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CNN Sunday Morning

Indianapolis 500 Runs Today

Aired May 26, 2002 - 09:20   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well round and round they'll go today in the Indianapolis 500. This is the 86th year fans will pack the motor speedway to watch 33 cars rip around the track. CNN's Sports Illustrated Ray D'Alessio takes us on a ride to feel the Indy racing experience.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

RAY D'ALESSIO, CNN SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: You've heard the thunderous roar of the engines. You've seen the breakneck speeds. It used to be one could only imagine the adrenalin felt day in and day out by the likes of Michael Andretti or Al Unser, Jr. But now, thanks to a concept known as the Indy Racing Experience, gear heads like myself can take a ride on the real racetrack with a real driver in a real racecar.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know when the cars go out somewhere, they always get coverage, because it's so bizarre that a normal person took a ride in an Indy car, and like yourself, it's just not every day you can do those speeds and those Gs and feel that wind.

D'ALESSIO: Other than the additional seat, the car itself is built exactly to Indy racing league specs, give or take a few horsepower, of course. And being that safety is of the utmost importance, each rider is provided with an official race helmet, complete with racing suit, gloves, and shoes. Now I, myself, thought some last minute words of wisdom were needed as well.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Just enjoy it.

D'ALESSIO: OK.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's about 45 seconds holding your breath. You can probably do it.

D'ALESSIO: How fast are we going to be going here?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: About 170 miles per hour.

D'ALESSIO: 170, OK.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The track is really smooth now. It will just be a nice, comfortable easy ride.

D'ALESSIO: This guy's not -- he was chasing me to the Indianapolis. Now he's proving it.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What do you think?

D'ALESSIO: Incredible, man. Incredible. Could I have a clean pair of pants now? At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I'm Ray D'Alessio.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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