Tickets for the May 16 breakfast event now available

INDIANAPOLIS (March 12, 2020) – The 500 Festival, a nonprofit organization providing life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500®, today announced that racing icon and Chairman of Penske Corporation, Roger Penske is set to take the stage at this year’s 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc. Penske will join Bob Jenkins, the legendary voice of the Indy 500, for an onstage interview about his longstanding history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well as his legendary career in racing. The 2020 Breakfast at the Brickyard will be held on Saturday, May 16 at 8:30 a.m. at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and tickets are on sale now at www.500festival.com/tickets.

 

“Each of our featured speakers over the years have shared a different perspective of the racing community. Roger Penske has a significant place in the history of the Indy 500 as well as a huge role in its future,” said Bob Bryant, president and CEO of the 500 Festival. “Guests at this year’s 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc., will be thrilled to hear Roger share his racing experience, from fan to driver to team owner to the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”

 

Roger Penske is an American businessman and entrepreneur involved in professional auto racing and formerly a professional auto racing driver himself. He is most famous for his ownership of Team Penske, DJR Team Penske, the Penske Corporation, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IndyCar, and other automotive-related businesses.

 

Penske began his racing career in the 1950s. In 1960, he was named “SCCA Driver of the Year” by Sports Illustrated. He competed in two Formula One Grands Prix, and won a NASCAR Pacific Coast Late Model race at Riverside in 1963.

 

As a team owner for the past 54 years, Roger Penske has 18 Indy 500 victories and 547 major race wins. In addition to competing in the NTT IndyCar Series, Roger’s team also competes in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. With many significant wins and pole positions, Team Penske one of the most successful in pro sports history.

 

In December 2020, it was announced that Roger Penske was set to purchase the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, IMS Productions, and IndyCar from Hulman and Company. Penske is the fourth owner of the world famous race track. He has since released plans on how he will improve fan experience at the track for the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, and other events.

 

“I’m honored to speak at the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc.,” said Roger Penske. “Fusing tradition with innovation has been our focal point since acquiring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I am looking forward to taking part in this traditional event in May and meeting some of racing’s biggest supporters.”

 

Formerly called the Mayors Breakfast, this 500 Festival event was held in downtown Indianapolis for many years. In 2004 it was moved to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its name was changed to Breakfast at the Brickyard to reflect the new location. For more than 60 years, the event has continued the tradition of honoring Indiana’s mayors for their tireless work to improve communities around the state. This year, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett will host more than 70 Hoosier mayors from across the state who will gather to celebrate the month of May in Indiana.

 

The 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by Midwestern Engineers, Inc., attracts race fans, business and civic leaders from all corners of the state. During the event, attendees will enjoy a hearty Hoosier breakfast and hear from Roger Penske, as well as IMS and 500 Festival executives, before the announcement of the Marlyne Sexton 500 Festival Queen Scholar. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to drive their car around the famed oval track at IMS (weather permitting) and tour the garages before enjoying the afternoon qualifying session for the 104^th Running of the Indianapolis 500.

 

2020 Breakfast at the Brickyard tickets are now on sale to the public. Individual tickets are $75, corporate tables are $950, and premium corporate tables are $1250. If you’re interested in purchasing tickets, you can buy online HERE. For more information, visit 500Festival.com/breakfast or you can search #BrickyardBreakfast on social media.

 

Corporate partners of the 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard are: Midwestern Engineers, Inc., Ice Miller, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, WIBC, The Indianapolis Business Journal, and WISH-TV.

 

 

About the 500 Festival

Founded in 1957, the 500 Festival is a not-for-profit organization that produces more than 50 life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500® and foster positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana. One of the largest festivals in the nation, each year more than half a million people attend an event or program produced by the 500 Festival. Since its founding, the 500 Festival has contributed more than $500 million in economic value to Indianapolis. To learn more about the 500 Festival, please visit www.500festival.com, follow us on Twitter @500festival, or on Facebook.

 

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