From Amy Konrath
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 11, 2011) – INDYCAR released the following statements today from its executives regarding the passing of Tom Carnegie, the Public Address announcer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1946-2006.
RANDY BERNARD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, INDYCAR:
“It was truly an honor to meet a man that played such an important role in creating the legacy of the Indianapolis 500. If there are two sayings that truly resonate with race fans around the world, it is ‘Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines’ and Mr. Carnegie’s iconic ‘It’s a new track record.’ His warm personality and booming voice will always be remembered as an important part of what made fans and competitors fall in the love with ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’ His enthusiasm for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the sport of Indy car racing will be greatly missed.”
TERRY ANGSTADT, PRESIDENT OF THE COMMERCIAL DIVISION, INDYCAR: “What you remember, of course, is the voice. It is the Indy 500 to everyone. Those who have had the pleasure of knowing the man understand what an incredibly warm and endearing person he was. He was one of those special people that cross your path in life and I’m fortunate to have known him for more than a decade.”
BRIAN BARNHART, PRESIDENT OF COMPETITION AND OPERATIONS, INDYCAR:
“Tom Carnegie was an institution at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and recognized around the world for his contributions to making it the world’s most famous course. His booming voice and signature ‘It’s a new track record’ will live on in the minds of all race fans. More importantly, he was a friend to hundreds of competitors who attempted to find their way into Victory Circle at the Speedway over the years. I’ll remember him as the essence of ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’ ”