Indy is truly an event you must experience at least once in your life.
My colleague at Competitionplus.com Jon Asher said it best, “If you come to one U.S. Nationals, you’ll be coming back year after year.” And, after attending my first ‘Big Go’, this novice writer now realizes why thousands of die hard drag racing fans religiously make the annual Labor Day pilgrimage to Clermont, Ind.
As fellow Competitionplus.com reporter Tracy Renck and I arrived at the Indianapolis airport, we were greeted by Mitch Johnson, Tampa Bay, Fla., who was attending his 42nd ‘Big Go’. Johnson has experienced a myriad of emotions during his tenure as an Indy fan. He laughed as Don Garlits shaved his beard in 1967 and shed a tear when Blaine Johnson and Elmer Trett lost their lives during the 1996 event.
“This place is my Mecca,” stated Johnson prior to the event. “Through all the changes we’ve seen in our sport, one race still remains spectacular, the ‘Big Go’.”
Unfortunately Johnson could not be there on Monday to provide his wealth of knowledge for this column. A family emergency arose and he had to leave the hallowed grounds of ORP. However, he left me with some great advice.
“I know you have a lot to accomplish this weekend but don’t forget to soak it all in Tim.”
With my resident Indy expert gone, another group of amazing fans appeared.
