27 May 2007 - Madison, Wisconsin

I like the Indianapolis 500.  The annual racing event is said to be the largest single sporting event in North America -surpassing even the Kentucky Derby - with an estimated one million in attendance, with 257,325 permanent seats and an estimated 100,000 more on the infield and the rest milling about anywhere within earshot of the 110 decibel engine roar (Sounds high?  Earphones generate the same, so make your own call).

The Indy 500 heralds in Summer.  It occurs on Memorial Day weekend - 91 times now - and is THE rip-roaring start of all memories over 70 degrees Fahrenheit and devoid of leaf-raking.  This year's winner Dario Franchitti won with planning, calculated risk, well-honed skills, a willing engine, and incredible pit crew that include Mother Nature this year:  The race was shortened to 166 laps (of 200) by a downpour that arrived at the best possible moment - with the skillful Franchitti in the lead.  Who cares if it was the Indiapolis 415 this year - he will be in record books forever with 65 other Indy 500 immortals.

On hand to root him on - and to catch the eye of an always-voyeuristic press - was Franchitti's acclaimed wife - actress Ashley Judd.  She even issued a press-like statement at the end of the race to the eager cameramen, stating that her husband came from 14th place to finish and that he raced like a "gentleman".  Other comments she made seems to indicate she has embraced the racing lifestyle and she's learning the lingo.

The Franchittis pocketed a few shekels for the victory and probably won't be needed to refinance with the mortgage guys from Your Home-Your Money Mortgage Talk Radio, but we really didn't expect much along those lines.  Regardless, thank you Indy, and to Dario and Ashley for an exciting kickoff to Summer 2007.  Hope this victory is all you want it to be.

Art Blanchet

Bill Quigley

Your-Home-Your Money