The Indianapolis 500
John Green is providing a review of the Indianapolis 500. This is a race that takes place every year near the end of May in Speedway, Indiana. Green likens Speedway, Indiana to the Vatican in Rome. He claims it is the largest annual non-religious gathering of human beings on earth.
I think Green writes about this topic to explain that even though the Indianapolis 500 is a race it means different things to different people experiencing it. Some see it as cars driving in circles, or drivers going nowhere. Some see it as amazing engineering, or just being together at a massive event and no matter where you sit or stand, you can’t see the entire track and just be happy.
I think this topic helps Green to find a life of significance because he thinks car racing achieves something. “…-it takes both the person and the machine to the edge of possibility, and in the process, we get faster as a species.” (171) I think he feels that continuing to push ourselves, just like trying to drive faster and faster, will make us better.
As someone that likes racing, this chapter really caught my attention. I enjoy the competitiveness of Indy car races and other car racing events. I like the history Green mentions regarding the 3.2 million bricks and the nickname of the track, the Brickyard. I like the traditions he and his friends have including biking to the race and the excitement that goes with it. I like how it is such a large event and attracts so many people in the United States and the world. I like his comparison of the Vatican to Speedway and being in a place at an event and not knowing 100% what is going on no matter where you sit or stand.