Sunday Notebook from Indy

Ran into ex-Indy 500 driver and sprint car sensation Steve Chassey who was elated about his first grandchild, Peyton Nicole Chassey. The proud grandfather was showing photos to one and all…..Less than 2 hours before race time and the sun is still shining through a high haze, though a chance of showers are still in the forecast. It is a bit humid today, but not unbearable….The grandstands are beginning to fill nicely as Jim Nabors makes his way through the media center to say hello to many old friends in the media…..If the price of parking on neighborhood lawns is any indication, attendance will be up this year as the merger between the IRL and Champ Car finally appears to be catching hold and fans who stayed away for years are returning in droves…..Beer sales have been huge, which is another sign things are well in Indy……We interviewed Honda HPD's Erik Berkman this morning on the concept next generation Indy Car his company (Acura/Honda) designed (See our related rumor)…….. Mark C. reporting from Indy