Comments on: The Best Deal In Sports

By: Ross

Ross — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:59:28 +0000

I probably shouldn’t tell this but……..Back in the early 90′s (I think) my brother and I discovered that the Bronze badge and Silver badge were the same only different colors. We took our bronze badges and a silver paint pen and a lot of detail work and shazam we had Silver badges. We were never questioned as we entered the pits at will. We did this for 2 years. Some of my best pictures from my 25 years at Indy were from those 2 years in the pits.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:08:23 +0000

One thing nobody else has mentioned….. If you are a local, and it rains, the badge lets you back in without paying. It’s like having a pass-out Many times I’ve gone home while they were drying the track and cut the grass or gotten other stuff done, then gone back to the track for the rest of the day. It’s a fantastic deal, even with the neutered “Month” of May that we have now. Figure out how many days, and which ones, you plan to spend at the track. Add up the cost of regular admission and subtract that from $100. The difference is the cost of a garage pass that is good every day but Race Day. You can’t beat it.

By: Bent Wickerbill

Bent Wickerbill — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:46:24 +0000

I agree John, going to any race and not going for the garage/paddock pass leaves out a major element of the IC racing experience.

By: james t suel

james t suel — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:55:43 +0000

I HAVE HAD THE BRONZE FOR MANY YEARS. BACK IN THE 70S
I USED TO GET THE OLD CARDS ADMISSION TO THE GROUNDS ONE FOR THE GARAGE AREA. I HAVE BEEN LUCKEY HAVE HAD A SILVER BADGE THE LAST 10 YEARS. THAT BRONZE BADGE AS YOU STATED A GREAT DEAL. IVE HAD SO MANY GREAT DAYS WANDERING AROUND THE GARAGE AND PITS!!

By: Ron Ford

Ron Ford — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:12:25 +0000

Very timely George. Thanks. I got on the phone and ordered my badge right after reading your column. I am one who enjoys wandering around the pit area and garages as much as I enjoy the race. This is also easy to do at the Milwaukee Mile. You can buy a pit and paddock pass and go back and forth between your seats and the pits, or you can park in the infield and access the pits there. I enjoy the various opportunities for photos, not only of people but equipment as well. The engine sounds……..the smell of racing fuels………….intoxicating! The mechanics work quickly and precisely, hardly speaking to each other, but absolutely in sync.
The haulers and other equipment are polished until they gleam with nary a speck of dust, particularly Mr. Penske’s operation. Roger has about 6 scooters at each race. When not in use they are parked in a straight line so precise it appears they were lined up with a transit.

Sheesh, I am getting carried away here. Is it May yet?!

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:04:06 +0000

You are 100% correct George. Best deal in sports. I buy two every year and have worn out many pairs of shoes walking the Garage Area all day long.

By: Mike Silver

Mike Silver — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:15:19 +0000

I am buying one for the first time this year. I’m very excited. I will be at the track every weekend this year and will make good use of it.

By: Mike (15daysinmay)

Mike (15daysinmay) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:42:17 +0000

Great story, George. Memories like that are what make the Speedway so special.

By: Jason

Jason — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:27:15 +0000

Don’t forget, Bronze Badges get you on the grounds as well as the garage. You don’t have to pay the daily $5 or Qual day $10, or carb day $20 at the gate either. Nothing else comes close to that deal.

By: Doug

Doug — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:25:50 +0000

Very cool story, George, and yes, the Bronze Badge is the best deal in sports! I can’t imagine going to IMS and NOT having a Bronze Badge.