Recordings: 2007 Indianapolis 500

Sounds from the rain-soaked 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 won by Dario Franchitti on May 27, 2007. Forty-four clips comprising 1 hour and 30 minutes of sound, from early morning raindrops through the opening ceremonies, green flag racing, pit stops, the victory celebration and more.

All of the recordings were made from the Pit Road Terrace grandstands near the start/finish line (the sacrifices I make for this site!). Unfortunately, the sound quality is not as high as in years past, and I’m not sure why. The recordings seem to lack a certain “openness” and the dynamic range seems more compressed. But have no fear… I have invested in new equipment for 2008 and beyond.

Enjoy!

Want to download the sounds? Buy me a beer!

Singin’ in the Rain - 1:05
Singin’ in the Rain played on the PA as early morning rain showers threatened to delay the day’s activities.

Driver Introductions - 3:12
From row 6 forward, announced by Brent Musberger of ABC Sports.

Salute to the US Armed Forces - 6:00
Acknowledgement of members of the US military and speech by Major General Martin Umbarger.

Florence Henderson - God Bless America - 2:19

Peyton Manning - 1:55
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning climbs to the top of the flag stand and prepares to wave the green flag. The crowd cheers during a few of his practice attempts.

National Anthem - 2:17
Sung by members of the various branches of the US military, includes jet flyover.

Drivers to Your Cars - 0:14
Announced by Dave Calabro.

Invocation - 1:50
Delivered by Archbishop of Indianapolis Daniel Buechlein.

Taps - 1:10
Performed by Sgt. Byron Bartosh of the Indiana National Guard.

Back Home Again in Indiana - 1:35
Sung (kind of) by the fans in Jim Nabors’ absence. Music played by the Purdue University marching band.

Start Your Engines - 1:07
Mari Hulman George gives the command to fire the engines in preparation for the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500.

Parade Laps - Tom Carnegie - 5:12
Long-time announcer Tom Carnegie and Dave Calabro comment during the parade laps. The car of pole sitter Helio Castroneves is slow to fire, and the crowd cheers when he finally gets going.

Green Flag - First Laps - 3:50
Peyton Manning waves the green flag and the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 is underway. Tony Kanaan takes the lead from Castroneves.

Lap 36 - Roberto Moreno Accident - 1:45
Roberto Moreno hits the wall coming out of turn one.

Lap 44 - Marco Andretti Leads - 1:33

Lap 52 - Jon Herb Accident - 2:42
Jon Herb hits the wall in turn one with Scott Dixon leading the race.

Pit Stops - 1:20
All but six cars come in for pit stops. Tony Kanaan is one of the cars staying out. Davey Hamilton loses a tire in pit lane.

Lap 66 - Milka Duno Accident - 3:05
Milka Duno hits the wall in turn one. A car can be heard getting off the throttle as it passes the start/finish (Duno’s perhaps?) and shortly thereafter the crowd reacts.

Lap 69 - Pit Stops - 0:53

Lap 84 - Scheckter - Hornish - 1:14
Tomas Scheckter and 2006 Indy 500 Winner Sam Hornish Jr. tangle on track. Hornish gets a flat tire and has to pit.

Lap 99 - John Andretti Accident - 1:07
John Andretti crashes on the backstretch after coming out of turn two.

Lap 100 - Running Order and Pit Stops - 2:00
Dave Calabro announces the running order. Tony Kanaan leads followed by Marco Andretti, Jeff Simmons and Danica Patrick.

Lap 101 - Official Race - 2:32
The race passes the half-way mark, making it official even if shortened by the weather. Andretti Green Racing is 1-2-3, with Marco Andretti leading.

Lap 107 - Restart and Phil Giebler Accident - 1:54
Tony Kanaan passes Marco Andretti for the lead and Phil Giebler hits the wall in turn one on the restart.

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head - 1:45
Music plays on the PA as the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 is delayed by rain on lap 113.

Rain Delay - 1:31
Dave Calabro makes an announcement regarding the rain delay.

Jet Dryers - 0:30
Jet dryers work to dry off the track so that racing can resume.

Back on Track - 3:10
Engines are re-fired after a three-hour rain delay. Twenty-eight drivers remain in the race, twenty on the lead lap.

Pit Stops Before Restart - 1:30
Dario Franchitti and others come in for a pit stop. Brothers Buddy and Jacques Lazier almost collide on pit road.

Restart - Marco Passes Kanaan - 2:24
Marco Andretti passes Tony Kanaan on the outside of turn three.

Lap 118 - Danica Passes Marco for 2nd - 2:18
After Tony Kanaan passes Marco Andretti back for the lead, Danica Patrick passes Marco for second place as the crowd cheers.

Lap 151 - Marty Roth Accident - 1:51
Marty Roth contacts the wall between turns one and two while running 22nd.

Lap 155 - Pit Stops - Dario Stays Out - 2:28
With bad weather approaching, Dario Franchitti stays out on track while others pit in what would become the smartest move of the race.

Lap 157 - Kanaan/Lazier Accident - 3:27
Tony Kanaan and Jacques Lazier get together in turn four on the restart. Kanaan spins without hitting anything and continues on after pitting.

Lap 162 - Restart - 1:31
Dario Franchitti leads as green flag racing resumes.

Lap 162 - Marco Andretti Accident - 1:26
Marco Andretti crashes on the backstretch, flipping upside down, after making contact with Buddy Rice.

Finish - 2:09
Heavy downpours on lap 166 end the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500. Dario Franchitti crosses the finish line under the yellow flag.

Victory Lane - 2:53
Dario Franchitti arrives in Victory Lane after winning the 2007 Indianapolis 500. The celebration moves inside to the green room below the Pagoda.

Franchitti Interview with Jack Arute of ABC - 3:00
Sounds of the celebration and Franchitti being interviewed by Jack Arute of ABC Sports. Lots of distortion on this one unfortunately, but that’s how it sounded on the PA system.

Michael Andretti Interview - 1:20
Andretti Green Racing owner and driver Michael Andretti comments on the race and Dario’s win after finishing 13th.

Tony Kanaan Interview - 1:23
Tony Kanaan comments on the race and Dario’s win after leading 83 laps and finishing 12th.

Marco Andretti Interview - 1:08
Marco Andretti comments on the race and his accident on lap 162. Marco finished 24th and led 13 laps.

Dario Franchitti Interview - 1:48
Dario Franchitti is interviewed after winning the 2007 Indianapolis 500.

Thank You and Goodnight - 1:11
Dave Calabro signs off after announcing the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500.