Indy Photo Gallery by rmj at pbase.com

Indy

This gallery represents over four decades of photographs taken during annual reunions of three couples who met in the early 70s while the husbands were in the Air Force. The reunions began innocently enough shortly after everyone returned to civilian life. The couple from Indianapolis suggested to the couples from Kansas and Virginia that they visit during Memorial Day weekend. Not only was Indiana about half way between the two other couples but there was a rather well-known race in town that might be fun to go to.

The first reunion took place in 1976 and it turned out to be a lot of fun. The Indiana folks might actually have invited us all back - no one is really certain - because we all returned the following year and with some exceptions due to childbirths, graduations, and other family intrusions, we have been back every year since.

When we (the couple from Virginia) took our first trip that Bicentennial year, Gerald Ford was President and no one had a personal computer or knew anything about the internet. To keep us on course we consulted impossible-to-fold paper maps instead of GPS navigation systems and if we had to call someone we used a pay phone at a filling station where gas was an astronomical $1.40 a gallon.

At first it was just the three original former AF couples. For a while during the late 70s and early 80s the host's sister and brother in law joined us. Then a friend of the host family from Nashville, TN started bringing his son to a few races in the early 80s before his wife joined in the fun and became a regular member of the racing "family."

Our first "reunion race" in '76 was shortened by rain but we remained in our first-turn seats in the chilly drizzle long after most of the crowd left and the beer was gone. The following year was run in the searing heat of bright sunshine and in those days we were ill-prepared to cope with the elements. What few sun visors we had were hand-tooled leather things from hippie craftsmen that did little to shield the glare. A male member of the group wore ill-fitting denim booty shorts and suffered a serious sunburn to portions of his anatomy hitherto exposed only to the light from lava lamps.

To Be Continued....

Postcard view of pace lap	1976: The way we were.	1976; Getting ready for the first race	1976: In traffic just prior to running afoul of the law.
1976: The legendary one-armed piccolo player	1976: Visibly groggy after the first race	1977: How we got to the speedway for our second race.	1977: Denim hot pants were in vogue at the track that year.
1977: Race winner AJ Foyt	1977: Tinkering with the Porsche	1977: Chillin' to the smooth sound of Tony Orlandohhhhh...	1979: Spanky, Darla and the rest of the gang depart for the race in the Checker.
1979: "What the...?"	1979: "I think I just smelled something funky"	1979: :::Maybe I should roll down a window before someone notices:::	1979: Track bunnies catch some sun
1979: Linda Vaughan (first attempt at photo)	1981: Cletis and Briscoe see cement sidewalks for first time	1981: The gals swap recipes in the black-topped parking lot outside the restaurant.	1981: The late, great Miller's Restaurant in Colfax, IN
1981: Before we knew about carbs and cholesterol	1981: The banquet in full frenzy mode.	1981: Groggy after full meal	1981: An anonymous bag lady showed up one year.
1981: Eight doors...no brakes!	1981: "Lieutenant, you've just volunteered to carry the big cooler."	1981: Cowboy hats sprouted like mushrooms in the early 80s.	1981: Long before the Macarena there was two-stepping.
1981: Flowers for the Thompson brunch	1981: What the drivers see heading into the pits (from tour bus day after race).	1982: The host pounds out a meal.	1982: We often performed for our meals.
1982: Preparing for the drawing.	1982: A package from Arthur Bryant's in KC.	1982: Last breakfast at the old house.	1982: Bad mojo on the way to the Speedway. All occupants evacuated safely.
1982: The great reveal.	1982: At brunch the day after the race.	1983: The long haul in before the track restricted the size of coolers. Still no ban on uncool caps, though.	1983: Did I really wear that cap to the race??
1983: Before Patron, Cuervo was the trackside drink of choice.	1983: Sneva takes the checkered flag!	1983: After the race	1983: Shovelin' down some dogs to celebrate Sneva's victory.
1983: Public service announcements were vital to isolated farm communities as the Checker rolled thru the heartland.	1983: Former Air Force officers learning to cope with civilian life the best they can.	1984: A couple of rookies from Nashville (left) make their appearance.	1984: A positive ID on this dashing international man of mystery has yet to be made.
1984: Don't ask...	1984: Drugstore cowboys whoop it up at Booker's Red Dog Tavern in Colfax.	1985: The cowboy hats suddenly disappear in favor of a preppier look.	1985: Linda Vaughan (second attempt at photo)
1985: The Checker makes a pit stop	1985: A trio of former AF types scope out the talent in Colfax.	1985: A new generation of race fans arrives.	1985: One-time Indy driver Howdy Holmes makes an appearance.
1985: "Praise the Lord!" Steve gets baptized.	1985: Post-race cool-down on the back deck.	1987: Heading out for dinner the night before the race.	1987: Linda Vaughan (third attempt at photo)
1987: "The Beave" circles the track	1987: Crowd favorite, Mario Andretti hurtles past. Race was eventually won by Al Unser.	1987: Two survivors discuss the recently-ended epic water fight.	1987: Relaxin' tubside after the race.
1987: The hostess enjoying a well-deserved break.	c 1987: Post-race gathering on the deck.	1992: Coldest. Race. Ever. 51F at start. 38F wind chill. Little Al won the race.	1992: Young Tony Soprano flanked by some sharp dressers (all currently serving time in Dannemora).
1992: Fancy new hats always draw a young crowd.	1992: Tim visits John Dillinger's hometown.	1993: The pre-race team photo includes two rookies (far right).	1994: A gaggle of pit bunnies gather prior to departing for dinner the night before the race.
1994: The host (center) appears overwhelmed by the group gift of a cement lawn goose.	1994: The goose was never seen after this weekend. Reports of a tragic accident are highly suspect.	1994: Yes, Charlotte's porkloin sandwich was actually served this way, although not with her mouth attached.	2001: Dinner at the original Frank and Mary's Tavern Pittsboro, IN
2003: Charlotte during an amazing tour of Ganassi Racing headquarters.	2003: Chip Ganassi himself (left) graciously welcomed us to his impressive facility.	2006: At the track the day before the race.	2006: Drivers' meeting the day before the race.
2006: In Foyt's garage.	2006: Race morning ritual.	2006: Packing the coolers is always best left to the experts.	2006: Seat-backs are no longer just a luxury item.
2006: On the thirtieth anniversary of our first race, the event still brings us to our feet.	2011: The group in disguise.	Barb: 1948 - 2014

comment |

joseantonio		13-Sep-2016 19:30
very nice collection of great images.V.

Guest		17-Apr-2009 02:17
What a great show. Makes your missing the 2009 race pretty painful. Barb

click on thumbnails for full image

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