The 2010 Indy 500 is slated to be run this weekend, and while we’re not exactly die hard Indy Car fans, we dig the hell out of cool racing photos. BangShift.com forum member IndyShiftMan (Jeff) was able to get some killer access to early week practice. He used his ability to roam freely to shoot a bunch of great photos of track and pit action.

We’ve been following Ed Hinton’s recent series of stories about the self destruction of open wheel racing in the USA over the last couple of weeks and it’s really a shame. When you see the photos of how grand a facility Indianapolis Motor Speedway is and how much work and technology goes into designing, building, and running the cars, it’s sad how the fan base has really evacuated this form of racing over the last 15-20 years.

Enough of that. Hit the link below and get an insider’s tour of the pits and scenes of early week practice for the 2010 Indy 500. Even if you’re not a big lover of open wheel racing, it’s awesome gearhead fodder to get your day started!

Click here to see IndyShiftMan’s Indy500 practice photos!