-
Related
For the 2008 Indianapolis 500 we will be bringing you all the latest news and thoughts from our dynamic pair of journeymen in the field Robert Rakete and Bob McMurray.
From May 16 there has been daily reports
May 26: Bob and Rob embrace the surreal scenes of the
Indy 500 and discover that a Kentucky breakfast on race day is
purely liquid; while the haka makes a cameo.
Bob says
Just for a change I'm writing this after Rob has written his.
At least that stops him reading my blog then stealing my lines and jokes and then deleting them.
Steal anything that boy.
Indy Breakfast
As he says we had a real early start this morning. Alarm at 05.00 then leave for the track at 06.00.
As we approached the track and joined the traffic queue to get in we passed the motorhome parks and the debris that was left after what must have been a real late night for some. There was a guy sleeping in a sort of culvert with a blanket thrown over him and a mountain bike abandoned at his feet
The remains of BBQ'd turkey legs, half chewed corn dogs, elephant ears (don't ask), mountains of Bud, Miller, Coors and assorted beer cans, smouldering fire pits, muddy clothing (both outer and under wear) and all the detritus that you may expect to find as the morning after carnage of the BIG night before.
One guy came up and offered me a beer as I was walking along at about 06.15.
I thanked the dude and told him that beer at this time of day as a first thing to drink wasn't really my idea of breakfast.
"Yup" he said "Nor mine, have a Southern JD and coke, that what we have for breakfast in Kentucky".
I think he was talking about Coke as in Cola but not too sure to be fair.
The first part of the Powerbuilt tools Indy 500 special show screened yesterday (Sunday) in NZ, at least I hope so, and I have to say that we have all enjoyed making this show and that is very much due in part to the co-operation we have received from the people at the Speedway media desk, the IRL people and all concerned with this event.
We might think that some of the road cars are designed by Lazy boy chair consultants and that some of the food is prepared and served by cardiologists looking for cases, that there is an individual TV channel for each and every person in the country and that consumerism is a religion but... and a big but, what a great place to come to, what a great event to be part of. I hope I get the chance to be here again.
Surreal Scenes
Now I am sitting here after the race and what a race!
The scenes after the race defy description. We were helped by the people of the IRL to be the first TV crew to be with Scott after he got out of the podium celebrations and seeing his parents, wife and family with him was very emotional.
The stands were even complete with NZ flags and silver fern emblems.
Some kiwi guys did a haka for him.
I even got Chip Ganassi's hat!
Truly a great day for New Zealand sport in general and New Zealand motor sport in particular.
I really am lost for words.
Bob
Rob says:
It's Race Day!
She was an early start as we gathered next to the Dodge Caravan RS Grande Venti XL for our trip to the track. By the time we got here at 6:15 am there was already a queue in front of us, with beer cans and rubbish to the right. The 'Ecology' dept. aka 'Rubbish Picker Uppers' were hard at work tidying up the outside before the 400,000 fans cram into the grandstands.
Yesterday they ran the previously postponed Freedom 100 and we had 3 Kiwi's racing in Wade Cunningham, Marc Williams, and Jonny Reid. Rain the day before meant that the drivers had to wait to get their shot which must have added to their frustration as the only guy who had a drive confirmed when we arrived and started filming was Jonny. It's all about the $ here when it comes to securing a drive so before you can even think about setting up the car, you have to set up the eft-pos.
Wade finished 2nd, Mark was 15th, and Jonny 20th.
Last night the boys went to O'Reilly Raceway Park. I decided to get an early night as today is a long one. Popped across the road to Indys to get a bite and was served again by the Orange Hulk - Betty. I feel we are starting to connect. She asked me what I was reading while I was eating. "Vanity Fair" I replied "it's an article about Robert Kennedy."
A smile spread across her orange face and her blue eyes sparkled "He was a good man."
I gave her a big tip as I now felt bad for calling her The Orange Hulk.
Last night we sat and watched the show as it was satellite fed to NZ. It was great to see it as a complete programme and I am really proud of what we made.
The Dreaded Declined
The other highlight of my day yesterday was when my credit card was declined. I wasn't expecting this as I looked at the retail assistant and lamely squeaked out a "... oh that shouldn't have..happened"
He gave me that 'yeah right' look as he swiped the card again. Decline.
"Thanks" I said as I gathered my presents up and walked around the shop putting them all back.
Rang ANZ in NZL and as it was 3:30am Sunday morning I was told I would have to wait till 8am Monday before they can help me. Now that's handy.
Later in the day I decided to try it again at the Disney Store and bingo... it worked. Mickey Mouse and I were very pleased!
Well it's nearly 9am and the Marching Bands are playing, the fans are drinking, the sun is shining and Slash from Guns'n'Roses is coming.
Welcome to the Indy 500.
Like the blog? Want to see the video ------ then remember the highlights show from Indianapolis screens Sunday June 1 within PowerBuilt Tools Motorsport from 4:30pm on TV ONE.
