[indyNASCARgirl]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...606090465/1052

IndyStar.com Sports Auto Racing
June 9, 2006

Voice of Indy 500 retires after 61 races
Tom Carnegie, who hasn't missed a 500 since 1946, steps
down as PA announcer at age 86

By Curt Cavin
curt.cavin@indystar.com
Tom Carnegie has decided to wave the checkered flag on
his legendary broadcasting career.



good run: Tom Carnegie, shown May 7 on opening day, said
he'll make cameos at the Speedway. - GREG GRIFFO / The
Star

The 86-year-old Indianapolis resident told Indianapolis
Motor Speedway CEO Tony George this week that he has
worked his final Indianapolis 500 as a public address
announcer.

Carnegie said he will make cameo appearances at the
Speedway in the future, but his days of working regular
shifts are over.

"I just feel it's time to finish on top," Carnegie said
Thursday. "I had a good year, I felt good on race day
and it's time to move on."

Carnegie, who contracted polio during high school, has
worked 61 consecutive 500s since being hired by George's
grandfather, the late Tony Hulman, in 1946.

The string of appearances is what the man with the
booming voice is most proud of.

"I've made them all," he said.

Carnegie and his wife, D.J., began considering his
retirement long ago, but he said they were sure the time
was right after this year's race, won by Sam Hornish Jr.

"It's good to get out while the flag is still flying,"
he said. "I just wasn't excited about having to get up
at 6 in the morning to be (at the Speedway) by 9.

"Those days are over for me."


The end of an era! When I hear "It's a new track record" it just won't be the same!