Race fans around the world will join with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May 2019 in a variety of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mario Andretti’s Indianapolis 500 victory, including a featured exhibit within the Speedway’s museum and a commemorative logo that was unveiled by Andretti on Jan. 9 in Indianapolis.
Andretti and IMS President J. Douglas Boles also revealed Jan. 9 some of the plans surrounding the 50th anniversary celebration during the Month of May:
•A 50th anniversary logo was designed to celebrate Andretti’s historic victory at Indianapolis. It features Andretti giving his famous wave next to the Borg-Warner Trophy moments after winning the 500-Mile Race. The logo was illustrated with the Speedway in mind, with the zero (in the 50) representing the oval of the track and the historic Yard of Bricks start-finish line. The base of the 50 is adorned with Mario’s signature, with the badge honoring the Andretti family crest.
•Andretti will be featured on the IMS Bronze Badges.
•The logo also will be featured on the cover of the 2019 Indianapolis 500 Official Program, with a special artist’s rendering of his unforgettable victory.
•Memorabilia and celebratory officially licensed Mario Andretti and IMS merchandise, including apparel, headwear, replicas, jewelry, wall décor, collectibles and other special items, will be available for purchase.
•As part of the 50th anniversary celebration, beginning May 1, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum will unveil a specially curated exhibit dedicated to Andretti and his iconic career. The exhibit will feature historic Andretti cars, many making their first appearance at the Museum, video and audio recordings of Mario and the Andretti family, and personal memorabilia that highlights the prestigious accomplishments of “The Driver of Century.”
Andretti won the 53rd Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1969, driving the No. 2 STP Oil Treatment Hawk III-Ford fielded by famed team owner Andy Granatelli. The victory was one of the most noteworthy achievements of Andretti’s incomparable career, which also included a Formula One World Championship, four IndyCar championships, a Daytona 500 victory and victories in the Rolex 24 At Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring.
“Winning the Indy 500 changed my life,” Andretti said. “It opened so many doors, creating immense opportunities. It was career-changing. If only Andy Granatelli could be here today to see that we’re still celebrating 50 years later. Because what happened in 1969 was just as important to him.”
More details about the Andretti 50th anniversary celebration, including the availability of commemorative merchandise, will be available soon.
“Mario Andretti’s victory in the 1969 Indianapolis 500 was one of the iconic moments in the history of the world’s greatest auto race,” Boles said. “Mario’s position as one of the most popular drivers in the race’s history only has grown over time, and his accomplishments in every discipline of racing in which he has competed remain landmarks of our sport. We’re honored to join with Mario’s legions of fans around the world to celebrate his magical Month of May in 1969 and his remarkable career.”
The 103rd Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 26 at IMS. The Month of May at IMS will open with the INDYCAR Grand Prix on Saturday, May 11.
IMS PR
