SPEEDWAY, Ind. — “I’m devastated,” said Joe Hall, 65.
Hall was more than a little emotional after learning the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500 would go on, but for the first time ever, without fans like Hall in the stands.
“It’s a kick in the gut, that’s how I feel,” said Hall. “It’ll be a hollow 500 for me, but what are you going to do?”
That’s because this husband, father and grandfather has been going to The Great American Race every year since he was just five years old.
“I went with my mom and dad and seen Rodger Ward and Jim Rathmann duel and been hooked ever since,” Hall said.
This year's race would have been Hall’s 61st. For Hall, it’s more than just a race. It’s a family tradition, a way of life in Indiana.
“The fans are just as much a part of the Indy 500 as the Indy 500 is for the fans,” said Hall.
Tuesday’s announcement from IMS came after several months of planning, trying to keep fans safe despite Covid 19. Early plans had the stands filled at 50 percent capacity, then 25 percent. Now it’s down to zero.
“Even though we’re big fans, we think probably no fans in the stands is best, right?” Andy Schroeder asked his 14-year-son Jackson.
For this father and son, the race is a family tradition too. They’ve been going every year since Jackson was 6, saving mementos and savoring the father-son memories.
“Some people find it annoying, tires, gas and beer, but when it all mixes together, it smells pretty good,” Jackson said of his favorite parts of the race’s sights, sounds and smells.
This year, the Schroeder’s we’ll be watching from their living room.
“We’ll hang the checkered flag out in front of the house like we always do in May and we’ll settle in,” said Andy.
What else can fans like Hall and the Schroeders do but cheer from their living rooms this year and hope for a better scenario next year.
“We’ll survive it and come back and be stronger than ever come 2021,” said Hall.