As I painted my tribute to this amazing race, I was moved by the imprint of time on this event. Two
years earlier, I memorialized the 100th Anniversary of this storied track with my image entitled
Indy® Excitement, 100 Years of Racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway®. In that tribute, I
painted the perspective from the multitudes of fans watching as their favorite drivers sped through
the oval. I honored the history of the event with time-sequenced cars being serviced in the pits,
from oldest to most current. Yet, in this image, I wondered at the thrill of viewing the race at track
level where each of these amazing warriors would engage in the challenge of winning this epic
race. I paid tribute to a century of competitors with yesteryears car racing against today’s elegant
machines. Along the track, the smoke and dust reminiscent of 100 years of racing billows as
cars round the oval towards the renowned-checkered flag. Adjacent to the track, fans spanning
generations and attired in appropriate garb, gather collectively willing their champions to victory
all the while feeling the sonic impact of each lap and wincing at the roar of passing cars. In the
horizon, sunlight gently adorns the clouds as sun approvingly sets on this year’s coronation of
Indy’s latest champion…what a legacy is this greatest of races. Kudos, Indy for 100 years of thrills
slowly and annually acquiescing to the storied checkered flag!

-Thomas Kinkade