Memory Lane, Part 5: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, The Early Sessions

As the New Year begins, we approach the final instalments of our trip down memory lane, and what a memory it was! The first lot of photos from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a truly remarkable facility, steeped in history unlike almost any other racetrack I have visited. Only Monza comes close, both places being haunted by racing's rich past. More to come tomorrow.

Maybe not the quickest bike, but still the best looking

One fast Texan will be joined by another next year

The rule is to look through the corner. Here is the exception to the rule

Dani Pedrosa, about to turn onto Indy's front straight

The eyes have it

Nicky Hayden Made-A-Wish. It came true

James Toseland braves the Indianapolis damp

Hector Barbera

Too big for a 250, but still blisteringly fast: Super Sic

Energy drinks are paying for motorsports now that the tobacco companies are gone

Simone Corsi got one of his two podiums for the year at Indy

Gabor Talmacsi never got his head round the RC212V

Hallowed ground

There was no denying Dani Pedrosa's speed at Indy

Aleix Espargaro's replacement rides were good enough to secure a permanent seat in 2010