Meet the Gang!
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Head Honcho, Jeff, Tim, & Parker's Dad, Catie & Nick's Father-in-Law, TJ, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, Sophie, Carter, & Harrison's Grandpa, Brooks, Blake, Knox, and Tommy’s Great Grandpa
Larry is the one and only leader of the gang. He attended his first race in 1947 and has been every year since 1956……..2020 would have been his 65th consecutive race. He passed his love of auto racing on to his family and many have been going to not only the Indy 500 but other races across the country for many years. Larry is a fixture around the Speedway during May spending pretty much everyday at the track wandering around the garage area or watching the on-track activities. He has been “Fan of the Day” several times and was pictured as one of the Indy Star’s “100 Faces of the 500” in 2016 for the 100th running. If you see Larry this May, stop and say “Hi”. He has lots of interesting stories to tell.
Larry's Son, Jeff & Parker's Brother, Cathy's Step Brother, Catie & Nick's Brother-in-Law, TJ, Sam, & Sophie's Dad, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Carter, & Harrison's Uncle
Tim has been attending the race since 1975. In fact, he has been every year since with 2019 marking his 44th Indy 500. He has sat in almost every part of the track through the years, including the original “Snake Pit” of which he will never forget the things he observed as an 11 year old boy. Tim has too many great 500 memories to list, but the one that sticks out in his mind is the 1982 race (prior to video boards) sitting in Turn 3 when Gordon Johncock had passed Rick Mears for the lead on the last lap…..the crowd was silent as they listened to Tom Carnegie’s call of the finish. He is and always has been a huge racing fan, travelling across the country to view all different forms of racing and venues. Tim has attended at least one of every event held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and is an avid collector of memorabilia spending many hours in the Speedway Photo Shop looking for hidden gems. If you have an old fire suit or racing helmet for sale, this may be your guy.
Larry's Son, Catie's Husband, Mandy, Mitch, & Cam's Dad, Brooks, Blake, Knox, and Tommy’s Grandpa, Tim & Parker's Brother, Cathy's Step Brother, Nick, Lauren & Martin's Brother-in-Law, Nate & Claire's Father-in-Law, TJ, Sam, Sophie, Carter, Harrison, & Christian's Uncle, Mike & Karla's In-Laws, Matt, & Barb's In-Laws
Jeff also made it to his first race in 1975. 2019 marked his 34th trip to the Indy 500. Jeff has been a racing fan for as long as he can remember and spent many years traveling across the country to watch various forms of racing. As a native of Central Indiana he grew up an IndyCar fan and is excited that the Series and the Indy 500 have been rejuvenated and are once again the most exciting form of auto racing in the world……bar none.
Larry's Grandson, Jeff & Catie's Son, Mandy & Mitch's Brother, Claire & Nate's Brother-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, Knox, and Tommy’s Uncle, Tim, Parker, Lauren, Nick, & Martin's Nephew, TJ, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin
Cam has been going to the track since he was a little pup. However, his first race didn't happen until 2007 when he rode the bus from Downtown out to Speedway. He loved the fact girls were handing out Red Bull while he was waiting for the bus.....and he didn't have to pay for it. Early on Cam was a huge Dan Weldon fan and was thrilled to see Dan win in 2011 on the last lap. His favorite driver now is Joseph Newgarden and he will be cheering hard for Joseph to get his first 500 win. Cam has also attended three of the five Indy Grand Prix's really has a good time spending weekends camping in Lot 2 and trekking over to Downtown Speedway to hang out.
Mandy's Husband, Brooks, Blake, and Knox’s Dad, Mike & Karla's Son, Austin's Brother, Catie & Jeff's Son-in-Law, Cam, Mitch & Claire's Brother-in-Law, Tommy’s Uncle
Nate’s first memory of the Indy 500 was in the mid-nineties as a kid, tuning in an old antenna tv on the back porch so that he and his family could watch the race on ABC. Each year he would cut out the starting grid from the South Bend newspaper for a family pool. Nate's first Indy 500 race was in 2011 when he and a car full of Purdue buddies drove down race morning. They sat in the backstretch infield and couldn’t believe that JR Hildebrand didn’t win the race that day after going by them with such a big lead. The following year Nate organized a bigger group of friends and they camped in the Coke Lot and a Memorial Day Tradition was started. They continued their tradition until he met Mandy and they merged with the gang. Nate now spends every May weekend in Indianapolis. He has been to all five Grand Prix's and 2019 was his 9th Indy 500. Nate is an All-American Boy, so he cheers for Graham Rahal and Connor Daly. He loves camping every weekend in Lot 2 and our seats in Turn 3, but if he had a choice, he would watch the race from the crow's nest in the Northwest Vista. As a native Hoosier, Nate’s favorite tradition on race day is the singing of “Back Home Again In Indiana”. When the month of May is over, Nate's racing continues through the summer by attending other races. He loves Road America and has been to all 4 of the most recent Kohler Grand Prix's.
Larry's Daughter-in-Law, Jeff's Wife, Mandy, Mitch, & Cam's Mom, Brooks, Blake, Knox, and Tommy’s Grandma, Tim, Parker, Nick, Lauren, & Martin's Sister-in-Law, TJ, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, and Harrison's Aunt, Nate & Claire's Mother-in-Law, Mike & Karla's In-Laws, Matt & Barb's In-Laws
As a young girl growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Catie wasn't much a racing fan. She mostly rooted for the Cubs and Da Bears. Catie will tell you she is a race fan by marriage and attended her first race in 1985......the infamous spin and win. She attended a race or two after that and then went on a 29 year hiatus before coming back to Indy and attending the Inaugural Grand Prix. After that day, she realized it was kinda fun and if she wanted to spend any time with her family in May, being at Indy was the only way to do it. Catie has since been to the last three Indy 500's and actually got a bronze badge again this year......looks like it could be a long month. She's had several favorite drivers through the years, but now roots for Rossi.
Larry's Son-in-Law, Carter & Harrison's Dad, Luke's Brother, Jeff, Tim, Parker, & Catie's Brother-in-Law, TJ, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, & Sophie's Uncle
The trek from Texas to Indy for race weekend has become an annual affair for Nick and his clan. This will be his 11th Indy 500 and he would like nothing better than to see Helio Castroneves make history by winning his 4th Indy 500. Nick enjoys the race build-up and traditions on Sunday morning with the highlight being when the field of 33 cars bunch up down the backstretch prior to taking the green flag. His favorite race memory was seeing the B2 Stealth Bomber perform the flyover prior to the 2011 race.
Larry's Great Grandson, Mitch & Claire’’s Son, Jeff, Catie, Matt, and Barb’s Grandson, Mandy, Nate, and Cam’s Nephew, Brooks, Blake, and Knox’s Cousin, Tim, Parker, Lauren, Nick, & Martin's 2nd Nephew?, TJ, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's 2nd Cousin
This will be Tommy’s first Indy 500. He made it to the GMR Grand Prix last year and really likes watching the cars. He doesn’t have a favorite driver yet, but he does like Conor Daly.
Honorary Member - President IMS
Doug is an Honorary member of the gang, held in the highest esteem. Although it takes a team effort, there needs to be a strong leader in charge to ensure things are done right, and Doug is that leader. He grew up around racing and readily admits everything in his life has been one way or another connected to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 500. He attended Butler University, worked for the Indianapolis Mayor's Office, and co-founded Panther Racing prior to joining IMS in 2010. 2013 Doug was named President and has spearheaded many initiatives to revitalize the facility and reinvigorate the fan base as evidenced by the increased attendance and growing popularity of not only the 500, but Indycar in general. The gang is always amazed by his tireless efforts and ability to "clone" himself during the month of May.......he is everywhere and always has time for the fans. He also has a stellar suit collection. To see what a day in the life of Doug Boles is like during May, check out this link:
Larry's Great Grandson, Nate & Mandy’s Son, Jeff, Catie, Mike, and Karla’s Grandson, Mitch, Claire, Cam, and Austin’s Nephew, Tommy’s Cousin, Tim, Parker, Lauren, Nick, & Martin's 2nd Nephew?, TJ, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's 2nd Cousin, Brook’s Little Brother, Knox’s Big Brother
This will be Blake’s second Indy 500. He has also made it to the Harvest Grand Prix and GMR Grand Prix, and is really enjoying his second Month of May bartending at the Victory Lane Bar and Grill. He doesn’t have a favorite yet, but he likes it when the cars go Vrooom, Vrooom.
Larry's Granddaughter, Tim's Daughter, TJ & Sam's Sister, Nick, Jeff, Parker, & Catie's Niece, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin
Sophie has attended a handful of races through the years…..we think this will be her 6th Indy 500. She has been to the track for many practice and qualifying sessions and really enjoys all of the activity there is to see. Her favorite part of race day (aside from the race) is all of the pre-race pageantry and the traditions that lead-up to the command “Drivers Start Your Engines”. She really likes the exercise she gets race morning walking up ALL of the stairs to get to her top row seats at the exit of the 3rd Turn, watching all of the people coming into the track and the hi-jinks going on in the infield. One of her favorite memories is watching the race fans after stumble their way back to their cars after the race and wondering how they get anywhere that evening.
Christian's Dad, Lauren, Catie & Jeff's Brother-in-Law, Mandy, Mitch, & Cam's Uncle
Growing up in Austria, Chef Martin became a huge Formula 1 racing fan. In fact, his first Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience was attending the United States Grand Prix in 2004. Since then he has made it to 14 Indy 500's. Memorial Day weekend at Indy is even more special now that he shares the experience with his son Christian. Hailing back to his F1 roots, Martin's favorite driver is Fernando Alonso, however he'll need to find someone else to root for until next year. As you may guess, the Chef looks forward most to the Annual Post-Race Tailgate Party which is sponsored and supplied by "Chef Martin's Old World Butcher Shop Sausage". Look for it at a retailer near you!
Larry's Granddaughter, Nate's Wife, Brooks, Blake, and Knox’s Mom, Jeff & Catie’s Daughter, Mitch & Cam's Sister, Tommy’s Aunt, Tim, Parker, Lauren, Nick, & Martin's Niece, TJ, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin, Mike & Karla's Daughter-in-Law, Austin & Claire's Sister-in-Law
Growing up, Mandy never showed much interest in racing, let alone the Indy 500. She reluctantly attended her first race in 2007 only because she was told "McDreamy" would be there and after that experience asked, "Why did you not make me come to this sooner?".....and so it began. Mandy has attended the race every year since (2019 was 12) and now plans her vacation time around the month of May which includes weekend camping for Grand Prix, Qualifying and of course the race. She also attends the Indy race at Road America every year and is planning trips to both Mid-Ohio and Gateway this summer. Mandy can't seem to make up her mind on one favorite driver, so she roots for Marco, Hinch, Rahal & Rossi, in no particular order. Take note it will be a lot easier to find Mandy this May as she will be VERY pregnant. Due date? Race Day! Her goal is to have the first baby born in the Infield Medical Center on race day and name the baby after the winner…….wish her luck>
Larry's Grandson, Claire's Husband, Tommy’s Dad, Jeff & Catie’s Son, Mandy & Cam's Brother, Nate's Brother-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, and Knox’s Uncle, Tim, Parker, Lauren, Nick, & Martin's Nephew, TJ, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin, Matt & Barb's Son-in-Law
Mitch has attended eleven Indy 500's with his first being in 2007. He has also been to three Indy Grand Prix's and several Qualifying weekends. His favorite memory is when he showed up in the background of an ESPN Sportscenter story showing Mario giving a two-seater ride to then Colt's coach (Now BEARS Defensive Cooridnator) Chuck Pagano. Mitch says the best part of race weekend is Sunday morning when the bombs go off to let everyone know the track is open......that's when you know it's race day. Rumors are he has an adverse reaction to dust, but the gang thinks that a cover-up. Being a Purdue grad, his Big 10 roots run deep, so you know who his favorite driver is.....Graham Rahal. Go Buckeyes?
Larry's Grandson, Nick's Son, Harrison's Brother, Luke, Jeff, Tim, Parker, & Catie's Nephew, TJ, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, & Sophie's Cousin
As the gang found out after the fact, Carter attended his first race seven year's ago with a case of pneumonia and didn't really pay much attention to the race........since then he has been a big fan and looks forward to race weekend not only for the race, but to spend time with his family in Indiana (especially his Grandpa Larry). Carter will be cheering for Scott Dixon, however, he will tell you his favorite race memory was Alexander Rossi crossing the finish line out of gas in the 100th running of the 500.
Honorary Member - Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Co-Owner
Why not? Dave was born and raised in Indianapolis only 12 miles north of the Speedway. As a young boy he collected cars and was a big fan of the Indy 500. He attended many races throughout his youth and college days at Ball State University. If fact, he was a pit reporter at the 1971 race for ABC and conducted a rather infamous interview with Mario. As a late night TV host, he would often have the Indy 500 winner on his show promoting his hometown. In 1996 he purchased a small share of Team Rahal and in 2004 the team changed it's name to Rahal Letterman Racing....the same year they would win the Indy 500 with Buddy Rice driving.
Hats off to Dave - Native Hoosier, Ball State Alum (like Larry), Late Night TV Host, Race Team Owner, and BIG Indy fan. No need to ask who Dave will be cheering for on race day.
Larry's Great Grandson, Nate & Mandy’s Son, Jeff, Catie, Mike, and Karla’s Grandson, Mitch, Claire, Cam, and Austin’s Nephew, Tommy’s Cousin, Tim, Parker, Lauren, Nick, & Martin's 2nd Nephew?, TJ, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's 2nd Cousin, Blake and Knox’s Big Brother
This will be Brooks’ second Indy 500. He was born 4 days after the 2019 race and of course, no one could attend that year’s race. He has been to several Indy Road course races and Road America three times, the first time when he was 3 weeks old. His favorite driver is Romain Grosjean and he is having a great time camping and tending bar at Victory Lane Bar and Grill during the month of May.
Karla's Husband, Nate & Austin's Dad, Mandy's Father-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, and Knox’s Grandpa, Jeff & Catie's In-Laws, Eric's Friend
He's got the power. Mike attended his first Indy 500 in the mid-nineties. His next raceday trip was in 2014 and included camping in the infamous Coke Lot. He has now been to five Indy 500's and now attends Grand Prix and Qualifying weekends as well. Last summer also included a trip to the Indycar race at Road America in June. If you don't see Mike in the stands, you can find him in the Crown Royal Tent pulling for Will Power or at the Victory Lane Bar & Grill.
Mike's Wife, Nate & Austin's Mom, Mandy's Mother-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, and Knox’s Grandma, Jeff & Catie's In-Laws
Much like Mike, Karla attended her first Indy 500 in the mid-nineties. After that race, it would be twenty years until her next one...the 100th in 2016. Since then, she has been hooked. Karla has now been to four Indy 500’s and spends all three Indy weekends camping with the gang. She enjoys watching the races on TV and attends Road America every summer in June. When you see Karla, she'll be rooting for James Hinchcliffe.
Martin's Son, Lauren, Jeff, & Catie's Nephew, Mandy, Mitch, $ Cam's Cousin
Christian started his Indy career right by making the 100th Indianapolis 500 his first. 2019 was Christian's fourth race. He enjoys all of the weekend activities, especially spending time with his Dad and walking through Gasoline Alley on Saturday before the race. Christian especially likes to hang around the garage of his favorite driver Will Power.
Nick's Brother, Carter & Harrison's Uncle
This will be Luke's 8th time to make the annual trip from Texas to spend Memorial Day weekend in Indianapolis at the race. He enjoys spending race day with 300,000 of his closest friends and just really looks forward to spectacle that goes with the Indy 500. Luke cheers for his favorite driver Tony Kanaan (GO TK!!) and was thrilled when he won the race in 2013. However, his favorite memory of the Indy 500 is when TK's buddy Helio climbed the fence after his 3rd victory in 2009.
Larry's Grandson, Tim's Son, TJ & Sophie's Brother, Nick, Jeff, Parker, & Catie's Nephew, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin
Sam has been going to the Indy 500 off and on for a number of years. Best we can tell, this will be his 8th race. Sam recently received his driver’s license and now that he can officially drive a car, he really wants to jump in an IndyCar and take it for a spin……his Dad thinks it’s a good thing he isn’t having any luck finding sponsorship. Sam enjoys camping prior to the race and especially likes the “Legends Day” concerts. His favorite driver is Alex Tagliani, so Sam hasn’t had anyone to cheer for recently. Sam is hoping Alex can come back and drive just for him!
Mitch's Wife, Tommy’s Mom, Matt & Barb's Daughter, Jeff & Catie's Daughter-in-Law, Mandy's Big Sister?, Cam & Nate's Sister-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, and Knox’s Aunt
Claire's first Indy 500 experience came in 2017 camping all weekend with the gang for the 101st running. She made the most of Legends day with a walk to Downtown Speedway and Daredevil Brewery, followed by the Kieth Urban Concert. Her favorite memory of the weekend was woke up by Mitch when the bombs went off at 6 am. She really liked the quiet of the early dawn, packing their beer coolers and walking into the track to see all of the pre-race activities......and she was blown away by how fast the cars were when they came by on the first green flag lap. Claire doesn't have a favorite driver yet, but she says she likes to root for the ladies.......so you know who that will be.
Larry's Great Grandson, Nate & Mandy’s Son, Jeff, Catie, Mike, and Karla’s Grandson, Mitch, Claire, Cam, and Austin’s Nephew, Tommy’s Cousin, Tim, Parker, Lauren, Nick, & Martin's 2nd Nephew?, TJ, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's 2nd Cousin, Brook’s and Blake’s Little Brother
This will be Knox’s first Indy 500. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s looking forward to his first Month of May. He doesn’t have a favorite yet, but he likes it when the cars go Vrooom, Vrooom.
Larry's Grandson, Tim's Son, Sam & Sophie's Brother, Nick, Jeff, Parker, & Catie's Nephew, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin
With Tim for a Dad, it goes without saying that T.J. has attended his fair share of events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We don’t have an exact count, but we’re fairly certain he has made it to 10 Indy 500s. Since graduating form Western Michigan, T.J. has gotten hitched and lived in several locations across the US, so he hasn’t been to a race in a number of years. We’re hoping he can join us soon………would that be OK Lizzie?
Jeff, Tim, & Parker's Step Sister, Jerry's Step-Daughter
Cathy is a Central Indiana native, but moved south many years ago to enjoy warmer weather. She is an avid traveler spending many weeks during the year visiting exotic locations. However, Cathy always plans a trip back to Indianapolis every Memorial Day Weekend so that she can attend the Indy 500 with Jerry and loves to come by the Post-Race Tailgate Party to catch up with everyone.
Martin, Jeff & Catie's Sister-in-Law, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, & Christian's Aunt
Lauren grew up in the Midwest and became a race fan watching her dad race cars every summer. The Indy 500 was always on her Bucket List and she was finally able to cross it off her list when she attended the 100th running of the Indy 500. We're hoping Lauren can make it back to the race soon.
Larry's Friend, Cathy's Step-Dad
Jerry has been a friend of Larry's for a long time. They were both in education for most of their careers and crossed paths quite often. He has been attending the race since the sixties, but we have no idea how many times he has actually been to the Indy 500.........kinda a common theme with the older members of the gang. Recently, he has been attending the race with his daughter Cathy and they make it a habit to stop by the campsite after the race for the Annual Post-Race Tailgate Party......sponsored and supplied by "Chef Martin's Old World Butcher Shop Sausage". Look for it at your favorite retailer today.
Hall Family Friend, Tyler’s Dad
Kevin grew up in Ft Wayne, IN and has attended many Indy 500’s throughout the years. Most recently, Kevin and Tyler started traveling to Indy the weekend of the race and meet the gang for all of the pre-race activities.
Hall Family Friend, Kevin’s Son
Tyler has been coming to the race since 2010. He enjoys going to the race and is really looking forward to this year’s race after missing the past few times. Welcome back to the Gang!
Claire and Mitch’s Friend, Hall and Maddox Family Friends
Marie’s first Indy 500 experience was last year and she had no idea what to expect…..the good news is, after a weekend of camping, go-karting, surviving a storm, and attending the race weekend festivities, she will be back. The highlight of Marie’s race was getting Mario’s autograph. Her favorite driver is Dario…….so she’ll have to find someone new to root for. Marie is looking forward to spending her second Memorial Day Weekend at Indy hanging out with the gang!
Larry's Grandson, Nick's Son, Carter's Brother, Luke, Jeff, Tim, Parker, & Catie's Nephew, TJ, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, & Sophie's Cousin
Harrison likes to watch the IndyCar races on TV and cheer for Ryan Hunter-Ray….after his first trip to the Indy 500 last year at the ripe old age of 4, he will be back for his second race. Harrison still holds the distinction of being the youngest gang member ever to attend the Indy 500. Here's to many more!!
Larry's Son, Jeff & Tim's Brother, Cathy's Step Brother, Catie & Nick's Brother-in-Law, TJ, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, Sophie, Carter, & Harrison's Uncle
Parker attended the Indy 500 for many years going for the first time when he was seven years old. Prior to his first race was in 1975, he would go to practice and qualifying with his family. He made it to 20 or so races before moving to sunny Southern California. Parker now calls Long Beach his home and attends the Toyota Grand Prix every year.
Mike & Karla's Son, Nate's Brother, Mandy's Brother-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, and Knox’s Uncle
Austin has been to two Indy 500's with the last being the 100th running. He recently moved to sunny southern California and now calls the Long Beach Grand Prix his hometown race. we're hoping Austin is able to make it back one of these years to the Greatest Spectacle in racing.
Mike's Fraternity Brother, Hall Family Friend
Eric is the guy in the red hat. He currently lives in Speedway, IN and of course, from living so close to the race track, has become a big fan of all events that take place at the Speedway.....especially during the Month of May. His first race was in 1981 and he has attended 24 races (more or less?) through the years. Eric's favorite driver is James Hinchcliffe and the 500 memory he is most fond of is taking his oldest son to the race when he was 9 years old and Eric had to wake him up to see the last 5 laps of the race, which was won by Little Al. Eric usually rides his bike over to Lot 2 race weekend and hangs out with the gang. If you don't see Eric high in the 3rd turn stands during the race, he'll be at home listening and watching in his man cave.
Barb's Husband, Claire's Dad, Mitch's Father-in-Law, Jeff & Catie's In-Laws
This will be Matt’s second Indy 500. He has always been a “Car Guy” and is looking forward to seeing the technology and speed of the cars. We’re sure he won’t be disappointed and will be back for years to come.
Matt's Wife, Claire's Mom, Mitch's Mother-in-Law, Jeff & Catie's In-Laws
This will also be Barb’s second Indy 500. We are hoping she has a good time and will be back for many more.
Catie’s Dad, Jeff, Martin, & Lauren’s Father-in-Law, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, & Christian's Grandpa
Ken has been to 3 Indy 500’s. Although he enjoys the race, he is not much of a camper……….and would probably rather be playing golf. Nothing wrong with that!
Honorary Member, Hall and Pedue Family Friend
Barry is the ultimate “Gang” member. He is the original Energizer Bunny…….he just keeps going and going, even when he should have stopped, well before losing his credit card. The Purdue Band started playing on race day in 1927 and we’re guessing Barry was the first person to ask them for autographs…..90 years later. No one can sing “Back Home Again In Indiana” like Jim Neighbors, but Barry is a close second. Look for him performing with his band “Three Cities” in the “Coke lot” this May.