First off, ESPN Classic -- who usually throws a few old "500"'s and a "SportsCentury" about Foyt or Unser at us in the couple of days before the big race -- is going big-time with the classic races this month. (details HERE) Today at 3PM, they throw down with one of the great moments in "500" history: Danny Sullivan's spin-and-win -- a festival of fantastic driving early in Lap 120 by both Sullivan and Mario Andretti. It's worth watching just to hear Jim McKay and Sam Posey react to the big moment...classic commentary from Posey.
Not long after that wraps up, at 6PM, flip the dial to 1070AM Indianapolis (or flip the computer to1070thefan.com) to get your mind blown by history. "Talk of Gasoline Alley" with IMS Historian Donald Davidson returns for the entire month, beginning tonight and going until a two- or three-hour post-race show on May 30. The well-spoken Briton has been wowing folks with his encyclopedic knowledge of the 500-Mile Race ever since he first introduced himself to IMS Radio's Sid Collins in 1964. Definitely a fine program to listen to.Right after that ends, The Star's Curt Cavin and 1070's Kevin Lee throw down on the Month-of-May-five-night-a-week version of "Trackside".
"Talk" and "Trackside" can both be found via podcast if you're otherwise occupied and, if you don't have ESPN Classic, you can always find great "500" clips on YouTube. Cheers!
Man, I watched that 1985 500 on ESPN Classic, and it was REALLY interesting. 3 things I noticed:
ReplyDelete1. The coverage was extremely lackadaisical by today's standards, but they were actually talking with drivers live on radio during yellows! They've tried that recently and it always seems buggy - would have never guessed it was happening 25 years ago.
2. UNCERTAINTY...Mario's leading, but everybody's on the edge of their seat because something could go wrong, and the possibility is not remote. Don't have to be going side by side for a gripping performance.
3. Mostly American drivers, and mostly guys who gave off a good ol' boy impression in interviews. There's Danny Sullivan's parents...these guys definitely resonate as real people with families and lives...
But no matter what, the Month of May is still where it's at with IndyCar, for sure. I'm excited!