Danica Patrick was once assumed to usher in a generation of female drivers at Indy after her inspring third-place finish in 2009. Working for NBC, the retired Patrick still drew a packed crowd in front of the pagoda, the Speedway’s most visible landmark. She also drove the pace car.
“This Is Us” star Milo Ventimiglia first trip to Indy came with a fast thrill — Mario Andretti drove him around the famed track in a two-seater ride a day before he waved the green flag to start the race.
How fast did Milo and Mario go?
“Fast,” Ventimiglia said, laughing.
Tyler Gargas, 21, of Crown Point, Indiana, was attending his first Indy 500 in 10 years and shared a tailgate spot with his mom in spot 18 of the parking lot.
Spot 18? That’s Penske’s personal spot,s named in honor of his career Indy 500 victories as a longtime team owner. Lynn Gargas wore a Graham Rahal T-shirt and held her Miller Lite in an Indy 500 koozie — with two coolers at her feet.
What if the Captain asked them to move?
“Well, he owns the place,” Gargas said.
About a couple of hours later, the spot was filled with an official car.
Through vaccinations — including more than 90,000 done at the speedway itself — Penske and speedway officials got the clearance for IMS to all these fans. Justin Brammer of Noblesville, Indiana, said he had no hesitation about attending his first Indy 500 and said the event proved sports could be pulled off safely.
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