Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, we talk about racing memorabilia! We hear about the history of the racing memorabilia show, Jack Mackenzie working as Borg-Warner's PR man, Floyd Clymer and the Indianapolis 500 Yearbook with Donald Davidson, and some of the interviews Donald did for the yearbook.  In the second half of the show, Mike and Jake talk about Sid Collins’ Great Moments of the 500 Broadcast, and how it came together. We hear audio from Donald Davidson on how he and Sid made the album, and the process of working on the album at Fleetwood Records, and cutting different segments out based on time. We talk about the legacy of Luke Walton with the Indy 500 and hear an infamous interview with Jochen Rindt.  In the final segment of the show, we hear rare audio of Dave MacDonald doing an interview. This interview is very rare as MacDonald’s racing career did not last long, as he was killed in his first race in 1964. Mike talks about the history of the audio, and how he came to find it. 

Tonight it is an all-request Tuesday night. After Jake and Mike preview some upcoming events, they take a request from Mark Jaynes to hear audio from John Toten and Tom Carnegie. We hear PA audio of Tom Carnegie and John Toten calling Rick Mears qualifying run in 1982. We also hear the audio of the 1983 start with Tom Carnegie on the PA that really puts you there in 1983, and if the 500 could have moved to Cincinatti.  In the second half of the show, Mike and Jake talk about the Tom Carnegie milk ad. We hear about Gus Grissom and his brief stint of owning a team in IndyCar. We also hear about Neil Armstrong marching with the Purdue Band at IMS. We also hear more music from the Purdue Marching Band. We also hear Baloo the bear sing Back Home Again in Indiana.  In the final segment of the show, we talk about Paul Page. We hear audio from Page’s first pit report during the Indy 500, and recounting his helicopter reporting with WIBC, including his infamous helicopter crash onto the football field at Speedway High School. Jake and Mike round out the show promoting the Indy 500 Memorabilia Show. 

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, we look at famous driver birthdays today. We hear first form Dario Franchitti and his amazing racing career at IMS. We hear audio from his first win in 2007, his second win in 2010, and his final win in 2012. All of which ended under caution. We hear about his love of Jim Clark, and racing history. We also hear a Dario Lucky Charms ad.  In the second half of the show, we hear about Bob Sweikert. We hear Sweikert’s Indy 500 win in 1955, and the tragic nature around his win, a win that was overshadowed by Bill Vukovich’s death during the race. We hear the victory lane interview with Sweikert, and hear his asking about the crash and who got hurt during the victory lane interview. Mike talks about Charlie Brockman and kissing. We also hear an interview with Tom Carnegie and Bob Sweikert.  In the final segment of the show, we talk about Tony Stewart. Stewart’s birthday is in May, and we hear a pre-race interview with Stewart in 1996. Stewart talks about his grass roots upbringing, his thoughts on the upcoming race, and more. 

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, Jake and Mike talk about the sponsors and commercials in past Indy 500’s, such as Pennzoil with Rick Mears, Texaco/Havoline, Cam2, and STP with Granatelli that brings back nostalgia for many race fans.  In the second half of the show, Jake and Mike talk more about in the sponsors that help give the Indy 500 looks such as Willard with Parnelli Jones. They also look into more food/drink sponsorships such as Domino’s on Al Unser Jr along with Budweiser on Bobby Rahal.  In the final segment of the show, Jake and Mike talk about the popularity with Target and Chip Ganassi Racing along with the Johnny Lightning special. 

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, Jake and Mike talk about notable retirements in Indy 500 history. They lead off the show with AJ Foyt. Jake and Mike talk about Foyt’s decision to retire in 1993, and we hear PA audio from Foyt’s retirement announcement. AJ talks about what caused his decision to retire, and Robby Gordon’s crash. Jake and Mike then talk about Kenny Brack’s Indy 500 win in 1999. They then shift their attention to Johnny Rutherford’s retirement, and how he officially retired in 1994, although he had not run for several years by that point. We also hear about Mario Andretti’s retirement, and how he was annoyed that they cleaned his car after the final race.  In the second half of the show, we hear some retirement announcements from drivers in the 50s, including Johnnie Parsons, who explains to Sid Collins why he retired in 1959. He talks about the trouble with his car, and what makes a driver decide to retire. We heard about Pat Flaherty and the reason he decided to retire. Pat talks about how he feels after retiring, and what he plans on doing after his career. We also hear about some odd items Mike received from Pat when he sent away for an autograph once.  In the final segment of the show, we hear retirements from Gene Hartley and Jack Turner. Gene talks about how he is working too much with his own business and cannot keep working and racing both. We also hear about Gene’s father who was still racing after Gene retired. We also hear Sid Collins talk about Jack Turner’s retirement that same year after a crash. 

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, Jake and Mike talk about the history of the legendary Donald Davidson. Mike and Jake both talk about their connections with Donald, and the legacy he left on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Donald talks about how he got into racing, and his first experiences listening to the Indy 500 on radio.  In the second half of the show, Jake and Mike talk about Donald’s first time at Indianapolis. We hear audio of Donald talking about his first couple of days at the track, how he got to Indianapolis, and where he lived early on. We hear audio from Donald’s first appearence on the IMS Radio Network as a guest in 1964, his thoughts on the the 1964 race, and hear about his concerns after that first race, thinking that racing may be outlawed due to the fatal crash involving Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald.  In the final segment of the show, Jake and Mike talk about Donald’s first time working for the IMS Radio Network in 1965. They also talk about some of his others places of employment over the years, including USAC, and TelX. Donald talks about pursuing your dreams, and Jake and Mike round out the show talking about working with Donald. 

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, Jake and Mike talk about the legendary Bill Vukovich! We talk about the early days of Vukovich’s career, and his first Indy 500 in 1952. They talk about how close he came to winning the race in 1952, and if he could have won it had the steering pin not giving out. Vukovich led 154 laps before giving the lead over to Troy Ruttman, who won the race. They talk about his first Indy 500 win in 1953, and how the Fuel Injection Special won on such a hot day. In 1954, Vukovich managed to win but started further in 19th. We hear audio of his second win in 1954. Jake and Mike also talk about Easy Gwynn and referring to drivers as “boys” during the 50s.  In the second half of the show, Jake and Mike interview Mark Montieth on Bill Vukovich and his connection to him through the book Vukovich: The Man Who Wouldn’t Lift. Mark talks about how he found the manuscript for the book, written by sports-writing legend Angelo Angelopoulos. Mark talks about how he edited the original manuscript, and how he came to uncover it. Mark also talks about how Vukovich was as a person, and as a driver. We hear audio of Vukovich’s fatal crash, and the announcement of his death.  In the final segment of the show, Mark talks about Angelo Angelopoulos, and his illness that took his life in 1962. Mark tells Jake and Mike about where you can buy the books, and the feedback he received from people buying the book. 

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, Jake and Mike are by a special guest, Johnny Rutherford! Rutherford tells his story about how he got into racing, including the first race he ever saw at Tulsa on a quarter-mile dirt track. Rutherford talks about Kurtis-Kraft race cars, and why he enjoyed racing so much. We hear audio of Rutherford’s first qualifying attempt, in which he bumped Pedro Rodriguez.  In the second half of the show, Jake and Mike talk to Johnny Rutherford about how he got to work with McLaren and become their driver. He talks about how challenging his early years of racing were, and when he knew he had found the right car and team in 1974. We hear audio from Rutherford’s first win, and how traveling around a lot as a kid allowed him to be a better race car driver. Johnny talks about his favorite ice cream flavors, and how the myth about his liking of strawberry ice cream came to be. Rutherford talks about how he met his wife Betty when she was a nurse at the track.   In the final segment of the show, Johnny talks about the Pennzoil Chaparral, and how dominant it was in 1980. He talks about breaking records with it, and how much downforce the car had. We hear audio of Johnny’s win in 1980. He also talks about some of the memorabilia he will have at the memorabilia show in Plainfield. 

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, Jake and Mike wish Helio Castroneves a very happy birthday and look back at his legacy as one of the four four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500, by replaying the finishes of all his wins.   In the second half of the show, Jake and Mike talk about Sid Collins broadcasting for the Indianapolis 500 and former baseball player, Bob Feller, and his love for the 500.  In the final segment of the show, Jake and Mike talk about George Harrison and his growing interest in motorsports along the Speedway Motel and learning that The Beatles used to stay there in private during their tour stops in Indy! 

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, Jake and Mike look at songs that have become part of the lore of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They talk about how the 500 Song came to be, and how it became part of the racing tradition. We get to hear Paul Page, Bob Jenkins, and Mike King sing the 500 song.  In the second half of the show, Jake and Mike talk about the history of Back Home Again in Indiana, and all the singers over the years. They highlight some classic performances of Back Home Again in Indiana, including James Melton and Dinah Shore, and some less than successful attempts, like Peter DePaolo in 1971.  In the final segment of the show, Jake and Mike talk about the Delta Force Theme, and how the music came to be used in the 500. Paul Page talks about how each year’s Delta Force montage was made, and how he wrote a copy for it.  

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, Jake and Mike talk about WIBC and their coverage of the Indy 500. They highlight personalities like Lou Palmer, and tell the story about how his first job being part of the Indy 500 Radio Network in 1958. They talk about Palmer’s impressive call of the opening lap crash, and how it cemented his career. They also discuss how he called the 1966 start crash, and handled victory lane interviews.  In the second half of the show, Jake and Mike talk more about Lou Palmer at WIBC, and his first time in the control tower in 1973.   In the final segment of the show, Jake and Mike review some more Lou Palmer audio, and talk about Sid Collins starting the Network. They give the history of Sid Collins’ catchphrase, “Now stay tuned to the greatest spectacle in racing.” Jake and Mike end the show recapping the legacy of WIBC. 

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, we continue the series on remembering drivers who have passed since the previous 500. They start the show by talking about Bill Vukovich II, and a wild ride Mike took with Dick Jordan to pick up Vukovich II. Mike and Jake tell the story about how Vukovich II found out about his father’s passing in 1955. We hear from Vukovich II on his relationship with Gary Bettenhausen, and the scoring error that briefly gave him the lead in the 500. We also hear from Vukovich on the toll racing has taken on his family.  In the second half of the show, Jake and Mike pay homage to Wally Dallenbach. The two talk about Dallenbach’s contribution to racing, and his success in IndyCar, and how close he came to winning the 500 in 1975. They also talk about Dallenbach coming out of retirement to qualify a car for Mario Andretti in 1981, and his time as Chief Steward of the 500.  In the final segment of the show, Mike and Jake talk about Mickey Rupp, who only started in one 500, but got a 10th place finish, and had a big impact on the world of go-karting, and the fact that he was a sponsor in the 500 before he was a competitor. We hear Donald Davidson talking about Mickey Rupp, and why he was not rookie of the year for his 6th place finish. 

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, we pay homage to two drivers who left us during the year. Gil De Ferran and Cale Yarborough. Jake and Mike give a biography on De Ferran’s life, and play audio of some of his first racing moments at IMS. The two talk about De Ferran’s first win with Hall Racing, and how popular of a driver he was at the end of 1996, and his record breaking run at Fontana.  In the second half of the show, Jake and Mike talk more about Gil De Ferran, and we hear audio of Gil De Ferran’s win at Indy and discuss the team dynamic of De Ferran and Helio Castroneves. We hear from Helio Castroneves about Gil De Ferran’s passing and the memories he has with him.  In the final segment of the show, Jake and Mike talk about the legacy of Cale Yarborough, his NASCAR career, and his IndyCar career. We hear from Cale Yarborough on his Indy 500 career, and Donald Davidson recapping Yarborough’s career, including his rough beginning in 1966 with the start accident. We also hear Cale Yarborough sing Hey, Good Lookin’. 

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they preview the events leading up to the NASCAR and IndyCar races this weekend. Then they start discussing tonight’s topic, which is Parnelli Jones because his 90th birthday is tomorrow. Mike brings some audio from his archives where Parnelli talks about running in NASCAR and which tracks he didn’t like racing at. In the second segment of the show, Mike and Jake break down the Indianapolis 500 in which Parnelli Jones won in 1963 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They bring back some audio from Parnelli where he explains the 1963 race, oil leak incident, and the highlight of the call with him winning the race. In the final segment of the show, Jake and Mike explain how Parnelli Jones got himself into the famous 1967 turbine car that Andy Granatelli put together for him.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they continue to discuss drivers that have dabbled in NASCAR and IndyCar with the doubleheader this weekend at IMS. The first drive Jake and Mike profile is Lee Roy Yarbrough with audio from IMS Historian Donald Davidson recapping his racing career and his postrace interview after winning the 1969 Daytona 500. In the second segment of tonight’s show, Jake and Mike bring back the IMS Historian to recap the careers of Bobby Allison and Fred Lorenz. Additionally, you will hear a commercial that Allison did with Hardees back in the day and a story from Mike about him as well. In the final segment of the show, Jake and Mike bring back Donald Davidson one final time for him to remember one of the biggest stock car races held at the IRP in the Yankee 300.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they open the show by replaying some audio from one of the first Brickyard 400 broadcasts in 1967. Eventually they spotlight Mario Andretti’s dominance in the 1967 Daytona 500 victory by bringing back his radio conversation after winning the race. In the second segment of the show, Mike and Jake spotlight one of their favorite drivers in Johnny Rutherford, but it’s centered around his time in NASCAR. You will hear Rutherford explains how he got into NASCAR and how his early days of racing in stock car went. Finally, Jake and Mike share some historic facts pertaining to Johnny Rutherford.    In the final segment of the show, Jake spends the final minutes going over this weekend’s race events leading up to the IndyCar/NASCAR double header.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they open the show by celebrating the 70th birthday of Nigel Mansell. Jake and Mike touch on the career that he had in racing, bring back some audio of IMS Historian Donald Davidson talking about Mansell, and the guys share their favorite memory of Mansell. In the second and third segment of the show, Matt Yocum joins Jake and Mike on the program to highlight the importance of stock cars coming to Indianapolis, why he believes racing interest among fans is climbing to an all-time high in various series (IndyCar, SRX, NASCAR, etc.), and where things stand right now with Tony Stewart’s team.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they open the show by touching on the ending to the month of May with Josef Newgarden capturing his first Indianapolis 500-mile race victory. They eventually transition to the career of Jigger Sirois and Cale Yarborough as both of those guys are battling health issues. In the second segment of the show, Mike and Jake celebrate the birthday of the first Indianapolis 500 pole winner, first Indianapolis 500 driver to pass away, and the guy in the “vision” photograph in Lewis Strang. Additionally, they celebrate the 35th anniversary of the 1988 Michigan 500 and the anniversary of Tony Stewart capturing his first Brickyard win in 2005. In the final segment of the show, Jake and Mike remember Bryan Clauson with today with his passing being seven years ago today.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they will put together a montage of highlights for the Indianapolis 500 dating back to 1946. Throughout the course of the show, Jake and Mike will share stories, opinions, and memories from those races that they witnessed, were told about, or had close friends tell them about the race. Additionally, there is one special montage at the end of the show that you will not want to miss that follows some legendary commercials that Mike and Jake remember vividly.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they spotlight some of the people that have contributed to making the Indianapolis 500 the great event that it is today. Jake and Mike will talk about a variety of people that had careers in public relations, reporting, and starters. The people that Jake and Mike will spotlight tonight are: Al Bloemker Clarence Cagle Seth Klein Sally Larvick Paula Carr Tony Hulman Harlan Fengler Harry McQuinn

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they start the show talking about something that is close to Mike’s heart in the Racing Memorabilia Show.  They discuss some of the most coveted items that people go there looking for along with some other pieces of Indy 500 memorabilia that will be there for purchase. Additionally, they continue revisiting Indianapolis 500 winners with some rare audio that Mike has recently discovered and some audio that he’s had stored in his library.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they spotlight some of the master mechanics behind some of the most successful drivers in the history of the Indianapolis 500. Jake and Mike spotlight the following mechanics: George Bignotti Chief mechanic for SEVEN Indianapolis 500 victories J. Foyt (1961 and 1964) Graham Hill (1966) Al Unser (1970 and 1971) Gordon Johncock (1973) Tom Sneva (1983) Clint Brawner Won 51 races in National Championship race series from 1953 through 1969 Mario Andretti (1969 Indianapolis 500 mechanic) Eddie Sachs (Pole winner of 1960 and 1961 Indianapolis 500) J. Watson Car builder and chief mechanic from 1949 through 1984 in the Indianapolis 500 Bob Sweikert (1955 winner) Pat Flaherty (1956 winner) George Salih Winning crew chief of three Indianapolis 500’s Lee Wallard (1951 winner) Sam Hanks (1957) Jimmy Bryan (1958 – same car Hanks won with)

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they spend some time remembering the legends that have won the Indianapolis 500. They start the show with a four-time winner of the Indy 500 in A.J. Foyt. You’ll hear pieces from an interview that Foyt did with Mike.   Additionally, Jake and Mike spotlight a family name that has been associated in racing for decades. Mario Andretti is the second legend that you will hear from on tonight’s edition of Beyond the Bricks. They discuss who Mario’s racing hero was growing up, how he got started in racing, and how he hid his love for racing from his dad. Finally, Jake and Mike tribute their last segment to the late great Al Unser. The audio you will hear from the four-time winner pertains to him rolling over the Model A, getting to ride with Lotus 66, missing the 1969 Indianapolis 500, and why he left the Jim Hall team.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they highlight more winners of the Indianapolis 500. They start the show by recognizing one of Sid Collins’ favorite winners in Lee Wallard (1951 winner) after Tony Bettenhausen passed on using the winning car. The 1953 and 1954 winner of the race was the next driver that Jake and Mike discussed in Bill Vukovich.   Additionally, Jake and Mike spend some time talking about the 1955 Indianapolis 500 victory that belonged to Bob Sweikert because after winning the race he had a vision as to how fast cars would eventually get to (and now blowing it out of the water). Other drivers that you will hear from on tonight’s show are Pat Flaherty (1956), Sam Franks (1957), and Jimmy Bryan (1958).

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they remember the 1961 Indianapolis 500 winner, Eddie Sachs. To start the show, you will hear an interview Sid Collins did with Sachs after he won the pole for the race he finished first in. When Sachs was born in 1927, George Souders won the Indianapolis 500. The two drivers would eventually become great friends through the sport they loved. Additionally, Jake and Mike spotlight the time that the Pennsylvania native took the rookie test and passed it by playing back an interview that explains everything that happened. At the end of the show, you will hear the eulogy that Sid Collins gave impromptu style following the fatal crash in the 1964 Indy 500. It was a seven-car accident that ended with Dave MacDonald and Eddie Sachs not being able to survive the fiery crash.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they dive into the voices of the 1950’s when it comes to the Indianapolis 500. They start with a name that many might remember as a broadcaster of the race but was at one point also a racer. Freddie Agabashian, a color commentator for several years for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network was also a driver in the Indianapolis 500. Agabashian would run in the race 10 times but only finish two of them. Second is Tony Bettenhausen. Bettenhausen was a national title winner and managed to pull off an impressive 2nd place finish in the 1955 Indy 500. Bettenhausen was also the father of two future 500 racers, Tony Bettenhausen Jr. and Gary Bettenhausen.   Segment two features Jack McGrath a two-time third place finisher in the Indianapolis 500. McGrath would finish four 500 races in a row, having the pole position in 1954. Unfortunately, McGrath’s career would see an ill-fated end during a dirt-track race at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in 1955. Jake and Mike turn to some unique audio from Ed Elisian in the form of a rare interview.  

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they remember significant events that took place during the year that ended in 3. The voices you will hear from tonight aside from Jake and Mike are former IMS Historian Donald Davidson, Al Unser, Al Unser Jr., and Emerson Fittipaldi. Jake and Mike will hit on a variety of events starting with the 1963 Indianapolis 500, promos that aired on the WIBC in the 1970’s and finish it off by discussing Tony Kanaan’s first (and only) Indy 500 victory in 2013.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they discuss an important anniversary close to Mike, remembering Gordon Smiley with today marking 41 years since his passing, and the introduction to a key racecar driver in Indy 500 history in the same year (1982). Additionally, we revisit a classic commercial from 1981 that always makes Jake laugh anytime he listens to it, the racing career of a driver most race fans do not talk about frequently in Tom Bigelow after his bizarre entry to the 1982 Indy 500, and the controversy surrounding Kevin Cogan in the 1982 race because of an accident that he created resulting in A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Dale Whittington, and Roger Mears not finishing the race.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they highlight some of the more notable car owners in the history of drivers in the IndyCar. You will hear from and learn about Harry Hartz going from a successful driving career into an ownership role and some rare audio of an interview containing Bessie Lee Paoli. Additionally, one owner that is around the sport today in Mario Andretti is another owner that Mike and Jake talk about tonight with some audio on an interview Mike did with Mario where he explains his decision to go into ownership. Also, Mario discussed on passing the torch of ownership to his son, Michael. Lastly, Jake and Mike remember Michael Lee “Mickey” Thompson because of how determined and unique he was at trying to create edges for his drivers.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they pay tribute to a key broadcaster on TV and Radio for the Indy 500 in Paul Page. You will hear from Page in an interview that Mike did with him, a couple delta force intros from the 1991 and 1992 Indy 500 introductions, and how important Sid Collins was to Paul. Additionally, they will spotlight the changes that Page made to the radio broadcasts that stick around to this day and what he tried to do when he was with ABC during the delta force opens and the importance of using the right words when describing the winner of a pair of Indy 500’s.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they remember the early days of the radio broadcasts of the Indianapolis 500-mile race with tonight’s focus being on the Mutual Radio Network. You will head from audio from the late 1940’s, from a driver that Mike had to dive deep into his audio collection for, and Sid Collins co-anchoring with Bill Slater on the 1950 radio broadcast.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they continue telling the story of Johnny Rutherford. With last night’s show focused on the first half of his life and racing career, Jake and Mike focus on the second half of his racing career that consists of two Indianapolis 500 victories, him recovering from a crash at Eldora, and his decision to retire. Other topics pertaining to Lonestar JR they hear from him about is how he was coined with his nickname, which sponsor he is most identified with, and being able to run with McLaren.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they tell the story of one of the most decorated race car drivers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Johnny Rutherford. Jake and Mike tell the story of how the three-time winner grew up in Kansas, got started in racing, and him running in IMSA and his first USAC Championship race. Additionally, they tell the story of Johnny revisiting his first Indianapolis 500, how he met his wide Betty, and then being able to ride with Smokey Yunick. Finally, during his interview with Mike, Lonestar JR told the story of the tragic crash that happened on the second lap of the 1964 Indy 500.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they switch up their spotlight from early Indianapolis 500 winners to Hoosiers that had an impact on the way we experience the race today. The first driver that Jake and Mike profile was also a former president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Shelbyville native, first back-to-back Indy 500 winner, and second three-time winner (1937, 1939, and 1940) in Wilbur Shaw is the first driver that they profile. Next, Query and Thomsen turn the spotlight on was Pat O’Connor from North Vernon. Pat was the driver that unfortunately passed away on the first lap of the 1958 Indianapolis 500 after a 15-car pileup where he sustained a fatal head injury after rolling his car and catching fire. Finally, Mike and Jake spend some time on a pair of drivers in the final segment of today’s show in Jimmy Daywalt and Bobby Grim. In the 1953 Indianapolis 500, Daywelt finished with his best run of sixth and was tabbed as the Rookie of the Year. After finishing 26th in the 1959 Indianapolis 500-mile race, Grim was tabbed as the Rookie of Year.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they spotlight drivers that race fans typically forget about or don't talk about enough. The list of drivers that Jake and Mike talk feature on tonight's show are: Floyd Davis (Co-Winner of 1941 Indianapolis 500) Mauri Rose (Co-Winner of 1941, won 1947 and 1948 Indianapolis 500) Bill Holland (Winner of 1949 Indianapolis 500 | 2nd place in 1947, 1948, 1950) Johnnie Parsons (Winner of 1950 Indianapolis 500)

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they continue highlighting some of the early winners of the Indianapolis 500. The first driver they spotlight is the first two-time winner of the greatest spectacle in racing is Tommy Milton. Next, they spent some time on the 1925 winner of the race in Peter DePaolo with his connection to a driver they talked about on Monday in Ralph DePalma. The third driver that Jake and Mike discuss is the 1927 winner, George Souders. At the end of the show tonight, they spend some time spotlighting the three-time winner of the race in Louis Meyer.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they pay tribute to one of the most legendary voices that race fans have heard in the history of the Indianapolis 500. From 1952-1976, Sid Collins was the radio voice of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network and passed away 46 years ago today. Mike and Jake revisit some of the historic interviews, highlights, and try to remember the legendary person that Sid Collins was.

Tonight, on Beyond the Bricks with Jake Query and Mike Thomsen, they examine some of the drivers from the early stages of the greatest spectacle in racing. They focus on how Ray Houron became the first driver to race a motorcar with a rearview mirror and how he historically performed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (including a victory in 1911). The second driver that Jake and Mike put the spotlight on is the 1915 Indianapolis 500 winner in Ralph DePalma (who also ranks in the top five in laps led). Finally, they spotlight the first two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 in Tommy Milton. 

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen open the show with the history of NASCAR at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Jake and Mike discuss just how big of a deal the Brickyard was when it first came to the World’s Greatest Racetrack. Mike displays his impressive memory recounting the drivers who have run both the Indy 500 and the Brickyard.  Then, Jake and Mike hear Donald Davidson recount Marshall Teague’s desire to run in the Indy 500 and how turned in his NASCAR membership to make it happen. Paul Goldsmith is the oldest living Indy 500 driver and one of the all-time greats. Davidson recounts the career of Goldsmith and his six-year race resume at the 500 as well as his love for flying. To round out the show, Jake and Mike talk about Tim Richmond making the switch from open wheel racing to stock car racing.    

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen discuss drivers that made the crossover between IndyCar and NASCAR. Mike and Jake talk about Mario Andretti winning the 1967 Daytona 500 and how he wasn’t accepted into the series with open arms. Then, we hear from IMS Historian Emeritus Donald Davidson on Fred Lorenzen testing an IndyCar at IMS in 1965.  Jim Clark drove almost anything with four wheels, including a stock car. Jake and Mike talk about Clark’s career and his run in NASCAR and the one race he participated in at Rockingham. To round out the show, Jake and Mike talk about the Yankee 300, a USAC Stock Car race that was held at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

Tonight on Beyond the Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen say goodbye to producer Sam Rumpza, for now, and Mike tells the story how he got into TV and radio in Indianapolis and how that parlayed into talking about racing and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Then, Jake and Mike discuss the incident Cale Yarborough was a part of at the 1979 Daytona 500 that put NASCAR on the map, as well as how rare it was for NASCAR drivers to come over to open-wheel racing. Then, we hear from IMS Historian  Emeritus Donald Davidson on Yarborough at IMS as well as stories on driver Donnie Allison. To round out the show, Davidson tells stories about Lee Roy Yarbrough.

On Beyond the Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen chat with CBS reporter and longtime NASCAR on FOX pit reporter Matt Yocum. They talk about the history of NASCAR at Indianapolis, as well as Austin Cindric, and what IMS means to the Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series driver. Later, they discuss classic memorabilia and Marco Andretti winning the SRX series this past weekend.

Beyond the Bricks is back, and Jake Query and Mike Thomsen look back on the 2022 Indy 500 and how Marcus Ericsson and Pato O’Ward have quickly acclimated to oval racing. They give kudos to Hy-Vee and IndyCar for the highly successful Iowa doubleheader weekend. With Union Jack in Speedway closing, Jake and Mike talk about some of the Speedway bars and restaurants from yesteryear, and we hear stories about the establishments from IMS historian emeritus Donald Davidson. Later, they pay tribute to former Indy 500 driver Eldon Rasmussen, who passed away in June. 

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen close out the month by celebrating the career of 1992 and 1994 Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr. Jake and Mike discuss “Little Al’s” season championship fight with his father in 1985, and we hear both father and son’s thoughts on that battle. They talk about his legendary race with Emerson Fittipaldi in 1989, and how Unser handled the crushing defeat. Finally, Jake and Mike look back on Unser’s photo finish victory over Scott Goodyear in ‘92, as well as his win in the “Beast” Mercedes-Ilmor engine with Team Penske in ‘94. To close, they discuss Team Penske's shocking failure to qualify in 1995. 

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen talk about arguably the best to ever take to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Rick Mears. They discuss how Mears made his way from Bakersfield, California to the corner of 16th and Georgetown, and how he immediately took to IMS. We hear calls from Rick’s four Indy 500 wins, and hear from the legend about his relationship with Roger Penske, why his 1991 victory was the most satisfying, and how he outdueled Michael Andretti during the Diamond Jubilee edition of the Indy 500. 

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen go back to the 1950s at the Indianapolis 500. They discuss 1951 winner Lee Wallard, who was burned in a racing accident and saw his career cut short after winning the 500. We hear historic Tom Carnegie interviews with Wallard as well as Bob Sweikert. Jake and Mike look back on many of the heroes that emerged in the decade, and some that were lost too early.

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen look back on the career of the first driver to win the Indianapolis 500 four times: A.J. Foyt. We hear historic audio from Super Tex, including his start in racing, his thoughts on all four of his “500” victories, and how he came back from multiple devastating crashes. We also hear from Donald Davidson on Foyt’s career, as well as former “Voice of the 500” Paul Page. 

On Beyond The Bricks, Jake Query and Mike Thomsen by spending some time on some of the women Indy 500 drivers. A couple of the names that Jake and Mike dive into are Bessie Lee Paoli and Janet Guthrie. Mike and Jake break down how Bessie Lee Paoli was a true pioneer in the sport. Later, Jake and Mike go through Janet Guthrie’s stories on how she went from racing sports cars to racing in the Indianapolis 500, play some audio on her recollection on how she qualified to become the first women to make the Indy 500, and how she was treated by her competitors in IndyCar.