June 3, 2011

Indy Race Results

Memorial weekend in Indiana means one thing. The Indianapolis 500 race. Many of you probably watched this exciting event on the television but I am filling you in on some of the happenings that didn't appear on the big screen.

This is a copy of the promotion poster to spike interest in the 500 race. Since this was the 100th year of racing the owners of the race track pulled out all of the stops to make this the bestest of the best race in the history of the speedway.

While the regular networks were airing the race with the humans the animal channel had a crew at the track to follow the real happenings that were going on. I was asked to race in this historical event and was more than proud when I was also asked to ride around the speedway in the official pace car before the race started. More exciting than riding in the pace car was my driver, the legendary, AJ Foyt! AJ is known as the King of the Indy 500 being the first driver to win four times.

Before the offical start of the race I caught up with the Andretti family. Mario, Michael, and Marco offered me pointers on how to get ahead in this race, what to watch out for, and charted out when my pit stops should take place. I paid careful attention as I knew this could make the difference between a win and a loss. My folks were so excited when they knew I was meeting with the Andretti family as they are fans of Mario. They were so surprised that his grandson is now a racer, yep the folks here are old.

Here I am in my race car being pushed out onto the track to get ready for the opening ceremonies. I was feeling pretty nervous when this photo was being taken as I knew there were many miles of a race to run.

The opening ceremonies were fabulous and included Jim Nabors singing "Back Home Again In Indiana", the Purdue marching band playing, Kelly Clarkson and Seal singing "The Star Spangled Banner", honoring our men serving our great nation, and last but not least a fly over by a B1 (Stealth Bomber). The mom said when she saw the stealth it brought tears into her eyes making them run down her face.

After doing our lap with the pace car once around the track the green flag was given and the race was on. I took the advice from Mario and tried not to push the car too fast, I didn't want to wear it out too soon in the race. I decided I would stay near the front and make my move in the last several laps left of the race.

This is a photo of my pit crew waiting for me to head in for gas and a change of the tires. They are such a dedicated group and gave me a thousand per cent. I could not have done so well without their dedication and quickness during the stops.
When the race was over I exchanged a few words with Dan. He is a really nice man and it was a pleasure to meet him. He was declared the winner of this year's race, the human winner that is. But . . .

. . . Yep, you guessed it. I won the race, I even beat out Dan Wheldon, what a finish. Most of you that saw the race knew that Dan won when Hildebrand had crashed into the outside wall as he exited the final turn. I protested the findings of the officials when I wasn't declared the winner but when I watched the replay I couldn't see my car ahead of Dan's. I guess I was going so fast that the replay cameras didn't catch me. Bummer.

The officials at the track declared Wheldon the winner but as you can see by the photo above the official official winner is me, team Gracie. Lucky for me the animal channel camera workers have the footage showing my car way ahead of Wheldon.

The traffic leaving the raceway was terrible so I decided to hang out for awhile and reflect on the days events. I am sorry that I won't be in the statistics of raceway history but I have my memories, trophy, checkered flag, and I was given all the milk that I wanted to drink.

Yeah Team Gracie

14 comments:

Alasandra, The Cats and Dogs said...

Go Team Gracie!!!!!!!!

We were so excited watching you race. You probably heard Scylla & Fenris yelling for you from the stands and Artemisia swooned when you won. Poor Socks had his hands full keeping us in line when the stupid humans didn't recognize your win. You were pawsome, we never saw a car go so fast.

Vicki said...

I much prefer this version!!!!!!

Brian's Home Blog said...

I think you won Gracie, at least it was reported that way on our news...I said "hey, I know that Gracie", she's always a winner!"

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Congratulations!

Scott, Emily, Cara and Will said...

Cara says; "I love Gracie and it's so silly"

Amy & the house of cats said...

Hi Gracie! Wow how exciting! But boy I am so glad I wasn't there with you because I would have been so scared for you until the race ended - I would have gone just crazy!! But I am so glad that you were the winner - but of course you are always #1 for me!!

Smooches!!

Barney

meowmeowmans said...

We just KNEW it! Congratulations, Gracie, and well done! :)

Asta said...

Gwacie
I am so vewy vewy pwoud of you!!!1 In my view, you absolutely awe the Official Official winnew!!!! What excitement and I bet all those hoomans wewe tewwibully honowed to meet you.
You wewe astounding and I bet youw pawents and all of Indiana as well as the west of the countwy wewe flabewgasted by youw pawfect pawfowmance
I wish I could have been thewe to cheew you on in pawson, but will keep the memowy of youw win and these wondewful pictoowes fuwwevew!!! Go Team Gwacie! You have cewtainly made it in to ouw histowy books!
smoochie kisses
fwom youw pwoud sissie
Asta

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

Now you gotta race over here for victory smoochies!!!

The Island Cats said...

Congratulations, Gracie!! We knew you would win!!

Willow said...

Gracie that was an intense race and you managed to keep your concentration and win. Good job!

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO to my racing ace sister! I am so, so proud of you!

A few Good Cats said...

We live in Pennsylvania near where the Andrettis raised a family, and we know enough about their history at Indy... well, let's just say you're lucky your car held together long enough to finish! Usually an Andretti leads for 150 laps, then the car breaks down with victory in sight. Glad that didn't happen to you!

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

OH GRACIE... I just saw your comment on my blog... YES YES YES... THIS is BLOGVILLE... ALL FURFOLKS are WELCOME. I won't leave the links and email addys HERE.. butt you can check my blog tomorrow and Saturday I have info up there. OR... you can email me
frankiefurter(at)wildblue(dot)net

OH PLEASE COME... and Bring all your Furends and Family...
Sincerely, Frankie Furter!!!