Celebration Of Automobiles Returns To Launch Month Of May
Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser will serve as the honorary head judge during the Vintage and Classic Car Show on Saturday, May 10, the centerpiece of the event. As part of his role, Unser will determine which classic/vintage car will win the prestigious Driver's Choice Award.
"It's a great privilege to be selected as the honorary head judge for the Celebration of Automobiles," Unser said. "I've loved everything about cars since I was a kid. It's going to be so exciting to evaluate all of these incredible vehicles and learn their stories from their owners at a place that has meant so much to me and my family for more than 50 years."
Vintage car owners and automotive enthusiasts from around North America have flocked to IMS since 2011 for the Celebration of Automobiles, which pays tribute to the rich heritage of automotive development at the track. The 2014 Celebration of Automobiles will join the inaugural Grand Prix of Indianapolis IndyCar Series event May 10 on the new-look IMS road course to jump start Month of May activities at IMS leading into the 98th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 25.
The Vintage and Classic Car Show on May 10, featuring beautiful and rare cars manufactured from 1910-70 on display at IMS, is the focal point of the 2014 Celebration of Automobiles. There will be a special spotlight on cars built in Indiana. The new addition to the show is the inclusion of motorcycles from 1910-70.
Other popular features from previous editions of the Celebration of Automobiles will return in 2014, including a welcome reception, owners' lounge, track laps, a driving tour of central and southern Indiana, and an awards dinner featuring Indianapolis 500 legends and an engaging question-and-answer session with Unser and IMS Historian Donald Davidson.
An artist pavilion featuring world-class automotive art is another new attraction for 2014.
"The Celebration of Automobiles has quickly grown into a can't-miss event to kick off the Month of May at the Speedway," said J. Douglas Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president. "This event and the new Grand Prix of Indianapolis will provide a fun variety of exciting sights and sounds for all fans on Opening Weekend. We're also happy to welcome Al Unser, one of the greatest and most popular legends of the Indianapolis 500, to IMS to serve as the honorary head judge of the Celebration of Automobiles."
The Celebration of Automobiles takes place during gate hours Thursday, May 8 through Saturday, May 10. All activities are included in gate admission for each day.