pace car

Sugarmann—whose work “engages the automotive industry as a manufacturer of human identity” and has been shown nationally and internationally—interviewed, photographed, and filmed each participant. The result is an oral and visual history of the Indianapolis 500, exhibited at Big Car’s new cultural center, the Tube Factory.

Pace car driver Roger Penske notches his 50th year as an owner this year, and his teams have won the Indy 500 16 times.

“I don’t know if that’s stupidity or what, but I’m not nervous at all,” said McAfee. “I’m just very excited.”

IM staff photographer Tony Valainis was on hand to capture the moments.

The NASCAR great shouldn’t need any pointers on how to manage the turns at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After all, he’s won the Brickyard 400 five times.

Take a look at some Fast Friday gems.

You can look all you want this May. But you’ll have to wait until the fall to call one of these babies your own.

Last week May Madness reported that celeb chef Guy Fieri was rumored to be leading the pack of potential pace-car drivers for this year’s Indy 500, and IMS officials confirmed it with an announcement today.

The last time Chevrolet showcased Corvettes at the Indy 500, in 2008, the emphasis was on alternative energy, with an ethanol-fueled Z06, and history, with a special 30th-anniversary edition car. Yawn.