I was lucky enough to receive free IRL race tickets from Marlboro along with Pit /Garage passes( I know smoking sucks! But I got free tickets and pit passes) So my good friend Eric and I made the morning trip up to Richmond , Virginia for the race. It was quite a hot day but could have been a lot worse. We got through the front gates and see the LONG line to redeem my free ticket vouchers. Surprisingly though we got to the tent fairly quick and were 2 of the 1500 people allowed to get pit/garage passes. (STOKED!) So with 6 or so hours before race time we hit the vendor booths to see some of extremely over priced diecast race cars and merchandise.
We came across a few mach race cars for display. A Hot Wheels car as well as a Marlboro Team Penske Car:
After that we headed straight for the pits. I myself was a little whore since I have never ben in the pit/garage area for a major race such as this. Needless to say I was GEEKED and in a rush!
The tunnel to the pit area ran underneath the raceway:
The pit area was filled with a lot of different photo opportunities:
The garage areas were buzzing with adjustments and last minute tuning
Body Parts galore!
Trailer row:
The Safety/Pace car crew:
We were able to run into Tomas Sheckter out in the pit area
And his Car:
Funniest picture of the trip!
Race Tire mounting courtesy of Firestone
Winners circle/Victory Lane
One of those one of a kind views. The race position/lap counter from right underneath it:
Right before the Indy Car race they had a USAC Kart race.
Now just a few of the Indy Car race and a few videos:
The Race Car Roll out:
Helio’s car:
Tony Kaanan
Danicka Patrick
Now for a few Race shots:
A little wreck action before the first lap was completed
A few vids for you:
The Race Winner:
There are a TON more photo’s of this Indy Race on my Flickr Page. Click me to check out more photos!
Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 3:16 pm
looks like a cool day was had love a particular picture lol
Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 5:58 am
How did you get tickets from Marlboro. I paid for my seat but everyone else got them the way you did.
Thanks,
Walt
Sunday, July 26, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I have been on the Marlboro mailing list for years. I get tons of coupons and such and I guess from using them that they figure you are active and send you RSVP tickets each year. So i got the tickets, a goodie bag, and Pit Passes
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 8:57 pm
how do you get on the mailing list?
Thanks
Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 2:24 am
go to marlboro.com and sign up