Remembering Tom Carnegie
Dario Franchitti
“Tom Carnegie was a legend. He was such a huge part of the Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The first time I went to IMS I heard his iconic, booming voice and I’ll always remember his commentary of the races. He will be missed."
Derek Daly
"Tom was my mentor for a 25 year television career during and after my days as a professional race car driver. He put me on television every evening from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1983 and his encouragement started a whole new chapter of my life. He was a great storyteller who became respected for his love of the sport and his devotion to engaging the fans every time he picked up a microphone. A true legend and we will all miss him"
MICHAEL ANDRETTI, CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ANDRETTI AUTOSPORT:
"This is a sad day. Tom was one of a kind and was as much a part of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500 as the 'yard of bricks.'
"Even though he is gone, I think you'll always hear his voice when you think of the Speedway or the '500.' He was the voice for so many great moments in the history of that place and he will never be replaced. He was the best."
Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, regarding the passing of Tom Carnegie, the legendary public address announcer at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, who passed away today at the age of 91:
"Tom Carnegie is as closely related to the rich history of Indianapolis Motor Speedway as all of the legendary drivers and race cars that competed at The Brickyard for the past 100 years. He was 'The Voice of Indy' for generations, whether it was Indy Cars, NASCAR or Formula One, and that voice was as recognizable as any in sports. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his immediate family and his IMS family."
02/11/11 Quotes about legendary IMS Public Address announcer Tom Carnegie, who died Feb. 11 at 91.
Carnegie served as the Public Address announcer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 61 consecutive years, from 1946-2006. He called 61 Indianapolis 500’s, 12 Brickyard 400’s and six United States Grands Prix for millions of fans at IMS.
He became a beloved figure in the state of Indiana and among motorsports fans worldwide, coining renowned phrases such as “Heeeeeee’s on it!" and “It’s a new … track … record!" that boomed over the Speedway’s public address system with the rich, instantly recognizable baritone of his voice.
MARI HULMAN GEORGE (Chairman of the Board, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp.): “This is a very sad day for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and everyone worldwide who loved Tom Carnegie. Millions of race fans who never met Tom still felt as if they knew him because of his distinctive voice and his passion for the Speedway, its events and its people. Tom cared about everyone at the track, whether it was a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner or a young fan attending a practice day. He provided the soundtrack for the greatest moments of 61 years at IMS, and he never will be forgotten. Tom was a dear friend of four generations of the Hulman-George family, and we will miss him dearly."
JEFF BELSKUS (President and Chief Executive Officer, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp.): “Everyone at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Carnegie. The term ‘legend’ sometimes is overused, but it absolutely fits Tom, one of the most beloved and renowned figures in Speedway history. He was more than just a voice for millions of race fans. He was their voice at the track; he was one of them. Tom’s enthusiasm for motorsports and those who loved it was infectious, and his dramatic, famous phrases such as “It’s a new … track … record!" and “Heeeeeee’s on it!" showed his deep passion for racing. There never will be another Tom Carnegie, and he will be remembered forever."
Chip Ganassi
“My heart goes out to the whole Carnegie family in this difficult time. Tom was an icon at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – every bit as much as the Pagoda and Gasoline Alley. The whole racing community mourns his passing."
Graham Rahal
“Tom Carnegie was a legend of our sport, a voice and a name which will never be forgotten. I only wish I could have heard those famous lines of his more often. It's an absolute shame to lose a guy who single-handedly changed the way the Indianapolis 500 was broadcast to the world. I wish the best to his friends and family, and send my most sincere condolences."