SPEEDWAY, Ind. — The 108th Running of the Indy 500 is set for Sunday, and race fans have already set up their campers across the street from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and they say they're ready for another great race.
The lot directly across from the IMS has the best parking spots around for the big race.
"It's a great atmosphere," Brent Evans said. "Everybody is out here for the same goal: to relax and enjoy the race."
Many fans in the campground say they have been attending the Indy 500 for years. One group celebrated 17 years of tradition and friendship.
"Part of the new traditions is what new thing we are doing. This year was my first year at the Grand Prix. We added that to the mix," Evans said.
A fan from Ohio is here for his 18th Indy 500.
"I love Carb Day. I love hanging out on Carb Day and having a good time. Saturday is really chill. Obviously, everybody comes here on Race Day. Hopefully, we get it without rain," John Bowshier said.
The chance of rain may be a concern, but not a deal breaker for many fans.
"I will say the crowd within Carb Day just don't care," Jeff Washer said. "We are among that mentality. We've been in pouring rain, blazing sun and high temperatures. It's just always a great time. You make the best of it, even if you're just sliding in the mud or getting a great tan, it's all part of the experience."
"My first one was in 2007, and it was a rain short race. I've still come back 17 years more after that. If it happens, it happens," Bowshier said.
Because for them, it's about more than racing.
"Here, everybody is geared toward one thing. That's a lot of fun and really important. No matter what their differences are, everybody can be one thing for a weekend, and that's really awesome," Bowshier said.
That one thing is being a part of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.