Watching Bump Day from Indianapolis, I’m pondering how long it’s been since there has been no rain during Indy qualifications. Seems like a long time to me, but then I lose track of such things.
Bump Day is always a drama-packed event, as underfunded teams, teams struggling to get a break, scramble to find an extra bit of speed. Making the Indy 500 field is an achievement; I’d give retirement a shot if I had even the last-place money from that race.
So, I’m on the bridge in the tbbs WorldHQ control room, watching all the exciting action, and warming up the pipes for a rousing rendition of Back Home Again in Indiana one week from now.
-k-
I heard somewhere that Indy last place money is break even money for the teams looking to get in the big race. It takes that much money to get the team and equipment and build a car that will finish the qualifying race.
Unless you get enough sponsor money to cover the costs of your putting a race driver in a car that day, there’s no retirement for these folks, just a chance at coming back and trying again next year.
I wonder if Roman gladiators had the same issues. Who cares about the chances of getting eaten by the tiger when you have to pay off Rupertus the money lender for the fake Persian head gear you had to get to look exotic and sophisticated for the feeble crowd?
Heh, I meant fickle crowds. English and I aren’t in speaking terms today. I hope it’s not signs of a brain tummah (as the Governator might say.)