Programs:Welcome Race Fans

Welcome Race Fans

The greatest spectacle in racing meets the greatest art in racing. Each spring, central Indiana artists create colorful art to capture the excitement of the “month of May.” The artworks are turned into banners, billboards and posters–and the original pieces take a lap around the city. 

Welcome Race Fans became a #ThisIsMay tradition in 2016 to celebrate the 100th running of the Indy 500. That year, 33 artists–reflecting the number of cars that raced–created original artworks. Nearly 70 artists since have made iconic artworks using everything from dyed fabric to salvaged car parts.

This program is a collaboration between the Indy Arts Council and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to connect visual art and artists to the historic race.

2025 Welcome Race Fans Artwork

Welcome Race Fans
Welcome Race Fans
01

Ceramic artist

Sarah Anderson

Rat Race 
Sgraffito on porcelain, cone 5 electric

$4,200 

Here you’ll find a group of misfits in a madcap pursuit to the finish line. The frogs are fighting tooth and nail with laser focus because losing is not an option. Some other shady characters tag along in hopes of sharing their victor’s prize. The rats from the sewer have one goal: do whatever they want. Aerial patrols see their shot at fame and glory, and dive bomb into the chaos. We still may never know who came out on the other side as the victor.

Welcome Race Fans
01

Multidisciplinary artist

xaviergray

Velocity
Acrylic and spray paint on canvas

$1,995

Velocity is my way of capturing the thrill and excitement of racing, especially my love for the Indy 500. This piece goes beyond just being art; it’s a celebration of the energy and passion that surrounds this incredible event.

When I designed the word “Indy,” I wanted it to reflect the vibrant culture of racing. I filled each letter with patterns like checkered flags, stripes, graffiti, and stars, all of which represent different aspects of this world. The bright colors—pink, yellow, and teal, represent my favorite Indy Pace Car, the 1990 Chevy Beretta.

This piece also reflects my journey as an artist. After stepping away from my craft for a while, I found my way back and embraced all the ups and downs that come with it. Just like a race car navigating a winding track, I’ve learned to face challenges head-on and keep moving forward. Velocity serves as a reminder that every moment is a chance to pursue our dreams and enjoy the ride.

Welcome Race Fans
01

Mixed media artist

Caroline Hays

Hoosier Hospitality
Mixed media

$850 

On race day groups of people from all walks of life gather at the track or on peoples’ porches to celebrate the race. The juxtaposition of the landmarks from the IMS with the porch shows how both venues can have front row seats in celebrating, THE GREATEST SPECTACLE IN RACING.

Welcome Race Fans
01

Graphic design artist

Cassie Mitchell

Endless Possibilities
Digital

Every year when the race comes around, I see the joy that it brings across a variety of communities. After being a 500 Festival Princess, I saw how I impacted the younger generation, and how they could see themselves in the race, the festivities, and me. I wanted to portray that feeling in my artwork. The Indy 500 is more than cars and trophies, it’s an event that allows for everyone to come together, embrace each other, and aspire to do anything.

Welcome Race Fans
01

Collage artist

Frances Ruiz

Racing History of the World
Mixed Media, acrylics and paper

$800 

Racing History of the World is dedicated to my dad who passed away in 2015. My dad, Ramón, was a fan of all vehicles, especially red sports cars. When I heard the great news that I was chosen to create art for “Welcome Race Fans”, I knew my Dad would’ve been ecstatic and proud. My Dad and I also shared a love for history and facts. He could mention the make and model of all the cars at the IMS Museum! For this mixed media collage, I used newspaper and magazine articles from different eras and countries to underscore the historical importance of this car race on an international level. I wanted to highlight how this “Spectacle in Car Racing” brings together fans, friends and families from all over the world.

Welcome Race Fans Artwork

Posters, On View, Purchase

Posters and Wall Clings

Free commemorative posters and wall clings available at:

  • IMS Admin Building (4790 W 16th St, Speedway, IN 46224)
  • Indianapolis Artsgarden (110 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204)
  • Indianapolis International Airport (7800 Col. H. Weir Cook Memorial Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46241
On View

Welcome Race Fans artwork is featured around Indy to let everyone know, it’s officially race season!

  • Main Street in Speedway: All artists
  • Indianapolis International Airport: All artists
  • Simon Malls: All artists
  • 16th and Delaware billboard: Velocity by xaviergray
  • Indianapolis Artsgarden: Racing History of the World by Frances Ruiz
Purchase

All original artworks are for sale. For inquiries, please email the artist.

Speedway Neighborhood Guide

About

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway also is known as “The Greatest Race Course in the World.” Nestled in Speedway, Indiana, just minutes from downtown Indianapolis, IMS is most known globally for hosting the largest single-day sporting event in the world, the Indianapolis 500, every Memorial Day weekend. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway also hosts the Verizon IndyCar Series, NASCAR, LPGA and many other forms of racing and events throughout the year. In 2025 it reopened the newly renovated Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Welcome Race Fans

Welcome Race Fans Artists

2016-2024

2016

Tasha Beckwith
Derrick Carter
D. Del Reverda-Jennings
James Kelly
David Lord
Courtland Blade
Shawn Causey
Michael Helsley
Kris Komakech
Nicole Meisberger
Pamela Bliss
Rene Crigler
Sean Hottois
Carl Leck
Jamie Pawlus
Chris Bowman
Gary Dausch
Kristy Hughes
Laura Levine
Orlando Palaez
Todd Bracik
Hector Del Campo
Anna Kaehr
Michal Lile
Kyle Ragsdale
Gautam Rao
Amy Ward
Lauren Zoll
Gary Schmitt
Taylor Smith
*William Denton Ray
Kevin Wilson
Amy Reinhardt

*selected for Artsgarden exterior graphic

2017

Christina Hollering
Eric Stine
Genna Pianki
*Jessica Hancock
*Katherine Fries

*selected for Artsgarden exterior graphic

2018

Derrick Carter
Greg Potter
Dianna Porter
*Artur Silva
*Lisa Sears

*selected for Artsgarden exterior graphic

2019

Sharon Jiskra Brooks
*Amiah Mims
*Daren Redman
Kat Silver
Armando Arceo

*selected for Artsgarden exterior graphic

2020

Becky Hochhalter
Jingo de la Rosa
Josh Betsey
Joy Hernandez
Martin Kuntz

2021

Petronio Bendito
Rob Day
Randi Frye
Sasan Kayyod
Madison Watson

2022

Mirvia Sol Eckert
JD Bills
Mary Mindiola
HHerin
Lucie Rice

2023

Jessica Bowman
Boxx the Artist
Chrystopher “Picassoul” Burns
*Scott Johnson
Julie Xiao

*selected for Artsgarden exterior graphic

2024

*Anna Afshar
Miracle Hall (Ratat Rayay)
Lindsey Lord
Jaylei Osting
Carlos Sosa

*selected for Artsgarden exterior graphic

Credits

Photos

  • 2025 Opening Ceremony Photos
    Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  • Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
    Joe Skibinski
  • Welcome Race Fans art in Indy
    Mike Lee

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Welcome Race Fans