Cheever

INDIANAPOLIS -- What does tradition really mean? It's more than just one thing. It's the culmination of history and events. In the case of the Indianapolis 500, it's the 87-year history of a race held in the same place at the same time, year after year. Over the years, we've established a number of wonderful traditions ? some quirky, some serious, some essential ? that make this event what it is.

Here, then, are my 10 favorite traditions of the Indy 500:

10) Thirty-three cars and Bump Day. We turned a potential negative into a positive by filling the 33-car field last weekend. Tradition is a very important aspect of this event. They've been racing automobiles on the same ground since 1911. The final day of qualifying often provides some of the most dramatic moments of the entire month. Getting to 33 was important to procedure, history and protocol.

9) Something A.J. says or does. Every year, A.J. Foyt does or says something to brighten things. He did it again Thursday morning, ripping Mario Andretti on national radio. "Just once before I die, I want to hear Mario Andretti say he made a mistake at this track," Foyt said. Only one man is as big -- or as intimidating or entertaining or controversial -- as this track and this race. It's A.J.

8) Tom Carnegie. I know the month of May has started when I walk out there and hear Tom speak. "And heeeee's on it." His voice is one of those beautiful sounds you recognize instantly. He always has something nice to say, and the tone of his voice is perfect. He's a treasure.

7) The pole. The reason why it's called the pole position is because of the five-story scoring pylon that's synonymous with Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Believe it or not, the pole is a national historic landmark. Check the plaque at the base. It is the focal point of the entire month. You're always looking at that pole -- competitor or fan. It's the center of information for everyone here. When that thing lights up for the first time, you know a major event is about to happen.

6) The parade and community day. What makes motorsports so unique is the accessibility of the participants to the fans. Every driver in the race just finished signing autographs for two hours during community day. The parade, which will be televised Saturday on ESPN, is recognized as one of the best in the country. It's important for racing to maintain a close relationship with the people who make it possible. Racers actually interact with their fans. That's rare these days.

5) "Back Home Again in Indiana." Does any other state have an anthem? Indiana does. Gomer sings it every year before the start of the race. They hear it in Moscow; they hear it in China; they hear it around the world. This race would not be the same without Jim Nabors singing that song, nor would it be the same without Florence Henderson singing "God Bless America." Sure, you may think it sounds corny, but I guarantee you that 350,000 people will have goose bumps when they sing.

4) Rookie of the year. I despise subjective awards, but this one has a distinct history in predicting future stars. Look at the recent winners: Helio Castroneves, Juan Montoya, Tony Stewart, Jacques Villeneuve. It seems as if the winner of this award eventually becomes the winner of the race, or even wins the race the first time out. They almost always go on to be major stars. It's becoming more and more relevant.

3) Qualifying. We spend more than a week practicing just to qualify. No other sporting event spends that much time and effort just to determine where the participants start the game. The 10-mile qualifying run is the longest and fastest run that any driver will ever complete. It is incredibly difficult. You work for eight days toward nothing but perfection.

2) Pre-race ceremonies. There's a stretch of time right before the drivers start rolling during which the national anthem, the invocation, "Taps," the flyover, balloon release, etc., take place. Usually by this time, the drivers are in the cars, but this is the most emotional 20 minutes before any sporting event on earth. By the way, the phrase "Gentlemen, start your engines" is a trademark of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. That's all you need to know about the origin of racing.

1) Milk. The tradition of the Indy 500 winner drinking milk began when Louis Meyer went for a cold buttermilk after he won the race in 1928. Every year since, the winner has a drink of milk. Trust me, it's the best drink you'll ever have. Emerson Fittipaldi almost got skinned alive when he drank orange juice after the race. Note to the wise: Always drink the milk.

And always savor the traditions.

IRL IndyCar Series owner Eddie Cheever Jr. owns the No. 52 Red Bull Cheever Racing Dallara Chevrolet driven by Buddy Rice. He provides a diary to ESPN.com. Cheever's team Web site can be found at www.cheeverindyracing.com.