Andretti's 1969 Victory Honored on 2019 Indianapolis 500 Bronze Badge

The 50th anniversary of Mario Andretti’s historic Indianapolis 500 victory in 1969 will be honored on the Bronze Badge for this Month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

A Bronze Badge is a treasured keepsake that provides fans with insider access and one of the best values in sports. It provides gate admission and Gasoline Alley access every day IMS is open during May except for Race Days for the INDYCAR Grand Prix and the 103rd Indianapolis 500.

“It is one of the ultimate honors in Indianapolis to be on a Bronze Badge,” Andretti said. “I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family at the Speedway, sending accolades in such a magnificent way.

“Since I am almost at a loss for words when I look at the Bronze Badge, I can only express my appreciation with a sincere and profound thank you. I’m going to embrace the honor, and I’m ever so grateful for the recognition.”

Fans with Bronze Badges get behind the scenes in the garage area, where they can interact with drivers, see NTT IndyCar Series cars up close and much more. They also provide even more value for fans who visit the track many days during May.

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.

A limited number of Silver Badges also are available for $500 each. Silver Badges add pit lane access to the same perks as the Bronze Badge. Pre-race (cold) pit passes for INDYCAR Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 Race Day can be added to Silver Badges for an additional $1,000.

For more information on Bronze Badges and Silver Badges, call the IMS Credential Office at 317-492-6500.

Cardboard or laminate badges were used from the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911 through 1937, assigned only to event participants. Beginning in 1938, more durable metal badges were used before IMS Bronze Badges made their debut in 1947 and were initially sold to the general public in the early 1990s, immediately becoming a coveted motorsports collectible.