History. Tradition. Spectacle. They’re all key components of the Indianapolis 500, and the logo for the 90th running of the world’s greatest auto race in 2006 salutes the rich heritage of the event.
The 90th running of the Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 28, 2006, marks a milestone for one of the longest-running and most popular sporting events in the world. Ray Harroun won the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911, and the event has taken place on the historic 2.5-mile oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway every year except for 1917-18 and 1942-45, during America’s participation in world wars.
“History and tradition are vital components of what makes the Indianapolis 500 such a special sporting event,” said Joie Chitwood, Indianapolis Motor Speedway president and chief operating officer. “The logo for the 90th anniversary 500-Mile Race captures the rich heritage of this great race and the drivers who have become legends and earned a cherished spot on the Borg-Warner Trophy as a winner.”
The 2006 logo features a gold shield with the famous IMS Wing and Wheel sitting proudly on top. Superimposed over the shield is stylized type with a retro, nostalgic look.
Months of planning and design sketches went into deciding how the logo could best convey the significance of this particular Indianapolis 500. Mandy Walsh, a creative designer for the IMS Creative Services department, designed the logo.
“The 90th is a big milestone, so in keeping with the attitude and tradition of the race, I thought the logo should have a timeless, classic look, which the rich colors and the shield provides,” Walsh said. “We have had a lot of exciting, memorable races over the last 90 years, races that people continue to talk about, so I also wanted it to feel a bit nostalgic.”
Walsh has designed other event logos for the Speedway, but this was her first opportunity to design the coveted Indianapolis 500 logo.
“There’s definitely a lot of pride that goes into creating the Indy 500 logo, in particular, because this race is known and respected by fans worldwide,” Walsh said. “I knew the emblem would be seen by millions of people, including my own friends and family, so it was an honor to be asked to create it.”
A variety of collectibles and apparel featuring the 90th anniversary logo now is available at the Brickyard Authentics Online Store .indianapolismotorspeedway.com. Items include T-shirts, a cap, coffee mug, shot glass, magnet and more.
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2006 Indianapolis 500 tickets: The 90th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 28. Fans can purchase tickets, camping or parking through the IMS ticket office by calling (317) 492-6700 or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or online at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.
