Special to indycar.com
Louis Schuette first came to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a 16-year-old from Columbus, Ind., without a dime in his pocket. Some 72 years later, after taking a ride in the Indy Racing Experience two-seater May 12, Schuette left the famed 2.5-mile oval feeling like he hit the jackpot. Schuette's ride in the two-seater came by way of the Never Too Late Foundation, which reaches out to people in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospice programs and adult day care facilities - regardless of age - and helps make their wishes come true. Initially, Schuette's wish was to fly on a plane that broke the sound barrier. Because that experience could not be arranged, flying around the Brickyard was the next best option. The 88-year-old thrill-seeker donned a fire suit and climbed into the two-seater with the help of his family, including daughter Diane Shepherd and two grown grandchildren. Following his ride with Stephan Gregoire at the wheel, Schuette was amazed by the speed and G forces. "I thought (Stephan) was going to turn us over in the turns," Schuette said. Perhaps what was even more meaningful to Schuette was the chance to come back to the Speedway during its Centennial Celebration. Scheutte first came to the IMS by invitation from a friend who was serving as a volunteer firefighter. In 1937, the volunteer firefighters were allowed to bring buddies inside the gates to work days when cars were on the track. It would be a role in which Schuette would serve from 1937-39. But on his first day at the track, when his friend had already selected his volunteer firefighters for the day, the rest of the gang pooled their money to give Schuette the $2.50 admission needed to get in the gates. "I was going to get the money and actually walked right in past the gate," he said. "I asked one of the workers, 'Where do I buy a ticket?' and he replied, 'Son, you are already in', so I guess I slipped in the first time I was here." Schuette continued to visit the Speedway each May until 1964, when Eddie Sachs was killed in a seven-car crash on the second lap of the Indy 500. From that point on, Scheutte opted to watch "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" in the comfort of his home. But on another sunny afternoon in May, Schuette looked back home again at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In fact, he was even quick to quip that his first visit to the track also featured a two-seater, but that car was for the driver and the riding mechanic to his side. Photos: IndyCar
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