Jose, to understand the magic of what was Indy, you have to read the history. Like it was said, it was the only major race around for a lot of years, and for many years, it was the only time the drivers didn't race on dirt or clay.
Not to mention no where on the earth do you find a facility with 400000 seats and see them all full plus the infield full of humanity.
NASCAR by being at Indy has stolen some of the lustre. The Brickyard was sacred turf for only open wheeled race cars. When NASCAR showed up, a different fan was allowed in, and there is nothing wrong with that but the media now treats the Brickyard 400 for NASCAR as an equal for the Indy 500. It isn't in the minds of us open wheeled fans, but it is yet another example of NASCAR moving in and dominating thought and interest in the eyes of the public.
No, letting the barbarians past the gates has diminished the magic of Indy.
The Indianpolis 500 was one of the greatest events in racing, and still is to a point. IT was THE event right up into the 80's....when NASCAR started to really get exposure for the Daytona 500. Now if you look at TV ratings, NASCAR kills the IRL in every race, including the Indy 500. That said, to go to it live I hear is one of the greatest things to see live. The traditition and sight of 33 cars trying to run into corner one on the start is something that has to be seen live. I haven't been, but have relatives who have, and I know from their experience I missed something.....