Thinking back, it seems like only yesterday that my father and my uncle threw me into that big old Chrysler in May of 1967 and set sail for 16th and Georgetown for my first exposure to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).
Forget about the fact that Parnelli Jones would come up just short of a victory in that magnificent turbine car that day, as I was in awe from the size of the place and the throngs of people that were in attendance. For a 10-year-old country boy, it was easily the most impressive thing I had ever seen in my life, and in many ways, it still is today.
While growing up around it may sometimes allow us to take it for granted, the IMS remains the top racing facility on earth and deserves every bit of the global attention it receives each year on race day.
So what can we expect from the 100th running of the world’s greatest race, and what is going to be so dramatically different about it?
Plenty, I say, and for those of you who may have never attended this spectacle, this is a golden opportunity to witness not only history and tradition, but also to experience what may indeed be a once in a lifetime opportunity for both the hard core enthusiast like myself, to even the most casual of race fans.
The IMS Corp. has assembled a remarkable collection of custom cars for the Celebration of Automobiles that will occur on the grounds on May 14.
There will be 250 cars on display, including some of the most revered competition cars in the world. They also have put together 67 of the actual cars that won the Indianapolis 500 to augment what is already one of the finest displays of cars and racing memorabilia in the world at the IMS Museum. The winning cars will be available for viewing during the entire month. This is truly a must see exhibit, and quite a bargain for just a $5 admission.
On May 28, fans will be able to attend what is being billed as the World’s Largest Autograph Session on a day that will also pay tribute to the legendary driver A.J. Foyt. In addition to the opportunity to meet Foyt, you can also get autographs from some 269 participants of the Indy 500 who will be in attendance for the Centennial celebration.
In addition, each member of this year’s starting field will also be available for autographs, while the infield of the track will host one of the largest racing memorabilia shows of its kind.
On race day, the tribute to racing royalty continues as several legendary winning drivers will tour the track before the race begins in vintage cars that were once driven in the 500, as well as former winners driving the machines they piloted to victory lane. All in all, there are a plethora of activities related to the Centennial celebration and you can get more details by logging on to: www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
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NOTES: By now most of you know that Donald Trump will not be driving the pace car this year. While many of us scratched our head upon learning he had been offered the prestigious opportunity, it should be noted that some of the influential sponsors of the race and the series pushed for Trump to be the driver, leaving IMS in a quandary when opposition to Trump quickly arose.
I personally feel that IMS would have preferred an iconic retired race driver from the start and that is exactly what they got by appointing A.J Foyt to the job.
Many have thrown IMS under the bus for the Trump fiasco, but I contend he was not their original choice to begin with. Speaking of the pace car, the incredible Camaro that will be used this year brings back fond memories of the 1969 pace car. Check it out at the track folks, as it is indeed one sweet ride.
Tickets for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 are still available and can be purchased at the track box office or by calling (317) 492-6700.
Danny Bridges, who has never been asked by IMS to drive the pace car, can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
