Redbull Indianapolis GP Announcement Ceremony and Ride

[Wingspan]

WHOOHOOO!!!!! It's official, MotoGP is coming to my backyard! :)

I had heard that there was going to be a ride connected to the race on the 23rd. However, when I got to work this morning I found that it was today (I got the info from my supervisor, who's son works at the theater that served as the rally point).

So...I left, called a buddy and we met for lunch before heading over the Murat Theater. Not long after we arrived, the Redbull girls showed up and starting handing out as much of the stuff as you'd care to drink. I think I had 5 cans...I may not sleep for days. Eventually a pack of 200+ motorcycles would gather to be lead to the track with a police escort. The ride was lead by Kenny Roberts JR, on a Honda CBR.

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20004.jpg

MMMM, Redbull...

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20007.jpg

Part of the pack:

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20022.jpg

Think Indy loves MotoGP?

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20011_1.jpg

KRJR, at the riders meeting:

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20058.jpg

We rode to the track and parked in the shade of the famous pagoda:

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20075.jpg

Umbrella girls!

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20070.jpg

Next we went inside for the announcement ceremony. John and I grabbed a few seats on the front row, just down from Kevin Schwantz, KRJR, Tony George, etc.

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20077.jpg

The man, #34:

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20092.jpg

Official contract signing, apparently a 3 year deal:

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20102.jpg

Kevin, talking about what Indy means and his take on the event:
http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20108.jpg

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20107.jpg

Tony George and KRJR:

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20113.jpg

Free swag! T-shirt, sticker, key chain, pin, and credentials for the announcement ceremony:

http://photos.imageevent.com/wingspan/indygp/large/IndyGP%20116_1.jpg