Indianapolis, Indiana - Indianapolis Motor Speedway

--NBC Broadcast--

"Well folks, it's finally here. After months of anticipation and a very eventful Month of May that saw the 2 Dayle Coyne cars failing to make the show, the greatest spectacle in racing is here. Welcome ladies and gentleman to NBC's coverage of the 108th Annual Indianapolis 500."

The live picture then switched to the 3 commentators inside IMS' iconic pagoda.

"Hi folks, Leigh Diffey here, alongside Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe. Guys it's here, the greatest spectacle in racing. How excited are you?"

"Oh, I'm very excited. This is one of the biggest races in the world and nothing can really compare to everything that is here. When you're here, you're becoming a part of history. It doesn't matter what kind of racing series you're competing here because if you compete at Indianapolis, you're competing at the world's most iconic racetrack."

"Yeah, and let's not forget the big story for this year's Indianapolis 500, which is the fact that 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Kyle Larson is competing in it."

"And speaking of Kyle Larson, he is with Marty Snyder. Marty?"

"I CAN'T DO THIS!!!" Shouted Rara.

"What do you mean, we've practiced non-stop for the past 3 days," said Mike.

"But what if I screw up? What if I don't get the lyrics right? What if-"

Rara's mouth was covered by Prance's hand. "Now hold on there," said Prance. "If that's your problem, then let me tell you this. Don't fear failure be afraid of not having the chance, you HAVE the chance."

"Exactly, the only thing you have to fear itself," said Mike.

Rara felt better. "Thanks guys, I needed to hear that."

"Now come on, it's time."

Since the Indy 500 is a race that runs on Memorial Day, the pre race starts off with the usual Memorial Day traditions. A soldier comes up and plays 'Taps' followed by a 21 Gun Salute. But after all of that, it was time for the drivers to get into their cars. Mike strapped into his car and took a deep breath.

"Radio check," his race strategist said.

"Yeah, all good," Mike replied.

--NBC Broadcast--

"It is time for a yearly tradition of Indianapolis. You have to respect the traditions that come into this place. One of those traditions is a song that's all about Indiana. Unfortunately, Jim Cornelison was unable to be here because he was involved in a car accident a few days ago. He is alright, but a substitute was needed. Let's go trackside."

"Ladies, gentlemen, and ponies, it's time for the annual singing of 'Back Home Again in Indiana'. Unfortunately, Jim Cornelison is unable to be here this year, but we do have a substitute for this year. Please welcome Equestrian Pop-star singer; COUNTESS COLORATURA!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as Rara's name was announced. Of course there were a few jeers from anti-pony people and traditionalists who were pure dicks, but Rara didn't let that get to her. She looked at the crowd. 'You can do this, Rara,' she thought to herself. She then heard one of her backup dancers starting to provide vocals. Unprepared, Rara looked back to the crowd and took a deep breath before clearing her throat. 'Well, here it goes.' She then looked at the crowd and began singing.

'Back home again in Indiana,

and it seems that I can see

The gleaming candle light, still shining bright,

Through the Sycamores for me.

The new-mown hay sends all its fragrance

From the fields I used to roam.

When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash.

Then I long for my Indiana HOOOME!!!!'

The crowd erupted in cheers as balloons floated up over the track and away. Rara sighed and smiled at the crowd who were all still cheering at her beautifully toned voice. She smiled and waved to the crowd before walking off. Inside his car, Mike smiled at Rara, knowing she did a job well done.

"DRIVERS, START YOUR ENGINES!!!"

The cars all roared to life and set out on there pace laps. Rara returned to Mike's pit box and watched as the race began.

--NBC Broadcast--

Leigh Diffey: "This is and always has been and will be the greatest spectacle in racing! This is the INDIANAPOLIS 500!!!"

The green flag was waved and the 33 cars raced away.

Leigh Diffey: "Scott McLaughlin in the Yellow Submarine leads the field to green! Will Power is on the outside!"

Townsend Bell: "LOOK BACK THOUGH AT SANTINO FERRUCCI IN STARS AND STRIPES GOES RIGHT TO P4!!! FERRUCCI'S ON THE HUNT WITH THE 3 PENSKES LEADING!!!"

James Hinchcliffe: "Further back, I think the blue and orange car of Scott Dixon-"

Leigh Diffey: "CRASH!!!"

James Hinchcliffe: "OH, we got a crash already at the back of the field!"

Leigh Diffey: "THAT'S MARCUS ERICSSON!!! AND AROUND GOES PIETRO FITTIPALDI!!!"

James Hinchcliffe: "And that's... who's that 3rd car?"

Townsend Bell: "That's Tom Blomqvist. The Meyer Shank Racing rookie! There's Ericsson, car destroyed, banging the steering wheel. His Indy 500 only lasts one corner."

Mike started 19th and was getting up to speed when the crash happened behind him. He slowed down for the caution, but couldn't help but be a little frustrated. "Are you fucking shitting me, man. First lap and first corner and their already going crazy," he said.

"Take a chill pill for me," said Mike's race strategist.

Lap 9

--NBC Broadcast--

Leigh Diffey: "We are going racing once again! Scott McLaughlin at the front gets a head start! There's moves being done at the back and passes being made! Callum Ilott's in trouble... Wait no! That's Kyle Larson AND THERE'S CONTACT WITH RYAN HUNTER-REAY

Townsend Bell: "Hunter-Reay with a hip check to Larson! Something went horribly wrong for Kyle Larson! James we've been talking about this as they go 2-wide into Turn 1!"

Over the next few laps and restarts, the race would see a couple of engine failures. Marcus Armstrong was the first to blow an engine. The caution had to be waved for oil spilling on the track. A few laps after the restart, Linus Lundqvist would blow an engine, causing the caution to come back out. The cars would make pit stops as the cautions put a damper on drivers' strategies. The race restarted and it quickly became hectic. Mike had to make evasive maneuvers to avoid an accident.

"You're doing great! Doing great! Just take a deep breath, keep going," Mike's race strategist shouted on his radio.

Meanwhile, up in the pit box, Rara was shaking in fear as the restarts made it look like Mike was going to crash horribly.

Lap 56

--NBC Broadcast--

Leigh Diffey: "Caution's out. What's it for? Oh, it's Felix Rosenqvist AND IT'S ANOTHER HONDA!!!"

Townsend Bell: "That is the 3rd Honda to have an engine failure. And Rosenqvist was having a GREAT run."

The cars made another pit stop to top up on fuel. The race restarted a few laps later on Lap 64 and it was another hectic restart. Mike was able to keep his line.

The race went by very quickly, but that didn't mean a lot of big things didn't happen. Two of the pre-race favorites; Colton Herta and Will Power crashed out, the biggest storyline of the race, Kyle Larson, got a penalty for speeding in the pit lane, and the fact that Andretti Global has had a horrible Indy 500 with Mike and Kyle Kirkwood being the only hopes for them. Eventually, it came down to Josef Newgarden and Pato O'Ward.

Final Lap

--NBC Broadcast--

Leigh Diffey: "O'WARD TRIES TO BREAK THE DRAFT BUT NEWGARDEN GOES TO THE OUTSIDE!!!"

Townsend Bell: "HE TAKES THE LEAD COMING OFF OF TURN 3!!!"

Leigh Diffey: "FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 22 YEARS, A DRIVER GOES BACK TO BACK IN THE INDY 500!!! JOSEF NEWGARDEN FOR THE 2ND YEAR IN A ROW WINS THE INDIANAPOLIS 500!!!"

"P11," Mike's race strategist said on his radio.

"Great effort, guys," Mike sighed in exhaustion. Once he pulled into the pit lane and parked his car, he climbed out took off his helmet before grabbing a towel and wiping much of the sweat he had. Rara came up to him and hugged him.

"So, how did I do in that song?" She asked.

Mike smiled. "Well, judging from the crowd's reaction and cheers, I'd say you did very well." Rara smiled back as the two began to make their way to find Rara's old backup dancers. They found them in the garages having a conversation. "Mission accomplished everyone. Now pack it up, we're going home."

"Yes sir!" Prance said in a militaristic tone.

The group then headed out of the track to head back to Manehattan.

To Be Continued.

Author's Note

This is a fictionalized version of the 2024 Indy 500. If you want to see what happened in the actual Indy 500, you can do so by watching this video here.