Fans Can Hear, Salute Indy Legends Saturday, April 2
Selected legends will participate in a question-and-answer session with fans at 3 p.m. (local time) on the Fan Midway Stage at PIR, with all legends introduced at 5 p.m. on the Driver Introductions Stage shortly before Verizon IndyCar Series drivers are introduced.
The lineup (subject to change):
Legends Q&A (3 p.m., Fan Midway Stage): Billy Boat, Derek Daly, Lyn St. James, Dick Simon
Legends Introductions (5 p.m., Driver Intros Stage): Mario Andretti, Michael Andretti, Billy Boat, Derek Daly, Bryan Herta, Arie Luyendyk, Max Papis, Roger Penske, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby Rahal, Lyn St. James, Sam Schmidt, Dick Simon, Tom Sneva
IndyCar made its PIR debut when the track opened in 1964, with Foyt taking the first of his four victories in the Valley of the Sun. The stars of the Indianapolis 500 competed in 61 races at PIR between 1964 and 2005 as the track was one of the most popular stops on the open-wheel circuit for competitors and fans.
“PIR has such a deep connection with many eras of IndyCar racing," PIR President Bryan Sperber said. “Our loyal fans watched A.J. Foyt win here in a roadster in 1964, and everyone can’t wait to see which of today’s stars will take the checkered flag Saturday night under the lights. We’re happy to provide the fans with this chance to hear from and applaud so many of the legends who have provided six decades of open-wheel excitement at PIR."
An important link between that heritage and the current IndyCar stars was made Wednesday, March 30 when PIR and IndyCar officials and Foyt unveiled the A.J. Foyt Trophy, which will be presented Saturday night to the winner of the Desert Diamond West Valley Phoenix Grand Prix.