Saturday, June 7, 2008
Tributes from Indianapolis 500 drivers and officials were offered this weekend for legendary ABC Sports broadcaster Jim McKay, who died June 7 at age 86. McKay anchored ABC's broadcasts of the Indianapolis 500 from 1967-74 and 1976-85. He was the host of the broadcast in 1986-87.
McKay also was a talented writer. He won his 12th Emmy Award in 1988 for the openings of ABC's coverage of the 1987 Indianapolis 500, the British Open and the Kentucky Derby.
TONY GEORGE (Chief Executive Officer, Indianapolis Motor Speedway): "Jim McKay was an icon, a legend in broadcasting. He helped build ABC Sports and the Indianapolis 500 through a true partnership and always remained a friend and a fan. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway family offers its condolences to his family."
A.J. FOYT (Indianapolis 500 winner, 1961, 1964, 1967, 1977): "I was shocked to hear about Jim McKay passing on today. He was one of the nicest, most down-to-earth and sincere sports guys I knew. He was definitely the first big-time sports announcer that I ever met. From when he started doing the Indy 500 back in the 60s, he interviewed me many times, and he was always a real gentleman -- he didn't ask stupid questions. He did a super job for ABC Sports on TV and especially the Indy 500. They don't make him like that anymore. I'm glad that I got to know him."
Related Stories
- Indianapolis 500 History Class Now Available In October Session
- Newman's Passion For Motor Racing Started, Flourished At Indianapolis
| Indianapolis 500 Talkback | Post Comment |
|
|
|