There was once a salesman at WIBC Radio who decided that if there was going to be a voice of the Indy 500, it might as well be him. He invented the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network, and became as well known as any of the men who risked their lives driving around the circuit at ever-increasing speeds.
Sid Collins had no blueprint for broadcasting an auto race. The format and rhythm of the broadcast that remain to this day was birthed by Sid. He died in May of 1977, but his legacy looms as large as any at 16th and Georgetown.
Bobby Unser was my favorite driver when I was growing up. He was a balls to the wall competitor who seemed to want victory more than life. His car was cool. He honesty was cool. And he four ways to win that at the very least challenged the interpretation of the rules. Click here to [...]
Jim Clark was one of the best drivers that many have never heard of. He won in 1965, and was killed six weeks before the 1968 race. No telling how many more 500s he would have won if not for the fatal crash in Germany.
Jim Hurtubise never won the Indianapolis 500, but when you talk to the drivers from a half-century ago, there are always stories about Jim Hurtubise. He was a character, but also a great driver. An accident at Milwaukee robbed him of some of that ability, and he became known for trying to qualify front engine [...]
Sam Hanks was a phenomenal Indy 500 driver, who finally won the race in his last attempt at the age of 43. For those who are curious about the history of the Indianapolis 500, listen to “Talk of Gasoline Alley” every night except the night before the race during the month of May. Host Donald [...]
Eddie Sachs died in a fiery crash during the 1964 Indianapolis 500 that also claimed the life of Dave MacDonald, and what followed was one of the most memorable moments in sports broadcasting history. Sid Collins, the original voice of the 500, eulogized Sachs in a poignant and extemporaneous performance that was remarkable, and stands [...]
by Kent Sterling Things used to drive my nuts. I found annoyance in every moment. How people drove, grocery store cashiers’ behavior, lazy bartenders, the way Tom Crean drinks whatever that goop is, sweater vests, strangely shaped eyebrows, and even people who complain about the mundane drove me to the keyboard to write something angry. [...]
by Kent Sterling There are many reasons to avoid embarking on a six day adventure with old friends – sans wives and kids. The wife and kids among the very best reasons. Spending time with those we like at the expense of those we love seems silly and capricious. There are other reasons, most related [...]
by Bert Beiswanger Are Indianapolis Colts fans having trouble coming to grips with the fact that greatness doesn’t last forever? Listening to local sports talk radio Tuesday night, you would have thought that Jim Irsay, one of the most respected owners in the NFL, has lost his mind. By the end of the evening, I [...]
Indiana Pacers
