What is Community Day?By Ted Knorr & John Darlington About ten years ago, the Speedway and the 500 Festival Committee came up with Community Day as a way to do something with the down time between the last day of qualifying and Carb Day. Held on the Wednesday prior to the race, Community Day allows the general public access to Gasoline Alley, the garages and pit lane, which are normally restricted areas. Race teams have their garage doors opened to view the cars qualified for the race and the starting field of drivers for the 500 are available to sign autographs along with several legendary Indy 500 drivers of the past. CLICK HERE for a Jigger Sirois Autograph Card that is going to be available at the Community Day. Owners of vintage Indy Cars tow them in from across the country with thirty or more lined up along pit road for all to see and enjoy. Most if not all the cars on display either ran during May or actually participated in the 500. The only track activity on Community Day are personal vehicles, (for a small charge) can drive around the 2.5 mile oval where one can see the track from an entirely different perspective. There are also many other displays and entertainment activities provided. The Pagoda Plaza food court is open along with the HOF Museum. Although there’s a charge to enter the grounds on Community Day, it’s worth it for the opportunity to get up close and personal with our favorite speedway. |