News & Multimedia

100th Running Host Committee Places Historic Pylon Panels Throughout Indy as part of 33-Day Countdown

April 26, 2016 | By IMS

The 100th Running Host Committee, in association with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, has launched a 33-day community countdown to the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil using number panels from the historic IMS scoring pylon. The program repurposes pieces of the iconic 97 foot scoring pylon that towered over the front straightaway of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1994-2014. 

“This collaboration between IMS and the Host Committee will bring everyone closer to an iconic piece of Hoosier history and fuel even more anticipation for the monumental 100th Running,” said Hulman & Company Senior Vice President of Events Allison Melangton. “I’m so thrilled to add this to the fantastic list of activations led by our wonderful community volunteers.”  

Beginning today, the pylon number panels 1-33 will be showcased in public spaces and at community events throughout Central Indiana each day leading up to the 100th Running. The first panel was placed at Butler University’s Atherton Union Bookstore today. Click here to see a tweet from Butler Blue III. Race fans and Indianapolis residents are encouraged to seek out the numbers and post photos on social media channels using the hashtag “#countdowntoindy.”

The following sites will host the number panels, which will return to IMS following race weekend:

The 100th Running Host Committee is part of the 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs celebrating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and fostering a positive impact throughout the Hoosier state, working in tandem with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame museum. The Host Committee includes 12 full volunteer committees and 40 sub-committees with hundreds of enthusiastic community volunteers. These individuals are charged with working together to celebrate and leverage the 100th Running by enhancing the quality of life for all Hoosiers, elevating the image of the State of Indiana, heightening civic pride, creating cultural connection, enabling social impact and stimulating education. 

For more information on the host committee and a list of upcoming events, go to: www.500Festival.com/100thRunning or search #100RunningHC on social media.