Many Fun Programs To Help Central Indiana Race Fans Rev Engines for 105th Indy 500
May 01, 2021 | By Indianapolis Motor Speedway
In the lead-up to the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 30, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is joining forces with numerous organizations in Central Indiana to leverage the excitement, tradition and pageantry of the Indy 500 and offer race fans many opportunities to be a part of the Month of May celebration.
“No event defines a single city more than ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ defines the city of Indianapolis, a tradition in and of itself dating back more than a century” said IMS President J. Douglas Boles. “One of the best traditions at the place Where Tradition Never Stops is the intense community spirit of this race. This year, it means the world to us for these community programs to return and for race fans to be able to interact with the Month of May and great organizations in Central Indiana.”
One way for race fans to celebrate this year’s race is by being a part of the brand-new “500 Spectacle of Homes.”People can participate by decorating their yard or home in race-themed fashion, hosting a safe and fun Porch Party and showing off that amazing civic pride that runs deep within all Hoosiers. It culminates with a “reverse parade” on Saturday, May 29 featuring all 33 drivers competing in the Indianapolis 500.
Race fans can learn more and register their home for the “500 Spectacle of Homes” by visiting IMS.com/Spectacle.
Porch Parties, one of the most popular ways race fans amp up their excitement for May, will be an integral part of the “500 Spectacle of Homes.” Race fans are encouraged to host a safe and socially distanced Porch Party with friends and neighbors. The first porch party of 2021 will be at 6:30 p.m. (ET) Friday, May 7 at the Harrison Center for the Arts.
Also on Fridays, race fans can participate in one of the easiest ways to show off their racing pride: 500 Fashion Fridays. Race fans are encouraged to rock their best checkered flag attire or racing gear to amplify the spirit of the Month of May and share their look on social media using the hashtag #500Fashion.
Additionally, on the evening of Thursday, May 6, IMS will partner with Downtown Indy, Inc. and the Arts Council of Indianapolis to debut the 2021 “Welcome Race Fans” artwork during Shining a Light on Monument Circle, which features a video projection illuminating the buildings surrounding Indy’s Monument Circle. This show will play throughout the Month of May and can be seen by anyone walking around downtown Indy.
This year’s program has expanded to the digital art realm as five artists created “Welcome Race Fans” signs using the animated GIF format. These GIFs will be featured on IMS social channels, web properties, on-site locations and throughout Indianapolis. This year’s artists are Petronio Bendito, Rob Day, Randi Frye, Sasan Kayyod and Madison Watson.
Plus, the Indy 500 Downtown Décor invasion continues this year to ensure the characteristic hospitality of Indianapolis is obvious for visitors during the Month of May. In collaboration with the Indianapolis Airport Authority and Visit Indy, beautiful Where Tradition Never Stops signage will greet race fans at the Indianapolis International Airport and throughout downtown Indianapolis.
In addition, IMS will rename downtown Indianapolis streets after the star athletes of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Several drivers entered in the Indianapolis 500 will install street signs during the first week of May. Race fans are encouraged to take photos with their favorite signage and share on social media for the world to see by tagging @IMS.
On Wednesday, May 26 in the days leading up to the Indianapolis 500, IMS and INDYCAR will host Indianapolis 500 Community Day. Drivers participating in the race will take part in virtual activations with a dozen schools within the Speedway, Wayne Township and Indianapolis Public School systems, impacting more than 2,000 students.
To learn more about IMS’ involvement in the community and to see how you can exemplify the spirit of the Indianapolis 500 this May, visit IMS.com/Community.