Tom Carnegie, The Voice Of The Indianapolis 500, Dies at Age 91

Tom Carnegie, the voice of the Indianapolis 500, died at age 91 this morning in a health care facility just north of Indianapolis.

Carnegie was the legendary announcer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway from 1946-2006.  Although Carnegie was not a native to Indiana, he was quickly accepted as a Hoosier and really became apart of the community in and around Indianapolis.

Carnegie was known for his deep, majestic voice that gave many race fans chills.

His famous phrases included, "Heeeeeeees is on it," and, "It's a newwwwww trackkkkkk recordddddd," both of which became some of the most famous words in all of motorsports.

Carnegie's broadcast career was not just with the track. He was also a legendary basketball caller, calling the Indiana high school basketball championships for a long time.

He was even on the call for the famous Milan State Championship run in 1954 that was the inspiration for the film Hoosiers.

Carnegie will be missed and always be the voice of the track for myself and many other fans across the nation.

He is enshrined in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame, as well as the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

So after 91 years on Earth, and after calling 60 Indianapolis 500 mile races, along with numerous basketball games, it's time for one final goodbye to the legendary voice of the 500.

Hopefully at this seasons 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, Carnegie will be remembered in a special way.  Perhaps a qualifying session with no PA announcer would commemorate the majestic voice of the 500.

As Carnegie would want, the race will go on, and for all of you race fans out there, we are only a few months away from the greatest spectacle in racing. But I know for me, it will feel empty this year. 

Rest in peace Tom Carnegie.

James Evens serves as a National Featured Columnist for college football and basketball as well as the FC for the Purdue Boilermakers.   Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook.