It is I-5 day.

That is how I affectionately refer to the Indianapolis 500.  The I-5.

Today will mark a triumph in 2021.  I have heard there will be 135,000 folks in attendance at the famed brickyard.

I have been fortunate enough to visit Indianapolis Motor Speedway a few times.  The first time was ten years ago when my dear wife, Carrie, and I went to watch qualifications for that year’s race.  The roar those cars make is unreal.  I can’t imagine what the start of that race sounds like in turn one.  I can try.  But I don’t think it is possible to know until you have been there.

Ray Harroun’s car, the first Indy 500 winner.

The Borg-Warner Trophy.

As you can imagine, the museum inside the track is a special place to visit if you have any interest in this race and this place.

So many memories.  Your old Uncle Dan can remember having to listen to the race on the radio and then watching a tape delay broadcast on ABC that same night.  Was it our proximity to the track? Perhaps it was.  I really don’t care.

These were good days.

My dear friend Adam Disque was teaching at Medora School when I was the counselor and teacher there.  He invited me to join his class on Education Day trips to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  For me the Winner’s Circle was never more important than this picture:

Talk about a crew!  Wow.  We had a blast.

How this photo turned out this way I will never know.  But I have gotten a few miles out of it.  Maybe not 500.  This is on the infield side of the Pagoda.  If you follow that yard of bricks through that door and out to the other side, you will find the track’s front stretch.  If you win the race, you get to kiss the bricks.

Yes, this really is a big deal. Believe it or not.

Learning about the cars and all aspects of the track was a great time for these kids and these adults.

I am so thankful Adam asked me to join this group.

Who will win the race today?  Look out for Scott Dixon.

In truth I think those in attendance and those watching the race LIVE from home will be the winners.  The race gets to run on time this year.  But, there is more memorial than ever to this Memorial Day weekend.  Our national loss has been great.  Hug someone you love.  Don’t miss the last dance.

Speaking the rights…

Danny Johnson