The Central Indiana Region (CIR) of the Porsche Club of America presented An Evening with Paul Page, the Voice of the 500, presented by SONAX, on Sunday, May 15, at the Basile Westfield Playhouse, 220 N. Union St.
CIR member and veteran motorsports journalist Tom Beeler discussed with Page his life and times. Stories and memories of races past and present mixed with a behind-the-scenes prospective of the life and work of the greatest living motorsports commentator.
Page was tapped for the lead announcer job by his mentor Sid Collins for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s radio network, which was started by Collins. When Collins passed in 1977 just a few weeks before the 500, it was his wish a young Paul Page take over the anchor position on the network.
That led to a shot at television in 1988 with ABC’s coverage of the Indy 500. Page is still very much “old school” in that he paints a word-picture with a detailed description of the event. He tells a story, be it on radio, TV, or in this case, at the Basile Westfield Playhouse.
Mayor Andy Cook declared May 15, 2022, as Paul Page Night in Westfield. (Photo provided)
Page is enshrined in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and has two Emmys for his coverage of the 500.
More than 160 CIR members and guests attended the event with all ticket sales going to Westfield’s Heart and Soul Free Clinic.
A highlight of the night was Carmel resident, CIR member, and 11-time Indy 500 veteran Scott Goodyear’s introduction of Page. The two worked closely with the ABC/ESPN’s Indy 500 and INDYCAR race series coverage for several years. You can easily tell the friendship and respect the two have for each other.
Mayor Andy Cook declared May 15, 2022, as Paul Page Night in Westfield with the presentation of a declaration honoring the event. The evening was sponsored by Westfield’s SONAX USA, distributor of the world’s finest car care products.