INDIANAPOLIS – Just a few days before the first 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series event will be televised live on ESPN on ABC, the opening sequence for the network’s telecast of the 2011 Indianapolis 500 was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
The opening celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 with motion picture actor William Fichtner walking a lap around the track while the greatest moments and fantastic drivers throughout history came alive around him.
Among the icons included in the video were the Marmon “Wasp” car that won the inaugural race in 1911, winning cars driven by A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti and the Borg-Warner Trophy and the bottle of milk presented to the winner of each race. Memorable moments also captured included Danny Sullivan’s famous “spin and win” victory in 1985 and the spellbinding finish between Sam Hornish Jr. and Marco Andretti in 2006.
The opening led into ESPN on ABC’s live coverage of the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, won by Dan Wheldon.
Winners will be announced at the 33rd annual Sports Emmy Awards on Monday, April 30 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center located in the Time Warner Center in New York.
“ABC is committed to the highest standards of quality and creativity during its telecasts of the Indianapolis 500, and we’re thrilled the Sports Emmy’s recognized that achievement during such a special year for the race,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. president and CEO. “Year after year, ESPN on ABC provides a fantastic showcase for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
This is the seventh time in the past 10 years that ESPN, Inc. has received a nomination for its work at the Indianapolis 500.
