Though the modern PAIN Tour began with the Director and Assistant Director’s attendance at the 2002 Indy 500, the PAIN Tour's history is older than the Indy 500 itself. A gentleman by the name of Frank H. Trego, second cousin to the PAIN Tour's director, attended the first race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway back in August of 1909.
Frank’s trip to the speedway was not really different from the one that today’s PAIN Tour makes every May to Indianapolis. As a racing enthusiast, he jumped in his National and led a caravan of 55 vehicles from Chicago to Indiana for a race like no other. Being Secretary of the Chicago Automobile Club he appreciated organization and efficiency.
When Frank and his friends made this journey only about 200,000 cars existed in the United States. Though road maps were developed around larger cities, this journey went through many smaller towns in Indiana. Frank left two hours in advance before everyone else and threw pink and white confetti along the way so the rest of the caravan knew where to turn. Frank can be credited with inventing the Advance Team, an important part of the modern day PAIN Tour.
Over 200 miles and 6 ½ hours later this crew of curious and excited fans arrived at the new Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first race to be held at the track. Records indicate “hoopla” ensued when they arrived. Little is known about the details after they arrived but what we do know is these race fans were looking for some racing and good times. Job done.
We’re pretty sure Frank and these pioneers of racing fandom didn’t expect their spirit and desire for tailgating to become family tradition. It is however a tradition his family proudly and unabashedly continues to this day. Frank’s idea of a road trip weekend to Indy lives on through his Trego relatives and their rowdy pack of friends. What started as a one time trip to Indy has grown into what has been recognized as the “Greatest Spectacle in Tailgating”.
Frank’s trip to the speedway was not really different from the one that today’s PAIN Tour makes every May to Indianapolis. As a racing enthusiast, he jumped in his National and led a caravan of 55 vehicles from Chicago to Indiana for a race like no other. Being Secretary of the Chicago Automobile Club he appreciated organization and efficiency.
When Frank and his friends made this journey only about 200,000 cars existed in the United States. Though road maps were developed around larger cities, this journey went through many smaller towns in Indiana. Frank left two hours in advance before everyone else and threw pink and white confetti along the way so the rest of the caravan knew where to turn. Frank can be credited with inventing the Advance Team, an important part of the modern day PAIN Tour.
Over 200 miles and 6 ½ hours later this crew of curious and excited fans arrived at the new Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first race to be held at the track. Records indicate “hoopla” ensued when they arrived. Little is known about the details after they arrived but what we do know is these race fans were looking for some racing and good times. Job done.
We’re pretty sure Frank and these pioneers of racing fandom didn’t expect their spirit and desire for tailgating to become family tradition. It is however a tradition his family proudly and unabashedly continues to this day. Frank’s idea of a road trip weekend to Indy lives on through his Trego relatives and their rowdy pack of friends. What started as a one time trip to Indy has grown into what has been recognized as the “Greatest Spectacle in Tailgating”.