The INDY 500: Grand Daddy of Them All – Auto Racing

In a land where auto racing has almost the status of a religion, the Indianapolis 500 race is perhaps the most exalted. Perhaps this is due to the long and glorious history of the race that extends back in time nearly a century. It was back in the early 1900s that Carl Fisher saw the need for a facility that would allow the day’s new, powerful automobiles to be tested to the limits of their speed and handling. Fisher also thought that an occasional race might be staged between some of the better cars. So it was that the first race at the then new Indianapolis Motor Speedway was held in 1909.

The format of the race was changed to a 500-mile distance in 1911 when Ray Harroun was the winner. The race, known today as the Indy 500, was run nearly every year thereafter at the end of May. Only war could stop the race from being held, as happened in 1917 and 1918, and again from 1941 through 1945. With the end of World War II in 1945, preparations began to be made for the 1946 race. A new owner, Tony Hulman, bought the raceway and the rights to the Indy 500 from former World War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker and successfully managed the annual event until his death in 1977.

Tradition is a big part of the Indy 500′s appeal. Although many improvements in safety, accommodations and the track itself have been made over the years, some things (like the end of May race date) remain the same. The famous winner’s trophy, for example, has been awarded to every race winner since 1936 and has the names of every Indy 500 winner engraved upon it.

It’s certain that the Indy 500 will remain number one in the hearts of American auto racing fans and that the cherished “brickyard” will continue to be a place of pilgrimage for lovers of the sport for many years to come.

Need for Speed – Auto Racing

In 1898, Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat, set the first land speed record at a break-neck speed of 39.24 M.P.H. In October of 1997, Andy Green of Great Britain moved the needle past the 763 M.P.H mark and becoming the first person to break the sound barrier on land. The need for speed has come a long way.

Since the inception of the motorized vehicle, man as continually pushed the envelope when it comes to speed and how fast we can push our machines. Moreover, the innovation that comes with this need is truly amazing. Mr. Chasseloup-Laubat started with an electric powered vehicle to attain his record run and was a breakthrough in science of that day and today the drivers are using a turbofan, which is essentially an airplane engine.

Over the years, many types of engines have been used from the electric that was used in 1898 followed by steam powered and then the internal combustion engine to today’s turbofan, man will continually seek out a way to make the land vehicle faster. To look at the automobiles and vehicles that are breaking the sound barrier, you would see something that resembles a rocket, for a person to go that fast a rocket would definitely be needed.

If you ever have the chance to travel to some remote desert, like Nevada’s Black Rock where Mr. Green broke the sound barrier, to witness these speed records, fasten your seat belt, hold on and don’t blink because at these speeds the checkered flag is waved quickly.

Auto Racing: I Spent my Summer Changing Tires on a Pit crew

Sure, you could spend your summer vacation flipping burgers or twirling a sponge at a carwash, or you could perform a job that many auto-racing enthusiasts would gladly pay for (and do, as a matter of fact): spending their time working as part of a pit crew!

Seems easy enough, right? You can probably change a tire. You know the names of all the top racers on the circuit. What else is there? Well actually, it’s a lot more complicated that what it seems. Peel away the uncontrolled variables of proper training, attitude and more than a little luck and you’re faced with a high-tech job skill. One that calls for individuals who can block out the dangers of their job and the intense activity that surrounds them, while concentrating specifically on their role.

Enrollment in a Pit Crew School may not land you on the Winston Cup Circuit, but it may help get your foot in the door. At these race track portals of higher education, students will learn everything there is to know — the difference; for example; between front-tire changers, the jack man, and the gasman, to name just a few positions.

While the glamorous world of Winston Cup may beckon, the reality is that the most many people can hope for is a job with a crew on a smaller touring series such as Hooters ProCup, ARCA, ASA, the NASCAR Busch Series, or NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. However, the other series provide the experience you’ll need to ever have a shot at the Winston Cup.

Interest in working fulltime on a pit crew has its price. There are several schools out there. The low-end course can run about $2,000.00 for a 5 to 6 week course, while several “high-end” schools charge upwards to $7500.00.

No one can promise students a job. But what pit crew schools can and do offer is practical hands-on experience

Most schools operate Monday – Friday, 8am to 4pm. And during that time the clock is ticking. Repetition is the key, and getting the car in and out of the pit in a respectable time is the goal. It’s a humble start but it’s certainly better than sending out blind resumes to driving teams which in most case already have a pre-selected team to go on the road.

Which brings us back to a little bit of luck. Every bit helps and being part of pit crew is no different from dreaming about big-league baseball.

In this case you pay your money and take your chances.

NHRA: A Brief History – Auto Racing

In 1951, Wally Sparks created the National Hot Rod Association to spotlight the sport of drag racing. Starting in the California, Wally and a few friends roll up their top fuel dragsters and created a true American icon of sport. In 1965, Maynard Rupp was crowned the first National Champion and for the past 40 years, a new winner has been awarded the prize of fastest driver in America.

Over the years, legendary racers such as “Big Daddy” Don Garlits, Don “The Snake” Prudomme and my favorite Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney have gathered twice a year to race in this event. There are two nationals each year, The Winter and Summer Nationals, and are now raced at the Indianapolis Raceway after a long stint in Pomona California.

Today the racers are as fast as ever with some in the top fuel category reaching speeds in excess of 300 M.P.H. The race has evolved from top fuel to funny cars and pro stock bikes and these racers are true adventurers who thrive on speed.

The NHRA sanctions events all over the country and on most weekends, you can experience the speed of these cars up close. Check with your local track or follow links on this page for information on the next race in your area.

For those who would like to get behind the wheel, join the NHRA and become a speed demon. Most tracks that include the NHRA have opportunities for the novice racer to get behind the wheel and experience the speed of a full opened throttle.