Nineteen cars met on Friday morning August 11th, for the 450 mile trek to Indianapolis for the Vintage Vettes Indy 500 Weekend Get Away. Departure was from McDonalds in Strafford where both drivers and navigators were wearing smiles and soon became contestants as well answering INDY 500 trivia questions during the trip.

Just outside of Indianapolis we were met by a police escort which whisked us to the hotel in no time flat.  Unfortunately we did loose three cars in the process due to a over anxious eighteen wheeler but our lost soles were soon part of the pack again arriving at the hotel with no noticeable issues.

Rick and Susie H. and Mike and Joan S. arrived shortly after the group checked in; both chose to trailer their prized possessions. By the way Mike, just how much gas did that Blazer burn pulling the trailer?

For the most part registration was quick and painless, afterwards many washed cars and we meet by the pool for pizza where Saturday's itinerary was discussed.

The balance of Saturday morning and early afternoon were open to those who wanted to tour the museum and contribute to the local economy. As it happened to be, the Indianapolis Corvette Club was having a show on the the north side of Indianapolis, a few decided to drive up and inspect the cars. It was reported that there were several very nice cars about seventy total. Two additional functions were being held in conjunction with ours; the local GTO club had approximately 180 cars on display and Lance Armstrong Tour De France fame, was overseeing and participating in the Ride to Replace. The entire trip was worth it to Karen C. as she exclaimed with stars in her eyes, that in turn four she was only ten feet from him (Lance Armstrong) in his flashy spandex attire.

We woke up Saturday morning to a beautiful cool morning and proceeded to the museum parking lot where group and individual photos were taken. Thanks to Rick H. for running off the guards who were drooling over the plastic and were in the way of the pictures.

At 3:30 Saturday afternoon (a much more respectable hour vs. the 7:20 AM start) we met for the pièce de résistance, "THE TRACK TOUR". Again we were met by a police escort who ushered us to the track and while entering under the tunnel onto the grounds we were met by the GTO club who was leaving for the day. Needless to say there was no contest determining who had the loudest pipes! We were escorted around the track at the blistering speed of 30 MPH, 44 MPH less than the winning speed from the first race in 1911, just something wrong with that ! The lap went without a hitch except for Mike and Joan's young friend Chris S. who was stopped by some track Barney Fife who told him to knock off all the noise. Problem was he was innocent of all charges it was his dad right behind him who was making all the noise (once more a victory).

Directly after the track lap we gathered in the museum parking lot and boarded buses for our private grounds tour. The tour included another lap around the track where we stopped on the yard of bricks and we were able to get out and actually stand on the track and the bricks. Many chose to get up close and personal with the bricks, kissing them in a very passionate way that only car lovers would understand, not to worry, it is a tradition at Indianapolis to kiss the bricks. However there are a few that could spend some time with Doctor Phil! We continued our tour to include the winners circle, timing and scoring, press area and part’s that only the privileged few are allowed to enter.

We concluded the tour and returned to the hotel where dinner was waiting. After dinner trivia questions were reviewed and a set of INDY flags was presented to the winners Rich and Sara C. missing only two out of forty questions. In addition custom commemorative dash plaques were passed out to all participants. After dinner, drinks, lies and good old fashion companionship was the order of the evening.

Sunday morning brought a dash departure among most members except for a few who chose to caravan back to Springfield. It was a great weekend, one to remember and one to file in the memory books.

We wish to thank Dean K., Cindy H. and Janell J. for their marvelous photos.

Thanks to all, what good friends to have! Jim & Karen C