Meet the Gang!
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Head Honcho, Jeff, Tim & Allison's Dad, Catie, Mary & Nick's Father-in-Law, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, Sophie, Carter, & Harrison's Grandpa, Brooks, Blake, Knox, Ava, Cooper and Tommy’s Great Grandpa
Larry is the one and only leader of the gang. He attended his first race in 1947 and has been every year since 1956. He passed his love of auto racing on to his family and many have been going to not only the Indy 500 but other races across the country for many years. Larry is a fixture around the Speedway during May spending pretty much everyday at the track wandering around the garage area or watching the on-track activities. He has been “Fan of the Day” several times and was pictured as one of the Indy Star’s “100 Faces of the 500” in 2016 for the 100th running. He was also featured on Marty & McGee in 2022 when they filmed their SEC Network show from the Gang’s campsite. If you see Larry this May, stop and say “Hi”. He has lots of interesting stories to tell, including undergoing quadruple bypass surgery at 86 in 2024. Way to go Larry!
Larry's Son, Jeff & Allison’s Brother, Mary’s Husband, Catie & Nick's Brother-in-Law, Sam, & Sophie's Dad, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Carter, & Harrison's Uncle
Tim has been attending the race since 1975. In fact, he has been every year since. He has sat in almost every part of the track through the years, including the original “Snake Pit” of which he will never forget the things he observed as an 11 year old boy. Tim has too many great 500 memories to list, but the one that sticks out in his mind is the 1982 race (prior to video boards) sitting in Turn 3 when Gordon Johncock had passed Rick Mears for the lead on the last lap…..the crowd was silent as they listened to Tom Carnegie’s call of the finish. He is and always has been a huge racing fan, travelling across the country to view all different forms of racing and venues. Tim has attended at least one of every event held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and is an avid collector of memorabilia spending many hours in the Speedway Photo Shop looking for hidden gems. If you have an old fire suit or racing helmet for sale, this may be your guy.
Larry's Son, Catie's Husband, Mandy, Mitch, & Cam's Dad, Brooks, Blake, Knox, Cooper, Ava & Tommy’s Grandpa, Tim & Allison Brother, Nick, Mary & Martin's Brother-in-Law, Nate & Claire's Father-in-Law, Sam, Sophie, Carter, Harrison & Christian's Uncle, Mike & Karla & Matt & Barb's In-Laws
Jeff also made it to his first race in 1975. He’s been a racing fan for as long as he can remember and spent many years traveling across the country to watch various forms of racing. As a native of Central Indiana he grew up an IndyCar fan and is excited that the Series and the Indy 500 have been rejuvenated and are once again the most exciting form of auto racing in the world……bar none. Jeff attends several other races on the schedule each year, including but not limited to, Road America, Mid Ohio & Milwaukee.
Larry's Daughter-in-Law, Jeff's Wife, Mandy, Mitch, & Cam's Mom, Brooks, Blake, Knox, Cooper, Ava and Tommy’s Grandma, Tim, AlliNon, Mary, Nick & Martin's Sister-in-Law, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, and Harrison's Aunt, Nate & Claire's Mother-in-Law, Mike & Karla & Matt & Barb's In-Laws
As a young girl growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Catie wasn't much a racing fan. She mostly rooted for the Cubs and Da Bears. Catie will tell you she is a race fan by marriage and attended her first race in 1985......the infamous spin and win. She attended a race or two after that and then went on a 29 year hiatus before coming back to Indy and attending the Inaugural Grand Prix. After that day, she realized it was kinda fun and if she wanted to spend any time with her family in May, being at Indy was the only way to do it. However, Road America has won her heart like many others & that’s her favorite race weekend.
Larry's Son-in-Law, Carter & Harrison's Dad, Luke's Brother, Allison’s Husband, Jeff, Tim, Mary & Catie's Brother-in-Law, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, & Sophie's Uncle
Nick started attending the Indy 500 in 2007 when he would travel from Texas. Since 2021, he’s moved back to Indiana & attends not only the 500, but the Grand Prix, qualifying & Road America as well. Nick enjoys the race build-up and traditions on Sunday morning with the highlight being when the field of 33 cars bunch up down the backstretch prior to taking the green flag. His favorite race memory was seeing the B2 Stealth Bomber perform the flyover prior to the 2011 race.
Larry's Grandson, Jeff & Catie's Son, Mandy & Mitch's Brother, Claire & Nate's Brother-in-Law, Lilly’s Boyfriend, Brooks, Blake, Knox, Cooper, Ava and Tommy’s Uncle, Tim, Mary, Allison, Nick, & Martin's Nephew, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin
Cam has been going to the track since he was a little pup. However, his first race didn't happen until 2007 when he rode the bus from Downtown out to Speedway. He loved the fact girls were handing out Red Bull while he was waiting for the bus.....and he didn't have to pay for it. Early on Cam was a huge Dan Weldon fan and was thrilled to see Dan win in 2011 on the last lap. His favorite driver now is Joseph Newgarden and he will be cheering hard for Joseph to get his 2nd 500 win. Cam also helped design the 2024 Larry’s Gang shirt back, thank you for your hard work!
Mandy's Husband, Brooks, Blake, Ava and Knox’s Dad, Mike & Karla's Son, Catie & Jeff's Son-in-Law, Cam, Mitch & Claire's Brother-in-Law, Tommy & Cooper’s Uncle
Nate’s first memory of the Indy 500 was in the mid-nineties as a kid, tuning in an old antenna tv on the back porch so that he and his family could watch the race on ABC. Nate's first Indy 500 race was in 2011 when he and a car full of Purdue buddies drove down race morning. They sat in the backstretch infield and couldn’t believe that JR Hildebrand didn’t win the race that day after going by them with such a big lead. The following year Nate organized a bigger group of friends and they camped in the Coke Lot and a Memorial Day Tradition was started. They continued their tradition until he met Mandy and they merged with the gang. Nate now spends every May weekend in Indianapolis. He has been to all Indycar road races at IMS (including the Harvest GP). Nate is an All-American Boy, so he cheers for Graham Rahal and Connor Daly. He loves camping every weekend in Lot 2. As a native Hoosier, Nate’s favorite tradition on race day is the singing of “Back Home Again In Indiana”. When the month of May is over, Nate's racing continues through the summer by attending other races. He loves Road America and sharing race weekends with his kids! Boiler Up!
Larry's Great Grandson, Mitch & Claire’s Son, Jeff, Catie, Matt, and Barb’s Grandson, Mandy, Nate, and Cam’s Nephew, Brooks, Blake, Ava and Knox’s Cousin, Tim, Mary, Allison, Nick, & Martin's 2nd Nephew, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's 2nd Cousin, Cooper’s big brother
Tommy attended is first Indy 500 in 2022. He made it to the GMR Grand Prix in 2021 and really likes watching the cars. He doesn’t have a favorite driver yet, but he enjoys camping and spending time with his dad.
Larry's Great Grandson, Nate & Mandy’s Son, Jeff, Catie, Mike, and Karla’s Grandson, Mitch, Claire & Cam’s Nephew, Tommy & Cooper’s Cousin, Tim, Mary, Allison, Nick, & Martin's 2nd Nephew, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's 2nd Cousin, Brook’s Little Brother, Knox & Ava’s Big Brother
Blake’s first Indy 500 was in 2020 on TV, he was born just a few days prior to the August race. He made it to the Harvest Grand Prix that year and has been to the 500 since 2021. He really enjoys bartending at the Victory Lane Bar and Grill and driving his “gator” at Road America. Blake isn’t sure about a driver now that the DHL car has changed hands, but he loves watching cars go fast and cheering for Lightning McQueen!
Honorary Member - President IMS
Doug is an Honorary member of the gang, held in the highest esteem. Although it takes a team effort, there needs to be a strong leader in charge to ensure things are done right, and Doug is that leader. He grew up around racing and readily admits everything in his life has been one way or another connected to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the 500. He attended Butler University, worked for the Indianapolis Mayor's Office, and co-founded Panther Racing prior to joining IMS in 2010. 2013 Doug was named President and has spearheaded many initiatives to revitalize the facility and reinvigorate the fan base as evidenced by the increased attendance and growing popularity of not only the 500, but Indycar in general. The gang is always amazed by his tireless efforts and ability to "clone" himself during the month of May.......he is everywhere and always has time for the fans. He also has a stellar suit collection. To see what a day in the life of Doug Boles is like during May, check out this link:
Larry's Granddaughter, Tim's Daughter, Mary’s Step Daughter, Sam's Sister, Nick, Jeff, Allison, & Catie's Niece, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin
Sophie has attended a handful of races through the years. She has been to the track for many practice and qualifying sessions and really enjoys all of the activity there is to see. Her favorite part of race day (aside from the race) is all of the pre-race pageantry and the traditions that lead-up to the command “Drivers Start Your Engines”. She really likes the exercise she gets race morning walking up ALL of the stairs to get to her top row seats at the exit of the 3rd Turn, watching all of the people coming into the track and the hi-jinks going on in the infield. One of her favorite memories is watching the race fans after stumble their way back to their cars after the race and wondering how they get anywhere that evening.
Christian's Dad, Lauren, Catie & Jeff's Brother-in-Law, Mandy, Mitch, & Cam's Uncle
Growing up in Austria, Chef Martin became a huge Formula 1 racing fan. In fact, his first Indianapolis Motor Speedway experience was attending the United States Grand Prix in 2004. Memorial Day weekend at Indy is even more special now that he shares the experience with his son Christian. He is also a regular at Road America. As you may guess, the Chef looks forward most to the Annual Post-Race Tailgate Party which is sponsored and supplied by "Chef Martin's Old World Butcher Shop Sausage". Look for it at a retailer near you!
Larry's Grandson, Claire's Husband, Tommy & Cooper’s Dad, Jeff & Catie’s Son, Mandy & Cam's Brother, Nate's Brother-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, Ava and Knox’s Uncle, Tim, Mary, Nick, Allison & Martin's Nephew, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin, Matt & Barb's Son-in-Law
Mitch has attended the Indy 500 since 2007. He has also been to several Indy Grand Prix's and Qualifying weekends. His favorite memory is when he showed up in the background of an ESPN Sportscenter story showing Mario giving a two-seater ride to then Colt's coach, Chuck Pagano. Mitch says the best part of race weekend is Sunday morning when the bombs go off to let everyone know the track is open......that's when you know it's race day. Rumors are he has an adverse reaction to dust, but the gang thinks that a cover-up. That doesn’t stop him from enjoying time at the track with his sons & showing them the ropes. Boiler up!
Larry's Granddaughter, Nate's Wife, Brooks, Blake, Knox & Ava’s Mom, Jeff & Catie’s Daughter, Mitch & Cam's Sister, Tommy & Cooper’s Aunt, Tim, Mary, Nick, Allison & Martin's Niece, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin, Mike & Karla's Daughter-in-Law, Claire's Sister-in-Law
Growing up, Mandy never showed much interest in racing, let alone the Indy 500. She reluctantly attended her first race in 2007 only because she was told "McDreamy" would be there and after that experience asked, "Why did you not make me come to this sooner?".....and so it began. Mandy has attended the race every year since (minus 2019 when her first child was due on raceday) and now plans her vacation time around the month of May which includes weekend camping for Grand Prix, Qualifying and of course the race. She also attends the Indy race at Road America every year. Her favorite driver is Rossi and enjoys raising her kids on racing!
Larry's Grandson, Nick & Allison's Son, Harrison's Brother, Luke, Jeff, Tim, Mary, & Catie's Nephew, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, & Sophie's Cousin
As the gang found out after the fact, Carter attended his first race in 2010 with a case of pneumonia and didn't really pay much attention to the race........since then he has been a big fan. He loves Scott Dixon, and has almost every hat & jersey ever sold along with a signature. Dixon has seen him for autographs so many times he’s asked if Carter ever washes his clothes. Since moving to Indiana from TX, Carter also attends Road America each summer.
Larry's Great Grandson, Nate & Mandy’s Son, Jeff, Catie, Mike, and Karla’s Grandson, Mitch, Claire & Cam’s Nephew, Tommy & Cooper’s Cousin, Tim, Mary, Nick, Allison & Martin's 2nd Nephew? Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's 2nd Cousin, Blake, Ava and Knox’s Big Brother
Brooks’s first 500 was on TV in 2020, but he’s been every year since. He’s been to several Indy Road course races, Road America (first time at 3 weeks old camping), mid Ohio and will attend Milwaukee Mile. His favorite driver is Romain Grosjean and he is having a great time camping and tending bar at Victory Lane Bar and Grill during the month of May. His art made the sleeve of the Gang shirts in 2024! Go Brooks!
Honorary Member - Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Co-Owner
Why not? Dave was born and raised in Indianapolis only 12 miles north of the Speedway. As a young boy he collected cars and was a big fan of the Indy 500. He attended many races throughout his youth and college days at Ball State University. If fact, he was a pit reporter at the 1971 race for ABC and conducted a rather infamous interview with Mario. As a late night TV host, he would often have the Indy 500 winner on his show promoting his hometown. In 1996 he purchased a small share of Team Rahal and in 2004 the team changed it's name to Rahal Letterman Racing....the same year they would win the Indy 500 with Buddy Rice driving.
Hats off to Dave - Native Hoosier, Ball State Alum (like Larry), Late Night TV Host, Race Team Owner, and BIG Indy fan. No need to ask who Dave will be cheering for on race day.
Karla's Husband, Nate’s Dad, Mandy's Father-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, Ava & Knox’s Grandpa, Jeff & Catie's In-Laws, Eric's Friend
He's got the power. Mike attended his first Indy 500 in the mid-nineties. His next raceday trip was in 2014 and included camping in the infamous Coke Lot. He has been every year since and now attends Grand Prix and Qualifying weekends as well. He’s also been attending RA and Mid Ohio & Nashville every now and then. Mike has gotten so into racing he made his own towable bar and grill. You can find it in Lot 2 under the cold beer sign & Larry’s gang flag so come check it out and see what home brew is on tap. Penske Parking Only for Big Mike.
Martin's Son, Jeff, & Catie's Nephew, Mandy, Mitch, & Cam's Cousin
Christian started his Indy career right by making the 100th Indianapolis 500 his first. He enjoys all of the weekend activities, especially spending time with his Dad and walking through Gasoline Alley on Saturday before the race. Christian especially likes to hang around the garage of his favorite driver Will Power.
Mike's Wife, Nate’s Mom, Mandy's Mother-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, Ava and Knox’s Grandma, Jeff & Catie's In-Laws
Much like Mike, Karla attended her first Indy 500 in the mid-nineties. After that race, it would be twenty years until her next one...the 100th in 2016. Since then, she has been hooked. Karla now spends all three Indy weekends camping with the gang. She enjoys watching the races on TV and attends Road America every summer in June.
Nick's Brother, Allison’s Brother-In-Law, Carter & Harrison's Uncle
Luke started attending the 500 in 2010 with his brother Nick. Up until 2021, he made the trip up from Texas. Now he’s living “Back Home Again in Indiana” and the drives are much shorter to get to the track. He enjoys spending race day with 300,000 of his closest friends and just really looks forward to the spectacle that goes with the Indy 500. Luke was thrilled when TK won in 2013 and is hoping he gets another shot at the 500. However, his favorite memory of the Indy 500 is when TK's buddy Helio climbed the fence after his 3rd victory in 2009.
Larry's Grandson, Tim's Son, Mary’s Step-son, Sophie's Brother, Nick, Allison, Jeff & Catie's Nephew, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Carter, & Harrison's Cousin
Sam enjoys camping prior to the race (although he hasn’t been for a while & needs to get back at it) and especially likes the “Legends Day” concerts. His favorite driver is Alex Tagliani, so Sam hasn’t had anyone to cheer for recently.
Larry’s Daughter, Tim & Jeff’s sister, Mary & Catie’s sister-in-law, Harrison & Carter’s Mom, Nick’s wife, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam & Sophie’s Aunt
Allison spent her childhood traveling to many races, her favorite being Michigan. From what we’ve been told, her favorite activity was waking up early to see the mooners. Allison hasn’t been attending the 500 lately, but since moving back to Indiana she has begun accompanying the gang to Road America.
Tim’s Wife, Sam & Sophie’s Step Mom, Allison, Jeff & Catie's Sister-in-Law
Mary’s first Indy 500 was in 2019. She has attended many Indy 500’s and other race weekends since. Mary tries to keep Tim in line at the race track so that’s a win for the Gang!
Mitch's Wife, Tommy & Cooper’s Mom, Matt & Barb's Daughter, Jeff & Catie's Daughter-in-Law, Mandy's Big Sister?, Cam & Nate's Sister-in-Law, Brooks, Blake, Ava and Knox’s Aunt
Claire's first Indy 500 experience came in 2017 camping all weekend with the gang for the 101st running. She made the most of Legends day with a walk to Downtown Speedway and Daredevil Brewery, followed by the Kieth Urban Concert. Her favorite memory of the weekend was woke up by Mitch when the bombs went off at 6 am. She really liked the quiet of the early dawn, packing their beer coolers and walking into the track to see all of the pre-race activities......and she was blown away by how fast the cars were when they came by on the first green flag lap. Claire doesn't have a favorite driver yet, but she says she likes to root for the ladies..
Larry's Great Grandson, Nate & Mandy’s Son, Jeff, Catie, Mike, and Karla’s Grandson, Mitch, Claire & Cam’s Nephew, Tommy & Cooper’s Cousin, Tim, Mary, Allison, Nick, & Martin's 2nd Nephew, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's 2nd Cousin, Brooks and Blake’s Little Brother & Ava’s big brother
Knox has been attending the 500 since 2022. He now loves the month of May on Victory Lane Bar & Grill, riding around RA and seeing any other racing he can. He thinks his favorite driver is Romain Grosjean, but his new car is a little confusing for this young race fan!
Larry’s Great Granddaughter, Mandy & Nate’s Daughter, Jeff, Catie, Mike & Karla’s granddaughter, Cam, Mitch & Claire’s Niece, Tommy & Cooper’s cousin, Brooks, Blake & Knox’s little sister
Ava’s first 500 will be in 2024. She’s heard a lot of cars from the womb, and lots of talk about upcoming race seasons. Now she will learn to love being there!
Honorary Members
Marty & McGee joined the gang in 2022 when they stopped by the campsite to film their radio show and do a short segment on Sports Center. Looking forward to seeing them again soon. The full interview is here: https://vimeo.com/714767721/83b3f3b6a0
Cam’s Girlfriend, Larry’s Gang Shirt Back Artist 2023, 2024
Lilly attended her first Indy 500 in 2021. She missed the 2022 race, but made it to the campsite. She loves the atmosphere and wearing t-shirts with the gang so much that she invited her dad to come along starting in 2023. Lilly is responsible for the shirt back artwork for 2023 &2024 with more to come! Thanks Lilly!
Larry's Great Grandson, Mitch & Claire’s Son, Jeff, Catie, Matt, and Barb’s Grandson, Mandy, Nate, and Cam’s Nephew, Brooks, Blake, Ava and Knox’s Cousin, Tim, Mary, Allison Nick, & Martin's 2nd Nephew, Sam, Sophie, Christian, Carter, & Harrison's 2nd Cousin, Tommy’s little brother
2024 will be Cooper’s first Indy 500. He loves adventure and getting into trouble, so this will be the perfect place for him! Cooper’s been told about the fun time by his older brother & can’t wait for his first experience.
Larry's Grandson, Nick & Allison's Son, Carter's Brother, Luke, Jeff, Tim, Mary & Catie's Nephew, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, & Sophie's Cousin
Harrison likes to watch the IndyCar races on TV and cheer for Scott Dixon. After his first trip to the Indy 500 last year at the ripe old age of 4, he has attended every year since. Since moving to Indiana, Harrison has started attending Road America weekend as well! He’s Brooks & Blake’s favorite race buddy.
Mike's Fraternity Brother, Hall Family Friend
Eric is the guy in the red hat. He currently lives in Speedway, IN and of course, from living so close to the race track, has become a big fan of all events that take place at the Speedway.....especially during the Month of May. His first race was in 1981 and he has attended almost every year since. Eric’s most fond 500 memory is taking his oldest son to the race when he was 9 years old and Eric had to wake him up to see the last 5 laps of the race, which was won by Little Al. Eric usually rides his bike over to Lot 2 race weekend and hangs out with the gang. If you don't see Eric high in the 3rd turn stands during the race, he'll be at home listening and watching in his man cave.
Honorary Members
In 2022, Helio, Simon & Mike Shank took a tour of the Mid Ohio campground. They took some time to stop at Victory Lane for a vodka refill (Simon’s wife) & of course, Busch Light (Mike Shank). We wish both of these drivers the very best & will be cheering for the Drive for 5!
Larry's Son, Jeff & Tim's Brother, Cathy's Step Brother, Catie & Nick's Brother-in-Law, TJ, Mandy, Mitch, Cam, Sam, Sophie, Carter, & Harrison's Uncle
Parker attended the Indy 500 for many years going for the first time when he was seven years old. Prior to his first race was in 1975, he would go to practice and qualifying with his family. He made it to 20 or so races before moving to sunny Southern California. Parker now calls Long Beach his home and attends the Toyota Grand Prix every year.
Barb's Husband, Claire's Dad, Mitch's Father-in-Law, Jeff & Catie's In-Laws, Tommy & Cooper’s Grandpa
Matt’s been attending race weekend since 2017. He has always been a “Car Guy” and is looking forward to seeing the technology and speed of the cars. He loves to ride his motorcycle down for the weekend and spend time with the gang.
Matt's Wife, Claire's Mom, Mitch's Mother-in-Law, Jeff & Catie's In-Laws, Tommy & Cooper’s Grandma
Barb has been attending Indy 500 weekend since 2017. I’m sure her favorite memory is the giant storm that same year that knocked her into her tent and her then future son in law had to save her. Luckily that didn’t scare her away and she’s been almost every year since.
Lilly’s Dad
Wes attended his first 500 in 2023. He was excited to join the gang and experience the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Wes enjoyed hanging in the grass watching the cars zoom by and people watching so much, he will be back again and again!
Honorary Member, Hall and Pedue Family Friend
Barry is the ultimate “Gang” member. He is the original Energizer Bunny…….he just keeps going and going, even when he should have stopped, well before losing his credit card. The Purdue Band started playing on race day in 1927 and we’re guessing Barry was the first person to ask them for autographs…..90 years later. No one can sing “Back Home Again In Indiana” like Jim Neighbors or Jim Cornelison, but Barry is a close second. He’s taking a hiatus from the 500 this year to attend Summer Camp.