Country music star Naomi Judd was more than just a casual observer at 2002's Indianapolis 500. Her son-in-law Dario Franchitti was in the event, and it was the first time she had ever seen him race.

Judd recalled the moment Franchitti walked to his car before the event.

"I was just astounded, because he's Elvis. It was a bit like the Red Sea was parting as we walked with him," said Judd, who spoke to TheIndyChannel.com April 14, 2004, when she was Indianapolis to participate in a lecture series at the Murat Centre.

The race also was a new experience for Franchitti, who is married to actress Ashley Judd. That Indy 500 was his first, and he finished 19th.

Naomi Judd said she was amazed by the atmosphere at the race. She said she had a camera with her all day and was "just a proud participant."

"I'm used to large crowds -- I've played to 70,000 people at the Houston Astrodome and huge outdoor affairs and concerts. But to come to the Indy 500 was beyond," she said.

She also was impressed by Indianapolis and its residents.

"The people here in Indianapolis are such a good lot," Judd said. "They're standard-issue folks. I've always just loved it here. You all have common sense ... you're just like my neighbors."

Read what others have to say.