Officials talk about 100th 500, Briscoe replacing Hinchcliffe

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – We’re just days away from the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 and IMS officials planned two press conferences for Thursday to discuss this year’s, and next year’s, race.

Officials spoke about the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, which will take place on May 29, 2016. A lot is planned to celebrate the big anniversary.

“This is not envisioned as a one-day birthday party,” Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Company, the parent of IMS, said. “It is in some ways a year-long celebration.”

“Fast” and “Forward” are the key words that will be used to promote the race. A logo was revealed to highlight the 100th anniversary.

“Without its history, this is just another race,” IMS President Doug Boles said.

Four-time Indy 500 winner A.J. Foyt, who won the 50th anniversary race, spoke about what the event has meant to him through the years.

Foyt relived some of his favorite moments of race days over the 60 years he’s been connected to it.

“I always said, ‘When I quit, I’ll probably quit here,’” he said.

At 11:30 a.m., Ryan Briscoe, who will be racing in James Hinchcliffe’s place, spoke. Hinchcliffe’s car had a mechanical failure earlier this week, causing him to crash into the wall. 

Hinchcliffe had surgery on his upper thigh and pelvic area and is now out of the ICU. He’s expected to make a full recovery.

Briscoe has started in the Indy 500 nine times.

“I’m going to do my best,” Briscoe said of Sunday’s race.

If you’re heading to the track Thursday, gates opened at 8 a.m. before the Indy Lights Practice. The Vintage Car Exhibition runs from 2:30-4 p.m.