Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Reunion

pacecarreunion
edited March 2016 in HUDSON
In celebration of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame is celebrating an annual tradition that began with Indianapolis Motor Speedway co-founder, Carl Fisher.

Fisher chose to start the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 with a flying, rather than standing, start. Being a dealer of Stoddard-Dayton automobiles, Fisher chose that brand for pace car duties in the inaugural race.

Thus began the tradition of pace cars in motorsports. Through 2015, the 500 has had 99 different pace cars, representing 27 different makes - from Buick to Stutz.

The IMS Hall of Fame is celebrating this tradition by hosting a Pace Car Reunion to be held May 20-22, 2016, during qualifying weekend for this year’s Indy 500.

The Hall of Fame is asking owners of Indianapolis 500 pace cars, 500 Festival and track cars, replicas, and safety/support vehicles to submit their cars for participation in the event.

Entry fee is $100. Accepted entries will receive two bronze badge Indianapolis 500 credentials, exclusive hospitality access, a lap of the famous 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval in their pace car, and a private reception in the IMS Hall of Fame.

Participation will be limited to 250 vehicles.

The Hudson 112 paced the Indy 500 in 1938. We'd love to find a '38 112 convertible owner out there willing to bring their car to Indy this May - particularly if it's been marked as the Indy pacesetter.

The pace car models can be seen here:
http://indymotorspeedway.com/v1/500pace.htm

For more information, contact Dianna Crain at dcrain @ brickyard.com or Tom Beeler at indianapolis500pacecar @ gmail.com.

More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page:
2016 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Reuinion
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1247315675284549/

We look forward to seeing a '38 Hudson pacesetter at Indy this May!

Comments

  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    I'll bet you'll soon hear from our resident '38 pace car owner!
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    I sent this information to Dave Kastelic.  I'm sure he would be interested in attending.  
  • 53jetman
    53jetman Senior Contributor
    If a suitable '38 can't be found, contact Mike Sheridan of Westchester OH.  He has a beautifully restored 1939 "112" Convertable Coupe.
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    Except 39's weren't used at Indy.  
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Well, they're very similar...if you squint...
This discussion has been closed.