500 Reasons to Love the Indy 500

“Gentlemen, start your engines!”

These four little words will send a chill up the back any racing fan every time, because they know when they hear them that it’s almost time for the Indy 500!

Okay, I admit it. I’ve got the racing bug. I can’t wait for the big day to get here. I’m so excited, and I’m not even racing. I can’t imagine how the drivers feel. As race day approaches, I’ll be sure to keep you up on all the festivities before and after the race.

There’s really no other sporting event like the Indy 500. It’s the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby and the Masters all rolled into one. The enormous crowds, the highly-skilled drivers and their incredible cars all contribute to the overall mystique surrounding this amazing race and its rich history.

That’s why I am so pleased to be the official artist of the Centennial Era of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Painting my tribute image, Indy Excitement, 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Speedway, has been a great experience in every way and I’ve enjoyed it immensely.

To be able to go out on the grounds and sketch the track was a huge thrill. To sit there at the legendary brickyard starting line was another big moment. Meeting racing legends like A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears on Feb. 27th at the black-tie Indy 500 Centennial Gala was very special. And now, to actually be honored at the race itself—well, it will undoubtedly be something I will never forget.

The Speedway, along with the race, has become an American icon. That’s why some call it the Cathedral of Speed. It’s the largest stadium in the world with more seating capacity than any other –250,000 permanent seats and approximately 150,000 temporary ones.

Growing up watching the race makes it even more special. Whether you saw it for the first time with your dad on a black and white TV, or listened to the race on the radio on a Memorial Day weekend with your family, many people have wonderful memories of the Indy 500 that they’ve shared with me. When I think about the fact that this experience has offered me an opportunity to be around the excitement and anticipation leading up to the race, I get goose bumps.