AJ stands for Andrew Jackson, our 7th president. His reputation for toughness earned him the nickname "Old Hickory." A hero of the War of 1812, Jackson has appeared on the $20 bill since 1928.

And where does it go?

Why do they race? Why Do They Race?

What about drivers that don't win, or don't win often enough? Why do they race?

Some race because it helps them sell items such as T-shirts, caps, trading cards, and toy cars. These sales can earn drivers many times more than they could make in prize money.

Some drivers race to test out new driving styles, new engines or tires, or new ways of keeping the car on the track longer. This testing can make or save money in the future.

Some race because they are new to the sport. The experience they gain can be used to win in the future.

Finally, some families have a long history of racing. Here's what 2004 Daytona 500 winner, Dale Earnhardt, Jr says about passing the same turn where his father's life ended tragically three years earlier: "This has gotta be the greatest day of my life!"

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All drivers who finish make some money, more than $13 million total. The winner of the race earns about $2.6 million.

No driver earns less than $250,000.

While the prize money might seem big, racers have big expenses.

What does it cost to race?

Drivers in the Indy 500 spend a lot of money to race. Members of the racing team need to be paid. The race's entry fee can be a lot.

Costs to keep the car running for 200 laps include:

• Engines. Racers need more than one engine in case one fails. One engine can cost more than $300,000.
• Tires. Racers are allowed only 35 sets of tires for practice and the race. That sounds like a lot. But race cars use special tires that don't last long. Each set of 4 tires can cost more than $2,000.
• The car. Racers spend a lot of money making their cars both fast and safe. Some spend more than $125,000 for safety alone!

Tyler's Mom is taking the family to the Indy 500 this year. Until now, he had never thought about costs.

What does it cost to go?

How much do you think it will cost?
Fans pay a lot to park near the Indy 500 race track.

• Travel. Tyler wants to fly from Austin to Indianapolis. The cost for him, his Mom and his sister could be about $1,000. His Mom says she would rather drive! It will take two days each way. The total cost for gas is about $280.
• Tickets. Tyler doesn't want the worst seats, or the best. He chooses $70 tickets. That's $210 for the three of them.
• Parking. Race fans pay big bucks to park near the Indy 500. Tyler estimates parking fees at $30.
• Hotel. They'll need to spend four nights in a hotel. At $65 a night, that's $260.
• Food and fun. Tyler guesses $50 a day for food. His Mom thinks they'll spend at least $100 on other things. That's $300.

It's a sonic adventure! It's a Sonic Adventure!

Indiana sure knows how to celebrate—there's a festival parade in downtown Indianapolis the night before the race, and marching bands booming around the track just before the big event.

The center of the track is a large, grassy infield area filled with onlookers. Many teenagers, kids, and adults sunbathe while the race is on.

High school bands get invited to march in the parade and around the track. If you're in a band, you get to see many famous drivers, close to their pits—the area where they pull their cars off the track to make quick repairs, change tires, and gas up.

It's noisy, hot, and so exciting to be a part of the Indy 500!

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How much did you guess it would cost Tyler and his family to go to the Indy 500? The answer is: if they don't fly, at least $1,000!

Of course Tyler could save that money and watch the race on television but going with his mom and sister will make priceless memories.

St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union Enjoy your summer!