In The Pits At The Indy 500 [VIDEO]

Over the holiday weekend, I had the chance to head south and go to the Indy 500.

I went without having any tickets in hand and was hoping to meet a generous soul "selling" tickets before the race. I was able to find someone like that and got my ticket for just $20 over face value. I sat in the infield right above the pits. Great Seats!

But here's where the fun really began...the night before, I was sitting in the hotel lobby (having a cocktail) when a couple of cowboys walked in. They were wearing cowboy hats which immediately drew my attention. So, we started up a conversation. They were cattle ranchers from California and in Indianapolis for the race. As it turns out, they were close friends and financial contributors of Chip Ganassi. Chip is an Indy car owner and had four cars in the race. During the conversation with the cowboys, they invited me to "VIP" with them. So I did!

When I got to the speedway on Sunday morning, I texted them and we met up. They handed over pit passes to me. Just like that. No strings. No cost. They were just being nice. I walked around all of the drivers and pit crew and the cars. I was surprised by how welcoming everyone was. I was also surprised by how big the tires are on the cars.

I don't know if I'll ever go to the Indy 500 again. I don't think I'll ever be able to top that experience. Great Seats! Pit Passes! Fabulous weather! An awesome race! My pick won! And cowboys!

If you ever want to go to the Indy 500, here's my advice. Pack a cooler, take sunscreen, go early and be friendly because you never know who might be kind and generous and take you to the pits!