More Memories of the Indy 500

We absolutely love these photos – hope you do too. These pictures remind me of how wonderful memories are made with meaningful experiences with loved ones, family and friends.

A Whirlwind Indy 500 Experience

As I look back on my Indy 500 experience, I can’t help but think of all the wonderful fans that approached me during the pre-race and post-race festivities. Race fans are very passionate about their sport, and it came through in the observations they shared with me about my painting. As they talked to me, I could see the excitement in their eyes, and instantly knew that this image will be collected and prominently displayed by race fans for many years to come.

That is the ultimate for any artist—to see the appreciation of your work from people as they view it.

It was a whirlwind weekend—interviews, parades, parties, special appearances, signings—one right after the other. But, Nanette and I never really got tired, because the energy we were getting from the crowds was invigorating and kept us rolling along.

Then, when the race took place—well, that was the capper. Helio Castroneves won his third Indy 500, becoming the ninth driver to win the race at least three times; which is quite a feat. He did it in only his ninth appearance in the race, something no other driver has achieved. It was a perfect performance for Helio—he took pole position, won the Pit Stop Competition and then won the race! It’s a sweep of epic proportions for any racer—the last time anyone did it was Buddy Rice in 2004.

The weekend also included a highlight for the ladies, when Danica Patrick became the first female racer to finish as high as third place. “It was a great race day for the fans,” Patrick said, summing up the feelings of the more than 400,000 people who watched the race.

More on my Indy 500 experiences to come…

What a Race! What a Weekend!

Well, if you watched the race, you already know that Helio Castroneves won with Dan Wheldon finishing second and Danica Patrick third. It was a fabulous race. Being there at the track is like nothing I've ever experienced and undoubtedly something I will never forget. I have tons of great stories and memories of this incredible weekend to relate, and I will be sharing those with you over the next few days and weeks. From my participation in the big parade (see photo) to all of the other festivities I was a part of, this Indy 500 experience has been truly special in every way.

Stay tuned to my blog all this week as I post all the details surrounding our event-packed Indy 500 weekend.

Getting Ready for the Indy 500 Festival Parade

What a thrill! Being out at the track this morning was amazing! The fans showed in big numbers - literally thousands standing on line for autographs! We're back downtown now--getting geared up for the Indy 500 Festival Parade! I just finished an incredible blitz of media interviews and can't wait to get into that bright red '72 Chevy Impala convertible, with a rare 454 pushin' 400 horsepower!

Too bad we're in a Parade - I'd love to see what this baby can do!More later from the Greatest Spectacle in Racing!

The Excitement Builds in Racetown U.S.A.

We've just arrived in Indy and I can't believe the fervor and excitement surrounding the upcoming Race! Everyone is in high spirits and full of energy. The excitement that this race sparks across the whole country is just amazing! I can't wait to get out there with the drivers and Josh for all the festivities!

Indianapolis really knows how to roll out the red carpet for the fans. The pre-Indy 500 festivities are always non-stop, but this year is even crazier because of the Centennial Celebration. With my schedule of events and appearances stacked right on top of each other, it’s going to be a busy, but exciting three days.

(See schedule of events and special appearances in previous posting)

Pre Indy 500 Excitement!

I'm in Indianapolis! Race City U.S.A. This town is already pumped up in anticipation of the Big Race.

As life experiences go, this has to be one of the biggest. The Indianapolis 500 is more than a race, it’s an American mega-event with the entire world watching. As an avid race fan who grew up watching the Indy 500 (never in person, always on TV) I am thrilled and honored to be a part of the race, the Centennial Celebration and the extensive schedule of pre-race events.

I will be returning to the Brickyard this weekend to make a few special appearances and of course take in the Big Race! Here is a list of my packed itinerary:

Indy Event Schedule

Saturday 5/23
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Full Field Autograph Session

I’ll be on-site with the drivers during the autograph session. (Open to the
Public) at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Plaza, W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN

Saturday 5/23
12:00PM - 1:30PM
500 Festival Parade

I’ll be on the parade route as the Official Artist of the Centennial Era of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Open to the Public) in Downtown Indianapolis

Saturday 5/23
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Local Gallery Appearance and Signing Event

The event-packed day continues for me as I’ll be on hand to sign items purchased at the event. (Space is limited)

Zionsville Gallery, 104 S Main Street, Zionsville, IN 46077
Call Gallery for information (317) 873-3288

Saturday 5/23 6:00PM
The Snake Pit Ball

I’ll be in attendance with other celebrities to enjoy this race-eve tradition. Known as the place to see the stars, the black-tie party includes Red Carpet arrivals by celebrities in town for race weekend and special VIP guests. Dinner and dancing will round out the celebration.
Indiana Roof Ballroom, Downtown Indianapolis
Call for tickets and information (317) 269-0420

Sunday 5/24
11:30AM
Parade Lap at the Race

I’ll be riding with the drivers in a special Pre-Race Parade Lap. Ticket
required for entrance to the track on Race Day.

Sunday 5/24
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Appearance and Signing

I’ll be appearing three times throughout the day.
Yellow Flag Suite - North Plaza, W 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
Call for information (317) 873-3288

5/20 - 5/24
Indy 500 Television Appearances and Interviews

Watch for me on ABC and the Versus Network during Pre-Race & Race
coverage. Check your local listings for race coverage time and channel

Indy 500 Facts

The Big Race Hits the Big Apple

Lunchtime foot and motor traffic came to a complete standstill May 18 as Indianapolis 500 stars past and present converged on Herald Square. The 33 starting drivers of this year’s Indy 500 lined up in front of Herald Square/Macy’s as part of the week-long festivities before the big race.

Fronted by the yellow car that started it all - the 1911 Marmon Wasp - and the biggest prize in motorsports - the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy - drivers competing in the May 24 race lined up in the traditional 11 rows of three for a photo op in front of the Macy's flagship store (where it's been located since 1902). HVM Racing driver E.J. Viso, video recorder in hand, even stood on his helmet to get a better view of the front of the field.

To commemorate the track and the Centennial Era of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I decided to look up some facts about the track and the history of the Indy 500:

The track was built in the spring of 1909, on 328 acres of farmland northwest of Indianapolis. It’s a 2.5 mile flat oval with zero degree banking on all four turns. The first Indy 500 race took place in 1911 and was won by Ray Harround, who finished with a time of 6 hours, 42 minutes and 8 seconds. 44 cars started that first race and 26 finished, which is a record that still stands today.

The fastest qualifying lap in the race’s prestigious history is 237.498 mph, by Arie Luyendyk in 1998. Three drivers have won the race four times: A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears. Foyt holds the mark for having raced in the event 35 consecutive times, from 1958-1992.

The tradition of drinking milk in the winner’s circle dates back to 1936, when Louis Meyer drank his favorite beverage, buttermilk, after winning the race.

I hope you will join me in saluting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as it celebrates 100 years of Indy Excitement. I’ll have more great news for you next week as the big day approaches.

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.