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Speedway’s Main Street comes alive for 100th Indy 500

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – The after party for the Indy 500 lasted long after Alexander Rossi pulled off his surprising win.

“We got lucky and it was a beautiful day,” Brandon Ferriss said while walking down Main Street in Speedway after the race.

It was a beautiful day for an historic race.

“You could tell that people knew it was the 100th race and people were ready to celebrate,” Kristin Kelly said after the race.

An estimated 350,000 people bought tickets for the sold out race.

Main Street was packed moments after the race ended, and many never had to step foot inside of the track to see the action. This was the first time in 70 years that fans could watch it on television

“It was everything I expected,” Mike Monan said of the race while eating at 1911 Grill. “It was totally, totally amazing.”

“It was fantastic. The pomp and circumstance… amazing,” Amy Hanna, who’s lived in Speedway for 15 years, said.

“It’s been awesome. We just really enjoyed being part of it,” said Shane Pearson, the owner Daredevil Brewing Co. The brewery relocated to Speedway last year. “It’s been a great month. Because I think besides just all the people, getting to be part of what is really historic month for Indianapolis, for Indiana race fans.”

And really for the world. A race that’s as American as they come, attracted those from far off places.

“We’re both Canadians, so we’re super excited to experience it. It’s awesome,” Sutherlin said.

“It was fantastic. It was a tremendous spectacle. The Americans put on a brilliant show,” Chris Coburn, who came to the race from Scotland, said.

Despite clogged roads after the race, Speedway police said they had a plan in place and that it worked, but they also said the congestion is part of the game when moving 350,000 people.