2013 Indy 500 Features

A few of my contributions to the 500 Faces online gallery.

It's because people love me, #AmIRight? No, actually, I'd like to think I get assigned "features" at the Indy 500 every year because I do a great job, but also because the wonderful editors at The Star, Greg Griffo and Mike Fender (they're the best!) know I have the patience and endurance to last through all the drama. Besides the finish line, the hottest spot is always turn three, home of the Snake Pit. It's a looooong walk to turn three and it can get freakishly rowdy in that crowd, but nothing beats watching the drunken youth of America prepare for their future, one brain cell at a time. Speaking of "'Merica," that was definitely this year's theme. Enjoy these feature finds from the 97th running of the greatest spectacle in racing. By the way, thank you, Veterans, for making it all possible.

Fans enjoy a cardboard cutout of John Stamos in the Snake Pit on Sunday, May 26, 2013, during the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jennifer Cecil / For The Star

 

Ben Dvorscak, left, and Kayla Woodruff paint a graffiti wall in the Snake Pit on Sunday, May 26, 2013, during the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jennifer Cecil / For The Star

Fans cheer in the final moments of the race Sunday, May 26, 2013, during the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jennifer Cecil / For The Star

(It's so hard not to shoot the action! Must. Focus. On. FEATURES.)

The festival princesses stand over Tony Kanaan in victory lane Sunday, May 26, 2013, during the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jennifer Cecil / For The Star