Indy Grand Prix

Grand Prix, or Formula 1 (F1), racing may be the sole annual event with venues in Monte Carlo, Monaco and Indianapolis, Indiana. The contrast between the glamor of international set that constitutes F1 and the “simple life” of the American mid-west is certainly dramatic but not troubling or sad as it is some F1 venues, such as Brazil, where much of the local community is desperately poor. "Rednecks" and red Ferraris mix pretty well.

This year, the buzz was all about Lewis Hamilton, a 22 year old rookie from England who is leading the driver's championship after 7 races. No rookie has ever come close to starting so strongly. His story would strain credulity if it came from Hollywood. His parent split when he was young but his father remained close. He noticed his son's extraordinary hand-eye coordination and worked as many as 3 jobs concurrently to afford race training and equipment. This product of the true working-class is now on top of the world's most exclusive, expensive, and glamorous sport, earning a salary in the millions. At the risk of going over-the-top, add this to his story: his brother, who suffers cerebral palsy, attends most of his races. This is a screenplay for a heart-warming movie that practically writes itself.

At Indy, Lewis Hamilton earned the pole position and then, on a blazingly hot day, after nearly 2 hours of precise driving mere seconds ahead of his teammate and current world champion, he won the US Grand Prix. Congratulations! And best of luck in the next 10 races of the F1 season.