the crazy spectacle of the Indy 500

[@indycar]

Can confirm: Car go fast also makes our brain go brrr 😅 Thanks for coming out! 👊

[@lance6574]

i love watching videos about things i have 0 context for

[@sushreeshashwata]

Same 😂

[@mirahall6825]

Same.

[@tysonatua6671]

It’s because of Swell that I have info about literally random shit

[@caleb2891]

This is the first swell video i have context for growing up in indy lol

[@veronikas5287]

Same

[@ashaelatv]

'car goes fast, makes my brain go brr' is all I need to know, I'm in.

[@nathanielesvloghn2384]

69th like, just like her bill

[@teddiespicker]

that’s all you need to know to get into motorsports 🫡

[@khadijaevans5991]

Can I also say as a lifelong Hoosier, the American Dariy Association of Indiana literally sponsors like every Indiana high school sporting/musical event - Winners Drink Milk is essentially Indiana’s unofficial tagline lololol

[@drumblebee]

god yeah, i remember them making us hold the stupid milk bottles when they took pics of us for band competitions 😅

[@khadijaevans5991]

@@drumblebee right!! Same with show choir competitions 🤣

[@ADreamerWithAPen]

YES after every ISSMA state band competition right after we performed they'd bring us off the Lucas Oil Stadium field into a room and give us all a bottle of milk to chug 😂

[@leena6615]

Lol I’ve found my people

[@rylieread1865]

Honestly tho that milk slapped 😂😂 especially after having hauled my marimba up that godforsaken ramp post-show. Buttercup the cow is such an icon 🤩

[@juststrawberries]

Hey Swell!! I’m a member of the Purdue All-American Marching Band (aka the band playing the music during the prerace ceremonies). After they called the rain delay, we evacuated under the grandstands and were packed in with all of the drunk people. We were trying to move and get to a safe place but we kept getting cut off and there were barely any security helping us navigate/protect us from the crowds. After a bit, we started to move back to our busses to wait out the rain, but this meant we had to make the long walk through swarms of drunk people including a section where we had to walk single file through the yellow tunnel that was PACKED with drunk people. If we had security with us, I didn’t see any of them. The entire walk was just keep your head down, ignore the people harassing you, keep moving, and don’t get separated from the group (unfortunately this type harassment is something many college marching bands have to deal with but there were a lot of people from our rival school etc. at the race). I was uncomfortably close to many fans and I was on edge the entire walk back. Luckily I wear the basic uniform that’s very conservative but our twirlers and dancers wear a different uniform that’s less full coverage. They had ZERO security walking with them and were harassed significantly more than any of the regular members. I know you mentioned that security was busy dealing with the grounds under the grandstands during the evacuation, but I just wanted to share our perspective. It was very stressful and disappointing that security was not prepared to adequately walk with us/do any amount of crowd control especially since everyone had been expecting some sort of rain delay for weeks leading up to the race! TLDR: There was basically no security presence helping the marching band navigate/protecting us from the drunk and hostile fans during the rain delay and we were harassed a lot, especially the dancers.

[@feykenews]

Omg hi roomie

[@juststrawberries]

@@feykenews🫣🫥

[@Alyssa_M513]

Those damn IU fans have no respect! My parents went to Purdue so they instilled the rivalry in me. On a more serious note, sorry that happened to you guys. 😢

[@wilburshaw9330]

Boo Hoo…lol

[@sarminder4357]

Harrassing performers for a race delay? Some people are dumb.

[@townfool4682]

I've never been much into racing, but Swell has got me hooked on the drama. like please, tell me more girl im seated. im sat.

[@kenworthunofficial1934]

honestly this is how i feel watching emplemon, never in my life have i watched racing but i love watching people talk about it

[@barrymckockinner8476]

As a life long race fan I love to see comments like this

[@randomtinypotatocried]

I grew up with it on in my household and sometimes even watch it with my father as a way to spend time with him. Videos like this make me want to get into it

[@LauraRN713]

The Indy 500 is awesome

[@danieldavidson7348]

Context on rookies milking the cows, at the rookie breakfast put on by the dairy association Alex Rossi asked to milk the cow and won so every rookie since has done it

[@bolladragon]

The point that “the speed doesn’t translate to broadcast” is extremely true from my own experience. I’ve been to Talledega Speedway a few times as a teen and while watching racing of any kind on TV is alright, actually being at the track and how visceral the experience of the race, the sounds, smells, people, everything, is so memorable and just genuinely fun as hell.

[@manderiam]

It doesn't help that the race is usually blacked out for locals

[@jessallen7756]

Nascar seems slow compared to Indycar in person....Rick Mears tested an Indycar at Talladega in 1984 , turning a lap at over 240 mph.....40 years ago

[@sarminder4357]

Now Swell has to go to the 24 hours of Le Mans. Maybe Nurburgring too.

[@georgebull-mclean3333]

We can get her into IMSA. I believe in our power

[@con7885]

Daytona 24hr is great too and more accessible

[@username1928rwe]

Isle of man baby

[@NonEuclideanTacoCannon]

24 Hours of Lemons is a lot of fun too

[@movingchicane22]

Sebring. There’s nothing like it.

[@rabidclean]

Fun fact about the safety crews. Indycar is the only series that has their own full time dedicated safety crews that travel with them to every race. All other series rely on the venue to hire locals. That's why they're the best in the business.

[@fluffskunk]

Lots of drivers would not be alive without them specifically. Dr's Terry Trammel and Steve Olvey advanced sports and trauma medicine by decades just between the two of them, and personally saved so many lives.

[@c0mplex564]

That’s amazing. If Indycar can afford to have this, why the hell don’t NASCAR and F1?

[@jessallen7756]

The two doctors mentioned above are the doctors that drivers of other series seek out after they've sustained a driving injury...They are the absolute best at what they do

[@JamesDavis-gz1bs]

Actually NASCAR and IMSA also have their own dedicated crews. AMR provides the personnel for INDYCAR, NASCAR and IMSA and all three train at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

[@BlindZubat]

The "Car make my brain go brrr" is how my brain reacts to listening to Ice Hockey. I can't tell whats happening most of the time because of being visually disabled. But god damn do I love listening to the sounds of skates on Ice and the crowd going wild about a shot in game.

[@katemartin113]

no i completely get you! as a soccer (football) fan, the reaction of the crowd when someone goes for a goal is one of the best feelings ever.

[@DeeDust]

The greatest part of the race is Cleanup Day. A horde of volunteers get sent out to pick up everything that gets left behind by the spectators. Which is a bunch of trash but also a lot of really weird stuff, especially in the Snakepit. Still functional grills, coolers full of unopened drinks, brand new tents, just things bought and never used that weren't worth taking back on a plane I guess.

[@alanfike]

I encourage that rich people treat public space like a Goodwill more often. Don't bother bringing home that expensive cooler with ice and 2/3rds of a case of beer. Those $250 outdoor chairs are just gonna be a burden to carry back! Surely we can find someone to relieve them of this physical burden! Especially with the snacks and hot food.

[@pokeboi5438]

Similar thing happened at Talladega in NASCAR

[@MightyAtom1952]

I really hope one day Amanda goes to a Nascar race, even if just for the tailgating 'cause I need to see her with a can of (root)beer in hand, looking at the camera and saying "Raise hell, praise Dale" lol

[@rebelks88]

Or even a Liquid Death. Since she prefers to not drink.

[@aiwash2766]

She HAS to go to talladega, if you know you know 👀👀

[@MightyAtom1952]

@@aiwash2766 Talladega Boulevard 👀

[@aiwash2766]

@@MightyAtom1952yyyuuuupppp you know what’s up

[@savannah115]

Lolllll my family randomly moved to Talladega when I was 19, and in the spirit of When in Rome, my mom and I (with ZERO Nascar knowledge) went to Talladega. I'll never forget it. Top ten experiences of my life...both in fun and chaos lol

[@danieldavidson7348]

The drivers typically keep signing autograph cards in between personal interactions so once the drivers leave there's typically a stack of cards for fans to pickup as the line goes through

[@mynameisnotcory]

My wife wouldnt let me come say hi, but i was soooo freaking happy to see you covering the 500!! 🏎️

[@LexBravary]

I went this year for the first time. I'm a lifelong indiana resident, and I've always wanted to see what puts us on the map. I don't know much of anything about racing or the Indy500. A few observations in no particular order: 1) How huge the stadium is. I was told 300-330k people attend. 2) Only 33 cars in the race. When watching on tv, it feels like much more cars because the camera is always on them. When you're there, they'll pass you, and you have to wait for them to come back. 3) You can't see the cars the entire track. In the distance I could make out tiny blips of the cars passing. 4) People in the stands (at least where I was sitting) were incredibly nice and respectful. 5) Probably the most patriotic event you'll ever see in person. Something about fighter jets flying over while the national anthem plays to thousands of Americans is truly beautiful. 6) Finishing the race is quite the achievement. 200 laps is a very long time to be driving at 230mph without a crash or mechanical issue, assuming you even qualify for the race.

[@Alyssa_M513]

The fighter jets this year were exceptional, they don't usually fly that low! I'm not usually super patriotic but those fighter jets really get me. 😂

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

I just watched a Ward Carroll video about “botched” fly bys where the pilots got way too close to different stadiums. They can be pretty intense!

[@jessallen7756]

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest stadium in the world

[@olivecattau6024]

The Indy 500 does not broadcast in the state of Indiana to encourage people to attend the race in person. Maybe that is why the broadcast numbers are low.

[@sarminder4357]

That sounds like a poor decision.

[@Username0467]

I hate that decision.

[@insertcolorherehawk3761]

The broadcast number is actually pretty high, and this year, there wasn’t a blackout for the Indy market

[@meds9643]

She's referring to low broadcast numbers for the rest of the INDYCAR schedule, not the 500

[@FullSendsOnly56]

They actually only black out the broadcast in a 70-80 mile radius of Indianapolis. Still a stupid decision though

[@punkbunny89]

I was on the lawn at turn 3 and loved when they had to comment "METAL" grandstands. During all that rain there was a huge muslide party in our area. Beer, rain, mud, and college students, it was pure chaos.

[@jacobporter7140]

I was a mechanic in IndyCar for 4 years. Makes me sooo happy when I see people experiencing the 500 for the first time .

[@suki9268]

This car hyper fixation content is very pleasing to listen to. I really like hearing about industries I'm not a part of, it gives me a new perspective. Its like turning over a rock and finding a bug family lmao. So much going without me knowing lol

[@ItsLitStudios]

I live in Indianapolis. I went last year to the race. You summed it up a first time experience perfectly with “I would go again except I would do it entirely different” I also violently agree that the cost was extremely fair. I also paid for access to the snake pit (Solely for Shaq’s early AM performance, but due to scheduling conflicts he pulled out 2 days prior)

[@ffflustered9qr]

Welcome to the world of motorsport, Amanda - we’re so glad to have you 🥰 Hearing you drop so many driver names from so many different racing series with such passion fills me with joy. And yes, Indy IS the greatest spectacle in racing!

[@astrojam]

this is one of the few things that make me happy to be from indiana! my dad and i loved watching the races at home. i’ve never seen it in person, tho i have been to speedway before!

[@borderlined87]

I LOVE that racing is becoming a bigger part of your channel. I'm a Hoosier who grew up around racing, but the interest didn't take earlier in my life for a variety of reasons. You're making it so accessible and interesting, and my husband and I are now planning to attend some races in the next year, including the next Indy500.

[@broadway331]

Because I saw you mention Vera Bradley at the mech shop: Vera Bradley is actually an Indiana company! That’s why there’s actually a Vera Bradley store at the Indianapolis International Airport and you’ll set a lot of ladies with the bags. They have their annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It’s an interesting experience. Also the end of the Indy 500 this year was wild. It was a real nail biter.

[@alyssanorris3260]

omg i literally live in the same county as fort wayne and i didn’t realize this that’s awesome

[@evynndavis8276]

i go to the 500 every year (except this year 😭) and it truly is amazing. it’s nice to see someone else appreciate it as much as i do!

[@alexwirt2065]

Been going to the 500 for 17 straight years straight now (according to IMS, 2020 counts if we watched it on tv) and this year had a crazy energy to it thanks to the storm and seeing the last 50 laps under green is almost unheard of in this era of the Indy 500. IMS is an incredible and special place that I think you have to experience yourself because words won’t do it justice. Also, I see myself in the legends day footage lol.

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

I absolutely love when you cover topics you’re extra passionate about, it always gets me into the video even if I have no stakes in it otherwise! Your racing videos have been a lot of fun to watch because of that passion!

[@mattruddick]

I'm a 2nd generation Indy500 photographer... credentialed for the 500 for 12 years now, but have been going my entire life. I loved hearing your experience of the race! Glad you had a great time, and I hope you come back!

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

What kind of gear do you use to shoot those cars? I bet your lense is about the cost of my car lol.

[@mattruddick]

@@extragoogleaccount6061 Haha... I use the Sony mirrorless system... 70-200 2.8 lens. Most DSLR or similar cameras can get the job done.. it's more about technique than it is about the gear.

[@TheCamSays]

Even after being subbed for several years, I still feel shocked that Swell is into motorsports. It’s one of those niche things you wouldn’t expect most to be super into.

[@deliacordero110]

I am living for swell talking about racing, the Indy500 this year was so much fun!

[@meghannelizabeth1657]

Ahh it makes me so happy that you enjoyed the 500!! It’s a massive deal in Indy and it’s always so fun. There’s really something for everyone during the race!

[@Tebbylous]

I would *absolutely* go to the Indy 500 if I ever could. I don't follow Indycar very closely but the Indy 500 is just SPECIAL. Like my god even seeing it in pictures it feels like a spectacle, a cathedral of speed. Like on that front I think the 24h of Le Mans is the greatest *race* in motorsport, but Indy 500 is the greater spectacle. It's just that little bit more in every respect. Honestly the video really does convey that aspect really well.

[@jessallen7756]

This video doesn't do the actual event justice......

[@dustybikes86]

i went a few years ago and saw skrillex play the infield while lady gaga and mario andrettie circled the track while darius rucker sang the national anthem... and then there was a car race! it was certainly a spectacle

[@manasik6108]

Because of Amanda I got into F1. Now its time for indycar.

[@frustrateduser9933]

Isle of Man TT

[@andrewwinslow9315]

IndyCar is great, but if Management was better, It would be back to 90's level of fame.

[@jessallen7756]

Indycar is the best racing in the world

[@fluffskunk]

Hey, thanks for the /r/INDYCAR call-out! The algorithm showed me this video and I definitely enjoyed hearing about your experience! The time restrictions on the track are actually because the roads around the track aren't lit sufficiently for traffic to be leaving after dark, so it's a limit imposed by the sheriff. So the race can't go into the twilight because of spectator traffic safety rather than the lack of track lighting. Sarah Fisher was also, for a relatively short time, a team owner, but her team punched above its weight. Josef Newgarden ran for her his first 3 years and earned 2 podiums. Financially, she ended up having to merge operations with Ed Carpenter's team after 3 years. As far as this series' spectator love not translating to TV numbers? I'm an older millennial, I've been watching since the mid-1980s. The tone, the pacing, the everything of the TV broadcasts has barely changed in all that time. There is so little respect, in this series, in how it's broadcast and advertised, for its history outside of the Indy 500, for its technicalities... I'll put it this way: As an F1 fan, you can tell me who won Spa 1998, or Suzuka 2005, or Sao Paula 2012, right? You can probably tell me a bunch of controversial moments and clashes, great passes, etc, right? Hell, people who weren't alive at the time will tell you about Gilles Villeneuve and Rene Arnoux at Dijon, fighting for SECOND. Not a chance even with hard-core Indycar fans. We have absolute brainrot and the series and its media partners do NOTHING to help with that. Indycar has basically fumbled every opportunity handed to them since the early 1990s and the fanbase is traumatized as a result. We're better at telling you about the disasters that damaged the sport and business than we are about who put in great drives and won races that aren't the Indy 500. The series has been AWFUL at selecting venues based on how they'll play on TV, and races that last less than 3 years are sometimes half the schedule. It's insane. As far as "car fast make brain go BRRRR" I'd strongly suggest checking out IMSA and one of the big endurance events they run like the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring (both in Florida in the spring) or the Petit Le Mans (10 hours at Road Atlanta in October).

[@krystal7089]

I’m a Hoosier so I’ve been to my fair share of races. My dad was a police officer and we could get in around 5am with him. I spent many races on the lawn, eating warm deli sandwiches, and watching people pass out. Not enough people know how to handle races, so I’m glad you seemed to have faired well

[@Onyx-_-liquor]

I literally DO NOT CARE! about racing! know NOTHING about the sport except that "car go vrooom!!" but SE loves it and i'll drop everything to watch your videos the seconds i see that notification!😁

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

There's a new Mario Andretti??? Great grandson? OMG my mom has dementia but she's gonna love hearing this! 🎉🎉🎉

[@extragoogleaccount6061]

I think it’s “Marco”. But same fam of course.

[@KevanBuilds]

I traveled to the 500 this year from the Netherlands and it was amazing! Especially the end of the race, sitting in turn 3! Like you said, you can like both F1 and Indy, and I love both!. Definitely recommended to anyone interested. (Also, try to make it to a 6h or 12h race at the Nürburgring, its such an amazing and unique experience to see gt3 cars go flat out in the Forrest)

[@a.m.3000]

Amanda, I'd love to see you review a horse racing event!! There's the odd handful of places in Cali, but also many cool and historic events around the country that you could go see!

[@grace-4072]

my favorite thing about your reviews is how you mention possible issues for others such as perhaps getting overwhelmed with the lack of spatial autonomy/wanting to avoid alcohol on carb day. as someone who is super sensory sensitive it makes me happy that you think to include information like this!

[@mikesveganlife4359]

I was surprised you didn't notice how wrapped up in the race the city itself is in. They are super on top of moving people in and out of the event, switching some roads to all one way away from the stadium. Staying on top of transportation, and generally doing a really good job in making sure you have a good time, rather than a challenging time.

[@alexclemens2007]

Hey Swell! I’ve been going to the 500 every year with my dad since I was 15. It’s so cool to see you cover one of my favorite days of the year and I’m glad it lived up to the hype. What a year to come though- usually there isn’t a hurricane haha.

[@DwightPruitt-uj1ty]

I can confirm that after my 37th Indy 500 my brain still goes brrr and my eyes still tear up when I hear "Back Home Again in Indiana.". Glad you enjoyed yourself, and come back!

[@freedfg6694]

What motorsports need is Low angled camera angls With JUST ONE highspeed camera replaying AT 244 fps or more. Per track. Put it at the bottom of Eu Rogue, in the tunnel in Monaco etc. and make sure it is STATIONARY. nothing kills the sensation of speed like tracking shots.

[@DrChili44]

The largest 1 day sporting event on the entire planet of Earth. And, therefore, the entire solar system. The sheer size and spectacle of the grandstands completely full everywhere except the outside of the backstretch. The colors of the liveries of the cars. The breathtaking speed and the smell of the exhaust as they speed by you in the blink of the eye. Its just simply amazing to witness live and in person. Sitting on the inside of pit lane gives you amazing views of how the entire pit stop works and how the race teams operate. Sitting on the outside of the track gives a much better view/perspective of the race itself...

[@kaitlyns1567]

I've been to the Indy 500 twice while in the Purdue marching band! Super interesting to hear about a more typical fan experience - we were kept pretty separate through most of the events, and only got to watch the actual race for ~ 1 hour. As someone who was never into racing prior to attending the 500, it was absolutely shocking at how much of an event it was the first time. Truly the spectacle it claims to be!

[@ticccylikeasniccy4651]

Born and raised in Indy and summer didn’t start until the 500. So many memories of my hard of hearing dad listening to the raise at full volume. I love it.

[@danielbell3164]

Swell you gotta talk about the Kyle Larson debate of him attempting the double Indy 500. And coke 600. and him being a great rookie at Indy

[@jackm0429]

I went to the Indy 500 for the first time in 2023 so last year, yea it exceeds the hype and the cost is incredible. I was at the Detroit Grand Prix this past weekend and not the best racing of course but the fan experience is top notch for IndyCar, go into the Paddock for free (met Pato and other drivers), it is definitely worth it!

[@brogansmith1342]

Been an indycar fan for a few years now, but as someone based in the Northeast there aren't really any races that it's feasible for me to get to. Saving up for the 500 is something I've *gotta* do in the near future, so I really appreciate how you covered all these different aspects of the experience.

[@katrandall1802]

I’ve been watching for 4 years and it’s so awesome to see Swell posting videos on Indycar and F1 since I started being a fan of the sport around the same time I started watching!

[@xtlm]

FYI: The whole reason Newgarden is in Indycar is because Sarah Fisher (The Pace Car driver here) took a chance on him back when she owned her own team. He was just an underfunded guy kind of on his way out after being in Europe for a bit when she took that chance. She was a good driver but never could get the funding so she wound up making her own team lol. Fisher was great. Just a Fun Fact!

[@natalieklein5805]

I was there too! During the rain delay I was camped in a bathroom and getting attacked by spiders. The Indy 500 is so ridiculous it’s fun. Everybody’s drunk and everybody’s hot and cars go fast. It really is a spectacle.

[@DavidLand91]

Great to see other KZbinrs covering the 500!

[@clayfoster8234]

For those who don’t follow motor sports and Indy car specifically: the very low 9° banking in the turns vs the typical 20°+ for a standard super speedway makes the Indy 500 a somewhat unique race in the number of different lines the drivers can take which opens up passing opportunities that simply don’t exist on other “single groove” tracks. In the end the track itself lends itself to very exciting racing.

[@midsummerdream2957]

Local here and glad you had a great time! We love visitors to the 500!

[@RoundSparrow]

In 1991, IBM gave some of us a big social media award show for race day weekend. For helping people on CompuServe back then, "OS/2 Ambassador Gold" awards. Full expenses, behind the scene computer tour, pace car trip around track, etc. Social Media wild days!

[@bwindyfan]

Great video, and I always love when new people experience it for the first time. I’ve been at 43 races, and my dad attended his 77th. Good summary of the weekend! Couple other tips: Carb day- go to upstairs outside turn 1.. you can see from turn 4 to turn 2! Saturday: hit the 500 Festival Parade downtown… but get seats on the west/northbound side of parade (requires quick exit after drivers meeting.. follow drivers motorcade busses) Enjoyed the video!

[@eleanorhenriquez3930]

I love seeing people talk and explain things i have no context or idea ... Somehow I know more on whats happening with fast car racing than the sports I normally follow lol the Swell effect 😂😂

[@jamesjudkins9769]

Indy is the best live racing event for me and it's not even close. Wish it were more popular outside of the 500, but it's amazing to see how big of a deal it is for a league that isn't super popular overall.

[@jaywalkallstar]

If you're coming back to Indiana for the 500 again. You should also check out the Carb Night Classic/Hoosier Hundred at Indianapolis Raceway Park the Friday before the race or the Little 500 Sprint Car race at Anderson Motor Speedway on Saturday.

[@chrispansina1036]

Those cars are going real fast and real left, son. Real fast and left. F*** yeah!

[@christinar7900]

I grew up 5 miles from the speedway and remember hearing the Indy cars when they were running. My sister loves attending and camping out in the infield for the experience. I highly doubt she watches the race. I have never been to an actual race because I don’t like crowds of drunk people but glad you enjoyed the experience! I hope Indy treated you well. Also pretty sure Carb Day was a local name for the Friday before race day much earlier than 2000. I remember it being the unofficial Senior Skip day for central Indiana high schools.

[@dcsoda1]

As someone who’s been going since 1996 I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I always try to tell people it’s a singular event you have to experience in person. I was sitting in Turn 3 and whoever told you that was wrong haha. Newgarden passed several people going into turn 3 those last 20 laps but he was the only one who could do it.

[@princessbright333]

This is so genuinely nice for me. I'm from Indy and while I'm not a sports person and thus not a racecar person either, it's an unusual change of pace to hear someone praising so much about the city! Thanks for this!

[@TurtleStormer]

My cousin’s ex actually raced a few years ago in the Indy 500! Glad you had a great time

[@ladyicondraco]

"Car go fast, brain go brrrr." Is so relatable

[@Elentine]

As someone who just went to their first NASCAR race last weekend, I wholeheartedly agree with the excitement of these races not translating well to TV. I've watched a lot of NASCAR (dad's a big fan) and didn't fully get it until this week.

[@cerdic9]

I had the chance to go to the Indycar Texas race last year but it was last second, so I was just like nah I'll go next year... I'm planning to go to the Indy 500 next year for the first time, but the real bucket list race to attend is the Isle of Man TT, 200+mph motorcycles on narrow public roads with high curbs, buildings, and trees lining the edges over a 38 mile lap.

[@SpencerSkotch]

Welcome to IndyCar! So happy you had a great time. The 500 is a special event for so many reasons. It's the largest single day sporting event in the world. To answer your qualifying question: Day 1 locks in positions 13-30. The fastest 12 and any cars slower than 30th move to Day 2. On Day 2, the Fast 12 is filtered down to the Fast Six as they run for pole position. Day 2 also has the Last Row Shootout where the slowest cars from Day 1 battle it out for the final 3 spots in the field.

[@andrester88]

With all these specific racing events, Swell might have to make a secind channel called SwellSpeed for racing events

[@KynKouture]

I have zero interest in racing but watching you light up talking about racing makes me wanna listen

[@soupcanjr]

Wow I love learning about the fandom/culture around such big events! All your racing videos make me want to get into it lol. Love when cars go zoom,

[@kathryncoffey8961]

This was my third Indy 500. Dad rented a rig for us, and we camped on Lot 4 from Thursday to Sunday, as Dad and his buds do pretty much every year. Even though the RV’s generator kept overheating and crapping out on us the whole time, it was still a lot of fun to hang out with folks that love to watch race cars. Best part (besides having grilled Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast on Race Day) was one of my dad’s buds had the Monaco GP playing in his rig, so I got to watch that before the 500. In past races, someone would pack us sandwiches for the race. This time we ate our sandwiches before the race, so we resorted to perusing the consession stands. A few of us got lucky with a basket of fries. Dad and I tried finding pizza and hot dogs respectively, but we had no luck. Our coolers still had plenty of soda, water, and beer, though. Plus, it was cool just to see a race at a later time than usual.

[@CCBovell]

This was also my first 500 but I’ve been to a couple of GP in Alabama cause I live close the track in Birmingham. The 500 was absolutely wild and definitely a different experience to the previous races I’ve been to. It is 100% a bucket list event for race fans even if you aren’t an Indy Car junkie like I am

[@marahsoore6452]

Oh this is great! I'm moving back to Indiana in the next few months. I went to the 500 as a kid but I have zero memory of it now. With those prices I could totally make a trip down.

[@zorndeslammes]

just picturing your descent into motorsports fandom as one of those icebergs where you start with F1 and before you know it, your life is completely built around watching and following 410 sprint cars. if/when you go back, you'll need to attend the other related races - carb night classic, little 500, et al also the milk drinking description reminds me that there are fans who are still Big Mad about emerson fittipaldi drinking orange juice instead when he won

[@Cameron_Da_Cat]

I’ve had amazing experiences with attending Indycar in Laguna Seca. I was able to get up close and personal with several drivers and cars on practice session days. I absolutely love love the fact that it’s sit anywhere with admission. I also prefer Indycar in person. It’s mostly because there are waaay too many commercials and boring commentary on TV/streaming.

[@girlwithaguitar24]

I've never been to the Indy 500, but F1 used to host a race on the infield road course at Indianapolis, and that was one of the most magical experiences of my childhood that I got to go to from 04-07. If you know your F1 history, you'll know one of those dates includes the 2005 USGP, wherein all 14 cars using Michelin tires withdrew from the race for safety reasons and left the race with only 6 starters, all unbeknownst to the fans in the stands (this was before social media or smartphones were a thing). Absolutely a bonkers event to have been at.

[@johnnywade2418]

That race was icing on the bye bye f1 cake .the series was super disrespectful to Indianapolis. Our hick city wasn't good nuff for some officials team owners and drivers to stay in.thry choppered in from Chicago daily. Never helped ims promote and froze out all local and most u.s. media.

[@IdealisticDog]

Talladega for sure, ideally when weather is decent. Get whatever access for inside the track then stick around after the race and party along the RV row

[@Hibbardbrett]

Hi! Indy local here! If you want to come early, during the Indy GP (the road circuit race inside the oval) earlier in May, they have all kinds of ride-along and track events. It's less crowded than the 500, but it's an amazing time. Indy is cheap enough that you can just park in Speedway all month and make content. You could check out Sarah Fisher's indoor karting facility next to the track. My wife's cousin works for the museum and they are renovating right now. It's going to be pretty awesome. Hell, hit up the local race teams and see if they are down to clown. It's Indycar, so you never know. McLaren, Andretti, Ganassi, and Ed Carpenter are all clustered about 6 miles up Georgetown Road from the track, also hilariously close to the Lincoln Tech "Gene Haas School of Precision Automation". Even the ECHL hockey team got Marcus to come do a signing and ride on the zamboni after he won the 500. You can't lose

[@stacyinfishers]

I’m in the Indianapolis area and thrilled you enjoyed. Drinking is a big deal. Fun fact: indiana had a ban on alcohol sales on Sunday up until just a few years ago. We are also the only state in this area that will not legislate medical marijuana. And the $500 parking is an event in itself!

[@onepiecefan24100]

I've been to the Indy 500 last year. Amazing time. I won't forget Kirkwood's tire flying over the turn 2 grandstand. That race was intense😬

[@josieadkins6847]

I don’t know anything about the Indy 500 but I watched the whole thing and I’m happy you’re happy

[@Estebanmarinphoto]

Since you’re in SoCal you should try the Long Beach Grand Prix next year, it’s the 50th anniversary of the event and one of the best races to attend in america!! The access is insane, there’s so much cool shit, and if you’re a motorsports fan you’ll geek out for 3 days straight. Indy, IMSA, monster trucks, GT racing, you name it!! It’s the best time ever, just be prepared to walk!!!

[@goode.110]

Yknow I watched f1 and you without expecting crossover obv, but now you are an interesting source for motorsports content!😂

[@terrycallahan9576]

First time viewing your channel and instantly subscribed. This was my 51st Indy 500. For a first-time visitor to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”, you certainly captured and explained the event very well. It helped that you are a follower of F1 and already had a good understanding of racing, and strategies involved. This is truly an event where the pre-race festivities are as important as the race itself. As a veteran, and since the race is always held on Memorial Day weekend, I always get choked up at the playing of Taps and the 21-gun salute. I am amazed when 350,000 people go silent giving respect to those who gave all. Then on to God Bless America, Star Spangled Banner, and Back Home Again in Indiana leads to a crescendo of the thrilling command “Drivers, start your engines!” When you do come back, I agree you need to take in the full event (practice, qualifying, carb day, legend’s day, and the race. Spring for at least a bronze badge ($275 which gives you gate admission and garage access for all days except for the race…. a silver badge is $600 and gives you all that, plus pit access). You did great on parking. 15th street as close to main street is perfect and provides easy departure than any other areas. Bring Dad. He will enjoy it. Again, thanks for promoting this awesome event.

[@xtlm]

If you go again, make sure to get a Pit Pass. You get to be right up next to the cars, engineers working on cars, and possibly drivers. This goes for any Indy event. Also, if you sit on a turn, a little higher up you will get to see the corners and down the straights. But you are also in the sun lol. If you wanna do it posh lol, I hear Andretti throws a wild/weird party the night before.

[@TheJunior2305]

Glad you went and made a fan out of you! I have not missed an Indy since 1986 and have been sitting high in turn 3 since 1989. I grew up just 30 minutes to the east of Indy and have since moved to the SE part of the US, but I always come back for the 500. I took 2 of my 3 kids for their first this year. We had 3 generations in the stands this year, my father has been going since 1967, myself since 1986, and now my children. There is nothing like the Indianapolis 500 and Indianapolis Motor Speedway in person. Tip: If you really want to get your "rocks off", you should book a two-seater ride around the track (must do it well in advance for legends day); 185 mph through those corners will give you a whole different level of perspective.

[@MarcMoore]

I could see myself in your Video at the Drivers Meeting between 12:36-12:40, We need to get you into The Hulman Terrace Club next Year.

[@LegitxMarshmallow]

Wow your seats were right near mine, surprised I didn't notice you. My whole extended family attends every year and I tag along sometimes. I never really follow the Indy standings but the race is a blast every year.

[@indycarfangreg1]

Thank you for covering Indycar. I’m glad you’re not limiting yourself to one series. Racing really is the greatest sport ever.

[@arclight1241]

If anyone is interested there is a fantastic documentary about the history of Indycar safety teams called “Rapid Response”. As it turns out Indycar was something of a pioneer in trauma and sports medicine as well as well as safety for not just all Motorsports but passenger vehicles as well.

[@sleepygyro]

I don’t know ANYTHING about any racing but by God I watched this video for Swell

[@alecerdmann8505]

The speeds of IndyCar are incredible at Indy, and it's a reason that many IndyCar fans want the series to add at least one or two more superspeedway races. In fact, a race on the former layout at Texas Motor Speedway in 2002 was cancelled because the cars were going TOO fast (over 240 mph lap average) and the G forces were causes drivers to black out in practice. However, they are more or less in-line with other series when racing at shorter ovals and street/road courses. Due to all the cars in IndyCar being nearly identical (teams can only develop a handful of small parts) and less technologically advanced (particularly in terms of downforce), they are a few seconds slower per lap on non-ovals versus an F1 car running the same circuit. However, there are often many more overtakes and lead changes in IndyCar, even on non-ovals and the championship usually comes down to the last race. Last season Alex Palou secured the championship with 2 races to go, but it was the first time in 18 years that the championship wasn't secured at the season finale. Regarding the TV numbers, the Indy 500 gets decent ratings, but the ratings for the rest of the series are awful. There are many reasons and speculation about why that is that I won't get into, but overall IndyCar as a series has done a terrible job for decades promoting anything outside of the 500. Many people have forgotten at this point that IndyCar was the most popular motorsport series in the US for over 80 years from the first 500 in 1911 to the series being regularly run starting in 1920, all the way up to the American Open Wheel Split in 1996. Over all of those years, despite being American's #1 motorsport, IndyCar shot itself in the foot and wasted many opportunities to become even more popular than it already was. Even at the time of the split, which devastated interest in IndyCar, NASCAR was quickly catching up in popularity and almost certainly would have passed IndyCar in a few years anyway. The split just exacerbated the situation.

[@The_JLav]

I am running a tabletop roleplaying game set in Indianapolis. Thank you for making a video contributing to my Indy sports education!

[@FrittenFriseurLPs]

For me personally it was the first Indy500 i was watching live. And the first sentence of the video - I can relate SOOOO much! Everytime I heared "The greatest spectical in racing" I thought "Yeeeaaaah I get it, but isn't that a bit much?" Now I can say: No. Isn't. It was a great race, I enjoyed it like crazy. Just to see Pato getting overtooked in the last lap was just "so painfull" to put it in his words... I'm going nuts if he wins next year :) To answer the question, if I would watch it live at the IMS... Since I'm from germany it's probably unlikely... But you never know!

[@micahguillemette3344]

I personnally dont care at all about people driving, especially just driving fast in circles, but i'm always down to listen to Swell tell me about something!