The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Honors The ‘Voices Of The 500’
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is celebrating the iconic voices that brought the world's most famous race into our homes with its captivating new exhibit, “Now Stay Tuned.” This exhibit, which opened on Saturday, November 22nd, in The Chip Ganassi Gallery, delves into the rich history of radio and television broadcasting at the iconic Indianapolis 500.
In a week that saw the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum clinch a prestigious international award, this exciting new exhibit shines a spotlight on the evolution of how the Indy 500 became a global phenomenon. The exhibit's title, “Now Stay Tuned,” is a direct homage to the famous phrase coined by copywriter Alice Greene in 1955, and famously delivered by anchor Sid Collins: “now stay tuned for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’.”
Immersive Journey Through Broadcasting Eras
Visitors to “Now Stay Tuned” are treated to an immersive experience, stepping back in time through different eras of broadcasting. The exhibit meticulously showcases the evolution of how race day narratives were crafted and delivered, featuring distinct sections dedicated to:
- The IMS Radio Network: Exploring the pioneering days of radio coverage, starting with the legendary Sid Collins in 1951.
- ABC's Wide World of Sports: Highlighting the impact of television in bringing the race to a wider audience, beginning in 1965.
- Present-Day FOX Sports Coverage: Demonstrating the advancements in modern broadcast technology and commentary.
Guests will have the unique opportunity to hear the voices of broadcasters who became synonymous with the Indy 500, including Sid Collins, Paul Page, Jim McKay, and Bob Jenkins. These individuals were not just announcers; they were storytellers who captured the drama, speed, and passion of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”
Paul Page, a former chief announcer who was part of the broadcasting landscape for 47 years, shared his enthusiasm for the exhibit: “The IMS Museum staff has done a remarkable job of putting ‘Now Stay Tuned’ together. This exhibit showcases the tools and stories of the history of broadcasting, an industry I was proud to be part of for 47 years. Throughout my career, I watched radio, then television, grow and this room is full of memories.”
Evolution of Broadcast Technology
Beyond the voices, the exhibit also offers a fascinating look at the technological advancements that have shaped race broadcasting. Artifacts on display include:
- An early radio from 1924, offering a glimpse into the nascent stages of audio transmission.
- A television receiver from 1948, showcasing the early days of visual broadcasting.
- A modern-day audio mixing board from the IMS Radio Network, representing the sophisticated equipment used today.
Adding a contemporary touch, Marcus Ericsson's victorious 2022 Indianapolis 500 winning car is featured, highlighting the integration of onboard cameras and their role in modern race coverage.
For an interactive element, guests can step into a simulated broadcast booth and record their own race calls, offering a hands-on appreciation for the announcer's craft.
Jason Vansickle, Vice President of Curation and Education, emphasized the exhibit's purpose: “The stories of the Indianapolis 500 couldn’t be told without people like Sid Collins, Paul Page, and now, Will Buxton. Many people have fond memories of listening or watching the race growing up, and this exhibit honors the legacies of those broadcasters.”
“Setting The Pace”: A Celebration of Pace Cars
Complementing “Now Stay Tuned,” the IMS Museum also unveiled “Setting the Pace,” another compelling rotating exhibition. This display features eight Indianapolis 500 pace cars, tracing the tradition that began with the inaugural 1911 race. The collection includes iconic vehicles such as:
- 1915 Packard Model 5-48
- 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser
- 1971 Dodge Challenger
- 1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88
- 1991 Dodge Viper RT/10
- 1996 Dodge Viper GTS
- 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS
- The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, driven by Michael Strahan in the most recent race.
Both “Now Stay Tuned” and “Setting the Pace” will be available for visitors to enjoy through June 2026.
IMS Museum Honored As ‘Museum Collection Of The Year’
This exciting new exhibit follows closely on the heels of a monumental achievement for the IMS Museum. The museum was recently honored with the prestigious “Museum or Collection of the Year” award at the International Historic Motoring Awards (IHMA) ceremony in London. This significant accolade saw the IMS Museum triumph over esteemed institutions from around the globe, including Silverstone Museum (England), Petersen Automotive Museum (Los Angeles), and Museo Alfa Romeo (Italy).
Chuck Jones, IMS Museum Board Chair, expressed his gratitude: “On behalf of the board and staff of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, I am deeply honored to accept the prestigious ‘Museum of the Year’ award given by the International Historic Motoring Awards. This recognition is a testament to the passion, dedication, and vision of our entire team, who work tirelessly to preserve and share the rich history of motorsport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the world. The award underscores our commitment to celebrating innovation, speed, and the human stories behind racing, while inspiring future generations to appreciate the cultural significance of motorsport.”
The IHMA, widely considered the pinnacle of awards in the collector car world, recognizes the museum or collection that has demonstrated the most significant achievements within the year. This includes notable special exhibits, additions to collections, and innovative approaches to preservation and presentation.
Historically, NBC Radio began covering the Indianapolis 500 in 1922, with Graham McNamee calling the race on radio starting in 1928. Earl Townsend was a pioneer, being the first to call the race on television for Indianapolis station WFBM-TV in 1949 and 1950.
The museum’s recent $61 million renovation, completed in April 2025, has transformed the visitor experience. The expansion added 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, creating 10 distinct, highly interactive, engaging, and educational galleries. Since reopening, the museum has welcomed over 150,000 guests, surpassing previous annual attendance figures and solidifying its position as a world-class destination.
The IHMA awards are judged by a distinguished panel of experts and prominent figures in the automotive world, including personalities like Jay Leno, Wayne Carini, Donald Osborne, Le Mans legend Derek Bell, and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance chairman Sandra Button.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s Impressive Collection And History
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum stands as a beacon, preserving over a century of motorsports history. Its core mission is to celebrate and safeguard the rich heritage of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the iconic Indianapolis 500 race. Since its inception in 1956, the museum has brought to life the innovation, thrill, and profound cultural significance of motor racing at the Speedway.
What began with a modest collection of 12 cars has burgeoned into one of the world's most esteemed repositories of racing automobiles and artifacts, now boasting over 55,000 artifacts and more than 150 vehicles. The IMS Museum consistently ignites curiosity, sparks discovery, and deeply embraces the enduring traditions of motorsport.
The International Historic Motoring Awards (IHMA), presented by Lockton, were established in 2011 by the team behind Octane magazine. Their goal was to create a platform that exclusively celebrates the achievements of the global collector car community. After outgrowing its initial venue, the awards have been hosted in various prestigious London locations. In early 2024, the IHMA and Octane magazine were acquired by Hothouse Media, under the leadership of two of the original founders. The relaunched awards, with an enhanced focus on quality, were held at the new Peninsula London venue.
This prestigious award is a profound honor for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, underscoring its vital role in commemorating the incredible racing history of this internationally famous venue.
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