A Whirlwind Indy 500 Experience

As I look back on my Indy 500 experience, I can’t help but think of all the wonderful fans that approached me during the pre-race and post-race festivities. Race fans are very passionate about their sport, and it came through in the observations they shared with me about my painting. As they talked to me, I could see the excitement in their eyes, and instantly knew that this image will be collected and prominently displayed by race fans for many years to come.

That is the ultimate for any artist—to see the appreciation of your work from people as they view it.

It was a whirlwind weekend—interviews, parades, parties, special appearances, signings—one right after the other. But, Nanette and I never really got tired, because the energy we were getting from the crowds was invigorating and kept us rolling along.

Then, when the race took place—well, that was the capper. Helio Castroneves won his third Indy 500, becoming the ninth driver to win the race at least three times; which is quite a feat. He did it in only his ninth appearance in the race, something no other driver has achieved. It was a perfect performance for Helio—he took pole position, won the Pit Stop Competition and then won the race! It’s a sweep of epic proportions for any racer—the last time anyone did it was Buddy Rice in 2004.

The weekend also included a highlight for the ladies, when Danica Patrick became the first female racer to finish as high as third place. “It was a great race day for the fans,” Patrick said, summing up the feelings of the more than 400,000 people who watched the race.

More on my Indy 500 experiences to come…