Indy GP: Things you don't see every day

My wife and I have just returned from a holiday in the US, which included a trip to watch the MotoGP at Indianapolis.

Although we were disappointed that the racing was curtailed by the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, we knew it was the right decision on safety grounds, and it didn’t detract from our overall enjoyment of the event. We are seriously considering returning next year, and would urge others to do the same.

We were amazed by the sheer size of the Indy oval and, as Valentino Rossi said, we look forward to better weather and a bigger crowd next year.

The two highlights for us were the antics of the police motorcyclist who escorted our coach from the hotel to the circuit (see attached blurred image – yes, he really is standing on the seat, arms outstretched, while riding at 30-40 mph), and our chance meeting with James Toseland over breakfast at our hotel the following morning.

Even though my wife interrupted him in mid-mouthful with the immortal words “Are you JT?”, he found time to shake hands, and to chat about himself and the race. No airs and graces – what a gent! We were well impressed.