Overhead Shot of Our Seats

How lucky is that? I went to Google Maps to get an overhead shot of our
seats and it just happens that there was an IndyCar event going on when the
Google satellite went over. You can see the IndyCar Tech Inspection trailer
just above the bottom center. That's where Agnes and I worked as tech
inspectors at the 1989 race. At the very top is turn 11, the last turn on
the track. After the cars come around turn 11, they accelerate at full
throttle down the front straightaway (double yellow arrows). They do that 95
times during the race. And plenty more times during practice and qualifying.
Just below the straightaway is where the hot pits are (single yellow arrow).
And just below that is where our balcony seats are (yellow circle). Behind
our seats, under the silver roof, we find the air-conditioned suite where
they keep our food and drinks (and our bathroom). It's a wonderful way to
experience a race. In the olden days, we stood outside in the early morning
freezing fog, drinking coffee from paper cups, and trying to stay warm. Or,
later in the day, we would walk for miles in the blazing sun, working in the
pits during the IndyCar race, watching other races, and looking for more
food and drinks (and bathrooms). On the far right of the photo (red star),
is where the VIP rides start. I'll write a separate post for that story.