Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson is a lifelong resident of the city. In 2004, he recalled the effect that an important race-day factors -- the weather -- had on his first couple of attempts to experience the event.

"My first Indy 500 experiences were in 1967 and 1973, and ironically, both races were quickly rained out, and I was unable to attend on the 'backup' days because of school. But I finally watched my first, complete Indy 500 in 1975 and have enjoyed it ever since."

Read what others have to say.