And Indy drivers need that attitude for more than the track, since the minute you get to Indy you realize they run two races here every year. There's the race to the finish line, and then there's the equally treacherous race to the starting line.

To even qualify for the 500, drivers need sponsors with important money. To maintain a car at Indy for the full month of May it takes one million dollars, and every year, the race runs thirty three cars. The Michael Jordans of the world can afford to ponder the ethics of wearing that little inch-and-a-half Nike swooshstika on their shoes, but Indy racers happily wallpaper themselves from butt to nose for sponsorship cash.