Some interesting tidbits of news today for the 92nd Indianapolis 500, which takes place on May 25, 2008.

Eddie Cheever to serve as an analyst for Indy 500 coverage.

This is exciting news to liven up the current broadcast booth for the race. Cheever is the 1998 Indianapolis 500 winner.  Cheever, who turned 50 this year, has raced in Formula 1, CART, and the IRL during his career. He last raced in the IRL in 2006 for his own team, before folding the team due to lack of sponsorship in mid-season. 

He joins both Marty Reid and Scott Goodyear in the booth for the qualifications and race day coverage of this year's 500.  While both Reid and Goodyear "know their stuff" it will be nice to have a new voice in the booth to add some excitement.

I am sure that some of you will remember Rusty Wallace, who served as an analyst for the 2006 IRL season on EPSN.  While Rusty was certainly enthusiastic in the booth, I believe that his comparison's to NASCAR and unfamiliarity with some of the IRL differences, often led to additional humor during the broadcast. 

Jim Nabors to return to the Speedway to sing "Back Home Again in Indiana"

One of the most beloved prerace traditions of the Indianapolis 500 is the singing of "Back Home Again in Indiana" by Jim Nabors. He has sung the traditional song 29 times since 1972. Most notably during consecutive prerace ceremonies from 1987 - 2006.

 Last year he was unable to sing due to illness, and the Purdue University Marching Band played the song, while the race fans were encouraged to sing along as the words were scrolled down the Video Tron Screens. Even though Nabors will turn 78 this year, his strong voice and rendition of this song have endeared him to race fans young and old alike.

Julianne Hough (Dancing With the Stars instructor) will sing the National Anthem. 

Julianne Hough, who partnered with Indy 500 Winner Helio Castroneves during last year's season of "Dancing With the Stars" , is scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the 92nd Indianapolis 500. 

Who can forget the excitement last fall as the gorgeous Julianne and Helio Castroneves danced their way into America's hearts as they won the DWTS trophy. While I don't believe there is any dancing scheduled during the prerace ceremonies, it is always fun to see all the celebrities who attend the race each year. Another part of the prerace ceremonies, is when the Speedway announces this year's guest celebrities on the PA system, and then they ride around the track in convertibles and wave to the race fans.

For additional information on the Indianapolis 500 and all the festivities for the 2008 race, check out their website at:

www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com