Yes, the Indy 500 Fan of the Day program is back and we’re ready to find the best fans Indianapolis Motor Speedway has to offer! This year, Cholula Hot Sauce became a sponsor of Fan of the Day and will award prizes to the lucky fan chosen each day.
We’ve seen how fun, crazy, and excited you fans can be and we’re asking you to bring all those qualities to the Speedway for the rest of May. Winners will receive a 4-pack of sauces, a t-shirt, and a 2ft. tall trophy bottle of Cholula Hot Sauce. Their picture will also be featured on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website and Cholula’s Facebook page. Love hot sauce? Head on over to their Facebook page and let them know you caught the Fan of the Day!
The rain decided not to give up yesterday, but that didn’t stop the true fans from spending their day at the track. I knew without a doubt the Fan of the Day would be a great one. If he was out here dealing with the rain it was without question that he was here for all the right reasons. I spotted Gary beneath his Indianapolis Motor Speedway umbrella repping Here Come the Mummies on his t-shirt. He was all smiles despite the horrible weather. I knew I had found the Fan of the Day.
How many times have you attended the Indy 500?
Gary has been to the Indy 500 race about 35 times. His very first Indy 500 was when he was only two years old. Gary chuckled as he told me that his father snuck him in under a blanket through the Georgetown Road entrance.
Which 100th anniversary event are you most looking forward to?
Gary is looking forward to spending time with his grandson at the Speedway. He plans to be here three different days and is excited to introduce the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to his grandson.
What makes the 100th anniversary special to you?
Looking back on all the great times had in Turn 1 with his father and the fact that he was able to attend the 50th anniversary as well as the 100th anniversary makes this year’s Indy 500 very special to Gary.
Which current driver would you like to see win the Indy 500 this year?
Danica Patrick. “It’s good for the sport,” said Gary.
If you could choose any driver from the past to win this year’s Indy 500 who would it be?
A.J. Foyt would be Gary’s pick. Gary’s father has been said to resemble A.J. and was actually asked for autographs when he would visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May. Gary explained that people would get so mad when he wouldn’t stop to sign an autograph for them.
Favorite racing memory?
“annnnnd he’s on it!” said by Tom Carnegie as Buddy Rice began qualifications in 2004.
In your opinion, which food is best with Cholula Hot Sauce?
Gary said he loves putting Cholula Hot Sauce in chili. “Well, what we Indiana people call chili”, he explained.
That’s my brother! I wish I could post a picture of Gary, myself and sister Lori from the 1963 Indy 500. Priceless! We love the Indy 500! He’s definitely a great fan.
congratulations Gary !!!
That’s my dad! I remember being part of the family tradition and going to the old coke plant to camp the night before and attending several races with my dad. Now its my kids turn. All of the West family are true Indy fan’s you hit the mark on a true FAN.
Gary is my nephew. Not only is his father, Jim, an A.J. Foyt fan, but so is his 90 year old grandmother, Dorothy West! Congrats Gary!! A well deserving race fan!! Love ya!!