It's the mechanics' turn now
By Jack Arute, Special to ABC Sports Online INDIANAPOLIS -- The tempo in Gasoline Alley picks up on Tuesday. Every car that qualified for the 500 has now been torn down to its barest essentials.
At this point, mechanics meticulously go over every fitting, hose, nut and bolt to make sure they are still as good as new. Re-assembly will take place Tuesday afternoon and through most of Wednesday. Then, the final test comes on Thursday, with the running of Carburetion Day.
It is funny to watch the comings and goings in Gasoline Alley. Drivers who have raced here more than once take advantage of this day to get away, while drivers like Andy Hillenburg, who will make his first-ever start in Sunday's race, simply walks around with the largest smile one has ever seen.
It's almost as if the rookies fear going home and waking up only to discover their good fortune is just a dream.
