For the past 59 years, during the month of May, the sound of pipes and drums have enchanted race fans, resonating throughout the grounds of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This year commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers performing at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500.
Since 1963, the Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers (“Gordon Pipers”) have entertained millions of fans at the racing capital of the world. To say the Gordon Pipers are a fixture of the Indianapolis 500 would be an understatement.
The Gordon Pipers were there when Jim Clark dominated the 500 in his iconic Lotus 38 in 1965.
The Gordon Pipers were there when Mario Andretti took his Indianapolis 500 victory in 1969.
The Gordon Pipers witnessed all eight of Rick Mears’ and Helio Castroneves’ combined victories and were present for three of the four Indy 500s taken by A.J. Foyt.
Simply put, the Gordon Pipers are an indelible fixture of Indianapolis 500 tradition.
True to their commitment, the Gordon Pipers once again fulfilled their historic role at the Indianapolis 500 this year. (Reporter photo by Kent Graham)
The idea of a civilian bagpipe band was envisioned by Dr. Wallace Gordon Diehl and a few of his fellow Highlanders, John Hudgins, Bill Cochran, and Bill Simpson in the early months of 1962. The name “Gordon Pipers” was chosen in honor of its founder and original Piper Major, the aforementioned and illustrious Dr. Wallace Gordon Diehl. Moreover, to honor his heritage, it was decided that the pipers would wear the Dress Gordon tartan while the drummers would wear the Wallace tartan.
In May of 1963, the Gordon Pipers became known as the “Gasoline Alley Gordon Pipers,” marking the beginning of its longstanding association with Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Since its founding, the Gordon Pipers continue entertaining fans, drivers, and race teams at Opening Day, Qualification Days, the “500 Festival Parade,” and on Race Day, in addition to other events and races held at IMS.
One of the many great traditions of the Indianapolis 500 and the Gordon Pipers is to include bagpipers in the victory lane celebrations. Each year, at the conclusion of the race, four bagpipers greet the race winner in Victory Lane to share in the traditional drink of milk and the presentation of the Borg-Warner Trophy.
The Gordon Pipers, however, are not constrained to Indianapolis Motor Speedway and can be seen performing throughout central Indiana. For example, St. Patrick’s Day would not be the same without the Gordon Pipers entertaining Hoosiers at their favorite Irish pubs. Further, you might notice the Gordon Pipers’ alter ego, the Horseshoe Pipes and Drums, performing in and around Lucas Oil Stadium prior to Colts home games.
Over the last 60 years, the Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers have become a mainstay at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and throughout the broader Indianapolis community. If you see them on Race Day, raise a glass and wish them a happy well. If you have additional questions about the band or its history, please visit the Gordon Pipers website at Indy500Pipers.com.
Since 1963, the Indianapolis 500 Gordon Pipers have entertained thousands who flock to the Speedway each May. (Photos provided)