2011 Indianapolis 500 – the 100th anniversary of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”

The logo for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 – the 100th anniversary of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” – was unveiled simultaneously Aug. 13 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Johnny Rutherford and Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation President and CEO Jeff Belskus revealed the logo during festivities at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum, while three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Unser performed the same honor at Pebble Beach, Calif., with Indy 500 winners Parnelli Jones and Danny Sullivan and legendary American open-wheel driver Dan Gurney also participating.

The 2011 Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 29 at IMS. It is the centerpiece of the final year of the three-year Centennial Era at IMS. Ray Harroun won the inaugural Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911.

“We’re proud to display the logo for the 2011 Indianapolis 500 in both Indianapolis and Pebble Beach,” Belskus said. “It’s only fitting that legends such as Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Unser, Parnelli Jones, Danny Sullivan and Dan Gurney are a part of this celebration, as great drivers and their machines have made the ‘500’ the world’s most prestigious auto race over the last 100 years.

“The Indianapolis 500 is an essential part of the American experience and is the signature event of worldwide motor racing. This logo captures that essence in a very attractive fashion.”

The logo, created by the IMS Creative Services department, features a retro look with styling cues from the rich history of designs from tickets, credentials, merchandise and countless other memorabilia from the 100-year history of the race. Deep, rich colors, with frequent use of silver and gold, instill a traditional look and feel to the logo while also commemorating the 100th anniversary.

Specific elements incorporated in the design include the traditional Wing and Wheel from the 1926 Indianapolis 500 admission ticket, banner elements from the 1933 Technical Committee credential and small details from the 1924 and 1929 Official Event Programs.

The logo unveiling was the first of many activities in upcoming months planned to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. Another special feature launched today is a daily online series of historical reflections by IMS Historian Donald Davidson on iconic photographs from the “500,” located at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

More opportunities for fans to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration will be announced soon. Fans can reorder and apply for tickets at www.imstix.com.

For more information, call the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or visit the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street. Ticket office and phone hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.