Indianapolis Motor Speedway historian Donald Davidson will bring his popular traveling road show home to the Speedway Museum for a special question-and-answer session on November 8, 2017. “An Evening with Donald Davidson” will give fans an opportunity to ask questions and hear stories from the British-born Davidson, who is believed to be the only full-time staff historian for any racetrack in the world.
Perhaps best known as a member of the Speedway’s worldwide radio network continuously since 1965, Davidson has also hosted, since 1971, “The Talk of Gasoline Alley” on WFNI, Indianapolis (formerly WIBC). He was inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2013. On May 20, 2016, he was awarded the State of Indiana’s highest civilian award when named a Sagamore of the Wabash by then Governor Mike Pence.
“I look forward to that evening very much,” commented Davidson, “because I have always enjoyed spending time with racing enthusiasts and having the opportunity to share anecdotes about some of the fascinating characters with whom I have been blessed to spend time.”
“Donald Davidson is a true treasure,” said Betsy Smith, executive director of the nonprofit foundation that runs the facility. “He has thrilled fans for decades with his knowledge and stories that he has shared on The Talk of Gasoline Alley, in his popular IUPUI class that ran for 30 years, and each day here in the Museum. For several decades he has tirelessly crisscrossed the Midwest, sharing his love of motor racing history with fans as part of an extensive outreach program, and we are thrilled to bring this program home to the Museum for our members and guests.”
Tickets will be available at the door, but anyone wishing to attend can reserve their spot by e-mailing museumevents@brickyard.com. Admission for Museum members and one guest are $10 each, while non-members may purchase tickets for $20. Ticket prices include admission to the Museum.
The event will commence at 6 p.m. and run to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 8. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is just inside the Speedway’s Main gate at 4790 W. 16th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46222.
