The roar of the crowd was deafening, but barely a whisper next to the roar of the powerful engine. I was nervous, but calm. Excited, but focused. Anxious, but buckled.

I was on the track of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

I desperately wanted to win the silver trophy, even if it was a little creepy with a naked flag guy on top. Just for the record, I didn’t see any naked flag guys anywhere near the racetrack. You’d probably have to go to Las Vegas for that.

My pit crew was prepared and ready.

I was prepared and ready.

I took to the track.

Time stood still as I reached top speed. I drove so fast, the track seemed deserted.

I expertly took the curves, holding my breath as I brushed dangerously close to the wall.

I did not turn around.

The adrenaline raced through my veins as my car raced round the track. My heart pounded faster than the pistons pissed. Victory was within reach.

Yes! I crossed the finish line!!

Bill joined me to kiss the bricks at the finish line. Kind of gross, I know, but it’s what champions do.

I basked in the glory of my race.

I shared my driving secrets with the adoring press, wearing my cool shades to protect me from the glare of the camera lights.

I went places only important people go.

And saw clocks with more dials than my dashboard.

After the race, I admired the cars and drivers that had gone before me.

Then I gazed lovingly, one last time, at my sweet ride.

Not many people can say they have driven the Indy speedway. Now, thanks to the 50/50 tour, I can add my name to the list of royal road warriors who’ve made it to the winner’s circle.

* * * * *

I was starving after the race, so we pulled into the Mug ‘n Bun for some carhop service.

We all loved the home made root beer, Bill enjoyed the breaded tenderloin sandwich, and the pit crew went wild for the deep-fried macaroni and cheese. Yep, deep-fried deep-orange pasta.

The race took most of our time, so we had to miss the famous Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It looked very cool, but made me feel a bit melancholy. At the age of 50, with rapidly-growing kids, it’s likely that our next trip to Indianapolis will be without children. Bill and I will always be kids at heart, so we’ll just sneak in anyway.

We admired Monument Circle and other city sights.

In addition to driving on the Speedway, we drove along I-70, I-74, I-65, and routes 40 and 46 in Indiana. We passed miles of cornfields, and drove through the town of Terre Haute, home to Rose-Hulman, an excellent engineering college with a great team name.

As we left Indiana, we encountered one of the severe thunderstorms the mid-West is famous for. It was raining so hard, we pulled off the highway and parked to wait out the storm. As luck would have it, a lightning bolt struck just a few feet from our car, nearly causing us serious injury as we all jumped out of our seats. After the storm passed, we drove a bit further and pulled into a Steak ‘n Shake restaurant for a well-deserved milkshake. My flavor? What else: 50/50.

39. Indiana
The Winner’s Circle, Indianapolis Speedway