Indiana secretary of state and Indianapolis mayor declare Friday, Feb. 19, as ‘100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Countdown Day’

INDIANAPOLIS, Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 – The historic 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by PennGrade Motor Oil is 100 days away as of today, and the state of Indiana and city of Indianapolis is acknowledging that on the Statehouse floor.

Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson and Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett delivered remarks and read proclamations alongside Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles and Verizon IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves (a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner), Ed Carpenter (two-time “500” pole winner), Josef Newgarden and Matthew Brabham.

“We’re honored that our elected officials would take time from their busy schedules to acknowledge the 100-days-out milestone to our long-anticipated 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” Boles said. “We’ve had a wonderful relationship with the state and city for more than 100 years and days like this strengthen that.”

Secretary of State Lawson, Mayor Hogsett, Butler University mascot Butler Blue III and 500 Festival Chairman of the Board Patty Martin received commemorative bottles of milk at the end of the ceremony on the Statehouse floor.

This is a portion of the proclamation that Mayor Hogsett read:

WHEREAS: Since 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a defining piece of our city’s culture and heritage; and

WHEREAS: From its founding days, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has welcomed the world to the city of Indianapolis with open arms for an unrivaled celebration of speed and human achievement; and

WHEREAS: From generation to generation, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a showcase for the epic pursuit of progress and the iconic quest for glory; and

WHEREAS: In 2016, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and fans across the globe are preparing for the 100th Running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing; and

WHEREAS: Today marks 100 days until this once-in-a-generation 100th Running of the largest single-day sporting event on the planet.

Now, therefore, I, Joseph H. Hogsett, do hereby proclaim Friday, February 19, 2016 as:
100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race Countdown Day

The complete proclamation can be viewed here. The proclamation from Governor Mike Pence’s office can be viewed here.