Just before the field of 33 iRacing competitors take the green flag for next month’s Open-Wheels 500, they will hear the familiar voice of Phil Kaiser performing Indiana during a two-hour pre-race special on Open-Wheels TV.
Kaiser will sing the song made popular by Jim Nabors at the 500 Mile Race between 1972 and 2014 – his second appearance at the Open-Wheels 500 in the event’s first two runnings.
“I am so pleased that we can bring Phil Kaiser back for the 2020 Open-Wheels 500 and have him as our ‘Indiana’ performer once again,” said Tanner Watkins, president of the Open-Wheels 500 Mile Race. “Phil’s passion for all things Indy rings true in his performance of this historic song, and his demonstration will put a triumphant cap on our pre-race ceremonies.”
Kaiser, an Indianapolis resident, is a lifelong motorsports fan and charter supporter of the Open-Wheels 500. He helped facilitate Open-Wheels 500 sponsorships with Grant King Race Shops, Tinker Street Indy, Vintage Indy Registry and more in 2019, and formerly published the Thru Kaiser’s Visor newsletter until early this year.
A member of The Beepline, a tribute band that covers pop, rock and hard rock from the 1960’s and 1970’s, Kaiser is ready to roll for his encore rendition of “Indiana.”
“I’m tremendously honored to be asked by Tanner Watkins and the folks at the Open-Wheels 500 to lend my voice to one of the world’s most iconic songs for a second year in a row,” said Kaiser on Tuesday. “Last year was so much fun and I hope I can do them proud!”
Kaiser’s performance will be aired live on Today at the 500 in a special two-hour pre-race show which will be hosted by Watkins. The broadcast is scheduled to feature Kaiser’s performance, plus interviews from commentators and drivers, as well as other important pre-race festivities – which will be shown live beginning at 9:00 AM Eastern on Sunday, November 15 at Open-Wheels.com/TV.
To see and hear Phil Kaiser go to www.reverbnation.com/philkaiser where you will find videos from his entire career, along with original music and cover songs from the various bands he’s been in. You can also check in on The Beepline by visiting their website – TheBeepline.com – for more information on the full band, plus testimonials, pictures, videos and more!
The second annual Open-Wheels 500 presented by Mitchell Transmissions will be held on Sunday, November 15, streamed live worldwide by RaceSpot TV with the race broadcast beginning at 11:30 AM Eastern.
