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On the starting grid for the Grand Prix of Sonoma
Once the cars were brought onto pit road, the teams gave the cars a final review - installing the front and rear wings, checking the engine, tires, and topping off the fuel tank. Bob and I were thrilled to realize we were allowed on the pit road side of the pits as we pose in front of the Marlboro Team Penske pit.
Once the inspections were complete, the teams rolled the race cars onto the starting grid on pit road. Pictured, the NYSE-sponsored car, driven by Marco Andretti; and the XM Satellite Radio entry, driven by Bryan Herta.
Grand marshal and driver introductions
This year's event's grand marshall was Gene Simmons of KISS. He was on stage for the driver introductions and threw the green flag to start the race. He and his girlfriend were also in the suite next door to us. I, unfortunately, missed it when he came to our suite to visit! Check out Bob's website to see more about Gene's stopping by.
Driver introductions occurred after Gene Simmons was introduced. The drivers pictured are:
Danica Patrick (Rahal Letterman Racing), Helio Castroneves (Marlboro Team Penske), Bryan Herta (Andretti Green Racing) and Dario Franchitti - a.k.a. Mr. Ashley Judd (Andretti Green Racing). Sam Hornish, Jr. (Marlboro Team Penske), Marco Andretti (Andretti Green Racing), Scott Dixon (Target Chip Ganassi Racing) and Tony Kanaan (Andretti Green Racing)
Bob's dream come true
Bob has followed IRL open-wheel racing for much, much longer than I have and his racing idols have been A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti since childhood. Imagine seeing your hero in person and you'll have close to Bob's reaction. He was over the moon when A.J. Foyt agreed to sign his shirt. Steve was also in on the action, shown shaking A.J.'s hand.
Drivers to your cars
I'm posing in front of Danica Patrick's No. 16 Targent-sponsored car. The steering wheels in the Indycars house buttons to communicate with the pit crew, levers to shift the gears and the iginition switch (no keys to lose!). These cars are extremely sophisticated.
Being a female who enjoys racing, and participates in the sport (albeit via online SIM racing), it's nice to see women drivers in the top levels of the sport. Danica Patrick is the current phenom in racing, being last year's top rookie and the only woman to lead laps in the Indianapolis 500. Being on the starting grid, we were able to watch her go through her pre-race rituals including putting on the last-minute safety equipment (HANS device and helmet) and get settled into the cockpit.
