Rainy Days at the Indianapolis 500
Tested: 5/27/2007 to 5/29/07
Lessons of a Race (and Tire) Virgin
If you’d asked me if I wanted to go to the Indianapolis 500 a couple years ago, I probably would have told you that you were nuts. Large crowds, unrecognizable cars and loud noises sound more like a Larry the Cable Guy stand-up routine than a weekend in paradise for me. Well, I went. Yes, the crowds were huge and relatively inebriated, but that energy seemed to add to the excitement and anticipation of the big race.
As a complete race virgin, there was much for me to learn about this sport. I found myself asking seemingly stupid questions, like, “What happens if one of the drivers needs to pee during this 500-mile race?” Well, turns out the answer to that one is they pee in their suits. Eewww! Unfortunately, the suits weren’t the only wet things around; the forecast for race day called for rain. I assumed this meant the race would be cancelled, as slick racing tires on even slicker racetracks couldn’t possibly make for safe driving.
When the race was indeed delayed by rain, I sought shelter in the Firestone Pavilion to dry off. By the time I’d gotten out of the rain and dragged my cold, soggy-pickle feet to the pavilion, my hair had turned into one giant frizz puff. Not so cute. The three-hour rain delay and track-drying ritual gave me plenty of time to contemplate why on earth I was there and why an average mom like me should care about auto racing.
What’s probably most relevant to my everyday existence is the fact that much of the safety technology in my car was born on a racetrack. For instance, the synthetic oil that affords me a couple more miles per gallon — developed for racing. How about the seat belts I cheerfully click around my family? Yep, developed for racing. The racing technology that probably impacts me the most, however, is the one I think about the least: the tire.
As I have learned from Bridgestone’s www.tiresafety.com website, tires are arguably the most important safety feature on my car: Not all-wheel drive, not antilock brakes, not traction control, but the ugly black rubber circle all those systems rely upon. At any given moment, I have just four points of contact with the road. All of my car’s traction and much of its performance come directly from its tires. According to the Bridgestone site, wider tire widths increase the surface area that touches the road. A lower profile to the tire helps me steer more effectively, and stickier rubber extends the life of tire tread and offers better grip on the road. An improved tread pattern helps decrease the likelihood of hydroplaning. These are just a few examples of technology that came to consumer tires directly from racing tires.
This link between my life as an everyday driver and my presence at the Speedway was far more satisfying than watching drunken people in ponchos wander around in the rain, and considering how much time I spend driving around precious cargo, I think stepping onto the soapbox for a moment is called for.
No. 1: Check the pressure in your tires at least monthly. An improperly inflated tire can lead to a loss of control in a vehicle.
No. 2: Learn how to check your tires for wear. The only tools you need are your eyes and a single penny.
No. 3: Check out www.tiresafety.com to learn more about tires and the technology behind them. While you’re there, sign up for a monthly reminder to help you remember your tire tasks. That’s it — easy peasy lemon squeezy.
The race finally did resume, but rather than join the crowd I sat and watched it on a huge screen just steps away from the dry climate of the pavilion. About 50 laps later, it began to pour again and the checkered flag was waved. The race was over, and a very happy Ashley Judd (wife of Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti) was jumping around, splashing in the puddles and looking more like a soaked puppy than a glamorous movie star. Aha — another connection: Ashley digs racing, and she’s cool.
Of course, I bet she doesn’t feel like a frizzy pickle, and I’m sure her tires are always well-maintained. Biatch. Love her.