My most memorable Edmonton Indy moment...
User Story
We asked people to share their most memorable Indy moment for the Race to the Honda Indy Edmonton Contest. The response we got was fantastic. Check out the cool experiences racing fans have had in Edmonton.
Mike Cockrall – Edmonton, AB:
I was volunteering for Champ Car back in 2005 and was working the driver autograph session, making sure people stayed in line, getting through quickly, etc. It was a hot day, the line was very long and it looked like all of the fans were not going to be able to get through the autograph session. I noticed a kid in a wheelchair and his father, all decked out in racing clothes, looking quite anxious that they were not going to get any autographs.
I went up to them and asked if they would like to come with me and I was able to get Noah to wheel his chair behind the drivers and get to talk to the drivers one-on-one and get all of their autographs. Some of the drivers gave him hats and other souvenirs. I took some pictures and asked the father for his email to send them the pictures. Brent (Noah's father) could barely keep his composure as the tears welled up in his eyes for getting his son a VIP moment with his heroes, the drivers.
Anyways, I emailed him the pictures and ever since that fateful day, I have been able to do something memorable for Noah at every race since. I have gotten him behind-the-scenes meetings with drivers, officials, etc. In 2007, he was made the official fan for the Atlantic series and was treated to a fantastic weekend by the series.
To see a kid get so excited about the Indy is a very satisfying experience, and to be able to make him feel special and "normal" for a few moments is something I will relish for my entire life. Noah's father is a special person and it must be hard to raise a physically disabled child. If I won, I would like to give the Pace Car ride to Brent so his son Noah can see the smile on his dad’s face at the track.
Darin James – Red Deer, AB:
A couple years ago I was at the Edmonton Indy. Between grandstands we sat in the grass against the fence waiting for the real race to start. There were parachutists, jets, and Gene Simmons giving the command to fire the engines. We were finally under way.
The whine of the cars as they came down into our corner and accelerated off to the next had me hooked. I was telling Lorynn that next time we are going to get good seats. Upon leaving we took in the grandstand concert, and then passing the paddock we decided to have a peek. I was just a couple minutes late of getting pics with Danica's car, but Paul Tracy's crew had left his car out for fans. We got a few pics around his. All in all it was an awesome day!
Don Medke – Westlock, AB:
My most memorable Edmonton Indy moment was the look on my 7-year-old son's face when the first car went past us at the fence! FAST !!! His mouth hung wide open for 2 minutes after that. He still talks about it today and it has been 4 years since then.
Derek Gully – Bluffton, AB:
My most memorable moment was during the first Indy in Edmonton, when I was preparing to take my son to his first Indy. During the pre-race activities, we were able to attend an autograph/meet-and-greet with Paul Tracy, in which my son, who was 6 at the time, ended up being first in line to meet Paul. Even before signing the driver card that they were handing out for my son, Paul immediately started to have a conversation about racing topics with him, and posed for several pictures for the media as well as myself. He then signed the card and my sons hat and said that he was looking forward to seeing us at the race.
That Sunday before the race began we were in the paddock when Paul, who was on his way to or from somewhere that morning, saw us and recognized my son. He stopped, said hello and how he was glad to see that we had made it, and said to us, "I hope you guys are having a great day. Enjoy the race and watch for me up front because I am going to win this thing today!!"
Shelly Tysiakiewicz – Edmonton, AB:
This will be my 5th year volunteering at the Indy. I look forward to it every year. I have made many friends and met many of the car owners, drivers and celebrities and dignitaries. I love the atmosphere; it is filled with excitement and anticipation. Over the years there has been some extraordinary entertainment. The volunteers have a chance enjoy the event as well. I always love to see Paul Tracy race.
I have many, many great memories, but one of my favourites was meeting and talking to Mario Andretti, who was the grand marshal of the race in 2007. I had been a fan of his for many years and used to watch him race on black and white television with my uncles. He was very personable and we had a photo taken together. It was such a thrill!
I have so many memories and look forward to meeting with friends from previous years and meeting new ones this year.
Steve Stannard – Edmonton, AB:
My most memorable Edmonton Indy moment was going behind the scenes in the paddock and pit row. Since 2005, I've looked forward to every race weekend. I bring 3 different nephews each year (one on each day) as they would not have the opportunity otherwise. I created the video below after last year's race. It was fantastic.
