40 replies to this topic

[Linus27]

I am thinking of going next year and so, which is the best town to stay in? I hear Indy has nothing in it so should I go for Chicago (mmmm Jazz town) or somewhere else?

[Oldfield]

Chicago's fine if you have the money to fly in to Indy every day or don't mind the three or more hour drive back and forth depending upon the traffic or road construction that seems to go on all the time.

[Linus27]

WOW three hours, I thought it was closer. OH, so is Indy the best place to stay then? Maybe I will spend 1 day in Chicago and go to see some Jazz.

[tombr]

Jeez, Linus, take a peek at a map.

It doesn't sound like the IndyGP is top priority on your trip. If it is, find a place in or real close to Indy and plan on hanging out at the track all day. If you want to work in the race around your jazz vacation, then stay in Chicago, listen to your jazz, and watch the race on TV.

[Kris Sim Roy]

Hi Linus !

If it wouldn't be for probable date conflicts, and/or vacation availability, I would have recommended you the Montreal GP........That said, this is not to discredit the Indy GP.

It's just that since you seem to be a nig Jazz fan, the "Festival International de Jazz de Montréal" is the biggest and most renowned Jazz Fest in the world, with over 2000 musicians (from + 20 countries), and at least 50 different concerts everyday, many of them outdoors and free...

The problem is that it's starting ~2 weeks after the Montreal GP, so the timing to mix these 2 world class event is not ideal, and it's possibly not in your vacation’s time frame...


Despite what was often said about Indianapolis's atmosphere, I'm sure you'll manage to find a good doze of excitement there, from racing action, and social activities...

Enjoy! (advance wishes)

[metz]

The best way for an out of towner to enjoy the US GP is with a group.(4 -6)
Rent yourself a local RV, they will park it and hook it up for you at any one of many camp sites arround the track. They will even stock it with beer and ice and food if thats what you want. We always stay near the Legion. You don't need to travel anywhere and can enjoy the sights and noise of the GP for 3 or 4 days. See the Indy museum. Its inside the track and well worth it.
If you are not used to American RVs, most of them are better equiped than any hotel room.
Don't worry about tickets. You can buy these, good ones, outside the gate a couple of days before.
See you there.

[benn5325]

Forget about Chicago, unless you're doing more than the GP then come here before or after the race. We only have 2 season here Winter & Construction and it's a pain in the ass trying to get out of town. I agree with METZ. RV all they way baby. Thats what we're doing this year. Stayed in hotels last 2 years and you end up paying way too much money.

[Scudetto]

This sounds like it needs input from the resident Chicagoan.

First: Chicago is renowned for its BLUES not Jazz (my office is a block away from the original BLUE Chicago), though if it's Jazz your looking for you won't be dissappointed either. I suggest the Green Mill on Lawrence Avenue in Chicago's Andersenville neighborhood for starters.

Second: Indy is about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive under ideal circumstances, i.e., low volume of traffic, no construction. Indiana State Police are relatively lax in their enforcement of speed limits as a matter of rule (having previously had a girlfriend in Louisville, KY, I've made land-speed records traversing Indiana). However, Indy weekend is a notable exception to that rule, so pack your radar detector and keep your eyes sharp. I've made the trip to Indy every year for the 500 and the USGP leaving Chicago on the day at around 6 a.m. and arrived in plenty of time to get situated and enjoy the festivities.

Third: If you're making a vacation out of it, I'd highly recommend staying in Chicago. If you can find a million things to do any given evening, you're either dead or in prison. One of our nation's finest and cleanest metropolitan areas.

When the time is appropriate, we should all arrange for an Atlas F1 gathering at the track.


(Brought to you by Scudetto, Chicago's Minister of Tourism)

[Toyoter]

If you want Jazz in Indy, go to the Chatterbox on Mass Ave, the Jazz Kitchen on College Ave and 54th, or to the Jazz Cooker in Broadripple. All three clubs have fabulous jazz and swing shows every night (including lots of touring artists) and a great hole-in-the-wall atmosphere. The Kitchen and the Cooker both have surprisingly excellent food (both are New Orleans cajun style) and the Kitchen has some great dancing if you are into swing .

Indy has some really great places, you just have to know where to look. The best stuff is rarely downtown.

[aportinga]

Email me and let me know your dates. If you plan on being around that week at all you can stay with us and we'll show you around the Fox River - boat rides, bon fire etc...

You'll want to email me regardless because I may be able to help with a cheaper room to stay in while at the race - and you're more then welcome to join our party - so long as you aren't offended by heavy drinking - constantly swearing but very insightful race fans ;)

[Smooth]

If you are of the uptight snob variety, you will struggle to find fun wherever you go. However, there is ample opportunity to have a good time in Indy, and, to me, traveling to the GP's is a way to soak up local flavor. The nightlife may not always be what I would choose to do, but I would never let that stop me from having a great time. I suggest camping across the street from the track, and heading downtown in the evenings. There is plenty to do, and fun to be had. I am sure there will be another AtlasF1 meet as well.

[Berner]

I would like to echo the suggestions of including Chicago in your plans. As a Canadian, I thought a major U.S. city like Chicago would be some Blade Runner nightmare of street crime and delapidated neighbourhoods. (Okay, too much time spent watching Law & Order etc etc) We were very pleasantly surprised to discover a clean, safe very exciting city with lots to see and do. Helpful folks, pleasant cops, even civil cabbies. And the food, music and museums were fantastic. Not to mention a side trip out to see Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpieces.

Sounds like a tourism commercial? Well, this is! Fly into O'Hare, find a hotel downtown and spend a day or two enjoying the city. Then motor down to Indy on Friday or even Saturday a.m. if you're not a diehard fan. Be prepared to spend stupid amounts of cash in a hotel so the RV route may be the way to go. Construction? Simply awful. If you've got a rental, do the rally thing and use the secondary routes. And Broadripple is the place to go.

Now if they could only do something about the exchange rate... Thank god for Australia and New Zealand!

[aportinga]

FYI... I plan on posting a sticky in a few months regarding this race and possibly getting all Atlas members attending together for Saturday night dinner...

[TheSaltire]

Indy has it hot spots...but it's no Monte Carlo. Having lived in Indy for many years now I've learned what to check out and what to avoid. Can't wait for the USGP...

[4mula1]

If you do stay in Indy at a hotel, at least shoot for a place near the airport. My wife has family in Plainfield, which is right on the edge of the airport. IIRC, it took less than 15 minutes to get to the track early in the morning when traffic was light.

[robhood]

If you're interested in blues, the Slippery Noodle on South Meridian St. downtown is pretty good. However, I've got to believe it will be crowded that weekend.

Also, about the hotel rates. All of the downtown hotels took heat for the gouging. I do not believe it will be quite as bad this year. But that does not take a way from the fact that an RV is the most fun.

[aportinga]

TheSaltire

Hey if you're not one of my haters (LOL)... we should work together on getting some folks together for dinner that weekend.

BTW - I love INDY. Clean and easy to get around in a car! Just very strange that there is no major body of water near by - I guess I'm really used to that (Chicago/Galveston/Michigan & Milwaukee).

[Linus27]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Very much appreciated. First, I just want to remind you that this is for next year and not this year. There will be 2 and probably 3 of us going and we drink big time. One of us is half German (beer monster) I have Irish so I am the Guinness and whisky drinker and the other will have no choice but to drink or be left behind. The last GP we went to we just drank all day and partied all night, mostly with the Finn's who seem to be the best people in the world to party with. Anyway, chatting today to the guys, this is a rough plan but it may change. We are looking at flying into New York for a few days, then fly to Indy and stay there for a few days and catch the race. Then fly to some other state like Chicago, Miami or even up to Toronto and stay there for a few day. Depending on money we may only go for 2 locations, Indy and somewhere else. Now, can someone tell me what an RV is?? They sound cool but I have no idea what it is.

Also, the whole reason to going to the USA is for the GP but we just like to do many other things whilst we are travelling. We are going to the Austrian GP this year but we may go to Hungary or somewhere in Austria while we are in that part of the world. I want to fly into Insbruck as its a crazy place to fly into.

Now I always thought Chicago was the Jazz capital of the USA and New Orleans was the Blue's capital of the USA. Am I wrong?

[MarkWRX]

Linus -

Although the trend has changed a bit, hotel prices in Indy rachet up during race weekends. I am lucky enough to be able to stay in a very large nice house in Lebanon, IN, which is about 45 minutes out from Indy. There are several motels there too. They are reasonable, and seem to be filled with race fans. At the last GP, there were a couple of high end Porches, a Ferrari, and a rental Pontiac Grand Prix that was covered with Ferrari stickers. I can't imagine what they paid to have them removed.

The RV idea was good too, especially if you are drinkers. Hang at the track, have fun, drink, then slowly wander back to the RV. The RV parking is right across the the street from the track.

Have fun. I have been to both and have tickets for the next one, and have enjoyed it immensly every time.

Mark

[Smooth]

Originally posted by Linus27
Now, can someone tell me what an RV is?? They sound cool but I have no idea what it is.

Recreational Vehicle. Go to http://www.cruiseame...com/default.asp for the scoop. You can park across the street from the track where there is much partying going on at any time you want it.

Hope to see you!

[metz]

Originally posted by Smooth


Recreational Vehicle. Go to http://www.cruiseame...com/default.asp for the scoop. You can park across the street from the track where there is much partying going on at any time you want it.

If you want to see a bit of the US while you are here, the RV idea is good for you. Pick it up in New York, drive to Indi then Chicago then drop it off in Toronto. You never need to pack and unpack and you always have accomodations and your free to go where and when you want.
Sound like a blast................
PS.. You must be over 25 to drive these things. They may look big to you but remember, the roads are much wider than you think.

[metz]

Oh, Linus, Sorry to hear your half Irish...

[Linus27]

metz

Oh, Linus, Sorry to hear your half Irish.

OK what does that mean??? What joke have I missed.

Smooth and Metz

Thanks for the info. Here in the UK, we would call them camper vans like the old classic VW ones. They sound like fun and would be so much cheaper than flying to each location. Not sure I fancy driving in the US although my friend said he would do it and he can't even drive yet. We are all ok 25 luckily.

[catseye_55]

Hey Linus27,
Being from Texas(no sarcastic remarks from the audience please) and having been to the last 2 USGP's it is a toss up between staying in Indy or out of town! The first race my family and i stayed in Kokomo and went to the James Dean festival in the evening after the track all day. Last year we stayed in town(Indy) and had a good time there also, traveling with three sons we had to find something for mom and the kids at night. This year I'm not sure whether to stay in an RV or in one of the towns just south of Indy. the holiday Inn has some good rates that weekend as does a local hostelry by Indiana U in Bloomington. I guess it all depends on how much you want to spend and drive? As to the RV's they come in a large variety of sizes depending on your needs and or wants!
tuddles,
tony

[Linus27]

Indiana U in Bloomington

Ah, John Mellingcamp country and I think Lisa Germano country.

Thanks again for all the replies. So much info to chew on.

[G8R_Sackmasters]

Im staying at the Airport Holiday Inn Express this year for the race. Other than being brilliant enough to fill in for Michael after my stay there, does anyone know if coming and going to the track and downtown is pretty easy from there?

Let me know about the Atlas party--sounds like fun.

[indycarjunkie]

Ditto on the Atlas Party!! That sounds like a good time to crash.

Being a lifetime resident of Indy I will admit that we do not have the glamourous night life you may find in the "Big 3" cities. You've just got to know where to look. Downtown isn't all that bad and the aforementioned places in Broad Ripple are all good. I'm sure you'll enjoy your vacation in Chicago.

Regarding the Jazz/Blues capitols in the states, my nod to the Jazz capitol will have to go to New Orleans and the Blues Capitol has to be Memphis, Tennessee. Are you an NBA fan? The Utah Jazz used to be the New Orleans Jazz if that will help to give you an idea what that city wants itself to be known for.

[Linus27]

NBA??? Is that Basketball??? Sorry we play netball here :)

So what is Chicago, a bit of both, Jazz and Blues?? Now you mention it, New Orleans does ring a bell with Jazz BUT and I may be very wrong, is New Orleans Jazz different from say Chicago Jazz? I can't remember the name the name of it but I am sure New Orleans Jazz has a title where Jazz from Chicago is say more traditional. Bluenote or something like that? Am I making sense?

[benn5325]

NBA = Basketball
NFL = Football
FootBall = American FootBall
Soccer = Real FootBall
Truck = Lorry
Hood = Bonnet
Trunk = Boot
Gas = Petrol
Aluminum = Aluminium
Fag = Puff (Got clobbered in Boston once asking someone for a fag)

Theres a few to get you started, you've got 18 months to get up to speed.

[metz]

Originally posted by benn5325
NBA = Basketball
NFL = Football
FootBall = American FootBall
Soccer = Real FootBall
Truck = Lorry
Hood = Bonnet
Trunk = Boot
Gas = Petrol
Aluminum = Aluminium
Fag = Puff (Got clobbered in Boston once asking someone for a fag)

Theres a few to get you started, you've got 18 months to get up to speed.

Yes, and don't ask anybody to "nock you up in the morning"...

(Maybe we should move this to the PC)

[aportinga]

indycarjunkie , TheSaltire

We Should get together for drinks sometime - make plans for Saturday night.

Linus27

I will be going to the USGP till I am dead so next year is fine as well. And once again if anyone from overseas is headin over you're more then welcome to join our group and sepend a day or so North of Chicago... Trust me my neighbors are all drunks like myself, have hot tubs, boats, grill out and love racing...so you'll definately have a great time!

[CONOSUR]

Originally posted by Linus27
So what is Chicago, a bit of both, Jazz and Blues?? Now you mention it, New Orleans does ring a bell with Jazz BUT and I may be very wrong, is New Orleans Jazz different from say Chicago Jazz? I can't remember the name the name of it but I am sure New Orleans Jazz has a title where Jazz from Chicago is say more traditional. Bluenote or something like that? Am I making sense?

1. Yes...and no. In Chicago (and New Orleans) you can find any type of jazz you like, however, I'm sure it's mainstream jazz, the real stuff you're looking for, and you can definitely find it in Chicago.

2. New Orleans-type jazz is often referred to as Dixieland jazz.

3. Lots.

No matter what, you won't have a bad time in Chicago unless that's what you're looking for, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

Go. Enjoy. No regrets...no worries...



See all of you in Indy - this year and the next... and the next... and the next...

[indycarjunkie]

Originally posted by aportinga
indycarjunkie , TheSaltire

We Should get together for drinks sometime - make plans for Saturday night.

Name the time and place. I'm not going anywhere.

[Linus27]

Once again, many thanks for all the replies and info. I will be calling again in 18 months time :)

[Groom]

Hi everybody,

I am planning on going to the USGP this year and I was wondering if grandstand "N.W. Vista" or "C" is a good place to be. I was also interested in "H" or "J" but they are sold out.

Are there T.V. screens infront of these grandstands?

[MPea3]

Originally posted by Groom
Hi everybody,

I am planning on going to the USGP this year and I was wondering if grandstand "N.W. Vista" or "C" is a good place to be. I was also interested in "H" or "J" but they are sold out.

Are there T.V. screens infront of these grandstands?

first, there are TV screens EVERYWHERE it seems. they're really good.

stay away from C. NW vista is much better IMHO.

second, H & J may be sold out right now, but be brave, and go without tickets..... they'll have both H&J on sale at the ticket counter at the track, and you can buy very good tickets at good prices on the street. stay away from the ticket brokers, who triple the ticket prices, and often misrepresent how good the seats are. last year i paid big bucks for seats on the deck above the NW vista, only to have the broker sell them to someone else and then send me tickets for shitty seats and a partial refund. (his name was george knight, by the way. stay away from this man as i was VERY unhappy with his shoddy dealing.) we ended up getting great seats in H on the street for well less than face value.

also, for rooms, we've made reservatiosn both years WAY away from indy, the first year in cincinatti, the second across the line into illinios, and both years have found rooms that weekend much closer at great rates. last year for example, we ended up staying in crawfordsville at a fairly new comfort inn, in a room with 2 queen size beds, for $89 a night. that was an easy 30 minute drive from the track.

as for linus, you'll enjoy the GP, the track is a great piece of history, the museum is great, the sounds of the F1 cars winding up down the front straight are amazing. the atmosphere around indy is friendly and fun, and DO make the meeting on sat night... i still owe you dinner from the AtlasF! fun GPL race last year...

[tertel]

Chicago is a great town, but 4 hrs from the track. Best thing to do is to fly into Chicago see some sights and rent a car or RV. Have rented an RV for the last 2 years and had a blast. RV parking is one block from the track. Must buy RV parking before race ($100us).

If you plan on driving leave Chicago Friday morning and plan on returning late Sunday or Monday. Traffic is horrible on Sunday adds about 1.5-2 hrs to the trip. Monday is the best bet!

[Groom]

Thanks MPea3,

Although it is pretty risky going to the circuit without tickets I will consider it. The other thing I just heard from a friend it that the track side wall at Indy is pretty high and as a result when you are sitting at Grandstands on the start/finish line you only see the top of the cars as they go down the straight since they stay near the wall. I guess that is why you advised me against "C". So my question now is, If I seat in H would I have the same problem? Between H and J which one should I prefer?

[indycarjunkie]

They had to raise the walls when the taxi cabs started running there. You will not have that problem at "H" because thats right were the first turn is. You'll get a great view of 1/3 of the infield there as well as the entire front strait. "J" is just north of "H" at the exit of turn 4 on the oval.

[F1Rulz]

Damn, I forgot about the RV thing this year... Oh well maybe next year.

I've heard these stories of people getting 1/2 price tickets in H or J but I want to know what row they are in. I sat in H last year (up high) and by my estimation if you are sitting in the first 10 (maybe 15) row you will get a bit of the wall effect; granted you will be able to see the infield; but I figure the higher the better (double letter rows). Damn taxi cabs...

...that reminds me. When I read the Coulthard article this morning the very last line: "If you enjoy that sort of thing you probably enjoy banger racing where it is almost expected that there will be contact." I was half expecting him to say "then go watch NASCAR"

[Schultheiss]

Originally posted by Linus27
metz



OK what does that mean??? What joke have I missed.

Smooth and Metz

Thanks for the info. Here in the UK, we would call them camper vans like the old classic VW ones. They sound like fun and would be so much cheaper than flying to each location. Not sure I fancy driving in the US although my friend said he would do it and he can't even drive yet. We are all ok 25 luckily.

Linus,
some pieces of advice for the RV idea:
get parking passes from the Speedway in advance, that way you can park pretty much directly behind the desired grandstand.
When driving through Ohio: hold your horses, lots of state troopers.
You may have trouble renting a car in Indiana with a British or International Drivers' license.
Other than that: the USGP rocks, we have been to both so far. To get Paddock Penthouse seats (best seats in my opinion) you have to strike early.
Biggest advantage of USGP vs Montreal: the general admission areas have good views and track access, Friday and Saturday is all General Admission, and you can go and sit anywhere around the track.
Don't forget to visit the Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.
Have Fun!