The wife and I are leaving Denver on Tuesday and making the trek with a stop in St Loius tuesday eve. We will be in Indy wed afternoon and staying at the Drury Inn. Planning on attending the D&R BBQ saturday night (we got our for them!). We also have passes to the car corral so stop by and say hi. We are in the hyper Blue MCS with license plate "HYPER S". Gabe, hope to see you there and thank you in person for a fantastic website!

I hope everyone is bringing an American flag and supporting Scott Speed!

 

Are you doing the police Escort from the Zoo? If so what time?

We are scheduled for 9 am.

 

We're scheduled for the 9am escort too. What is the easiest route to take to the zoo coming from the West on I-70? Any construction I should know about?

Ms Brit

 

I have been to all the Indy F-1's but am skipping this one because I didn't want to travel on the 4th weekend...

Actually, the Indy F-1 (2001) is why I have a Mini! At the race there was a Ford Explorer with a Mini mounted on top handing out cards with the website on it. When I got back to town I paid my deposit and the rest is histosy...

Wiz

 

The easiest way is to take I70 to 465. Then go north on 465 to Washington St. East. Take Washington St east for a while and you will cross the White river and the Zoo will be on your left.

 

DrDiff - Any parking recommendations....

I will be leaving my MINI in chicago

Any BMWCCA related stuff going on? (We'll be in a buddy's 5-er)

 

Park in the neighborhoods to the west of the track (nearest the interstate). Everyone turns their yards into parking lots... you can usually work out a three day deal with someone... Official parking is a con...

Wiz

 

I highly recommend trying to get a car corral pass. Not sure if you guys are BMWCCA members but any car club member can get a pass. It allows you to park on the back stretch of the track for free. Not sure when the dreadline is/was but it's at least worth a shot.

 

If you don't have a Car Corral pass, try the rail road parking.

If there is a race next year, when you order tickets tell them that you belong to the MINI Cooper club and that you want a Car Corral pass. They are free with race ticket purchase and are good for Car Corral parking (back stretch of the oval, and they put you in groups... Porsche with Porsche... MINI and Mini with MINI and Mini...) Thursday through Sunday.

Wizard's suggestion also works well, but remember prices do go up dramatically the closer you are to the track. You also need to consider that not as many of the locals allow Parking on their yards on F1 weekend compared to those who allow parking for the the Indy 500 and Brickyard (NASCAR) races.

There is official track parking west of IMS on Georgetown road and North of the track....

If you are Truly adventureous you can camp (tent or RV) at Indianapolis Raceway Park and drive in to IMS... that will give you a taste of life in my neck of the woods.

 

I had my share of Indiana living goin through college

Thanks for the suggestions and keep em coming.

See you guys there!

 

So can people who aren't (yet) MINI owners come to the event at D&R? I'd love to come and meet some MINI people.

 

Just found out I will be going. I'm leaving DC at 6:30 friday morning. I'll be in the NW Vista. Sadly my MCS won't be making the trip.

 

Print out the MINICCI membership application and find Cheryl (club President) and give her your membership dues... That makes you a member even if you don't have a MINI yet!

 

It looks like we'll be in the area Saturday night for the cook-out and the 9am police escort Sunday morning. Are all MINI owners invited to D&R or just MINICCI? We are members of STL MINI Club

MsBrit

 

I may be wrong but I think that other MINI owners / MINI clubs have joined in on the picnick in the past.

I have E-mailed the MINICCI president and asked for the officical word.

TENCAN will post and make the official announcement either way.

 

I have one I will bring for the 9:00 police escort from the Indy Zoo..... free to any MINI owner, as I can not bring my car.
call cell : 203-247-4585 to pick up. I will be in Indy Thursday - at track early Friday onwards anytime F1 on track.
cheers,
Peter

 

Back on the forums for the first time since this weekend.

Had a great time at the race.

The McLarens did not make it around the first corner

But Fisichella made up for it by getting ahead of Alonso.

As much as I hate to say it, those Ferraris are amazing machines.

 

i would agree with most of your comments. however, michelin did go conservative and the renaults still were competitive. i wouldn't expect a repeat performance from ferrari - but you never know!

 

We had an awesome time - until the race, that is:

The Red Bull "Suite" life is great and has ruined my usual "roughing it" race plan. Never again camping/going without showers, etc.

Oh the parties - That Scottish Rite Catherdral setting was kinda spooky but fun. Frankie Muniz was in the house, as well as a lot of well heeled/dressed models/hangers on. The helmet art event in downtown was much better than I thought it would be and it was very easy to talk to the team people. Great food too.

2 paddock tours - Karma rocks! Met Scott Speed, Christian Horner, Christian Klien, etc. Got a picture of my buddy with Alonso, saw Bernie, Sir Frank, Flav, DC, Webber, etc. Jarno Trulli drove his motorcycle in the walk-in gate, but then came out for autographs. Most of the rest just drove in the drive in gate and were not seen again. Got the pics of my buddy and I holding the 'lollipop' for the Red Bull team. Awesome.

The only let down was the race, mostly over in the first minute. I had predicted a Ferrari roll-over, but even I was shocked by their speed and handling prowess this weekend. Good for them, but I hope that things get back to normal in France next week. Good for DC and Liuzzi for their points performance on Sunday.

I'm now a huge Red Bull Racing fan, for sure...

 

It was quite a sinking feeling to see every car go by except the McLarens and then see em completely drop off the standings

Maybe next year

(but with Kimi maybe going to Renault and all..... )