I have never been to an actual IRL (Indy Racing League) race. I have been to the qualifying trial at the Brickyard but didn't stay for the actual race (they next day).

It was quite a site to behold. I enjoy racing on the Speed channel, but when you are there in person - its a different world. The screaming engines, the fans, the whole experience of it all.

We sat out in the grand stands to watch the start of the race. we had a few people in the group who had never been to a live race before. It worth it to be there in person, to hear, no, feel the concussion of the cars as they stream by.

To keep every one interested, we started a pool - $5 on a car, and whose ever car came out in front, would win the pot. for most of us, it was a crap shoot in the dark. We scribbled down the choices on the back of an entry ticket, talked some smack, and keep asking for the program to correctly identify our chosen car.

I choose Tony Kanann from Brazil driving the 7-Eleven car. he was easy to follow - bright green and white, and he started the race in second place. Always a good sign.

After about 10 laps, we moved inside to the suite. Air conditioned, catered food, free soft drinks (cash bar), and seats that seemed to hang out over the track.

We cleaned out the buffet line and settled down in our primo seats to watch the rest of the race from our perch on high.

My car, Kanann was leading the pack for a good portion of the race - much to the disappointment of my fellow race fans.

The race went quickly. There were a few crashes, but luckily nothing in terms of fireballs, mostly it was hitting the wall or spinning out of control. None of the drives were hurt, but it still impressive to see a car slide into a wall at 210mph and just disintegrate as it plows down the track.

Kananna ended up winning the race - leading the pack for something like 145 laps of 200. He just dominated last night.