The Need for Speed

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/bff7d0_e75e58324fb54ce7be8dde1c34eea265/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

First time ever (maybe last, too) . . . Watch, don't give up, and then read below. It's all speedy.

“Oh the fun we will have,” I exclaimed when Cute told me that we would make time for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. He knew I was being facetious as he is the car lover of our coupleness.  We were on our way to Chicago From Bloomington, Indiana where my smart and gorgeous (grandparents you know the drill) granddaughter had just gone through IU’s intimate 8,000+ person graduation.

I cheerfully walked up the steps to the Speedway Museum, secure in the knowledge that I had my Kindle as back-up in my purse.  Thinking, "Well, it’s late Sunday morning and there probably won’t be that many people here. I can find a place to sit and read while Cute, having already been to this particular museum many times, can retrace the steps of his previous visits and see what’s new." Exactly what I thought to myself.

Wrong on several accounts. First, it turns out Cute is a pretty good explainer of torque, pistons, IndyCar 500 history (since 1911), drafting/tow, dirty air and grip and much more than I have space for. A brand new world was opening up.

Second, this museum is much more than just a bunch of race cars from through the years. Yeah, the museum is shiny, impressive and full of memorabilia. But they do a good job of making sense of this trillion dollar sport and its heroes. There is much history within those walls.

Third, I liked the kid stuff. You, even as a grown-up, could take a virtual ride on the track, use a wheelgun to remove tires at a pitstop (timed to the split second), and even, just for kids, design your own racetrack. Cool.

Finally, you could get close and personal to what an amazing on track experience this must be, as a driver or a spectator.

All in all, I told Cute that it was fun and interesting and yes, I probably would enjoy going to an Indy 500 race on Memorial Day if it included a trip to downtown Indy's St. Elmo Steakhouse. Maybe I won't need my Kindle as back-up.