Editor’s note: Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Roger Penske and IMS president Doug Boles sent out the following message to fans earlier this week.
As the 500 hours of ticket renewal have concluded for the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, it’s hard not to reflect on the impressive and historic numbers surrounding the 107th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
From the speeds we saw in Indianapolis 500 qualifying where Alex Palou recorded the fastest four-lap qualifying average speed in history, 234.217 mph, to lead the closest front row and fastest field in Indy 500 history, to the 52 lead changes in the race, it was an event full of excitement. Josef Newgarden earned his first victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” after passing reigning winner Marcus Ericsson during a scintillating Lap 200 showdown, just the third time in history the lead changed on the final lap of the race.
We anticipated pent-up demand for the 106th race because it was the first since 2019 with full capacity. But you and your fellow fans showed your devotion to this magical race even more this year, as our Race Day crowd was the biggest since the historic 100th Running in 2016, and our practice days and PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying weekend crowds were bigger than even that landmark year.
There’s nothing on Earth quite like the Indianapolis 500. The pageantry. The tradition. The history. The electric tingling on your skin when the command to start engines is given. The sheer awe of the bravery and skill of all 33 drivers and crews.
But the most important part of the world’s greatest auto race is you. You are part of the engine that drives this event forward toward an even brighter future while keeping an eye on the rearview mirror of history and honoring the traditions of the past.
We never take your dedication to this race and this place for granted. It remains our highest honor to welcome and host you throughout the Month of May as you create unforgettable memories of excitement and joy amid a community of 300,000-plus people who share that same passion.
Our commitment to you remains focused on delivering the best fan experience possible while enjoying the great sport of NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing. We look forward to seeing you at the 108th Running on Sunday, May 26, 2024.
So, in a year with plenty of milestone numbers for the Indianapolis 500, there are two words that mean the most to us: Thank you.
Sincerely,
Roger Penske and J. Douglas Boles