Indianapolis - Day 5 and 6

Race day had finally arrived. We got to the track early to watch morning warm ups and then planted ourselves in the shade of the bleachers for several hours until the race began. Prior to the race I went to the bottom of the grand stands and was maybe 10-15 feet away from the riders as they lined up on the starting grid.  It was quite the scene to watch as the crews got the bikes in proper order and the racers went through their routine getting them focused and ready to race. 


After the national anthem was sung by American Idol Finalist, Amanda Overmyer, two A-10 Thunderbolt fighter jets flew over the track and then the race was off!  Spies didn't have a great start and after the first lap was in 9th place.  We were really hoping he would win but it didn't look good.  Watching the race that close and with thousands of other fans is really loud and exciting, and a little nerve racking.  Because we were there I couldn't just check the results on Speed.com like I normally do before we watch the race.  Spies was able to come back and secure a third place finish, allowing him a spot on the podium. 


That night we ate dinner at a Mexican restaurant called Qboada.  It's similar to Chipole and I would recommend it.  The next day we slept in and did some shopping at a mall on our way to the airport.  We got back to Arizona about dinner time and we were home in time to see the boys before bed.  It was so nice to see them and give big hugs and kisses after not seeing them for five days.  They were so excited to show us all of the things they did with Grammy and all the treats she showered them with.  They had a great time with her, which in itself was a great treat for them.  


I love to travel!  I especially love to travel with Ricky. I look forward to when the boys get older because it will make traveling with them a little easier.  In a couple years there will be a new MotoGP race track in Texas and I think we will take the boys with us to that one. I can already see Lincoln having a blast!

Ricky sporting his Ben Spies attire.   We watched warm ups from this section.

Turn 16 coming into the front straight. 

 Spies trying to focus and talk to his crew about the bike. 

Spies and Lorezo 

 Starting grid.

 Stoner and Spies just seconds before the green light.

This one is for the Rizzo's.  Rossi was in 14th place but came back to finish 10th. He was the only crash in the race.

 Final results.

We sat right across from pit lane so we watched all the riders and their crews in the pit. 

Nicky Hayden ended up wearing out his tires with two laps to go so he ended the race early.

Spies is on the right. We were pretty far away. Next time I go to a race I will invest in a telephoto lens first!