Between 100 and 150 people gathered at the Frankfort Community Public Library Saturday afternoon to hear Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian Donald Davidson speak in the Skanta Theatre. He spent an hour and 45 minutes talking about various ‘500’ subjects and then remained for at least an hour to talk with those in attendance, sign memorabilia and listen to the experiences people have had over the years.
“There’s so many memories for them,” said Davidson. “Some of the people have gone (to the race) 30, 40, 50, 60 years and their parents went before them as well as their grandparents in a lot of cases. Some people said growing up that they couldn’t go, so they listened on the radio.”
Davidson has been the Speedway’s historian for over 50 years and those in attendance can immediately tell how much the native of England enjoys this type of meet-and-greet activity.
“I’m amazed at the knowledge and the caring they have,” said Davidson. “I’m passionate about the Indianapolis Speedway and its history. I have been for years. It just amazes me how many people share that. It’s so rewarding because I’ve got the interest regardless. But the fact that so many people come to a function like this and they just seem to hang on every word. Then, they want to tell me their stories. It’s just very, very rewarding.”
Davidson is believed to be the only full-time historian at a racetrack. It has been stated that this program is similar to his longtime radio show, “The Talk of Gasoline Alley” that broadcasts during the month of May. No two presentations are the same and he can really dive into the traditions of the Indianapolis 500 if the audience is willing to go on the ride with him which usually happens.
Davidson was inducted into the Richard M. Fairbanks Indiana Broadcasting Pioneers Hall of Fame in October of 2013. He is also a member of the Speedway’s Auto Racing Hall of Fame and is only one of three non-drivers to be inducted, which includes legendary track announcer, Tom Carnegie.
Davidson was asked how much longer will he continue to do this.
“As long as they want me, I suppose,” he said. “I never thought I’d be doing it this long. But, we’re still here.”
And, it doesn’t appear as though that will end anytime soon.