Fan favorite Jim Cornelison will return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2019, singing “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the 103rd Indianapolis 500 and performing at other events as part of the official countdown to the “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” scheduled for May 26.
The announcement from IMS said Cornelison also will perform Feb. 15 at the annual Indianapolis party commemorating 100 days out from the Indy 500, in addition to other events on the INDYCAR and Indy 500 promotional calendar.
“Jim has become a familiar, anticipated voice for Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series fans in just two years, so we’re thrilled he’s back with us on race day and joining in on the entire countdown to the Indy 500,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Everyone loves Jim and his passion for IMS and INDYCAR, and his stirring prerace performances are becoming a month of May highlight for everyone.”
Cornelison is known to sports fans as the powerful voice behind “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Chicago Blackhawks NHL home games. He also has captivated Indianapolis 500 fans and viewers for the last two years, generating widespread praise and social media applause since taking the “Back Home Again in Indiana” mantle in May 2017.
He became the first performer to sing “Back Home Again in Indiana” in consecutive years since the retirement of Jim Nabors in 2014. Nabors sang the tune 36 times during Indy 500 prerace ceremonies between 1972-2014.
“Performing at the Indianapolis 500 is one of the ultimate highlights and privileges of my career, as the electricity and magic of race day are incredible,” Cornelison said. “I’m so grateful for the warm welcome from Indy 500 and IndyCar Series fans around the world and am excited to sing at even more events.”
Cornelison is a 1992 graduate of the Master of Music program at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and has been the popular singer of the national anthem before all Blackhawks home games at United Center in Chicago since the 2008-09 season. He has also performed for every major Chicago professional sports team, at golf’s Ryder Cup in 2012, a pair of USA Rugby matches, on ESPN’s “College GameDay” and more.
Tickets for the 103rd Indianapolis 500 go on sale at 10 a.m. ET Monday at IMS.com and the IMS ticket office. Children 15 and under are admitted free to all 2019 racing events at IMS when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket-holder.
Team Penske restructures program leadership with Howell retiring
Team Penske announced organizational changes within the leadership structure of its INDYCAR and IMSA racing programs on Thursday, including the impending retirement of longtime team executive Clive Howell.
Veteran motorsports race engineer Ron Ruzewski, who most recently has served as technical director, has been promoted to managing director and will report directly to team president Tim Cindric. Ruzewski will oversee Team Penske’s INDYCAR program, along with the Acura Team Penske IMSA sports car operations. Ruzewski moves into the new role with Howell set to retire at the end of 2018 after 39 years of service with the organization.
Under Ruzewski, Kyle Moyer and Jon “Myron” Bouslog have both been promoted to general manager positions within the organization. Moyer will oversee Team Penske’s three full-time entries in the IndyCar Series for drivers Josef Newgarden, Simon Pagenaud and Will Power. Bouslog will lead the two full-time entries in the sports car program.
“It’s hard to imagine Team Penske without Clive Howell, as he has played such a key role in creating the culture that we refer to as the Penske Way,” said Cindric. “That said, one of our biggest strengths has been the depth we have throughout the organization. Ron, Kyle and Jon have nearly 50 years of collective experience with Team Penske. Their leadership will continue to bring continuity to our programs and we are confident in their ability to build on what has already been achieved.”
Ticket renewals available for 2019 Honda Indy Toronto
Ticket renewals are available now for the 2019 Honda Indy Toronto, the 11th race on next year’s IndyCar Series schedule. The exclusive window is open for those who purchased two-day grandstand seats for the 2018 event to renew or upgrade their location now through 9 p.m. ET Wednesday, Nov. 28. General public sales begin at 10 a.m. ET Monday, Dec. 3.
Ticket prices remain unchanged for the 2019 race weekend, set for July 12-14 on the 1.786-mile, 11-turn temporary street circuit at Exhibition Place. Complimentary enrollment in the Meridian Champions Club (retail value of $75) is included when renewing two-day grandstand seats. Children 12 and under receive free general admission throughout the weekend when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Ticket prices start at $85 for Bronze-level grandstand seating, $130 for Silver and $185 for Gold. For complete ticket pricing and festival information, visit hondaindy.com.