“Vroom — Vroom” the shopkeeper in a small Italian hill town replied when we said we were from Indianapolis. Who says no one cares about the race (Hammer, “The Truth About the Race,” May 28-June 4)? Seriously, NASCAR is a cult of personality. The 500 is about superbly conditioned athletes in wondrously engineered missiles. I wouldn’t think of asking any Indy Car driver to sign my bra (well, perhaps Danica!). The sea of people year after year cheering the likes of the Woodruff Place lawn chair marchers (where were they this year?), the famous words, the balloons and stars that return every year (well, they are stars to us). Seriously, I am proud to be from Indy and to be able to enjoy a spectacle every May right in our backyard. The Hulman George family have managed to maintain and enhance a remarkable world- class facility with great amenities at no cost (as far as I know) to the taxpayers, contribute to developing the gateway to Speedway with medians and flags and allow those who choose to attend the thrill of a lifetime. I am most hopeful that next year will be only the first of many 100 year celebrations of this marvelous place.