Fans, staff try to stay cool at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The heat forced fans and management at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to take extra precautions over the weekend. On Saturday, many fans and employees said this was the hottest weekend at the track they can remember.
“Sometimes you get in here and the wind dies down and it can be kind of steamy just being around here. Once this aluminum steel gets hot, it gets hot,” employee Bodi Lowe explained.
Lowe has been working at the track for 20 years.
“It’s pretty hot, and if you don’t find a spot that’s got a little bit of a breeze, it can be dangerous,” he added.
The speedway is allowing fans to bring their own coolers this year. People are encouraged to stay hydrated with water or sports drinks.
“That’s the biggest issue that we have out here is people that drink everything but water,” Lowe said.
He and other employees help keep an eye on fans as they try to stay cool. The track has cooling stations set up that mist water.
Race fans aren’t the only ones who need to stay cool at the track. This year, for the first time, IMS is allowing Lowe and other employees to wear shorts rather than pants.
“It’s Indiana weather. There’s nothing you can do about it,” Lowe said.