INDIANAPOLIS -- Thousands of people poured into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Saturday for Pole Day in anticipation of the 92nd Indianapolis 500 later this month.

The weather was beautiful, and the beer, food and festivities were plentiful, 6News' Cheryl Jackson reported.

Race fans stocked up on racing gear, proudly supporting their favorite drivers, including crowd favorite Danica Patrick.

"I like Danica because she is a beautiful woman," Matt Sprinkle said matter-of-factly. "She drives fast."

Many make the trek to the track an annual event, but others were back this year for the first time in a while.

"We haven't been out her for years, and all the festivities are awesome," said Todd Moore.

Beer and hot dog connoisseurs were in their element, but some were there to watch the action on the track and do some people watching.

"(I'm) just checking out different booths and getting a flash of the drivers as they go in and out," said George Pettus.

Free cholesterol testing might not have been in most race fans' plans, but some took advantage of it.

"I figured it would be convenient and it was free," said Lisa Legel. "My husband, I and my daughter were all tested today."