Tony Borroz opens up what has been dubbed “The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook” for an unedited look at The Greatest Spectacle In Racing. This new series will span the days leading up to and after the 102nd Indianapolis 500, set for Sunday, May 27th. The 2018 Indy 500 Notebook is not exactly live coverage, more like raw coverage. It’s an unfiltered look and what makes the Indy 500 so alluring in the first place. 
I’m sitting here, plopped in front of my TV watching a replay of the 1973 Indy 500. ESPN Classic has been replaying all this old ABC coverage wall-to-wall, 24 hours a day, for about a week now, and it’s fascinating on so many levels.
Safety First"
Jackie Stewart, who is working as a color commentator between racing in Grand Prix, is praising the safety orientation of things happening at The 500. Given that Jackie was the original safety Nazi, and also given that I’m watching this from the perspective of forty-five years of experience, I shake my head at how frightening the lack of safety really is. Consider these observations: Pit lane speed limit" There is none! Drive as fast as you want. Pit crew safety" Next to non-existent. Fire suites" Nope, matching slacks and polo shirts. Pacer lights" Not for a couple of years. Infield hospital" That’s not built yet either.
And yeah, I love this old school stuff. There is so much from past eras of racing that I miss, but when I watch this old stuff, I’...