The Hall of Fame Museum has announced two days of special activities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 19-20 in anticipation and celebration of the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500. To make reservations for any event, call 317-492-6779.
Highlights of the two days include:
Rides in the cars that paced the races!
For a fee, one can take two laps around the track at speeds up to 70 miles per hour as the passenger in a Corvette pace car ($100) or a Camaro pace car ($120, with up to two friends or family). These will be offered from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on May 19 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20. Reservations are recommended.
Donald Davidson Presents
IMS historian Donald Davidson will make two presentations, one at 8 a.m. ($40) and one at 2 p.m. ($25). The first focuses on “Jimmy Clark: Lotus and the Legend” and the afternoon presentation is on “The Racing Cars of Dan Gurney – An All American Exhibition.” Cars relevant to both discussions will be on display. Reservations are recommended. The fees for both presentations include general Museum admission.
Autograph session with fan favorites
For an hour starting at 11 a.m., a few of our favorite Indianapolis 500 drivers will be at the Museum to sign whatever you bring ’em! Confirmed participants to date include: Johnny Parsons, Mel Kenyon, Bob Harkey, Bill Puterbaugh, and Eldon Rasmussen. Participation is $12 for adults, $8 for youth (6 to 15), and is free for children 5 and under, and includes general Museum admission. No reservations required or taken.
Insights from the insiders
Free Museum tours led by experienced Museum and Speedway staff, many of whom worked in the auto racing industry before joining the Museum staff. Topics include: the link between early racing and passenger car developments, racing from the business perspective, behind the scenes on the road to victory, and photography and capturing the essence of racing at the Speedway. The half-hour tours will be offered three times during the day, from 9:45-11 a.m., 12:15-2 p.m. and 3:45-5:30 p.m. No reservations required or taken.
Track lap and Bricks
Not high speed, but high content and a not-to-be-missed stop on the Yard of Bricks This is a 25-minute narrated bus tour of the track and a stop for photos at the start/finish line. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for youth, and children 5 and under are free.
For more information on how to participate, go to www.imshalloffamemuseum.org.