Why I Love the Infield: American, Hoosier and Race Fan

The 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race is right around the corner, so we’re showcasing race fans and their stories of “Why I Love the Infield” – fans from recent years that are 30 years of age or younger. All fans are encouraged to email fanmemories@brickyard.com with their stories of attending the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Anthony Caruso, from Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania, will be attending his 14th Indianapolis 500 this May. Caruso, 21, attends Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania.

Where we sit: From 2003-08, we sat in the Northeast Vista. In 2009, we sat in Tower Terrace and from 2010 to this year, we have sat in J Stand of Turn 4.

First “500”: My first “500” was in 2003. Gil de Ferran was the winner that day. I remember cheering for Michael Andretti, but unfortunately saw his race come to an end with a mechanical failure after he took the lead. As an 8-year-old, I was amazed and absorbed everything like a sponge. I was instantly hooked and appreciated the Indianapolis 500 for the event that it is. There is truly nothing like it.

Race Day routine: We wake up early and form an assembly line to fill the coolers with sandwiches, drinks and other essential items. As we leave my cousin’s house in Avon, Indiana, for the track, we stop at White Castle and bring along a Crave Case for our tailgating breakfast, AKA the breakfast of champions! When we arrive at the track, we walk around the pit area and Gasoline Alley to experience the cars being rolled out to pit road. After that we make our way to our seats for the great pre-race ceremonies.

In the squad: The squad has consisted of various family members for some years but the main group has been myself, my father, his cousin and his cousin's son.

What we bring: We bring our coolers we prepared along with extra White Castles. We always make sure we have a copy of the Indianapolis Star for the starting grid.

In the infield: It is a one-of-a-kind experience to be in the infield on Race Day morning. I was not allowed to venture too far in until I was 14 but it is simply cool to see everyone celebrating this amazing event!

Favorite memory: Just being blessed to attend the Indianapolis 500 has created so many memories for me. The best races I have ever seen in my life have been this amazing event hands down. But if I had to choose I would have to go back to 2006. Leading with a handful of laps to go was Michael Andretti with his 19-year-old son Marco behind him. I can remember my father and his cousin hugging each other and shedding some tears saying that he was finally going to do it. If not Michael, but Marco! After the restart, Marco impressively passed his father going into Turn 1. I can remember all of Turn 3 going insane and in disbelief that he had done it. But, of course, as the final laps went away Sam Hornish Jr. was charging. On the final lap, as they entered Turn 3, we all began jumping to believe that Marco Andretti was going to do it, but then Sam Hornish Jr. won.

Brush with greatness: I have been privileged to see many drivers up close over the years, but I finally got to experience meeting and talking to drivers the past two years. My favorite moment was meeting Tony Kanaan on Carb Day last year. He is another one of my all-time favorite drivers and I have been trying for many years to get a picture and his autograph.

Favorite drivers from the past: Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Michael Andretti and Dan Wheldon

Favorite drivers today: Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti

What the Indianapolis 500 means to us: The Indianapolis 500 is an event that shows how great America is. We get to pay tribute to the heroes of the greatest military in the world and remember those we have lost. We can all come together no matter where we come from to experience an event that has had such an impact for over 100 years. The Indy 500 is tradition, excitement, history and patriotic, and allows for us to see man and machine achieve the ultimate permanent prize that takes gut, grit, and determination. On Memorial Day weekend we all are Americans, Hoosiers and race fans!