The Frankfort Community Public Library invites everyone to join them on Friday, May 4, to experience one of Indiana’s most famous tourist attractions – the Indianapolis Motor Speedway! IMS is known internationally as “The Greatest Race Course in the World” and hosting the largest single-day sporting event. The Friends of the Frankfort Library’s annual program and exhibit will showcase the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Canadian author, Christopher Hinchcliffe’s, Chasing Checkers inspired by his brother, IndyCar driver, James Hinchcliffe. Christopher will be holding a book signing beginning at 5 p.m. and an author talk later that evening at 6:30 p.m.
The exhibit will consist of photos from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Archives and racing memorabilia from Frankfort’s own, Dan Price. Also included in the photography exhibit will be photos from Alexandra Shaeffer, a photojournalism and marketing student at Ball State University. Photos will be available to purchase during the month of May. These will make wonderful gifts for the racing enthusiast’s home or office.
Motorsports teams from IUPUI and Clinton Prairie High School will be on hand to talk about their experiences at different levels of competition. In 2008, IUPUI was the first university in the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree in motorsports engineering. It is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the motorsports industry as well as automotive-related companies. IUPUI Motorsports has also found much success in competition throughout the country. At Clinton Prairie High School, their newly formed program includes securing sponsorships, turning wrenches, and racing. In May, 2017 they competed and won the evGrandPrix which is put on by Purdue University and the World Karting Association. Clinton Prairie Motorsports now holds the title as top high school electric go-karting team in Indiana. You will have a chance to look at both schools’ racing vehicles while they are on display at the Library on May 4.
Racing Expert, Andrew Borme will discuss his 20 years in motorsports. Andrew was the chief engineer for Helio Castroneves in two of his Indianapolis 500 wins. He has also worked with drivers, Tomas Enge, Scott Goodyear, Scott Sharp to name a few. In 2009, Andrew joined IUPUI’s faculty and is currently the Director of the Motorsports Engineering program. He has brought a wealth of knowledge to the program from working with major race teams all over the world.
Celebrate the racing month of May, by learning more about the history of the Speedway through photos, film, and memorabilia. You will see the century long transformation of this beautiful facility and landscape right before your eyes!
This event is generously produced in cooperation with the Clinton County Visitor and Tourism Commission – we support local hospitality.
Additional sponsors are Lafayette Bank & Trust/First Merchants Charitable Foundation, Encompass Credit Union, Industrial Federal Credit Union, Gangwer Powers Insurance Agency, Patrick’s Office Supply & Furniture, Skiles Electric.
The photography exhibit will be on display from May 4 through June 8.