'Indy 500 Memories': History as told by the greats

On the eve of the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, Art Garner and Marc B. Spiegel present the personal stories and remembrances of more than 150 drivers, fans and celebrities in "Indy 500 Memories: An Oral History of 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'"

Those sharing stories include 20 different race winners representing more than 40 victories. The greatest names in the sport – Foyt, Unser, Andretti, Gurney, Rutherford, Rahal, Montoya, Kanaan and more – are among those sharing memories, including this one from 1985 Indianapolis 500 winner Danny Sullivan:

"...I thought oh sh*t, I just get the lead at the Indianapolis 500 and now I'm going to crash..."

And this recollection from four-time 500 winner A.J. Foyt:

"...when I was a little kid working in my daddy's shop, I would listen to the race on the radio and think, I would like to race up there some day."

Garner also brought to life "Black Noon," an epic recounting of the tragic 1964 Indianapolis 500 that earned the 2014 Best Book of the Year Award by the Motor Press Guild at its Dean Batchelor Awards. "Black Noon" established Garner as a motorsport writer and historian after a long and successful history as an automotive PR professional.

Paul Pfanner, president and CEO of Racer Media & Marketing, Inc. and the founder of RACER Magazine and RACER.com, applauds "Black Noon" for capturing "a fight for the soul of American open-wheel racing that still simmers today."

"Black Noon brought me full circle to the very moment I fell in love with the dark beauty of our sport," Pfanner writes, "and by doing so, it also now allows me to fully appreciate the spirit of the day and the mystery of racing that still attracts me and still leaves me in awe of those who risk everything to chase their dreams at Indianapolis Motor Speedway."