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81 years strong; Indy 500 keeps man coming back every year

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – IMS officials said they are now looking into whether new body kits are contributing to crashes ahead of next weekend’s Indy 500.

There have been three crashes this week, including one Sunday morning.

Fans are also concerned for drivers’ safety, including Joe Romack who has been coming to the race since 1934.

He said he comes for the sounds.

“To me its kind of music, to be real honest with you,” said Romack. “It’s a sound that you carry with you from the track.”

He has been taking the sounds with him since he was a boy when his dad snuck him into his first race.

“They [his parents] put me in the backseat and covered me with a blanket and drove me through the gates. So, I cheated the first time,” said Romack.

He now pays for his seat, the same one since the 1950’s. He said he has only missed six races since 1953, mostly when he went away to war.

When asked what keeps him coming back, he said, “The fun of it, thinking about it, watching it, comparison. You have discussions on drivers and cars.”

The discussions in the stands on Sunday was about the cars and drivers, and whether the new aero kits are putting the drivers in danger.

Officials said they’re looking into what’s causing cars to lose control, go backwards and flip over. They also said they want to keep the race fast.

Romack said he loves the changes. He said they keep the sport interesting and as long as IMS continues to improve, he will continue coming year after year.

“They’re more exciting each year,” said Romack.