INDIANAPOLIS – Moving at a speed of 99 years in a little over 60 minutes. That’s the target for our pre-race coverage Sunday for the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil on the Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network.
Beginning at 10 a.m. ET, we’ll be joined by close to 400 stations in North America, on Sirius/XM, the INDYCAR Mobile app, via IndyCar.com and shortwave radio. We will begin by welcoming back former radio network anchors Bob Jenkins, Mike King and Paul Page. Each will reflect upon his tenure and pay tribute to the network founder Sid Collins and Lou Palmer.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson will transport our audience back to 1911 and relive the first Indianapolis 500 Mile Race won by Ray Harroun. Davidson will also recall the impressive list of men who have served as president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
He’ll recount the early guidance of founding fathers Carl Fisher and James Allison. World War I Flying Ace Eddie Rickenbacker guided IMS through World War II; Davidson will recall that Rickenbacker’s initial contact with Allison was not an inquiry about the Speedway. He’ll touch upon the successful effort of three-time Indy 500 winner Wilbur Shaw, which led to Tony Hulman’s purchase of IMS that changed the course of open-wheel racing forever.
Other radio network contributors include Michael Young, who will trace the history of the pace car, while Kevin Lee celebrates the 50th anniversary of the winningest car owner in Indy 500 history, the driver of this year’s pace car, Roger Penske.
Dave Wilson shares the storied history of the Gordon Pipers and we will also recount the legendary career and contributions by long-time legendary IMS public address announcers Tom Carnegie, Jim Phillippe, John Totten and the voices who’ve followed them like Dave Calabro.
Former winners will be celebrated by Page, Jenkins and Nick Yeoman. Jenkins will also pay tribute to legendary radio network voices forever silenced over the past year, Chuck Marlowe and Doug Zink. The pre-race show will include a look back and some high-profile politicians who’ve visited the Speedway and be capped off with a visit from Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
Finally, Laura Steele will look back at the impact of women on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dave Furst will be joined by Mike Hull of Chip Ganassi Racing to marvel at the history of automotive innovation connected to the Words Greatest Race.
Taking our cue from IMS president Doug Boles, it is important to honor the history and tradition of IMS and the 500. At the same time, we need to prepare for the 101st running, 102nd and so on. Once the green flag is waved, we will do just that, focusing first on the next 200 laps into the future.
So on behalf of this talented group of dedicated, passionate professionals, thank you for inviting us into your homes, your cars, backyards, allowing us to join you in the grandstands or the infield at IMS. Join us for a look back, share new memories made on race day and prepare for an incredible future. Most of all, “Now, stay tuned for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
The Advance Auto Parts INDYCAR Radio Network broadcast begins at 10 a.m. ET Sunday and is available on network affiliates, Sirius 212, XM 209, IndyCar.com, IndyCarRadio.com and the INDYCAR Mobile app.