The Open-Wheels 500 is modeled after a Memorial Day weekend classic, so it is only fitting that on Veterans Day we announce a new addition to the pre-race ceremonies at the World’s Greatest Sim Race. Beginning in 2020, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will perform the National Anthem and God Bless America ahead of the Open-Wheels 500.
“Everyone at Open-Wheels Motorsports Sanctioning is extremely excited to honor our country during pre-race ceremonies by having The U.S. Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own’ perform two of the most iconic songs for our nation,” said Tanner Watkins, president of the Open-Wheels 500.
“With tremendous support from MSG Randle and SSG Primavera at the U.S. Army, we were granted permission to air performances from The U.S. Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own’ during our pre-race show on Sunday, November 15. We look forward to the performances by the band and the weight it will bring to our pre-race anticipation.”
Open-Wheels Motorsports Sanctioning received permission from U.S. Army representatives over the summer months to coordinate this weekend’s airing.
Since 1922, The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” has maintained a tradition of excellence as the premier musical organization of The United States Army. The Band was founded in 1922 by Army Chief of Staff General of the Armies John J. “Black Jack” Pershing to emulate European military bands he heard during World War I.
The U.S. Army Band continues to play an important role in events of national and international significance, staging performances from the battlefields of World War II to our Nation’s Capital.
The National Anthem performance will feature the U.S. Army Brass Quintet in addition to vocals from SSG Erik Tue. The performance of God Bless America will be carried out by the U.S. Army Woodwind Quintet.
Sunday’s performances by The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will be shown live during Today at the 500’s pre-race show, which begins at 9:00 AM and runs until 11:00 AM Eastern. You can click here to bookmark the link to the pre-race show, which will be aired on Open-Wheels TV.
The 2020 Open-Wheels 500 presented by Mitchell Transmissions will be aired live on RaceSpot TV at 11:30 AM Eastern, showcasing 33 of the world’s best sim racers in a 500-mile race to the finish at the virtual Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The iRacing event is the second annual installment, which is becoming a fall tradition of the highest quality on the popular sim racing platform.
