Reporter Survives 100 MPH Fairgrounds Tour

"I thought we were going to die."

That's how WISH-TV sports reporter Ashley Adamson categorized her recent four-lap spin around the State Fairgrounds' famous one-mile Track of Champions. She took to the track in a special two-seat Silver Crown race car during a promotion for tonight's 57th running of the Hoosier Hundred, a traditional part of Indy 500 weekend for generations of race fans.

In the front seat of the car (the seat with the steering wheel and gas pedal), sat legendary driver Jack Hewitt. Hewitt has started more United States Silver Crown races than any driver in history (162) and is the winningest driver in series history (23). Still, Adamson never got too comfortable in her backseat position.



"It felt like we were defying gravity," she said. "It gives me a much better appreciation for what driving one of these takes."

Adamson is no "sissy." She's an accomplished athlete as a four-time Colorado high school State Track Champion and a former member of an Irish women's rugby team that won the Women's European Invitational in 2003 (she was studying in Dublin at the time). But driving and sliding around the Fairgrounds' dirt oval at speeds of 100 miles per hour takes some getting used to, no matter what kind of athlete you are.

"I didn't know what it would be like," she said. "I used to cover dirt races in New York and I didn't understand how much skill and nerve you need for this. I guess I can cross this off my 'Bucket List.'"

Now that she knows, would she do it again?

"I'd love to!" she said.

Brave girl... or maybe just not too bright.



Submitted by Andy Klotz

A Different Kind of “Fayre”

Ever heard of “laughter yoga”? Ha Ha - me neither! How about a “Channeled Healing Meditation”? Nope? Perhaps you’ve attended a “Oneness Blessing”? Not that either?

Now is your chance to check out all this and more at the upcoming Spirit Fayre – the largest Mind, Body, Spirit Expo in Indiana! The Fayre takes place this weekend, May 22-23, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the State Fairgrounds’ Grand Hall.

While you’re here checking out the world-renowned psychics, visionary artists, body workers, healers, and an eclectic array of merchants, be sure to stay for a special concert starring Celia on Sunday, May 23^rd at 4pm. Celia has actually been described as “a cross between an earthy Enya, Joan Baez, and Tina Fey.”

Celia uses this cool “looping” technology to perform duets, trios, and even larger ensembles with herself. If you’ve ever seen Michael Kelsey perform on the Main Street Stage during the State Fair, then you are familiar with this. They both use this technique of recording sound and looping tracks to harmonize with themselves. The result is an amazing listening experience!

And for the record, according to Wikipedia: Laughter Yoga is a form of yoga employing self-triggered laughter. The "laughter" is physical in nature, and does not necessarily involve humor or comedy. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. Now that’s something to laugh about. J

Learn more about the Spirit Fayre and the special concert starring Celia (free with the price of admission!) by visiting www.spiritfayre.com.

Submitted by Angie Foreman

Indy's Biggest KISS Fan

Meet Linda Bestwick, a seemingly normal middle-aged suburbanite… or is she?

Linda showed up at the State Fairgrounds ticket office at 10 a.m. May 13 to get tickets for KISS’ August 9 Show at the Indiana State Fair. There’s nothing unusual about that, right? Not really, except that the tickets didn’t go on sale until 10 a.m. on May 14!

That’s right, Linda spent 24 hours waiting to get her tickets because she just can’t get enough of the rockin’ face painters. She loves the music, but also the way they treat their fans.

"When they perform, you really feel like they seriously care about you as a fan, and that you're very, very important to them," she said.

Linda has seen the group eight times already, but expects this show to be their best - because their last one alway is.

"Every show they do, I'm so amazed. You can't think there's ever any way they're ever going to top themselves, and then every show you go to -- it's like, I can't believe it, they've outdone themselves again," she said.

Asked if she was planning to go home and get a nap after spending all night in line, Linda said that wasn't the plan as she has things to do. For one, she was planning to put her tickets in a safe deposit box until August 9.

That was a joke... I think.

Submitted by Andy Klotz

Another Great Year at Country Music Expo

If you were one of the thousands of fans that came out for the hhgregg WFMS Country Music Expo last weekend, then you most likely left with a smile on your face. All of the performers seemed to build a repoire with the audience, and it's clear that they really enjoy being part of this very unique event.

What's so great about CME is that you not only get to hear some fantastic country music, but you get a chance to really get to know the artists beyond their music. Take, for example this insight on Jason Michael Carroll's new look with shorter hair.

The banter with the WFMS personalities is an added bonus, but it's still the music that drives this event. Everyone broke out their hits and Clay Walker even brought along his good friend Randy Bernard, recently named Indy Racing League president.

So thanks to WFMS and hhgregg for putting on another great show... and just in case you missed it, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Sugarland are only three months away!

Submitted by Andy Klotz