From IMS
INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 – Quotes from Indianapolis Motor Speedway executives about legendary IMS Public Address announcer Tom Carnegie, who died Feb. 11 at 91.
Carnegie served as the Public Address announcer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 61 consecutive years, from 1946-2006. He called 61 Indianapolis 500’s, 12 Brickyard 400’s and six United States Grands Prix for millions of fans at IMS.
He became a beloved figure in the state of Indiana and among motorsports fans worldwide, coining renowned phrases such as “Heeeeeee’s on it!” and “It’s a new … track … record!” that boomed over the Speedway’s public address system with the rich, instantly recognizable baritone of his voice.
MARI HULMAN GEORGE (Chairman of the Board, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp.): “This is a very sad day for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and everyone worldwide who loved Tom Carnegie. Millions of race fans who never met Tom still felt as if they knew him because of his distinctive voice and his passion for the Speedway, its events and its people. Tom cared about everyone at the track, whether it was a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner or a young fan attending a practice day. He provided the soundtrack for the greatest moments of 61 years at IMS, and he never will be forgotten. Tom was a dear friend of four generations of the Hulman-George family, and we will miss him dearly.”
JEFF BELSKUS (President and Chief Executive Officer, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp.): “Everyone at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Carnegie. The term ‘legend’ sometimes is overused, but it absolutely fits Tom, one of the most beloved and renowned figures in Speedway history. He was more than just a voice for millions of race fans. He was their voice at the track; he was one of them. Tom’s enthusiasm for motorsports and those who loved it was infectious, and his dramatic, famous phrases such as “It’s a new … track … record!” and “Heeeeeee’s on it!” showed his deep passion for racing. There never will be another Tom Carnegie, and he will be remembered forever.”