Cloudy skies and a threat of rain appeared to keep fans away from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on "Fast Friday."

The day before Saturday's Pole Day is typically when many racing fanatics converge on the speedway to begin taking in all of the events, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

"I'm off for the week, and I love being here," said Kathy Harris. "That's what I do every month of May."

The track becomes a home away from home for those who devote the entire month to racing fandom.

Others are experiencing racing fanaticism for the first time.

"This is my first time in Indiana," said Jerry Smith. "I'm a rookie here. I'm usually watching NASCAR. I've never actually seen these cars."

Because race day falls earlier in the month this year, fans feel that they have to squeeze in more action in less time.

Many fans stood around in Gasoline Alley, hoping to meet their favorite drivers.

The speedway is celebrating the centennial era for the next three years. IMS officials are hoping to make the experience something that race fans will never forget.