VIDEO: Leader J.R Hildebrand crashes on final turn of Indy 500

Sadly, here in the Indianapolis area the race broadcast is blacked-out. This year was the first race I've missed since '83.

A true heart-breaker for Hildebrand. Was hoping an American would win this year. Still the greatest spectacle in racing.

Generally, if an event is "sold out" it is not blacked-out. However, the Speedway never, actually, says their event is sold out. And it may not ever be. But, there are now 350,000 seats at the

Speedway and there are seldom any huge blocs of empty ones. I love going to the race, but, the best seats are still at home.

I have tickets in the start of the first turn. So one can see the cars come out of the fourth turn, down the straight away, enter the first turn, down the short chute and begin to enter the second turn. Very good seats, though not the premier ones.

Besides the race there is so much to see. Just watching the people is entertainment.

However, in the old days.....pre-'90's. It was much more interesting. With the "snake-pit" where nudity was prevalent. Ha. I've been going since a kid in the '50's. The history of the track is fantastic. The museum is terrific. The Hulmans spare no expense in keeping the facility clean, fresh and friendly. Anytime a car happens to hit the wall, they paint over the scrape fairly quickly. I never stop being impressed with the place.

We used to spend the whole month of May going to the track. Skipping school. Even quitting jobs. Ha. Now days, it is such an abbreviated schedule, it isn't a month long deal.

I hope you can attend some time. You won't be sorry.