Two days ago, I was the guest of the Nevada Army National Guard at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Two days ago, I had the "wow" experience of my life. I participated in the "Indy Racing Experience" and was a passenger in the Nevada Army National Guard IndyCar (Two Seater) driven by Arie Luyendyk Jr. Racing fans should know that Arie's father won the Indianapolis 500 in 1990 and 1997. In addition to the NVARNG IndyCar, there were two additional cars carrying passengers late Saturday afternoon. One of the drivers was Mario Andretti himself, winner of the 1969 Indianapolis 500.
Last night, in speaking with NVARNG Marketing NCO James Fricano, he indicated that prior to this year's race, Dan Wheldon, had driven the NVARNG IndyCar for several years. He was a familiar face with our Guard. Dan had won the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and won for a second time less than 4 months ago.
Two days ago, as I drove into the Speedway, there was so much excitement as I received my credentials, not only for the Experience. Two days ago I walked around the infield area around the oval track, past the Garage and the Infield Medical Center -- and noticed a reserved parking space for Dr. Dale Carrison. It was really fun walking and talking together with many Guard members.
Then it was on to the truck to receive / and dress in the fire retardant body suit and shoes I was given. As we approached the track we waited in three different lines. The excitement really began to build as I put the fire retardant mask over my face and down my neck. The pit crew approached me, put my helmet on me and took me out to the car.
The crew then assisted me and I climbed up, on and then in -- sitting down low in the Nevada Army National Guard Two Passenger IndyCar. What a rush it was to "take off" with Arie and drive down the track reaching 180 miles per hour. As we drove into the second turn of the first lap, the "G" force pushed me against the back of the seat. All I could think of was "Wow!"
I did not go to the race yesterday. In the afternoon I turned on the television to see how the championship race was going. The race had been stopped with a "Red Flag Condition" for two hours as the result of a 15 car -- fiery pile-up on Lap # 12. The crash occurred when driving into the second turn.
Dan Wheldon -- one of the sport's superstars was killed with unsurvivable injuries.. On live TV I saw familiar images from Saturday afternoon. The track. The infield. I thought about Dr. Dale Carrison, who up until a few months ago was the Chairman of the Nevada Homeland Security Commission. Dale and I had worked closely together for many years. He is in charge of The Infield Medical Center for all races held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His photo published yesterday -- helping to wheel Dan Wheldon into the helicopter to fly him to UMC was published throughout the world. Many of you probably saw it.
An emotional five lap tribute for Dan Wheldon ended the racing season and the race.
What a difference 24 hours can make. The highest of highs. The lowest of lows. On behalf of the Nevada Broadcasters Association, we offer our sincere condolences to the Wheldon family; to the Nevada Army National Guard; and to the millions of racing fans from around the world.
Robert David Fisher
