Let’s celebrate!
According to Wikipedia, a milestone is one of a series of numbered markers placed along a road or boundary at regular intervals. Milestones are constructed to reassure travelers that the proper path is being followed.

This past weekend, a couple events celebrating some significant local milestones took place here in the Racing Capital of the World, Indianapolis.

Known to many as the Circle City, Indianapolis is home to many race teams from many different competition disciplines.

The epicenter of this local racing industry is the Town of Speedway, home of the Racing Capital of the World, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Founded in 1909 by several local businessmen including James Asbury Allison, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway launched its three-year Centennial Era celebration Friday, Feb. 27 with a spectacular Gala event at the Indiana Convention Center.

A Who’s Who list of champion Indianapolis Motor Speedway drivers attended the Centennial Era Gala, as 19 or the 27 living Indianapolis 500 winners and an Allstate 400 at the Brickyard winner were honored guests. Check out news, notes and quotes from the legends at www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com.

Earlier last week, the return of an iconic American sports car to the Brickyard was announced. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announced Feb. 26 it has selected the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro to pace the 93^rd running of the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24, 2009.

The Camaro Pace Car was unveiled during a ceremony at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum with IMS President and Chief Operating Officer Joie Chitwood and Indianapolis 500 winners Johnny Rutherford, Al Unser Jr. and Eddie Cheever Jr. Check out the IMS news release here: 2010 Camaro Pace Car

A little less-known icon in the world of racing is a young gentleman in a southern outlying suburb of Indianapolis. Owner and founder of 35 Motorsports, Reuben Frankenfield is a 20-year veteran of several North American motorcycle sprint and endurance racing series. Reuben holds several national championships and is regarded as one of the premier builders and tuners of two wheeled racing machines. 35 Motorsports

A Who’s Who of local motorcycle racers, friends and family attended our own Gala event to help Rueben celebrate his milestone of reaching his 40^th birthday. Intended as a surprise event, Reuben performed admirably expressing his surprise as several dozen of us bellowed out a hardy rendition of “Happy Birthday” at a local pub and eatery. I don’t think we could hold a candle to Wayne Newton’s performance at the IMS Centennial Era Gala the night before at the Indiana Convention Center, but we tried our best!

Well, that’s all the milestones I can think of this past week, so enjoy the links to each of their stories, and I look forward to seeing you all next week at www.redbullindianapolisgp.com

Greg