Autosport Super Sunday!
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by user Alex Holowczak
On May 27 this year, there is something that I am really looking forward too!
The Indianapolis 500 is the US equivalent of the Grand National in Britain. The National is really the only horse race that anyone in Britain watches. Similarly, the Indy 500 is the only real Motor racing event that catches the imagination of the public. This year, the Indy 500 will be on the same day as the Monaco Grand Prix, the jewel of the Formula One calendar.
One day will feature the two most famous motor racing events in the world. The day starts with the slowest motor race in the world, the street circuit in Monaco. With the harbour, and the boats, and the traditional main straight presentation, it is easily the best race of the year. It is the only one of its kind still remaining, where overtaking is difficult, but the scenery, tradition and history of the event for once take precedence in a sport where money is more important than tradition. When the race in Monaco dies, Formula One will die with it.
About three and a half hours later, the fastest motor race in the world - the Indy 500 is on. It is the one Indy race that I care about. It is the oldest motor race still running in the world, and the circuit has a claim to being the oldest in the world. Indeed this year, Indianapolis Motor Speedway is 100 years old - in 1907 the Brickyard was built. Add in that there is a chance that a woman might win the race, and you have a very watchable three hours.
Whilst the scheduling of the races for the same day was completely by chance (Indy is always the last Sunday in May, whereas Monaco jumps around May every year), it is a great showcase for Motor Racing in the world. To have the two most exciting races is only going to attract people to the sport. To have the two extremes on one day will leave fans wanting to see the middle of the road action (if you'll forgive the pun), and can help to increase the popularity of the sport around the world.
In my opinion, the Indianapolis 500 should be a Formula One event, with Formula One cars, not Indycars, with Monaco a couple of weeks earlier. It is February, and the day is marked in my calendar - I just wish I could see the Indy 500 over here in Britain! (As such, I'm relying on a good blog from the motor sport fans out there...)
Roll on May 27!
