A Cross Country Odyssey - 2003

In gasoline alley some of the mechanics are working on this Indy 500 race car

In another garage nearby similar activity was underway

Seen here is one of the Penske cars. Penske cars took first and second place at this years race.

This Target car appears to be stopped for gas and tires.
It was interesting to be able to get so close to the cars and drivers and mechanics.

Firestone provided several (like dozens) sets of tires for each race car. The tires are like baloons and are very light.

One of the Conseco cars is returning to the garage after some runs around the track.

Tire changing involves the removal of a single hub nut.
The heaviest item if the impact wrench. The wheel itself is actually quite light.

Here is crewman Steve changing the tire on one of the race cars. My time was 13 seconds. Not bad for a "rookie"

Other garages we visited built components and other car parts.
Seen here is a quarter midget. THis shop built the winning car (and sponsored the driver) for the Hoosier Hundred which we watched later that evening at the fairgrounds race track.

Each car (or team) travels with a trailer that is outfitted as a complet service garage. They are immaculate inside and carry all the spare parts and fluids required for racing.