Indianapolis, IN (May 26, 2011) – For those that attended the 2011 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame & Old timers Dinner Thursday evening if was a memorable event. 1966 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Sir Jackie Stewart and legendary chief mechanic and race strategist Jim McGee were the 2011 inductees into the Auto Racing Hall
of Fame.
The induction ceremony which took place at the elegant Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, show attendance nearly doubled as many are in town
for the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500.
“It’s a great honor to welcome Jackie Stewart and Jim McGee into the Hall of Fame,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer stated earlier in the month. “Their skills and achievements are a significant part of the history of IMS and, in particular, the Indianapolis 500. They’re both very deserving of motor racing’s highest honor on this 100th
anniversary year for the ‘500.’”
Stewart, from Scotland, only made two Indianapolis 500 starts, in 1966 and 1967, but came within a few laps of finishing first and second. Three-time Formula One World Champion Stewart stayed connected to “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” by serving as a commentator during ABC’s television coverage for 13 years between 1971-84. Also, Stewart has been a tireless advocate for racing safety during and after his driving career. He was knighted for his numerous accomplishments by
Queen Elizabeth II in 2001.
McGee has contributed to more than 90 major open-wheel victories in the U.S. during his illustrious career, including four Indianapolis
500s.
He entered the sport in 1960 as a prot
Steve Zautke, a Milwaukee, WI native, was raised in the sport of auto racing. His father, Bill, was a movie photographer that shot racing footage at tracks such as the Milwaukee Mile and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the 1960’s and 1970’s Steve’s first professional job in racing was as an Emergency Medical Technician at tracks such as Angell Park and Hales Corners Speedway (1988-1991). Steve has also worked for the Milwaukee Mile as videographer, in media relations and historian (1993-2011). Steve also has worked as a reporter for Racing Information Systems (RIS) and has written features for ‘Vintage Oval Racing’ and ‘Victory Lane’ magazines. Most recently, Steve has written a book on Road America for Arcadia Publishing. ( http://www.amazon.com/Road-America-Nascar-Library-Collection/dp/1467111457 ) Steve co-hosts “Sparky’s Final Inspection” a motorsports-based radio show with hosts, Steve “Sparky” Fifer and “NASCAR Girl” Summer Santana on Sports Radio 1250AM in Milwaukee and is also available on the internet at www.Sportradio1250.com. A member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Induction Committee, Steve follows all types of racing from the dirt tracks to Formula One.
Around The BendIndyCar SeriesSteve Zautke