Indy 500 2011 Wrap Up Dan Wheldon Wins

Always the bridesmaid, J.R. Hildebrand almost had it all, only to smack the wall and lose a wheel. It didn't stop him from carrying 2nd place home, however, and let Dan Wheldon take home top prize, a gulp of milk and the wreath...oh and that big, fat check.


Hildebrand showed what a classy guy he is by thanking the service men and women for their service at the post-race press conference. 


Dan Wheldon, driving car No. 98, took the checkered flag after Hildebrand smacked the wall during the last lap of the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. upon entering the press conference, Wheldon jubilantly announced, "I told you Honda loved me," as a representative handed him a giant plate of food. Digging in to the food, Wheldon joked around easily with media and owners. 


Bottom Line: All in all, my first Indianapolis 500 was a success. I learned a few things like I need a better camera, water is a necessity and tennis shoes are the best footwear... 


Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, on aroundindy.com, and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

Indy 500 Bump Day 2011 Danica Makes It!

This is great, updating a little now and then throughout the day. My first motorsports press conference was with Danica Patrick after she qualified for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 race.

What a great personality. I was impressed with how she handled the same questions being asked over and over again. I am not entirely certain if the people asking questions were listening to the others for that reason...

So, when asked how she felt after the nail-biter rain, race, rain afternoon, Patrick replied honestly, "I need a drink." Love it.
When asked if there was ever another day this scary, she replied, "Well, in 2006, I was doing 211 and 211 is pretty slow..."
She stated she feels very bad for Marco and knows what it feels like to be exactly where is he right now.

All I can say is for a first press conference I couldn't have asked for a better one. Danica drama is at a high speed: catch up or get left behind...
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, music, restaurant and performing arts critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Twitter @ejmusgrave1 and Facebook.
Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.