GREENFIELD — You could call it a quick thank you, but when that ‘thank you’ includes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’s more properly defined as a very quick thank you.
HRM Insurance Services and the IndyCar Experience have partnered to show their appreciation of the work of area first responders, nurses and respiratory therapists during these unique times with a tribute called, A Fast Seat for Our Heroes.
That tribute/trip is a chance at the rare experience of taking a fast lap around the storied 2.5 mile IMS oval in an IndyCar two-seater piloted by a professional racecar driver
“We’re coming up on racing season at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and with all the hard work they have done during these times, this is the least we could do,” Mitch Gibson, agent and marketing representative of HRM Insurance Services said. “It’s our way to say a big ‘Thank you’ and give back to our first responders and nurses and all their dedication they’ve given the last couple of months.”
The event is the brain-child of HRM principal owners Alan Hammons and Brent Robertson and IndyCar Experience’s Scott Jasek.
On Tuesday at Greenfield Fire Station 21 (17 W. South Street), a drawing will be held giving out 35 free rides to some of Hancock County’s heroes for a fast lap around IMS.
Department heads from the Greenfield Fire Department, Greenfield Police Department, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, New Palestine Police Department, Sugar Creek Fire and EMT and Hancock Health nurses and respiratory therapists have given names to be drawn.
Tuesday’s ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. with the arrival of longtime Indy 500 staple the Gordon Pipers.
Two two-seaters driven by IndyCar veteran Gabby Chaves — who placed ninth in the 2017 Indianapolis 500 — and IndyLights/SportsCar driver Juan Piedrahita are scheduled for a 10 a.m. entrance, traveling up U.S. Highway 40 to State Road 9 with a pit stop at the South Street fire station.
Along with the 35 rides drawn for first responders/nurses an additional ride will be pulled out of the hat for a lucky member of the audience.
“When they pushed this out we had a lot of excited officers and deputies wanting to do this,” Hancock County Sheriff Brad Burkhart said. “We’re extremely appreciative of HRM and the IndyCar Experience.
“It’s been a rough time with everything going on and it’s definitely a spirit-booster. I think it will be a good time. To ride around the track is a great experience, but to ride around at that speed, it’ll be a once in a lifetime experience.”
Greenfield police chief Jeff Rasche echoes those thoughts.
He said his department is very appreciative of the community and its backing at a time when not all in their line of work are receiving the same.
“It’s so amazing what our community does for us every day,” Rasche said. “It’s not just us, but the firemen, healthcare workers, too. It’s hard to put it in words, but in my almost 37 years, I cannot remember anything like this happening. We’re all really looking forward to it.”
“It’s exciting, especially for the big race fans.”
Rasche said there are a lot of race fans in his department, including some that schedule vacation time just so they can attend the track as often as possible during race month.
Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell will speak at Tuesday’s event that will be co-hosted by WIBC personality Terri Stacey and Jasek. They will also MC a question-and-answer session with the two drivers.
Gibson added that anyone planning to attend the event is welcome to bring a lawn chair. Also, all in attendance must wear a mask or face covering/shield.
Winners of the joy rides are scheduled to take their high-speed trips on Tuesday Aug. 18, just five days prior to the 104th running of the Indy 500, slated for Sunday, Aug. 23.
