His voice thrilled hundreds of thousands of fans at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and millions more across the globe at the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil in May 2017, and now he’s back for more. Jim Cornelison will return to sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, 2018.
Cornelison is known to sports fans as the powerful and exclusive voice behind “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Chicago Blackhawks’ NHL home games. A 1992 Master of Music graduate from Indiana University, he generated widespread praise for his rendition of “Back Home Again in Indiana” this past May.
“Jim perfectly captured the powerful emotion behind one of race day’s most iconic moments, and barely a day has gone by without a fan asking us to bring him back for next year’s race,” IMS President Doug Boles said. “We’re happy he’s returning to IMS and we’re grateful to our friends with the Blackhawks organization for working with us to make this happen.”
Cornelison will become the first performer to sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” in consecutive years since the retirement of Jim Nabors in 2014. Nabors sang the tune 36 times during Indy 500 pre-race ceremonies between 1972-2014.
“Last year was such an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to come back to Indy,” Cornelison said. “I already have race day circled on my calendar!”
Indianapolis month of May tickets on sale Nov. 1
Tickets for all month of May events in 2018 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including the fifth annual INDYCAR Grand Prix and the 102nd Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, go on sale Nov. 1 at IMS.com and the IMS ticket office.
“It’s not May yet, but there’s no better time than next week to make your plans for another great month of magic at IMS,” Boles said. “Ticket renewals are up for the 102nd Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil, so there’s more urgency than ever to get the best seats. Plus, there are significant savings for fans who buy their tickets in advance.”
Valuable race day offers available to fans for the 102nd Indianapolis 500 on May 27 include $35 general admission tickets and reserved seats in the North Vista starting at $50, a savings of $5 and $35, respectively. General admission prices rise to $40 when purchased at the gate on race day. Ticket prices in all other sections also will increase in 2018.
Other products also will be on sale starting Nov. 1, including tickets for practice and qualifying days for the INDYCAR Grand Prix (race day May 12) and the Indianapolis 500, Indy 500 Snake Pit presented by Coors Light, Miller Lite Carb Day and Firestone Legends Day.
Children 15 and under will continue to be admitted free to all 2018 racing events at IMS when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket-holder. Visit IMS.com to purchase tickets anytime, or visit the IMS ticket office (4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46222) or call (800) 822-6439 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET weekdays.
In addition, coveted bronze badges for the month of May are available for fans seeking insider access. A bronze badge provides gate admission and Gasoline Alley access every day IMS is open during May except for race days for the INDYCAR Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500.
Bronze badges can be purchased at ims.com/bronzebadge for $135 each through March 31. The price increases to $150 on April 1, so order today while supplies last. Each bronze badge holder must be 18 or older and is required to sign a waiver. Junior garage credentials also are available for fans from ages 9-17 and may be purchased for $75 by calling the IMS credential office at (317) 492-6500, with a signed consent and liability release form from a parent or guardian.
Incredible Foyt exhibit closes Nov. 12 at IMS Museum
Time is running out for fans and visitors to view a once-in-a-lifetime exhibit honoring auto racing icon A.J. Foyt at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
“A.J. Foyt: A Legendary Exhibition, presented by ABC Supply,” will conclude its popular run Nov. 12 at the museum located inside the grounds of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The exhibit, which opened in the spring, was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Foyt’s record-setting fourth Indy 500 victory in 1977.
A wide variety of displays trace superstar Foyt’s rise from the dirt tracks of Texas to the pinnacle of auto racing history. Nearly three dozen cars that Foyt drove in competition are on display, including all four of his Indianapolis 500-winning machines, the 1961 Bowes Seal Fast Special, the 1964 and 1967 Sheraton-Thompson Specials and the 1977 Gilmore Coyote.
The IMS Museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET daily through Oct. 31 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily beginning Nov. 1. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 6-15 and free for children under 6.
IMS historian Davidson hosts special Q&A for fans at IMS Museum
Fan favorite and Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson will host a special question-and-answer session on Nov. 8 at the IMS Museum.
"An Evening with Donald Davidson" will give fans an opportunity to ask questions and hear stories from the British-born Davidson, believed to be the only full-time staff historian for any race track in the world.
"I look forward to that evening very much because I have always enjoyed spending time with racing enthusiasts and having the opportunity to share anecdotes about some of the fascinating characters with whom I have been blessed to spend time," Davidson said.
Tickets are available at the door, but reserved spots are available by e-mailing museumevents@brickyard.com. Admission for museum members and one guest are $10 each. Non-members may purchase tickets for $20.00.
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach tickets on sale
Tickets for the 44th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, set for April 13-15 on the streets of the Southern California city, are on sale now. The Verizon IndyCar Series headlines the race weekend as Indy cars will compete on the circuit for the 35th consecutive year.
In addition, other series competing will be the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks, Pirelli World Challenge, and, new for 2018, the Historic Trans Am Challenge showcasing American muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s.
Ticket prices for the three-day event range from $33 for a Friday general admission ticket to $147 for a three-day ticket that includes Saturday and Sunday reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Prepaid parking packages are also available, along with handicapped seating, Verizon IndyCar Series Paddock access passes, Super Photo tickets and an array of VIP Club packages.
For more information or to order tickers online, visit gplb.com. Ticket orders can also be placed by calling (888) 827-7333.