Ceremonies surrounding the induction of the newest members of the Auto Racing Hall of Fame will expand in 2013, with increased public access to the legends of the Indianapolis 500 enshrined in auto racing’s most prominent museum.

The Auto Racing Hall of Fame, established in 1952, is located at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. The greatest names in Indianapolis 500 history – drivers, team owners, crew chiefs, designers, officials and more – earn racing immortality through induction into the Hall.

A public induction ceremony and an autograph session with Hall of Fame members are the new activities this year.

Festivities start with an autograph session with selected Hall of Fame members for fans from 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, May 23 at the Hall of Fame Museum. The autograph session is free with paid admission to the Hall of Fame Museum.

A public Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for 10-11 a.m. Friday, May 24 on the Pagoda Plaza Stage during Coors Light Carb Day. A medallion and Hall of Fame ring will be presented to inductees during the Induction Ceremony.

“Induction into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame is an incredible honor, so we wanted to give fans an opportunity to pay tribute and celebrate with their heroes,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief executive officer. “The addition of these public festivities will create an even more special Race Weekend for inductees and fans during the 97th Indianapolis 500.”
The Class of 2013 for the Auto Racing Hall of Fame will be announced soon.

The invitation-only 29th Annual Oldtimers Recognition Dinner and Auto Racing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23 at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

Opening Day for the 97th Indianapolis 500 is Saturday, May 11. Race Day is Sunday, May 26.


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2013 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 26 at IMS.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $30. Fans can buy tickets online at www.ims.com/tickets, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2013 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.