Karun Chandhok is sharing his exciting adventure at the Indy 500, and it’s something every fan should experience. He talks about how everyone has a bucket list, but often, life gets in the way of ticking things off. After his mom passed away suddenly and he turned 40, he decided to aim for one bucket list item each year.
At the top of his list was attending the Indianapolis 500, and he thought it would be special to share the experience with his dad, who had never been to the race before. With the help of three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, Karun planned his trip to coincide with ‘Carb Day’, the final practice session before the big race.
He was amazed by the fan access, with the paddock completely open for fans to explore and interact with drivers. One highlight was being able to buy tickets to go into the pitlane during the live session, allowing fans to get up close to the action.
Karun was moved by the sense of tradition and family surrounding the event, with fans passing down their love for the race through generations. He also noted the significant presence of women in the stands, which was refreshing compared to other motorsport events.
During the race weekend, Karun enjoyed the thrilling action on the track, including a pitstop challenge that was more exciting than he expected. He also appreciated the warm welcome he received from everyone at the event, from fans to former racing professionals.
Learning about the intricacies of preparing a car for the Indy 500 was fascinating for Karun, and he gained a newfound appreciation for the level of detail and expertise involved.
Despite some initial weather concerns, the race day turned out to be a spectacular event, with a thrilling finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Karun was particularly moved by the atmosphere during the American national anthem, describing it as an extraordinary moment.
Karun was struck by the positivity and inclusivity of the Indy 500, where fans embrace different forms of racing without diminishing others. He left the event with a renewed love for motorsport and a reminder of why he fell in love with the sport in the first place.
