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Fans can choose which row of the starting field they want to meet. Autographs and selfies abound. It’s a very cool event and gives great access for the fans to meet drivers.
Even those starting at the back of the field are Legends with this crowd.
If old-school drivers are more your thing, later in the day are the Legends autograph sessions. Indy invites every former driver to return to the track for the 500 weekend and the Legends autograph sessions allow them to reconnect with their fans. Everyone from Sports Car ace Scott Pruett, to the late, great Gary Bettenhausen, to ABC Indy 500 announcer Eddie Cheever attend this event. Gary unfortunately passed away in 2014 (this was taken in 2011), but I wanted to include him because he is the embodiment of a true Indy legend.
If you like souvenirs, then attend the Memorabilia show at Indy’s midway! The show is full of vendors who bring a ton of old souvenirs and don’t want to carry them home! Die casts, photos, books, crew uniforms, driver uniforms, signed visors, photos, model cars, trading cards, photos…you name it, the show sells it. There is something for everyone and you can score some killer deals on rare merchandise. Occasionally, ex-drivers will also show up. John Andretti (nephew to Mario and Cousin to Michael) was in attendance in 2016, helping to promote book sales for Coastal 181, which publishes a ton of books on IndyCar racing. John was sadly not in attendance this year as he was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. We were all thinking of you this year John and we hope you will be back soon!
After they sign autographs, the drivers and some of the legends will head to downtown Indianapolis for the annual pre-500 parade. Legends like Johnny Rutherford (three 500 wins) and Rick Mears (four 500 wins) are on hand to wave to the assembled crowds.
The entire field will also pass by in their rows of three, spouses and children in tow in the back of their pace car Camaros. Once again, this is taken from the 2016 parade, but it is included in memory of Bryan Clauson. Bryan was a champion in many of USACs midget and sprint car series and had competed at Indy in 2012, 2015, and 2016. In 2016, Bryan was attempting to compete in 200 races in one year. Sadly, during race 116, the Belleville Nationals midget race, Clauson’s car flipped upside down and was t-boned in the roll cage. He passed away on August 7, 2016 from his injuries.
It may seem a bit somber to end on such a sad story, but Indy is an unkind mistress. 42 drivers have died at the speedway in its 108 year history. All are part of the legend of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Indy 500 is always held on Memorial Day weekend to honor those who have lost their lives defending American freedom. IMS also uses that weekend to remember those legends, both living and dead, who have helped make the Indianapolis Motor Speedway one of the most famous racetracks in the world.
