INDIANAPOLIS -- Thousands of fanatical race fans packed in to Indianapolis Motor Speedway Friday for Carb Day, the last chance for drivers to make tweaks before the 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500.

Drivers finished up their last practice at noon, but plenty of other events were keeping spectators busy through the day.

Beautiful weather helped attract a much larger crowd than last year, when it rained most of the day.

"It's just a good time. I'll watch the Indy Lights race and the pit stop competition, look at the women, drink a little beer and have a good time," said Don Presley, of New Palestine.

The crowd was easily the largest of the month, packed with plenty of race fans and others that were there for concerts and other events. As many as 80,000 people were expected to pack the speedway.

"We're die hard race fans," said Curt Smith, who was attending his 23rd Carb Day. "My daughter we named after Danica Patrick, and my son's name is Cale Yarborough. It's a good time to come out."

All 33 drivers were on the track for an hour of practice, getting things tuned up as much as possible.

Ryan Briscoe, who starts in the middle of the first row, has flown under the radar for much of the month, but thinks he's got a good chance of winning.

"It's very nice to be starting in the front row," Briscoe said. "I want to work with Helio (Castroneves) during the race to keep both cars up front."

Former Indy 500 champion Dan Wheldon will start 18th on Sunday, far back from where he's used to starting.

"I think we need a bit more of a balanced race car," Wheldon said. "Good stops, me making no mistakes. If you can have a clean day, I think that can make a big difference."

Wheldon was the fifth-fastest in Carb Day practice. Castroneves was fastest.