Epic countdown to 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 kicks off with action-packed Feb. 19th
"The 100th Running of the Indy 500 marks a monumental milestone for our sport and our nation," Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles said. "Our 100-day countdown celebration will energize fans and build unprecedented anticipation for a truly historic race and a groundbreaking Verizon IndyCar Series season."
"I can't wait to celebrate the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500 with our fans for the next 100 Days," IMS President Doug Boles said. "Feb. 19 will be an exciting and fun beginning to a memorable countdown that will be talked about for years to come. The 100th Running of the Indy 500 will be an unrivaled event that showcases our iconic legacy and sets the stage for an extremely bright future."
Everything begins at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the late hours of Thursday, Feb. 18, where fans are invited to a community celebration beginning at 9:30 p.m. in the IMS pavilion. Just before midnight, attendees will gather at the Yard of Bricks for a special countdown moment. To learn more about Midnight on the Yard of Bricks, click here.
The next morning, on Friday, Feb. 19, IMS President Doug Boles, Verizon IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Josef Newgarden, Ed Carpenter and Matthew Brabham will join Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson for a proclamation ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse. More details about this event – including special media opportunities – will be released in the coming days.
The afternoon of Feb. 19 kicks off with a media event celebrating 50 years of Team Penske in racing and the opening of a special exhibit running through November at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum. Four-time Indy 500 champion Rick Mears will be on hand with fellow Team Penske driver and three-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves to mark the occasion.
At 4 p.m., attention will shift to the financial capital of the world, with a special countdown event at the New York Stock Exchange. Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles and BorgWarner CEO James Verrier will take part in closing bell ceremonies alongside the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy.
Celebrations will come to a close that evening at the Crane Bay in downtown Indianapolis with a gathering celebrating the "Pursuit of Progress." The event will be hosted by ESPN SportsCenter anchor Lindsay Czarniak and will feature four-time Indy 500 champion Rick Mears, Verizon IndyCar Series Driver Marco Andretti and a full roster of guests from the wider sporting world and beyond.
A timeline of events is below. Members of the media should stay tuned for additional details and coverage opportunities regarding Feb. 19.
100-day countdown kick-off timeline – Feb. 19
Midnight on the Yard of Bricks
9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. (note: begins on Feb. 18)
IMS Pavilion, Yard of Bricks
Featuring: IndyCar driver autograph sessions, fan trivia games and midnight photo opportunity
Note: Members of the media are invited to interview drivers, IMS leadership, event participants and capture special midnight footage. Those wishing to attend should RSVP to Suzi Elliott via selliott@brickyard.com.
Indiana Statehouse Ceremony
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Indiana Statehouse atrium
Featuring: Verizon IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Ed Carpenter, Josef Newgarden and Matthew Brabham; Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson and IMS leadership.
Note: Members of the media wishing to attend should RSVP to Suzi Elliott via selliott@brickyard.com.
Team Penske 50th Anniversary Media Event and Exhibit Opening
2 p.m.
Hall of Fame Museum at IMS
Featuring: Four-time Indy 500 champion Rick Mears and three-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves
Note: Members of the media seeking to cover this event should email David Hovis via David.Hovis@penskeracing.com. To learn more about the exhibit contact Ellen Bireley via ebireley@Brickyard.com.
NYSE Closing Bell
4 p.m.
New York Stock Exchange
Featuring: Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles, BorgWarner CEO James Verrier and Borg-Warner Trophy
Note: For more information on this special activation, contact Alex Damron via adamron@brickyard.com.
"Pursuit of Progress" Evening
7:30 p.m. – midnight
Crane Bay
551 W. Merrill St., downtown Indianapolis
Featuring: ESPN's Lindsay Czarniak, Rick Mears, Verizon IndyCar Series driver Marco Andretti and more.
Note: This is an invitation-only event