Calling All Hippies and Seventies Car-Freaks
Written by George Katinger · April 25, 2007
“Psychedelic Seventies” is Theme of Special Indy 500 Exhibit
by Allan Brewer
allan@fastmachines.com
Every year the Indianapolis Motor Speedway comes up with a new wrinkle to add interest and, if you’re in the group they target with the idea, a chance to feel like a genuine Indy Insider.
Last year owners of previous Indianapolis 500 pace cars, including the track vehicles (pickup trucks, utility vehicles, etc.) that took their turn front and center at the Greatest Spectacle in Racing were feted with a special display along Hulman Boulevard and premium access to Gasoline Alley with a Bronze Badge.
This year, the Speedway wants all of you car buffs with “Psychedelic Seventies” vehicles to come aboard as their spotlighted group.
The Speedway issued this call for entries last week, creating a special opportunity for your maxed-out, hippie-loving Vanogan or your flame-strewn, street-slick Camaro SS to get the attention it has dutifully earned:
Car enthusiasts and Indy 500 fans will find plenty of interesting sights May 19th-20th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as the Psychedelic ’70s Car Show will take place at the track during qualifications for the 91st Indianapolis 500.
Passenger cars from the 1970s will be on display in the infield of the famed IMS oval, including on Hulman Boulevard.
Fans can vote for their favorite car, with the winner of the fan vote receiving prizes on Armed Forces Day/Bump Day, Sunday, May 20th. A special award, the Champion’s Choice Award, will be selected by 2004 Indianapolis 500 winner and avid hot rod enthusiast Buddy Rice.
Owners of a passenger car from that decade with an interesting or unique story are eligible to apply. Only 100 spots are available.
Applications are available at the Indianapolis 500 section of www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com and must be received by Friday, May 11th. There is an application fee of $90, which includes two Bronze Badge credentials and parking passes.
Psychedelic ’70s Car Show participants also can take one parade lap around the historic 2.5-mile oval on Armed Forces Day/Bump Day Qualifying on Sunday, May 20th. Car Show participants also can purchase a special, limited-quantity ticket package for the 91st Indianapolis 500.
2007 Indianapolis 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 91st Indianapolis 500, scheduled for Sunday, May 27th. Tickets can be purchased at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s Web site, www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com, by phone or at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Ticket Office. The IMS Ticket Office can be contacted at (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area or (317) 492-6700 locally. Ticket Office hours are 8 PM 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Parking and camping permits for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” also can be purchased online, by phone or at the Ticket Office.
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Sure do wish I had kept my 67 Chevy van. It was customized on the inside with a bed taking up the rear third with shag carpeting and crushed velour on the sides and headliner! The perfect ride to express the psychedelic seventies.
Stil have my ‘77 Cougar XR7, just wish it was in good enough condition to show. It’s in excellent condition for a N.E. car though. It would look great as a convertable!
You would think that a guy who makes his living reporting about cars would know or know how to find out that the Vanagon wasn’t built until 1980 and isn’t spelled “Vanogan”.