke" lot, it's free (and better then someone's front lawn),
but be prepared to tail-gate or sit in traffic for a couple of hours getting
out (your choice).  That aside, before you go too much further you should
really look into getting tickets.  The Brickyard 400 is Indy's hottest
ticket right now, (even if the race is a parade) and your seat options may
already be severely limited.  If you do have a choice, I would suggest
outside of turn one, followed but outside turn three or turn two.  These
turns seem to provide the best viewing, and you certainly get to see the
more of the track.  I've sat on the frontstrech, about 75 yards past pit
lane.  It was great to see the start and pit lane, but I got to see very
little of the actual race.   Inside of turn one had cheap seats, but I
didn't get to see very much of the track.   On the outside of the short
chute between one and two, which had almost the same vision problem.  The
outside of turn two has provided a great view of about 75% of the track,
which I'm sure outside of one and three would provide as well.

Hope this helps

Bobby

Dave,
This is a little of topic but... if you get the time while you are in Indy
you gotta check out...

Fastimes Indoor Karting...
http://www.fastimesindoorkarting.com/

You won't be sorry.
The guy that manages the place said that they were reviewed by a European
karting magazine and said it got rated number 1 indoor karting in the US and
number 5 in the world!
BTW... this guy is into racing sims too!

These things are fast! 2 or 3 sessions in a night will wear you out! What a
BLAST!!!
One of my very best friends works for Walker Racing (Champ Car / CART) and
lives in Indy so I get to go 2 or 3 times a year! (If I lived there I would
go 2 or 3 time a week)
I never miss it!  >;)

Have fun at the Brickyard!

- Pete

Thanks for the tip, Pete. This is where I go at home: www.f1boston.com
Finished a 5 week league about a month ago. Three 20 lap races per
night, 5 weeks, with the lowest score dropped. We had 2 divisions,
lightweight and heavyweight. Up to 185 lbs. and then anyone over was
HW. Good times for all. Even better is the outdoor tracks that just
opened.

Dave

Have fun :-D  I went to the Indy 500 a couple weeks ago and sat in turn one.
The consensus among my father and the other Indy veterans was the same; outside
turn one is the place to be.  Partly because during the race start or restarts
after yellow, that's where all the cars are close together and tend to damage
your hearing ;-)

There is a huge video monitor infield at turn one (not sure about the others)
that's easily viewable from the outside stands, so you won't miss any action.

Have blast!! :-D

Todd Wasson
Racing Software
http://PerformanceSimulations.com
My car sim
http://performancesimulations.com/scnshot4.htm