This weekend marks the 100-year anniversary of the Indy 500. And to celebrate this centennial anniversary, the race’s organizers have planned special traditions all throughout the weekend.
One event that will take place is an auction for a car to benefit children’s cancer research and treatment. The bright yellow Stinger is an interpretation of the first car to ever win the Indianapolis 500.
Commissioned by exterior remodeling company Window World, the Stinger is meant to represent a hundred years of Indy 500 legends. It boasts nearly 250 signatures of famous racers, and experts believe it to be one of the largest collections of autographs in sports history.
All proceeds from the auction will benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Additionally, World War II veterans will have their moment to shine in the festivities. In celebration of Memorial Day, these veterans will ride in the IPL 500 Festival Parade in Indianapolis this Saturday.
These decorated veterans stormed the Normandy Beaches in France on D-Day in June 1944. Some members also fought on the Japanese island of Okinawa, and others liberated thousands of Jewish prisoners in Holocaust death camps across Poland.
The organization Veterans of Anthem, are choosing to honor the men so more Americans can recognize the selfless service of these American Heroes.
Anthems member Michael Poulimas tells the Indy Star that this is important not just for the Veterans but for the people attending the parade.
“They’re humble men. I have to ask them a lot of questions for them to talk about things,” Poulimas said. He goes on to tell the group, “You’re one of our national treasures. The tribute to you is what is important to me.”
Without a doubt, the day of the race will be a celebration for car enthusiasts all over the nation. It also highlights some of the most intense driving most will ever see.
With general day-to-day wear, experts recommend having a tire rotation done every 7,500 miles. But in the Indy 500, the tires get so worn down they are changed multiple times during the race.