Carb Day Brings Fans Together Ahead of Indy 500
INDIANAPOLIS –– Carb Day brought music, sunshine, and cold beer as fans packed the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ahead of the 500.
“It’s the party before the big party,” Scott Traeger told WIBC. “We’ve been coming for years — it’s always a great time.”
This May carries extra energy. For the second year in a row, the Pacers remain in the playoffs while the 500 rolls through town. The race ends just hours before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals tips off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
At this year’s Carb Day, the Indiana Pacers “High Octane” Drumline greeted fans.
“Every Pacers game, you’ll see us up in the rafters making noise and banging while the Pacers play,” said Cary Grant. “We’re known for bringing the energy and playing some beats.”
For many Hoosiers, even those skipping Sunday’s race, Carb Day is about coming together to watch practice.
One longtime fan told WIBC News some traditions at Carb Day are uniquely Indiana.
“There used to be a Pap smear table giving free screenings in the Snake Pit about 40 years ago,” Susie said. “That’s what happens in the Snake Pit. We started coming to the Indy 500 when we were first together.”
Carb Day began back in 1946 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s the final practice day before the Indy 500, where drivers get one last chance to fine-tune their cars before race day.
