It turned out to be quite a Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tony Kanaan drank the milk after years of hard luck. The Brazilian finally captured the Indianapolis 500. To say this win was a popular one would be a gross understatement. The fan favorite was even cheered by the losing drivers after his victory. Many watched the race from home while hundreds of thousands were there to take it all in live, including Todd and Sarah Palin.
The Palins, self-proclaimed motor heads, had super seats for the race too. After spending time in the pit of Sarah Fisher’s team, the former governor and First Gentleman of Alaska enjoyed the day from a suite, guests of former Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones. The Palins met Jones through Walker Evans, a mutual friend. Jones was Walker’s mentor.
Todd Palin told Breitbart Sports the thrill of this race and all that comes with it is like no other.
“We were with hundreds of thousands of people cheering, enjoying the race, and honoring the military,” Palin said. “It’s America at its best. Sarah and I had a great time today.”
Before the race, the Palins took part in a ceremony for Jones. “It was an unbelievable privilege to watch Parnelli honored for the anniversary of his win here in 1963,” Todd Palin said. “To hang out with Parnelli Jones, Bobby Unser, and Walker Evans is an honor. I mean that’s the greatest generation. These guys are such great role models. I could listen to their stories all day long.”
Although snow machines and Indy cars are very different, as an Iron Dog racing champion, there are some similarities to which Todd Palin can relate.
“The whole package of getting sponsors, assembling teams and crews, choosing drivers, I appreciate it,” Palin said. “I’m just impressed with the whole operation.”
Now that the Palins have taken in the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR races, perhaps this Iron Dog veteran will get a chance sometime to get behind the wheel of a race car.
“Hopefully one day I can go around the track somewhere,” Palin said. “It just looks like fun.”
For now, though, after an incredible experience thanks to Parnelli Jones, the Palins plan on returning the favor. Jones will turn 80 in August and for his birthday, Todd Palin plans on bringing the racing legend to Alaska.
‘We’re going to take him up to Fairbanks and do some caribou hunting,” Palin said.
An incredible Indianapolis 500 experience is over for Todd and Sarah Palin. The memories and friendships however seem likely to endure.
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