Drivers participating in the 97th Indianapolis 500 Mile Race received final instructions and awards May 25 in the Public Drivers Meeting, the final activity at the track before the race May 26.

Three-time winner Dario Franchitti and his team owner Chip Ganassi of Target Chip Ganassi Racing each accepted a “Baby Borg” trophy from James Verrier, president and CEO of BorgWarner, for being the winning driver and car owner at the 96th Indianapolis 500.

Verrier also presented a “Baby Borg” to Parnelli Jones in honor of the 50th anniversary of his Indianapolis 500 win.

The Baby Borg is a miniature replica of the famed Borg-Warner Trophy, which bears the bas-relief likeness, name and average speed of every Indianapolis 500 winner. Franchitti and Ganassi received winning driver and car owner’s ring from Al Speyer, executive director of Firestone Racing.

Deb Osza, general manager of Milk Promotion Services of Indiana, presented a plaque with an American Dairy Association milk bottle to Franchitti for his victory last year.

Jim Harbaugh, who will drive the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pace Car, was given a ring by Herff Jones and Chevrolet. Ken Keltner of Herff Jones, presented special rings to all 33 drivers.

Speyer, who is retiring from his position following the race, was presented with the Andy Granatelli Unsung Hero Award.

Beaux Barfield, IZOD IndyCar Series race director, concluded the meeting by discussing race rules and guidelines with the drivers. Novo Nordisk Chip Ganassi Racing driver Charlie Kimball missed the meeting because of an undisclosed illness unrelated to his type 1 diabetes. He's expected to compete in the race.

500 fan Sarah Palin gets thrill in pace car

Former candidate for Vice President and former Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, and her husband, Todd, will be among the race fans attending the race.

“We are motor heads. We’re big fans,” Palin said. “Our daughter’s (Piper’s) middle name is Indy and we love this event. I have only watched it on TV all of these years so finally getting to be here in person is a thrill for us.

“I think this place is amazing and tomorrow it will be spectacular when the stands are full. I look forward to seeing that. There is just so much electricity here. There is great energy. This is historic and iconic and we’re thrilled to be here.”

Palin got a pace car ride around the 2.5-mile oval from Jones.

“Parnelli is one of our heroes. We admire him. We love him," Palin said. "So it was a thrill to get to ride with him and to do something that is a bucket list type activity with him When I got out I asked Todd, ‘Can I drive this? That would be fun.’ ”

Hulman-George family honored with Russo Award

The Hulman-George and France families, two of the most influential families in American motorsports, were honored by the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association with the Bob Russo Founders Award for their dedication to auto racing.

The award was presented during the AARWBA breakfast meeting at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course on the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Jones reunites with Calhoun

Jones drove his 1963 Indy 500-winning car, nicknamed Calhoun, around the track.

“It’s like putting an old glove on,” Jones said. “The car is fabulous to be in as good as shape as it is after 50 years. I actually drove this car last year, but obviously it has been 50 years since I raced it. You get back in there and it brings back so many memories. I’m driving around the track and I’m thinking, ‘This is just exactly how it felt then.' ” 

Of note

Joe Barbieri, recently retired motorsports manager for Firestone Racing, was presented the Lone Star Johnny Rutherford Award during the IndyCar Ministry breakfast presented by Companies With A Mission. The award recognizes and IndyCar participant who best exemplifies outstanding character, integrity and leadership in the home, at the track and in the community. ... Suja Juice will be a sponsor of the No. 20 car driven by Ed Carpenter for the remainder of the season. Suja Juice is a cold pressed, 100 percent organic juice brand.